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Traffic Scotland

Through the Traffic Scotland service, Transport Scotland provides a high quality public service delivering traffic information for road users on Scotland's motorway and trunk road network.

Traffic Scotland uses innovative technology to monitor the roads and deliver live updates to drivers.

Find out more on the Traffic Scotland website

24 hour Traffic Customer Care Line

Transport Scotland also provides a 24 hour Traffic Customer Care Line dedicated phone service that can be contacted by calling 0800 028 1414. 

Traveline Scotland

Traveline Scotland provides up to date public transport timetable information to get you to your destination by the quickest route.

• a journey planner showing public transport options between any two locations in Scotland, featuring all bus, coach, rail, Glasgow Subway and ferry routes,
• departure boards for buses and departure times for Scottish ferry terminals and Glasgow Subway stations
• news & Notices affecting public transport services,
• contact details for all Scottish public transport operators.

Public Transportation and Metro Rail Information

Glasgow Subway

Glasgow subway information.

The only heavy rail underground system in the British Isles, the Glasgow Subway began operation in 1896 in the city of Glasgow, Scotland. The third oldest underground railway system in the world, it was originally known as the Glasgow District Subway. It operates on 1 line with a total of 15 stations and has never been extended. This 10.5 km long line is operated by the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and has a daily ridership of 34,950 passengers (2014).

The Glasgow Metro, also known as the Subway, is a key part of the city’s transport system and carries around 35,000 passengers a day. It does not operate 24 hours a day, operating from 6:30 to 23:45 Monday to Saturday and from 10:00 to 18:12 on Sundays.

Unfortunately, Glasgow Metro does not have air conditioning and passengers cannot walk between platforms. The trains are not driverless and there are no screen doors on the platforms.

The Strathclyde Partnership for Transport operates the Glasgow Metro and a single ticket costs £1.40.

For additional information about the Glasgow Metro, visit the Glasgow Metro Official Website or call +44 141 332 6811 .

Glasgow Subway Map

Map of Glasgow Subway showing next and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it.

Lines and Stations

Glasgow’s subway system operates entirely underground and has a total of 15 stations. The unique circular line runs in two directions: the Outer Circle (clockwise) and the Inner Circle (counter-clockwise).

The line is close to the city centre and spans the River Clyde. Eight of its stations are on the north side of the river, while the remaining seven are on the south side. The stations are as follows

This is the first station on the north side. It was originally called ‘Merckland Road’ until 1977. It provides access to the station of the same name and serves as one of the main transport hubs of the system.

The second station on the north side, it was formerly called ‘Partick Cross’ until it was renamed in 1977. Due to its location, it is one of the most used by tourists.

With over 1.8 million passengers a year, this is the third busiest station in the system. It serves the historic University of Glasgow.

Kelvinbridge

This station serves the Woodland, Woodside and Hillhead areas. Along with Hillhead, it is one of the northernmost stations on the Metro.

St George’s Cross

This station also serves the Woodland area and Queen’s Cross.

Located on the north side of the river, it serves the distinctive Chinatown area.

Buchanan Street

This is the busiest station in the system, with more than 2.5 million passengers a year. It is located on the street of the same name, known for its shops and commerce. It provides a link to Queen Street Station.

This is the second busiest station, with around 2 million people using it each year. It offers connections to other transport such as trains at Glasgow Central Station and is also connected to Argyle Street.

Bridge Street

The first station on the south side of the river (travelling clockwise on the Outer Circle), it is on the east side of the line. It serves the Laurieston area of the Gorbals.

West Street

This is the least busy station on the subway, as it is located in an industrial area that is not densely populated.

Shields Road

Like most stations on the south side of the Clyde, this station is located close to areas that were once industrial. It serves the district of Pollokshields.

Kinning Park

This station serves the suburb of Kinning Park, from which it takes its name. It is the narrowest of the stations and retains the original single island configuration.

This station serves the Cessnock area and the Ibrox district. It is close to BBC Scotland and the Glasgow Science Centre.

Formerly known as Copland Road until 1977, this station serves the Ibrox area. The Ibrox Stadium is close to this station.

This is the last station on the south side of the river. It was known as Govan Cross until it was rebuilt in 1977. It serves the Govan area.

The Glasgow Subway: Video

Connections with other systems

Due to its size, the Glasgow subway does not fully meet the public transport needs of the city. Connections to other modes of transport, including suburban and intercity trains and buses, are therefore essential. It wasn’t until the 1977 refurbishment that formal links with other modes of transport were established.

