Moving to Glasgow: The Day One Travel Guide

Moving to a new city, particularly if you’ve come from quieter surroundings, marks a big change of pace, where logistics seem simpler and allow you to focus on your new home. Despite being surrounded by the wonderful Scottish countryside, moving to Glasgow is made simple by its extensive public transport network, range of air travel options, and fantastic road infrastructure. Whether you’re arriving by road, rail, or air, your arrival will be made smoother if you know where you’re going.

Structuring your arrival around Glasgow’s primary transport links removes the friction from your journey. This allows you to step directly into your luxury student home without unnecessary delay.

How To Drive Into Glasgow

Arriving by car offers a smooth, direct access point into the city, provided you use the correct routes.

• From the South: Arriving from England or southern Scotland involves the M74 motorway. For those journeying from south of the border, the M6 becomes the A74(M) and later the M74, taking you to just south of Glasgow.
• From the East: The M8 serves as the definitive east-west link from Edinburgh. Expect a journey time of just over an hour to get between the two cities.
• From the North: If you’re coming from Stirling, Perth, Aberdeen, or Dundee, use the A9 before joining the M80 at Stirling.
• From the West Coast and Northern Ireland: The M77 connects the southwest coast to Glasgow. For anyone arriving by ferry from Belfast or Larne, follow the M77.

Arriving by Train or Coach

If moving to Glasgow by train, you’ll likely come into one of two principal stations (Glasgow Central or Glasgow Queen Street). For those coming up from London, the journey will take around 4 hours and 30 minutes. You can also reach most other major cities with ease from here.

Glasgow Queen Street is where you can embark on your Scottish adventures. Direct trains to Edinburgh depart every 15 minutes on weekdays, taking around 45 minutes to reach the capital.

Coach travel into the city is serviced by Buchanan Bus Station. This offers a seamless, direct connection to almost every major city in the UK.

Which Airport Will I Fly Into?

If you’re an International student moving to Glasgow this year, you’ll likely land in one of three airports. Each one is found within an hour of the city centre.

• Glasgow Airport (GLA): Situated just 8 miles west of the city centre, this is your most convenient airport. The Glasgow Airport Express (Service 500) operates fully electric teal buses departing every 10 minutes, reaching Buchanan Bus Station in a swift 15 minutes.
• Edinburgh Airport (EDI):  This airport manages an extensive array of international departures. Use the Citylink AIR service to reach Glasgow from here.
• Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK): You’re less likely to land here, but you can get to Glasgow by train in 45 minutes if you do.

Move-In Day Tips

• Confirm your arrival window: Review your documentation from Prestige Student Living to ensure you utilise your precise unloading slot.
• Sort your parking: install apps like RingGo or matching local apps before you arrive to avoid issues.
• Learn the locality: Identify the location of your nearest supermarket, GP, and park to familiarise yourself with your new home.

What’s Next?

Arriving in Glasgow marks the beginning of an exceptional journey. Knowing where you’re going can help make move-in day as simple as possible.

Ready to go? Browse our range of luxury student accommodation in Glasgow today, and make your university experience truly unforgettable.