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Glasgow Airport

Glasgow airport lies 8 miles to the west of the city, near the towns of Paisley and Renfrew. It is the second busiest airport in Scotland and serves both domestic and international passengers, including some transatlantic travellers. Charter flights are popular, particularly in the summer months, and it is also a hub for low cost carriers including Easyjet.

Practicalities of getting a taxi

There was a time when travellers arriving at Glasgow airport late at night were unable to find a taxi unless they had pre-booked. Thankfully times have changed and it should be possible for people to find a taxi at the rank at the front of the terminal building 24 hours a day.

As most of us will remember, Glasgow airport was the target for an attempted terrorist attack in June 2007 and, since then, restrictions have had to be imposed on vehicles waiting on the airport forecourt. Many taxis therefore use the pickup and drop off points on the ground floor of the multi storey car park 2. However, they are not allowed actually to park and can only stay there for ten minutes (after this they will be charged the premium tariff) so it is important to bear this in mind when making arrangements with your driver for being picked up.

Taxis within Glasgow city centre are regulated by the City Council but as the airport lies outside these boundaries fares should be negotiated with the individual firm beforehand. Some do, however, extend the regulated standard fare system to include the airport so check when you book. The approximate fare between Glasgow airport and the city centre is £19 and the journey takes around 20 minutes, according to traffic conditions. Businesses or frequent travellers may like to consider setting up an account with a taxi company.

Literally thousands of vehicles service Glasgow airport so you should have no difficulties in booking whatever you need, regardless of the size of your party and luggage being carried. If you need special seats for a child or wheelchair access, make sure you talk to the taxi company well in advance of travelling.

Luxury taxis with uniformed drivers are also available, although you will pay for the privilege. If you would like a tailor made service including, for instance, having your driver take your luggage to the check-in desk and wait until you have completed the process or perhaps being picked up when you arrive in Glasgow and being taken to see some of the city’s sights, then it is well worth asking for this to be arranged.

Taxi vs minicab

At one point in the 1990s it was stated in the national press that half of all Glasgow minicab drivers had criminal records. Since then the city council has cleaned up the act and the business is much more tightly regulated, meaning that you should be perfectly safe in booking a minicab for your trip to or from the airport. If you have any doubts as to the legitimacy of the vehicle you have booked, check for the yellow Glasgow City Council licensing plate which should be attached to the rear bumper of the car. Note that it is illegal to hail a minicab unlike a traditional taxi; they must be pre-booked either by phone or in person.

You may find that minicab drivers are less familiar with routes outside the city centre than their counterparts driving black cabs, although with the advent of Sat Nav systems this is becoming less of a problem. On the positive side you are likely to find minicabs more competitively priced than black cabs.

Places of interest near Glasgow Airport

Glasgow

Sometimes seen as being slightly inferior in terms of tourist attractions compared to its rival Edinburgh, Glasgow is a fascinating city with brilliant shopping, particularly around Sauchiehall Street and Princes Square, elegant architecture, and art galleries and museums galore, including the Burrell Collection, the Kelvingrove Gallery and Museum and Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s House for an Art Lover. Add to that some great restaurants and bars, from the funky to the traditional, and you have the ingredients for a great city break.

Loch Lomond

The stunning scenery surrounding Loch Lomond, the largest freshwater loch/lake in Britain, makes it hard to believe that it is only 14 miles north of Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city. The 30 mile trip from the airport will take around 50 minutes. Whether you want to soak up the scenery by walking, fishing or cycling or enjoy the loch from the water itself on a speed boat, kayak, canoe, jet ski, or the more sedate cruisers operated from Balloch, there are ample opportunities for all.

Stirling

The historic city of Stirling (a 35 mile drive from the airport which takes about 50 minutes) is traditionally acknowledged as the gateway to the Highlands and makes a good destination for a day trip from Glasgow. Worth a visit are Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument, the Church of the Holy Rood, the Old Town Jail and of course Bannockburn, site of the famous 14th century battle won by the Scots over the English. Stirling also makes a good base for hill walkers.

Helensburgh – Hill House

For anyone interested in the Arts and Crafts Movement and Art Nouveau, a visit to the National Trust for Scotland’s Hill House in Helensburgh is a must. Scottish designer, architect and water colourist, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, lived most of his life in Glasgow and it was on the River Clyde at Helensburgh that he created the Hill House, an inspiring testament to his architecture and design. See the website for opening times. The house is 23 miles from the airport and takes around 35 minutes by taxi.

Blair Drummond Safari Park, near Stirling

For animal lovers a trip to Blair Drummond, Scotland’s only African safari park, makes an interesting day out. The park is 40 miles and under an hour's drive from Glasgow airport. From the comfort of a safari bus, available to visitors without their own transport, you can see a wide range of animals, as well as visiting some on foot and by boat. In addition there are other attractions for children such as a pirate ship, bouncy castle, pedal boats and giant astraglide.