Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or are just quickly passing through, our Glasgow International Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
there’s still a strange sense of community where, even if we are all suspicious of each other and are sure someone is going to steal all our money, we’re all sleeping on the same benches and will all wake up with the exact same pain in our backs as we stand in the check in line. -Nadine
GLA Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Glasgow International Airport (code: GLA).
What to Expect
Glasgow International Airport comprises two terminals (Main and Terminal 2) with three piers (West, Central and East). The two terminals are divided by SkyHub, which provides check-in, security, duty-free shopping and other services. There are a few shops and eateries both landside and airside, including the only 24-hour per day concession, a Tesco Express Supermarket on the landside. Things to do while you wait are limited, but the airport’s free WiFi helps pass the time. For additional comfort options, consider accessing one of the airport lounges for a fee. [ see Airport Lounges in the guide below.]
Sleeping in Glasgow Airport
The airport is generally considered to be safe and accommodating to overnight sleepers. The dining zone on the second level reportedly is said to have comfortable couches that people can sleep on while the restaurants are closed between 11:00 PM and 4:00 AM. Be prepared for high-volume music at 2:30 AM when the cafe staff show up. After this point, it is no longer possible to sleep due to the noise. There was a carpeted floor in Terminal 2 that security and staff let people sleep on; however, according to a recent review, the terminal may now be closed for security reasons. Rows of benches on the landside near Tesco Express are described as comfortable; however, the area is described as noisy and cold, so consider bringing earplugs/noise-cancelling headphones and a sweater or travel blanket. Explore our guide to sleeping in Glasgow International Airport or read traveller airport reviews for more tips. For uninterrupted sleep, albeit for a price, there is a hotel at the airport and others within walking distance. See the Airport Hotels section below for more info.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Glasgow Airport Guide.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security. For more information on Europe’s Schengen Area, click here.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there is a lounge that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and find out how you can gain lounge access with just an economy class ticket!
- Upperdeck Lounge – Location: Airside, International Pier, 2nd Floor. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
- The Lomond Lounge – Location: Airside, accessible by stairs near “Fat Face” or by the elevator across from “Boots.” Lounge Access: Pay at the Door.
Airline Lounges
If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below. For more information, check the airline’s website.
- Main Terminal, Airside: The Emirates Lounge • British Airways Executive Club Lounge.
Related Pages: Glasgow International Airport Lounges
Airport Hotels
If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Glasgow International Airport:
- Holiday Inn Glasgow Airport – 2 minute walk to/from the airport terminal. No airport shuttle. » Check Rates
- Holiday Inn Express Glasgow Airport – 3 minute walk to/from the airport terminal via a covered walkway. Day rooms are offered based on availability. No airport shuttle. » Check Rates
- Courtyard Glasgow Airport – No airport shuttle. » Check Rates
- Premier Inn Glasgow Airport – No airport shuttle. » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Glasgow International Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport WiFi/Internet
Free WiFi is available at Glasgow Airport for 1 hour. Connect to the “Glasgow Airport” network. If you want more time after the initial hour, purchase a package: £5 (3 hours) • £9 (24 hours).
Additionally, the airport has Surfbox internet stations with printers and mobile charging. Locations: Domestic Arrivals, outside of Starbucks (4 stations) • International Arrivals (2 stations) • Food Court, Landside (2 stations) • Check-In Hall (2 stations) • Main Departure Lounge – airside (4 stations) • Domestic Pier, Gate 26 – airside (1 station). Rate: 10p per minute, payable by coins or online with a credit card or voucher.
More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover At The Airport
Communications
- SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
- WiFi – see “Airport WiFi/Internet” above.
Family Services
- Baby Care Facilities – Diaper changing facilities are available in these locations:
» Landside: Main Check-In Hall, opposite elevator • rear of Food Court, 1st Floor • T2 check-in hall.
» Airside: beside the British Airways lounge • beside Tennant’s Bar • beside Beardmore Bar • 1st Floor, by Starbucks • Domestic Baggage Reclaim • at Gates 1-3 and 10-11. - Baby supplies – Diapers, infant formula, wipes and other baby items can be purchased at Boots Pharmacy. A pre-ordering service for these items is available by calling Boots five days before your travel date.
- Children’s Play Area – When you want to ensure your kids burn off all their energy before their flight, take them to the Kid Zone. Location: Airside, at Gate 27 (West Pier).
