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Glasgow Airport Parking

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Compare Glasgow Airport Parking

Glasgow airportThere are plenty of airport parking options to choose from if you are flying away on holiday from Glasgow Airport. For convenient parking close to the terminal, a short stay is your best bet.

Or perhaps for more budget-conscious travellers, finding a great deal on long-stay parking is the way to go.

At Glasgow Airport, it is easy to find the right airport parking deal to best suit your needs. All parking is safe, secure and easy to find.

Whether you decide to book in advance, or simply turn up and park on the day, finding the right parking is simple.

Types of parking at Glasgow Airport

Glasgow Airport is a major gateway to the world for Scotland. As you would expect from a major airport, the airport offers a wide range of types of airport parking. Finding the right parking at Glasgow Airport will depend on how long you intend to be away.

Generally speaking, the closer the car park is to the airport, the higher the cost. When planning your parking, decide how important it is to have convenient parking, or whether you could park slightly further from the terminal and allow yourself more time to reach check-in.

Long stay parking

Long Stay parking is a great choice if you are planning to be away for more than a couple of days. The Long Stay car park at GLA is located short distance from the terminal.

A free electric shuttle bus runs from the car park to the airport, with the journey only taking around five minutes. Transfers leave every ten minutes, so after you arrive in the long-stay parking you won’t have long to wait.

The long-stay car park can be booked in advance for great savings, although there is a minimum stay of two days for pre-booked long-stay parking. The car park is completely secure, with CCTV coverage, and regular security patrols so you can relax on your trip with complete peace of mind that your car will be exactly as you left it on your return.

Fast track parking

For the fastest access to the terminal after parking at Glasgow Airport, choose fast-track parking. The fast-track parking area is the closest possible place to leave your car at Glasgow Airport.

It is located on a dedicated floor in the multi-storey car park, with covered access to the departure area just a short walk away. Fast track parking is perfect for anyone looking for fast, convenient access to the airport, like business travellers or families with small children.

Fast-track parking can be booked in advance. The benefits are not limited to how easy it is to get to the terminal – your fast-track booking also includes access to fast-track security, so you can make the most of your time in the airport without getting stuck in queues.

When you arrive at the airport, simply head up to level 2 of the multi-storey parking. From here, unload your bags, and make the short journey of around 100 steps to the priority security area.

Glasgow Airport short-stay parking

The short-stay parking at Glasgow Airport is a very convenient option. The multi-storey car park is directly opposite the main terminal. Parking couldn’t be simple, as after you leave your car it is just a short few minute’s walk to the check-in area.

Short-stay parking is a good option for anyone looking for a hassle-free arrival at the airport. Because the short-stay parking is multi-storey, you can unload all your luggage completely undercover, without having to worry about the weather.

The car park is well lit, making early morning and late-night arrivals a breeze. With 24-hour security patrols, you can have complete peace of mind while you make your way to your flight.

The short-stay car park is open 24 hours a day. Parking can be booked in advance for the best rates, although it is also possible to arrive without pre-booking.

At the barrier to the multi-story, simply press the button for a ticket to gain entry without a booking. For pre-booked spaces, the ANPR cameras at the barrier will pick up your registration and match your booking to allow entry.

Pick up and drop off at GLA

If you only need to park for a short time at Glasgow Airport, either to pick up or drop off passengers, there are a couple of options. There is a dedicated pick-up and drop-off area directly outside the terminal.

This costs £2 to use and is limited to stays of up to ten minutes. If you will need longer than ten minutes – for example, if you are unloading lots of luggage, or assisting a passenger with additional needs – additional drop-off parking is available in the short-stay car park.

Benefits of parking at Glasgow Airport

  • Safe and secure on-site parking
  • Long Stay or Short Stay options
  • Free shuttle bus for transfers
  • Pre-booking possible
  • ANPR cameras
  • CCTV
  • Security patrols 24 hours a day
  • Convenient for the terminal
  • Flexible bookings
  • Drive-up parking rates available
  • Fast track parking includes priority security
  • Electric vehicle charging points
  • Disabled parking available
  • Keep your keys

Hotel and parking near Glasgow Airport

Booking a hotel close to Glasgow Airport is a good idea if you need to catch a flight leaving early, or simply don’t want to have to worry about traffic or last-minute delays as you make your journey. With an airport hotel and parking deal, you wake up relaxed, refreshed and minutes from the terminal, so you can get your holiday off to the best possible start.

