Visit Glasgow

We started Cumulus Glasgow 2027 with a simple goal in mind: to create a platform that makes it easy for people to connect with others who share their interests and passions. Our journey has been a long and winding one, but we're proud of what we've accomplished so far.

Glasgow is a city brimming with award winning attractions and cultural must sees – spanning art, architecture and design, history and heritage, music, food and drink, urban adventure and parks and gardens. Described as the UK's friendliest city, Glasgow is a hub for culture and connection. During your visit, you'll be met with welcoming locals, vibrant streets and a spirit that makes the city truly unique.

Travelling to Glasgow

By Plane

Glasgow is served by three international airports, with connections across the UK and the world:

  • Glasgow Airport is 15 minutes from the city centre. An express bus service is available outside the terminal.

  • Glasgow Prestwick Airport a 45-minute train or bus ride to the city centre.

  • Edinburgh Airport has a direct bus service from the airport to Glasgow’s Buchanan Bus Station, taking under an hour.

By Train

Glasgow is well connected by train from across the UK by two main stations:

  • Glasgow Central Station links Glasgow to the south

  • Glasgow Queen Street Station operates routes mainly to Edinburgh and the north

Avanti West Coast runs several daily services to London with a journey time of approximately 4 hours 30 minutes. The Caledonian Sleeper connects London to Glasgow with overnight services.

Eurostar international high-speed railway service connects European mainland destinations to Glasgow via London (St Pancras station).

Practical information - visas

Most visitors, apart from British and Irish citizens, need either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter or pass through the UK.

You can apply for an ETA online. It costs £20 and lets you visit the UK multiple times, staying up to six months each time. It is valid for two years from the date you apply, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Find out more about travel requirements by visiting the UK Government.

Note: If you need a visa to enter the UK, do not apply for an ETA.

Language: English (Glaswegian dialect).

Currency

Scotland uses the pound Sterling (£), the same as the rest of the UK. Scottish banknotes will look slightly different from English banknotes, but they can still be used across the United Kingdom.

There are many cash machines in the city. Most are free to withdraw money, although some may charge a small fee. There are also several Bureaux de Change in the city.

Most hotels, restaurants, and shops take credit and debit cards. Mastercard and Visa are commonly used. Most places take contactless payments with a limit of £100. Some small shops and guesthouses may only take cash.

Glasgow is a very compact city and easy to get around on foot. If travel is needed, the following options are available: 

  • ScotRail Conference Rover Ticket - The Conference Rover ticket lets you travel around by rail for five days for just £5.  Tickets are sold at all ‘Conference Zone’ ticket offices on presentation of a delegate badge

  • SPT ZoneCard -  ZoneCard tickets allow unlimited travel by train, bus and Subway with one-day, three-day and longer options available. Tickets provided on smartcards, and are best arranged in advance. 

  • FirstBus Freedom ticket -  3, 5 or 7 day tickets. Tickets includes Glasgow Aiport Express Bus. 

  • Voi Bikes -  Glasgow’s cycle hire scheme is a cost effective, green and healthy way for delegates to get around the city. Bikes are available to hire from various locations. 

  • FirstBus -  Unlimited, flexible pass makes hopping around Glasgow quick and simple. And you can also get up to a 50% discount on travel outside the Conference Zone. The Glasgow Airport Express operates 24 hours a day. You can board the service at stand 1 outside Glasgow Airport, stand 46 at Buchanan Bus Station, or at the designated stops in the city centre. 

  • Subway - It takes just 24 minutes to complete the Subway circuit of the fifteen stations and costs from as little as £1.80 for an adult single to travel anywhere else on the system.

Getting around

Glasgow Convention Bureau are the official accommodation provider for the conference and will offer a range of accommodation to suit all budgets.

The online accommodation booking portal is open - please book using the button below. 

Accommodation

Glasgow's award-winning food and drink scene offers something for everyone, from traditional whisky pubs to fine dining, in a variety of lively neighbourhoods including Finnieston,  the City Centre, the West End and Merchant City.

For a taste of Scotland, try the following restaurants: 

Food and drink

Glasgow has a range of cultural attractions.

Including many museums and art galleries offering free entry, such as Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and Riverside Museum. 

Visit one of Glasgow's local Whisky Distilleries for Whisky Tours and Experiences:

Cultural Activities

  • Edinburgh - Only an hour’s train journey from Glasgow, Edinburgh's cobbled streets and castle is a must-visit.

  • Stirling Castle - Perched on top of a volcanic crag and described as Scotland's greatest stone castles, Stirling Castle is just a 30 minute train from Glasgow. 

  •  Loch Lomond - The largest 'lake' by surface area in Great Britain and only a 50 minute train from Glasgow Queen Street. 

If you’re extending your stay, Glasgow is the gateway to Scotland and has excellent travel connections. There is an exciting selection of year-round tours leaving daily for the Scottish Highlands.

outside of Glasgow