Food & Drinks
- Food & Drinks – Marks and Spencer is perfect for picking up any last-minute groceries before and after a flight. Location: Landside, Ground Floor, after Baggage Claim. Hours: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
- Supermarket – The Tesco Express is now closed, but a Marks and Spencer will be opening at some point. (updated by a reader / October 2019)
- Water Fountains – Thirsty? Drinking water fountains are available. As of this recent update, we only know of one water fountain located airside, on the 1st Floor, in the center of the terminal.
Information
- Airport Ambassadors – If you are lost or need general assistance, there are roving airport ambassadors that can help.
Luggage
- Luggage Storage & Lockers – Luggage Point offers luggage storage, wrapping, and dry cleaning. Rates for standard size: £8.50/ 1 – 3 hours • £12.50/ 1st day • £10.00 each additional day/bag • £50.00 7 week. Oversized bags will be charged double these rates. Storage times are available for up to 3 months. Location: Check-in Hall, landside, Ground Floor, by the British Airways check-in desks. Hours: 4:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
- Luggage Weighing – Are you worried your bags exceed your airline’s weight limit? There are scales available to put your mind at ease. Locations: Main check-in hall. Rate: £1 per bag.
- Luggage Wrapping – Available at Luggage Point for as little as £10 per bag. Location: Check-in Hall, landside, Ground Floor, by the British Airways check-in desks. Hours: 4:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
Mobile Charging
- Mobile Charging – Mobile phone charging machines with adapters for most phones can be found at Dixons (airside) and are free to use. You can also go to any of the Surfbox internet stations in these locations: Domestic Arrivals (4 stations) • International Arrivals (2 stations) • Food Court, Landside (2 stations) • Check-In Hall (2 stations) • Main Departure Lounge (4 stations). You can also use outlets found around the airport for charging.
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Some machines issue Pounds, Euros and Dollars. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you travel internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Landside and Airside.
- Currency Exchange – Travelex offers currency exchange at the airport. You will find branches available Landside and Airside. Hours: 4:00 AM – last flight. All locations have ATMs that dispense GBP, USD and Euro.
Prayer
- Prayer Room – A quiet interfaith prayer and meditation room is available in the airport. An airport chaplain conducts services throughout the week. Location: Departures concourse, Priority Security corridor, 1st Floor Hours: open 24 hours.
Rest & Relaxation
- Hotels – see “Airport Hotels” above.
- Lounges – see “Airport Lounges” above.
- Rest Zones – No dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones exist. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Shopping
- Duty-Free & Shopping – World Duty-Free is open airside from the first scheduled flight until the last. A limited variety of retail shops are also available, with most open from 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
Showers, Salon & Spa
- Showers – Not available
- Spa Services – AeroSpa offers services such as manicures, pedicures and massages. Location: Airside. Hours: 5:00 AM – 8:30 PM.
Smoking
- Smoking – Smoking is permitted in designated areas outside the airport.
Other Airport Services
- Dry Cleaning – Drop off your dry cleaning at the Luggage Point (Main Check-in Hall) and pick it up when you return. Location: Check-in Hall, landside, Ground Floor, by the British Airways check-in desks. Hours: 4:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Mon – Fri).
- Photo Booths – If you need your picture taken quickly, use the coin-operated Photo-Me booth. Location: Ground floor domestic arrivals opposite WH Smith, First Floor of the main terminal before security and ground floor of Car Park 2.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours.
Airlines
Glasgow International airport is served by the following airlines: Aer Lingus • Air Canada • Air Transat • BH Air • Blue Air • British Airways • Delta Air Lines • EasyJet • Emirates • Icelandair • Jet2 • KLM • Loganair • Lufthansa • Ryanair • TUI Fly • United Airlines • Virgin Atlantic • WestJet • Wizz Air.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport
Bus
GLA airport is connected to the city center and surrounding areas via the local bus system. For a comfier, more direct route, you can opt for the Airport Express, with tickets starting at £8 per adult. For routes, schedules and additional fare information, visit the Glasgow Airport website.
Car Rentals
The following car rental agencies are located onsite in the Domestic Arrivals area: Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar/Thrifty • Enterprise • Europcar • Hertz • National • Sixt.
Hotel Shuttles
At the time of this update, we were unable to find any hotels that provide an airport shuttle. See also Airport Hotels above.
Taxis
Official Glasgow Airport Taxis are available directly in front of the main terminal on a 24-hour basis, and are the only taxis permitted to pick up or drop off passengers in front of the terminal (all others pick up at Car Park 2). All official Glasgow Airport taxis are metered, and reservations are not required, but you can pre-book a taxi directly through Glasgow Airport Taxi’s website for a discount.
Last updated: 2022-10-28
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.
