Glasgow Airport Parking

Glasgow Airport (GLA), also known as Glasgow International Airport, has two terminals and is home to 30 airlines offering flights to over 120 destinations worldwide. Welcoming over nine million passengers per year, GLA is at the core of Scotland’s transport infrastructure, providing flights to more Scottish destinations than any other airport and serving as the principal transatlantic and long-haul entry airport into Scotland.

Location of Glasgow Airport

As the main airport serving western Scotland, Glasgow Airport is located just seven miles (11 kilometres) west of Glasgow city centre and is easily accessible via the motorway and a variety of convenient public transport options.

If you’re driving to the airport from the east, simply exit the M8 at junction 28, or at junction 29 if you’re coming from the west.

Although GLA doesn’t have its own train station, Paisley Gilmour Street station is just over one mile (1.6 kilometres) away from the main terminal and is connected by numerous shuttle bus services, providing access to Glasgow Airport from the wider area and cities beyond, with Edinburgh only a 90-minute train ride away.

Which terminal?

Glasgow Airport’s two terminals accommodate some of the world’s largest airlines, acting as a hub and a major gateway for national and long-haul international flights from airlines such as British Airways, Delta, easyJet, Jet2.com and Ryanair.

Book one of our partner Glasgow Airport hotels with free parking to combine a good night’s rest with leaving your vehicle parked safely for as long as you are away.

There is a wide range of hotels at Glasgow Airport that cater to all tastes and budgets, from the affordable to the luxurious, so whether you’re holidaying on a budget or you’re starting your holiday in style, you’ll find what you need.

The hotels at Glasgow Airport either provide their own parking or include a place in the short- and long-stay car parks as part of your reservation.

Most hotels at GLA have frequent express shuttle buses that take you from the hotel lobby straight to check-in. You can explore airport hotel and parking packages on our site.

Car

Glasgow Airport is connected to the M8 via junction 28 if you’re coming from the east and junction 29 if you’re coming from the west. The postcode for the airport when travelling by car is PA3 2SW.

GLA’s terminals and car parks are all clearly signposted, but make sure you double check where you need to be before setting off. The airport has a helpful passenger information page, complete with maps of the facilities.

Bus and coach

Almost all of the bus and coach routes that connect with Glasgow Airport pass through Buchanan Street Bus Station in the city centre every 10 minutes.

Tickets can be pre-booked or simply bought from the driver. GLA is well-connected to Scotland’s motorway network, and only a 15-minute ride from the city centre. The airport bus terminus is right outside the main terminal building.

Train

Glasgow Airport doesn’t have its own train station, but the nearest, Paisley Gilmour Street Station, is just one mile (1.6 kilometres) to the south. It is also a stop on many of the frequent bus services between GLA and Glasgow city centre, so the train is a convenient option for reaching Glasgow Airport from any major city around the UK.

Ask for a helping hand

Glasgow Airport has a team of friendly ambassadors who are there to help and answer any questions you might have about your visit. There is a visitor information centre hub on the ground floor of GLA’s main terminal building at domestic arrivals where you can get information on public transport, accommodation, events and places of interest around the airport and beyond.

Make a phone call

Glasgow Airport provides a free, 24-hour help phone on the first floor of Terminal 1, next to UK and Ireland departures, whether you need help with your bags or want to double-check your flight details.

Drop off

Glasgow Airport makes it even easier to drop travellers off, providing a dedicated and partially covered drop-off area only a short walk from Terminal 1. The Pick Up & Drop Off zone is perfect for quick pick-ups and drop-offs, costing £5.50 for up to 15 minutes. For longer stays, drivers are advised to use the Short Stay car park.

Present your Blue Badge for 30 minutes of free parking

At Glasgow Airport, all Blue Badge holders need only to present their badges at the kiosk for 30 minutes of free parking in Short Stay Car Park 2.

Mind your vehicle’s height

It’s important to bear in mind if you’re driving a taller vehicle that GLA’s short-stay multi-storey has a height restriction of 7.2ft (2.2m). However, the airport’s open-air short-stay car park is only a few minutes away.

Food and drink

While most of the restaurants, bars and cafés at Glasgow Airport close after the last flight, there are a number of franchises that stay open 24 hours a day so you can always get yourself a snack or a drink when you need it.

Shopping

Whether you’re buying dinner for the evening, or you forgot that certain something, Glasgow Airport has a fully stocked, 24-hour supermarket attached for your convenience.

Getting to Glasgow Airport doesn’t have to be hard when you book with Looking4Transfers.

Before your next holiday or business trip, organise your pre-airport travel beforehand so you can relax knowing you’ve taken care of the journey at a great price.

Glasgow Airport taxis and minibuses

An airport taxi to Glasgow can help get larger parties to and from the airport. We compare services from reliable operators, including Fox Transfer and Airport Red Carpet, so that you don’t have to.

No sharing with other passengers — just you and your family or friends heading to Glasgow Airport in next to no time.

Glasgow car hire

Hiring a car is a popular option for getting around the city and its surroundings. If you’re planning a road trip out into the country, hiring a car from Glasgow city could cost you as little as £5 a day if you book well in advance.