There are lots of hotels within easy reach of Glasgow Airport, with options to suit any budget. From simple, budget hotels to luxurious 4star hotels with spa facilities on-site, there is plenty of choices all within a few miles of the airport. Most hotels offer free parking for the duration of your stay, with some offering free shuttles to the airport or combined deals on the airport car parks included in your accommodation price.

The Courtyard by Marriot

This 4-star hotel is just a short walk from Glasgow Airport terminal, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking for a modern, comfortable hotel within easy reach of the airport. The hotel is just off the M8 motorway, and offers a restaurant and gym on-site, along with perks like free wifi and free tea and coffee in your room.

Holiday Inn Glasgow Airport

The Holiday Inn is the closest hotel to Glasgow Airport. It offers budget rooms, simply furnished but is a clean and comfortable place to stay within a 5-minute walk from the terminal. The hotel has a restaurant and bar, so you can grab breakfast before your flight and meeting rooms and conference facilities are a great option for business travellers.

Travelodge Glasgow Airport

For reasonably priced accommodation close to the airport, many passengers from Glasgow Airport choose the Travelodge hotel. All standard rooms have king-sized beds, and at just an 11-minute walk from the airport terminal, there is no need to worry about delays if you have a flight to catch. Rooms are equipped with tea and coffee-making facilities, and there is a restaurant and bar on-site for snacks and drinks during your stay.

Transfers to and from Glasgow Airport

Getting to Glasgow Airport is easy, whichever way you choose to travel.

There are good road links from the M8 and a well-served public transport network which connects the airport to the city and beyond.

By Car

Glasgow Airport is easily reached by car. The airport is located just off junction 28 of the M8 motorway, linking the airport to Glasgow city and Edinburgh too.

For drivers using a satnav, the postcode for the terminal is PA3 2SW. There are plenty of parking options at the airport, including both short and long-stay parking.

By bus

Local and national bus services connect Glasgow Airport with the rest of Scotland and the UK. You can reach the city centre in just 15 minutes using the Express 500 service, operated by First Glasgow.

Buses depart from right outside the terminal building and run 24 hours a day except for Christmas Day. Buses terminate at the Buchanan Bus Station in the city, also stopping near Central and Queen Street train stations.

Other bus services to and from the airport include the First 77 Hospital Connect via Renfrew, Braehead shopping centre and Partick, the Citylink 914,915 and 917 connecting Skye via Loch Lomond and the 977 to Oban.

By train

The closest train station to Glasgow Airport is Paisley Gilmore Street. From here, a local bus service will connect you to the terminal, the McGills 757.

In the city centre itself, trains from Queen St and Central Station connect Glasgow with the rest of Scotland and the mainland UK. Details of train services can be found at ScotRail and National Rail Enquiries

By taxi

Travelling to the airport by taxi is a relaxing way to arrive ready for your flight. Booking a taxi means no last-minute worries about getting lost, or stuck in traffic. Simply sit back and let the driver drop you right outside the terminal.

Glasgow Airport is served by many local private hire taxi firms. Glasgow Airport taxis can be pre-booked, either online or by phone, with discounts available for regular business travellers.

By bike

Although arriving at the airport by bicycle might seem unusual, it is definitely possible at Glasgow Airport. The terminal is connected to a safe cycling network which links to Paisley and Renfrew to the east of the airport, and Houston, Erskine and Bishopton to the west.

There are free-cycle storage facilities available by the Administration Building car park and next to the multi-storey car park 1, although you will need to remember to bring your own lock, as these are not provided.

