As more international students decide to study in Glasgow, Glasgow International Airport has become an essential local transport hub. The airport was opened in 1966 and is located 13 km west of downtown Glasgow. It is the largest airport in Scotland and the fifth largest in the UK, connecting Scotland to the world. The Airport code is GLA.
Basic Information of Glasgow Airport
Glasgow International Airport is located in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Greater Glasgow. The airport has a runway and a terminal divided into three districts. The West side covers international flights, while the Central side covers domestic flights. The East side has flights to Ireland and Scotland and some flights operated by budget airlines. Moreover, it has more than 24 international airlines offering multiple routes to Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America.
Transportation Guide of Glasgow Airport
There are three common ways to reach Glasgow International Airport:
Glasgow Airport Bus: The 500 Airport Express in Glasgow city centre takes you directly to the airport, costing £10 for a single ticket.
Taxi: Taxi stands are located just outside the terminal and take around 20 minutes to reach the city centre, with prices in the region of £20.
Uber: Uber is cheaper and more flexible than taxis, so you can pick up wherever you want.
Glasgow Airport Parking
This Airport has 20,000 passengers a day, but it has fewer than 2,700 parking Spaces. People who drive to the airport can book parking spaces on the official website in advance. At £6 per 20 minutes, booking can save up to 60%.
VAT Refund
Like Aberdeen Airport, this Airport in Glasgow has a tax refund point with a 20% tax refund rate. Fill in the tax refund form and put it into the mailbox.
Please refer to the article “A Practical Guide To Manchester International Airport, UK” for the conditions and how to apply for a tax refund. The process is the same throughout the UK.
The airport has only one rebate point. It’s in a narrow corridor facing 50 meters opposite the entrance. You will see the mailbox after turning left at the Tax Refund sign. For items under £200, drop your tax return in the letterbox. For items over ￡200, you should press the button and wait for the customs officers.
Glasgow Airport Duty Free Store
The duty-free shop at this airport is the World Duty Free. Its cosmetics, perfumes, food and various Scottish souvenirs are widely praised. In addition, there are standard-price coffee shops and fast-food restaurants. The most recommedning product in here is the Zumalong perfume. The perfume is only available at some UK airports, while those in duty-free shops are more cost-effective. Scottish malt, Pandora accessories, and various Scottish cookies are worth buying.
Other Services
1. Currency exchange: ATMs and currency exchange points are in the airport. The commission fee and exchange rate are calculated according to the transactions at that time, which is very convenient.
2. Luggage storage: Baggage storage points in the airport can help passengers solve their urgent needs. You can claim any luggage at the baggage storage point if any luggage is lost.
3. Communication: Mobile phone cards can be bought in airport convenience stores to communicate after arriving in the UK. There is also free Wi-Fi available at the airport.
If you’re thinking about studying in the UK, it’s crucial to find the right student accommodation. That’s where uhomes comes in. It’s a reliable platform that helps students like you find the perfect place to live in London, Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff, Birmingham and many other cities. So far, they’ve helped more than 55,000 students successfully find their dream homes.
FAQ
Indeed, Glasgow is served by two airports, enhancing its connectivity to destinations across the globe. Glasgow Airport (GLA), also known as Glasgow International Airport, is the leading international gateway, offering a wide range of domestic and international flights. Meanwhile, Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) caters primarily to low-cost airlines and is an important freight hub. This dual-airport approach exemplifies Glasgow’s commitment to providing accessible and efficient travel options for its citizens and visitors.
When preparing for flights from Airport in Glasgow, it is essential to have enough time to complete check-in, security and check-in. For domestic flights, the goal is to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure. For international travel, it is wise to allow at least three hours.
There is no free parking at the airport itself. All parking facilities close to the terminal are payable. Passengers can book parking on the airport website in advance, saving up to 60%, starting at £6 per 20 minutes.
The Airport has a terminal divided into three districts. The West side includes international flights, while the central section includes domestic flights. The East side has flights to Ireland and Scotland and flights to budget airlines.
If you are interested in GLasgow study life or other city’s accommodation. Please check following blogs!