Between Glasgow Airport’s terminals, visitors are not short of entertainment, food and family-friendly facilities. GLA houses a range of major high-street retailers as well as a selection of shops, bars and restaurants.

If you require any special assistance for your visit to Glasgow Airport, there's plenty of information on the airport's special assistance page.

Facilities at Glasgow Airport include:

Airport Ambassadors
Baby changing facilities
Baggage services
Cash machines
Children’s play areas
Currency exchange
Disabled access
Dry cleaning
Food and drink
Restaurants
Cafés
Bars
Hotels and hotel shuttles
Information centre
Internet and printing terminals
Left luggage
Lost property
Lounge
Meeting rooms
Mobile phone charging facilities
Pay phones
Short and long stay parking
Multi storey parking
Drop-off and pick-up points
Pharmacy
Photo booth
Post services
Prayer room
Shipping
Convenience and high street stores
Duty free
Shop and Collect
Smoking area
Toilets
WiFi

From haggis to hot drinks

Glasgow Airport’s main terminal building has a variety of eateries to try local cuisine. If you’re in the mood for something different, GLA offers a wide selection of family-friendly restaurants, cafés, pubs and bars providing a variety of food and drink from around the world and you won’t struggle for choice in the main terminal.

Non-stop shops

The main terminal at GLA is packed with familiar high-street retailers and lifestyle brands, giving you plenty of choice when you’re stocking up on essentials or perfecting your holiday look. Glasgow Airport also offers a handy 'Shop and Collect' service to store your oversized or valuable purchases safely for collection upon your return.

Explore the history of HMS Sanderling

Glasgow Airport is particularly proud of its enduring relationship with the Royal Navy, having operated as a torpedo training facility between 1940 and 1963. As a token of gratitude, the Navy donated the HMS Sanderling’s bell to GLA when it was being converted into a commercial airport. The bell is a unique and important part of Glasgow Airport’s eventful history and is displayed in GLA’s Sanderling Bar for all visitors to see.

Admire the architecture

Glasgow Airport went through rapid change in the late 20^th Century, moving and expanding its site to accommodate more and more planes, travellers and cargo. Although the original 60s art deco terminal has not survived, a subsequent Brutalism-inspired building has been respectfully preserved inside today’s main terminal facility. Designed by Basil Spence and completed in 1966, the old terminal’s Brutalist inspiration can be appreciated as soon as you enter the airport: it's been put to good use as the front of GLA’s check-in desks.

Brain training

Dotted throughout Glasgow Airport are a number of tables with built-in puzzles designed to put your children’s brains to the test. Located next to terminal seating areas, they’re the perfect activity to keep the kids occupied and in one place while you take a well-earned break.

Lounge around

If you’re looking to put your feet up for a moment or kick off your holiday in style, Glasgow Airport’s UpperDeck lounge has something for everyone. A stylish, modern space with panoramic views of GLA’s busy runway and airfield, the UpperDeck offers complimentary drinks and snacks, unlimited WiFi and even has an innovative Games Zone to keep the kids - and probably some of the adults - busy before a flight.

How do I get to Glasgow Airport?

Only seven miles (11 kilometres) west of the city centre, Glasgow Airport is easily accessed by car, bus, coach or tram.

When should I get there?

It’s wise to leave plenty of time for parking and checking in before taking off. If you’re flying to Ireland or another airport in the UK, it's a good idea to check in at least one hour before departure, whereas you should leave at least two hours for flights to Europe and three hours for long-haul destinations.

How do I get between terminals?

Although Glasgow Airport has two terminals, Terminal 2 is considerably smaller and situated right next to the main terminal. Both buildings are connected by a walkway, so you don’t even need to go outside to get between them.

Why should I book car parking?

As Glasgow Airport is an international hub, it can sometimes become busy and there may not always be parking spaces available. Booking parking in advance will often save you money and always guarantees you a space. Compare the options available to you at GLA with Looking4Parking before you travel.

What disability and special access facilities are available at the airport?

Glasgow Airport and all of its facilities are fully accessible, and clearly signed induction loops are fitted throughout to amplify announcements.

There is also a team on-hand to provide you with assistance throughout the airport and its car parks completely free of charge during your visit, but if possible try to let Glasgow Airport and your airline know at least 48 hours before you travel.

Along with a dedicated Special Assistance Desk in the main terminal check-in, Glasgow Airport has Help Points throughout the site.

What do I do if I have lost something at the airport?

If you’ve lost something at Glasgow Airport, you can use the airport’s real-time lost property database or call the Luggage-Point team directly on +44 (0)330 223 0893. Lost property is stored for up to three months. Once your property is claimed, you will need to provide proof of identity and pay a retrieval fee. If your luggage hasn’t arrived on your flight, please contact your airline as soon as possible.

I’m hungry, where do you recommend I eat?

Glasgow Airport has an impressively wide variety of international cafés, bars and restaurants catering to all kinds of appetite and dietary requirements, with some even staying open 24 hours a day.

Is there anywhere for me to charge my electronic devices?

Glasgow Airport’s complimentary mobile phone charging machines can be found airside and have adapters for most phones.

What shops are available at the airport?

Glasgow Airport offers a wide variety of retail outlets both before and after check-in, from shops providing the essentials to luxury designers and brands in case you feel like treating yourself.