Glasgow Airport Overview

Glasgow Airport, GLA, is located seven miles west of Glasgow city centre, and is the second busiest airport in Scotland, after Edinburgh. As an important gateway to the west of Scotland, and for transatlantic flights, it also serves as the eighth busiest airport in the UK.

The airport was originally known as Abbosinch. It was first established as an RAF base in the 1930s but was used extensively by both the RAF and Royal Navy during the second world war when the site became known as HMS Sanderling. After the war, the modern airport as we know it today was established in the 1960s. The first commercial flight landed in 1966.

Throughout the 70s and 80s, the site expanded, and the airport now caters for nearly 9 million passengers a year. The terminal building consists of three piers, the West, Central and East Piers. These cater to long haul, domestic and European flights respectively.

Glasgow Airport Facilities

The terminal building is made up of the main building, linked to the smaller and newer terminal 2 by an internal walkway. There is plenty to see and do at the airport while you wait for your flight. The airport is well catered for by a range of bars, cafes, snack shops and restaurants if you are feeling peckish before your flight.

There is a good range of high street shops within the departures area, so passengers can pick up any last-minute travel essentials like sunscreen, beachwear or even something to read on the plane.

For more special gifts, the terminal houses shops selling more special items like luxury fragrance, designer goods and souvenirs drawing on the heritage of Scotland and the local area too.

Facilities at Glasgow Airport include:

  • Cash machines
  • Currency exchange
  • Baby change facilities
  • Accessible toilets
  • Dry cleaning
  • Restaurants
  • Cafes
  • Bars
  • Lounges
  • Children’s play area
  • Prayer room
  • Viewing platform
  • Wifi
  • Special assistance
  • Lost property
  • Trolleys
  • Priority security
  • Long stay, short stay and drop off parking

Lounges at Glasgow Airport

Relaxing in an airport lounge before you take off is not just for first-class passengers or VIPS. At Glasgow Airport, there are four lounges where you can sit back and relax in comfort while you wait for your flight.

Booking a lounge means you can take advantage of a range of complimentary snacks and drinks, and guarantee a comfortable seat and a quiet place to relax away from the busy main departures area.

The UpperDeck lounge offers fantastic views of the runway and a fresh modern style. It’s perfect for solo travellers or families with children.

For something a little more luxurious, choose the Lomond Lounge. Here you can order a cocktail or two and taste the a la carte menu in a more private dining setting.

Passengers flying with British Airways or Emirates may also use the respective lounges as their ticket permits.

Travelling with children at Glasgow Airport

Flying is an exciting experience for many children, but navigating a busy terminal with small children and baggage to maybe slightly more stressful for parents.

Luckily, Glasgow Airport prides itself on offering family-friendly services.

You’ll find a children’s play area located on the West Pier in the departures area. This free soft play zone is a great place for little ones to let off steam before boarding a flight.

Many shops in the terminal sell family essentials, such as nappies, wipes, toys, books and small games should you need to pick up something for children whilst in the airport.

Baby change facilities are available on both land and airside.

Things to do near Glasgow Airport

Glasgow Airport is perfectly positioned for exploring all Scotland has to offer.

Stroll around the loch

Within around a half-hour drive from the airport is the stunningly beautiful Loch Lomond. This ancient loch is a peaceful place to enjoy a waterside walk, with miles of paths to explore. You can spot all kinds of wildlife on the shores as you stroll, or for the more adventurous, why not hire a bike, canoe, or even a horse to see the sights from a new perspective? Loch Lomond National Park is a special landscape of mountains, hills and valleys, and with over 720 square miles to explore there is something for everyone.

Browse a world-renowned gallery

Glasgow is home to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, and with the city centre a short hop from the airport, it is well worth a visit. Located on Argyle Street, the museum is one of the most popular attractions in Scotland, and with 22 galleries to take in, there’s plenty to see. The Kelvingrove Gallery has one of the best collections of armour anywhere in the world, along with famous artworks by old masters like Rembrandt, Monet and Van Gogh.

