Glasgow International Airport (GLA)
Glasgow International (GLA) is Scotland's second-busiest airport and the main hub for the west of Scotland, serving over 100 direct destinations across the UK, Europe, North America and the Middle East. It sits 8 miles west of Glasgow city centre in Paisley (PA3), just off Junction 28 of the M8, making it one of the fastest big-city airports in the UK to reach by taxi.
Arriving at Glasgow Airport
Arrivals hall on the ground floor of the main terminal, directly outside baggage reclaim. Our driver meets you at the Costa/Starbucks area with a name board (meet & greet included on arrivals).
Baggage typically arrives on the belt 15–25 minutes after landing for domestic and European flights, 25–40 minutes for long-haul arrivals from North America and the Middle East.
From the aircraft to the arrivals hall is a 5–10 minute walk through UK Border Force and baggage reclaim.
- Passport control queues can exceed 30 minutes at peak times (early morning long-haul arrivals) — our free 45-minute post-landing wait covers this.
- The nearest ATMs and SIM-card kiosks are inside the arrivals hall, before you exit into the main concourse.
- If you clear arrivals faster than expected, call your driver on the number in your confirmation SMS — most drivers wait in the on-airport short-stay car park just 2 minutes from the terminal door.
Departing from Glasgow Airport
Free drop-off is available at the on-airport drop-off zone directly outside the departures entrance. Drivers pull in, unload luggage and depart — no need to park.
Arrive 2 hours before European short-haul departures and 3 hours before long-haul or peak-time flights. Security wait times are published live in the airport app.
- The main check-in hall is on Level 0 (ground). Fast Track security is available from most airlines' check-in desks.
- Duty-free and Boots are past security. There are no dedicated shower facilities airside — plan long-haul comfort accordingly.
- Very early morning flights (before 6am) are common from GLA; a taxi pickup the night before or in the small hours is almost always faster than airport parking + shuttle.
Terminal facilities
- Free 45-minute wifi (extended paid tiers)
- Servisair Executive Lounge (bookable) and Upperdeck Lounge airside
- Boots pharmacy, WHSmith and duty-free shops airside
- Costa, Starbucks, Frankie & Benny's, Bar 84 and Wetherspoons landside
- On-airport short-stay, long-stay and Valet parking
- Currency exchange (Travelex) in departures and arrivals
- Family rooms, prayer rooms and PRM assistance
Taxi fares from Glasgow Airport
| Destination | Time | From | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glasgow city centre | 15–20 min | £25 | Details → |
| Edinburgh city centre | 65–80 min | £90 | Details → |
| Edinburgh Airport | 55–70 min | £85 | Book → |
| Loch Lomond (Balloch) | 35–45 min | £60 | Details → |
| Stirling | 45–55 min | £70 | Book → |
| St Andrews | 95–110 min | £140 | Details → |
| Oban | 150–170 min | £190 | Details → |
| Fort William | 160–180 min | £220 | Details → |
| Prestwick Airport (PIK) | 40–50 min | £55 | Details → |
Glasgow Airport FAQs
Where do I meet my taxi driver at Glasgow Airport?
Meet your driver in the main arrivals hall by the Costa/Starbucks area, holding a name board. Meet & greet is included free on all arrival pickups.
How much is a taxi from Glasgow Airport to the city centre?
Fares start from £25 for a saloon car (up to 3 passengers). The final fixed price depends on your exact destination postcode and vehicle. Journey time is 15–20 minutes via the M8.
Does the taxi wait if my flight is delayed?
Yes. Live flight tracking is included at no extra charge on every GLA arrival pickup. If your flight is delayed the driver adjusts automatically. The first 45 minutes of waiting after landing are always free.
What is the cheapest way to get from Glasgow Airport to Glasgow city centre?
The Glasgow Airport Express bus (500) is cheapest at around £10 single. A pre-booked taxi is faster (15–20 minutes door-to-door with luggage) and works out cheaper for groups of 3 or more.
How early should I arrive at Glasgow Airport?
2 hours before European short-haul and 3 hours before long-haul or peak-time flights. Early-morning Ryanair and easyJet peaks (5:30–7:30) are the busiest times for security.