How to Get Around Glasgow During the Games

Travelling to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow? Whether you’re a UK local or flying in from overseas, understanding Glasgow’s budget-friendly transport options is key to making your trip smooth, affordable, and stress-free. Glasgow is a compact, well-connected city with excellent public transport, walkable streets, and handy travel passes that can help you get the most out of your visit.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best ways to move around Glasgow on a budget, balancing convenience with cost. We’ll also share tips for international visitors, those coming from the rest of the UK, and those exploring Scotland beyond Glasgow.

Glasgow: A Surprisingly Walkable City

One of Glasgow’s greatest assets during the Commonwealth Games is its walkability. The city centre is compact, and many key venues are located within walking distance of major accommodation hubs. Buchanan Street, Glasgow Green, and the Merchant City area form a central triangle, with plenty of cafes, pubs, hotels, and pop-up fan zones.

Walking between major venues can often take less than 30 minutes. Plus, the city is well-signposted, and during the Games, you’ll find extra wayfinding staff and signage to guide you around.

Tip: Download offline maps via Google Maps or use Citymapper to plan walking routes in real time.

Where to Stay in Glasgow for the Games
Neighbourhood Watch: Best Areas to Stay Based on Event Venues

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Glasgow Subway (The Clockwork Orange)

Glasgow’s Subway system, known as the Clockwork Orange, is the easiest way to get around the inner city quickly and cheaply. It runs in a circular route with two lines—Inner and Outer—servicing 15 stations including key stops such as Buchanan Street (city centre), Partick (West End), and Ibrox (close to Ibrox Stadium).

• Cost: Single journey: £1.75 | All-day unlimited Subway travel: £4.20
• Tickets: Buy from station machines, or use contactless cards or ScotRail’s Smartcard for discounts.

For full coverage of public transport during the Games, see our guide:
Transport During the Glasgow Games

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Buses and Trains: Extensive, Affordable, and Well-Connected

Local Buses

Operated mainly by First Glasgow, the bus network covers the entire city and reaches most Commonwealth Games venues.

• Day tickets: Unlimited bus travel from £5 (adult)
• Payment: Contactless, paper tickets, or First Bus app

Buses are useful for areas not directly on the Subway line, like the Emirates Arena or Tollcross International Swimming Centre.

ScotRail Trains (Perfect for Regional Travel)

For those staying outside Glasgow – such as in Edinburgh, Stirling, or Ayr – ScotRail provides fast, direct connections into the city.

• Edinburgh to Glasgow Queen Street: ~45 mins, £14.40 off-peak return
• Falkirk or Stirling: ~30–40 mins
• Traincards: Consider ScotRail’s Travel Pass or a Flexipass for savings if commuting multiple times.

Tip: If you’re staying in smaller towns outside Glasgow (like Milngavie, Lenzie, or Motherwell), check how frequent services are. Travel costs can quickly add up if you’re coming in and out each day.

Budget vs Luxury Accommodation Near Venues
Day-by-Day Commonwealth Games Schedule

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Travel Passes and Budget Transport Tips

SPT Day & Multi-Day Passes

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) offers a ZoneCard or Smartcard, which covers Subway, buses, and trains within designated zones.

• Great for visitors staying for 3–7 days
• Covers inner-city and Greater Glasgow areas

National Railcards

If you’re travelling from elsewhere in the UK:

• 16–25 Railcard / Two Together / Senior / Family Railcard: Save 1/3 on off-peak train fares
• Purchase online or at major stations

International Visitors

If you’re flying into Glasgow Airport (GLA):

• Airport Express Bus 500 runs every 10 mins to city centre (£10 return, 25 mins)
• Taxis from the airport cost £25–30 to city centre
• Uber and Bolt are also available in Glasgow

If arriving via Edinburgh Airport:

• Take the tram to Edinburgh Gateway, then ScotRail to Glasgow (~1.5 hrs total travel time)

If you’d like to book a shuttle, you can do below:

Ultimate Travel Guide: Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026
Ticketing & Booking Tips

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E-Bikes and Scooters

While not the cheapest option, e-bike and scooter rentals (from providers like Nextbike or Tier) offer flexible last-mile solutions.

• Cost: First 30 minutes ~£1.50; daily passes from £6
• Best for: Getting to/from venues when buses are busy or roads are closed

Car Rental

If you’re travelling in a group, or staying far away, it could be worth renting a car:

Worth Remembering:

• Parking is restricted around venues
• Games-time traffic may be heavy

But this will enable you to travel well elsewhere in Scotland (even the UK, and Europe!)

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Frugal Transport Tips for the Games

• Walk wherever possible: Not only is it free, but you’ll see more of Glasgow’s local character.
• Stay connected: Download SPT apps and subscribe to transport alerts for disruptions.
• Balance location vs cost: Don’t book a cheaper stay 40 mins out without calculating the added transport costs. Sometimes, it’s cheaper to stay central and avoid daily rail fares.
• Book in advance: Train and coach tickets (e.g. with National Express or Megabus) are much cheaper when booked early.

Neighbourhood Guide: Where to Stay Based on Venues
Fan Zones & Free Public Events During 2026 Games

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Glasgow is one of the most visitor-friendly cities in the UK, especially during large-scale events like the Commonwealth Games. With its compact layout, efficient Subway, and broad network of trains and buses, you won’t need to spend much to get around.

By staying strategic with your accommodation and taking advantage of budget travel options, you’ll be free to focus on the real highlights – world-class sport, Scottish culture, and an unforgettable atmosphere.

Explore the Full Glasgow 2026 Travel Guide
Best Day Trips from Glasgow During the Games
Scotland Beyond Glasgow: Where to Go After the Games