Get scientific

The Glasgow Science Centre is a great day out for the whole family. It was opened in 2001 on the south banks of the River Clyde in Glasgow, and is home to interactive science exhibits, along with an IMAX cinema and planetarium. There’s a packed program of special exhibits, along with a café, soft play centre and lots to see and do. The Science Centre is located in the Pacific Quay development and is easily accessible from the city centre and the airport via the M8.

Discover beautiful gardens

The Botanic Gardens in Glasgow were established over 200 years ago, and provide a quiet place to relax and unwind within the heart of the city. The garden is home to several intricate glasshouses, where visitors can view all manner of interesting plants and rare trees. The Botanic Gardens are free to visit, and are the perfect place to enjoy a picnic on a sunny day, or discover the delights of the World Rose Garden, which was officially opened in 2003.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I need to amend my parking booking?

While booking airport parking in advance is a great way to save money, occasionally, plans can change. If you need to amend, cancel or update your booking at Glasgow Airport, you can make any changes up to two hours before your scheduled arrival time.

Can I charge my electric vehicle while parking at Glasgow Airport?

Yes. Electric vehicle charging points are available in the multi-storey car park. Head to car park 1, where there are six electric charging points available. The charging points cannot be reserved in advance.

Which car park is the cheapest at Glasgow Airport?

The price of your parking will depend on a number of factors, like the duration of your stay and which car park you choose. The cheapest rates are available by pre-booking. Generally, the long-stay parking tends to work out as the cheapest option for stays of over a few days. It’s advisable to book your airport parking well in advance if you are looking to secure the best price possible.

Are accessible parking spaces available at Glasgow Airport?

Yes, there are accessible parking spaces in all of the airport car parks. Blue Badge holders are entitled to a 30-minute period of free parking for pick up and drop off. You will need to show your Blue Badge on exit, along with the 13-digit number to qualify.

Which terminal do I need at Glasgow Airport?

Although the airport has two terminals, they are linked by a covered walkway. The areas within each terminal are well signposted, so it is easy to find your way to the right check-in and departure area.

Should I book airport parking at Glasgow?

The airport has both short and long-stay parking. All car parks can be booked in advance to secure the best rates, although it is still possible to drive up and park on the day. As a busy airport, booking your airport parking in advance guarantees your space, meaning you can arrive at the airport relaxed and ready to travel with no last-minute delays.

What time should I arrive for my flight?

Most airlines recommend that you arrive at the airport no less than two hours before your scheduled departure time. If you are travelling with large or oversized luggage, or have small children with you, it is a good idea to leave yourself plenty of time to make your way through the terminal and security to the flight gates.

Is there priority security at Glasgow Airport?

Passengers who book the fast track car park are permitted to use the fast track security lane. This is ideal for frequent flyers and business travellers, or anyone who wants to start their trip with the minimum of fuss.

What time does Glasgow Airport close?

The airport building is open 24 hours a day. Some shops and cafes do close during the night, but most will open to meet the demands of the first flight of the day.

What about travelling with hidden disabilities?

Glasgow Airport offers a lanyard scheme for those travelling with hidden disabilities. Wearing the lanyard subtly alerts staff that a passenger may require additional time or assistance in navigating through the airport. Lanyards can be acquired at the special assistance desk in the main check-in area.

Can I fill my water bottle at the airport?

There are three water fountains located in the departures area where passengers can refill water bottles. You should be aware that you will not be permitted to take any container through security which measures or holds more than 100ml. Any liquids or containers over 100ml will have to be discarded prior to security checks. You can also purchase drinks and bottled water from the cafes and shops in the departure lounge.

How far is Glasgow Airport from the city centre?

The airport is just seven miles west of the city and is easily accessible by car, bus or taxi. Transfers to the city centre run frequently via the Glasgow Airport Express Service 500 bus and take around 15 minutes.

Is there wifi access in Glasgow Airport?

Staying connected while you are waiting for your flight is important, not just for business travellers but for families and holidaymakers too. Glasgow Airport has a high-speed wifi connection, which is free to use within the terminal. Passengers are entitled to one hour of wifi. For those who need more time, wifi credits are available to buy from £5 for 3 hours.