About Traveling in Scotland
EDINBURGH TRANSPORT
Travel to the city centre from Edinburgh International Airport
Public transport can connect you from the airport to some of central Edinburgh's key landmarks. If you would prefer to use taxis, you should expect to pay around A$37. It can be a great idea to plan ahead and think about public transport for the duration of your stay, too. Direct travel back to the airport will not cost a thing if you get passes to use throughout the city.
(NB. If you buy the Edinburgh Pass, free return transfer from Edinburgh Airport is included along with transport around the city region!)
Getting to one point of the city to the other using buses
Edinburgh’s range of routes that connect different parts of the city can allow you to get to where you need to be in a timely and inexpensive way. Services run throughout the day and into the night, and you can purchase passes to use as much as you like over 24 hours direct from the drivers of the first bus you use. A top tip can be to make sure you find out how much it will cost in advance so you can pay the correct amount without needing any change. If you want sightseeing routes and overnight bus travel, make sure you check the websites of leading bus operators in the area.
GLASGOW TRANSPORT
Travel to the city centre from Glasgow International Airport
Glasgow International Airport is 13 km (8 miles) west of Glasgow city centre and regular buses (every 10 minutes during the day) will take you to the main bus station in the city centre.
Use Glasgow's travel links to get where you need to be
Bus routes and rail links (Local)
The region has an integrated network of public transport services for the convenience of both visitors and residents alike. Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT) offers Daytripper, Discovery and Roundabout discount tickets for hop-on/hop-off travel around the region. SPT also operates a network of 12 Travel centres for all your public transport enquiries and tickets. Glasgow Tourist Information Centre can advise you on times and tickets.
Clockwork Orange
Glasgow Underground - also known as the Clockwork Orange - connects southerly and westerly parts of Glasgow with central areas. The tourism office nearest to you will have underground timetables, pricing information and station locations for you.
Multi-journey Ticket
Known as the ‘Discovery Ticket’, you can buy a multi-journey fare which will give you as much travel for one day on the Glasgow Underground after peak morning hours. It is available seven days a week and you can purchase a ticket from any underground stop. Alternatively, you can buy a voucher from your nearest travel office and exchange it for a ticket upon your arrival at a station.
(N.B. Travel on SPT services is included when you buy the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Trail Ticket.)
Taxi services across both cities
Cities do not have their buzz and authenticity without taxi services. Similar to some of Britain’s most populated locations like London, black cabs can carry as many as six passengers and they can be hailed from the front of taxi ranks or by catching their attention with a raised hand. If the lights on top of the cab are amber, the cab is available for you to use.
The rates start at just £2 (or roughly A$3.50), and you may pay more if are carrying baggage with you. Additionally, there can be extra charges if you request an on-call service where a cab comes and picks you up directly from where you are staying during your trip. At restaurants, you can also ask for a taxi to be booked on your behalf, which can be a cheaper alternative to cabs in some circumstances.