At present, the most important connections are with National Rail stations. Partick station is served by the North Clyde and Argyle suburban lines. Buchanan Street Station is a major hub, providing a direct link to Glasgow Queen Street Station, a railway terminal serving several other lines such as North Clyde, West Highland, Croy, Cumbernauld, Maryhill, Highland Main, Glasgow-Edinburgh, Glasgow-Aberdeen and the night-time Caledonian Sleeper.

Finally, St Enoch station provides connections to Argyle Street station and, more importantly, to Glasgow Central station, which serves 13 rail services: CrossCountry, West Coast Main, East Coast Main, TransPeninne North West, Lowland Caledonian Sleeper, Argyle Line, Ayrshire Coast, Inverclyde, Cathcart Circle, Paisley Canal, Shotts, North Berwick and Glasgow South Western.

In addition to the railway stations, the Glasgow Underground also connects to a number of bus routes. The city’s bus service is not unified, resulting in several companies providing the service. One of the most prominent is First Buses, which stops at most of the subway stations: Partick, Kelvinhall, St Enoch, Cessnock, Ibrox and Govan.

Another important one is McGill’s, which stops at Partick, Kelvinhall, St. Enoch, Cessnock, Ibrox and Govan stations. There are several others that serve one or two subway stations, particularly Buchanan Street, which is a major bus hub connecting 13 different lines.

Connections to the airport

The Glasgow Subway does not have a direct link to Glasgow International Airport (GLA). However, there are a number of bus services that connect the airport to the city centre, which can then be used to access the subway stations. The First Bus Service 500 runs a regular service from the airport to the city centre, including a stop at Buchanan Street Station. Tickets cost £7.50 (approximately $9.72 USD) and buses run approximately every 10 minutes. Similar services are also provided by Traveline Scotland, McGill’s and Citylink.

Schedule and Timetables

As the Glasgow Subway operates on a single-line system, timetabling is fairly straightforward. The subway is open Monday to Saturday from 6.30 a.m. to 11.40 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6.12 p.m. Specific timetables are available for both the Outer and Inner Circles, with trains generally running every 4 minutes during peak times and every 6 to 8 minutes during off-peak times. A full round trip on the line takes approximately 24 minutes.

Tariffs, Tickets and Travel Cards

The Glasgow Subway offers a variety of ticket options for both occasional and regular users. Single adult tickets cost £1.65 ($2.15 USD), while child tickets (for children under 16) cost £0.70 ($0.91 USD). Return tickets are also available at £3.10 ($4.03) for adults and £1.35 ($1.76) for children. An unlimited day pass is also available for £4.00 ($5.20 USD).

In addition to paper tickets, the Underground also offers a ‘smartcard’ system. The Smartcard can be purchased at any station for £3.00 ($3.90 USD) or can be obtained free of charge by pre-ordering online. All adult fares are discounted with a Smartcard. Single tickets are £1.45 ($1.89), while unlimited day tickets are £2.80 ($3.65). Weekly, monthly, 6-month and 12-month passes are also available for Smartcard users, with significant discounts on longer term passes.

Park and Ride

Park and Ride facilities are available at several Tube stations to encourage use of the Tube and reduce car traffic in the city centre. These facilities are currently located at Bridge Street Station (159 spaces), Kelvinbridge Station (150 spaces) and Shields Road Station (800 spaces). The basic rate for all-day parking is £5.20 ($6.76 USD). However, there are a number of concessionary rates available for Smartcard users.

Future Expansions

The Glasgow Underground is unique in that it is one of the oldest underground systems in the world, but also in that it has never been extended or modified since it opened in 1896. There are currently no confirmed plans to expand the subway. However, studies by the operating company, SPT, have suggested possible extensions to areas such as the West End, East End, South Side and Glasgow Harbour. While no concrete action has been taken on these proposed extensions, an ambitious plan to modernise the existing subway system is currently underway.

Tips and Advice

Due to the Tube’s 19th century origins, the system can be uncomfortable for taller people. Passengers are advised to be careful and aware of their surroundings, especially when boarding trains, to avoid bumping their heads. As this is a popular system with tourists, passengers should also take care of their belongings to avoid pickpocketing. Large bags or oversized luggage may not be allowed on the trains due to limited space.

Fun Facts and Trivia

• The Glasgow Underground was originally cable operated.
• It is the third oldest underground railway system in the world.
• The subway is often referred to as ‘The Clockwork Orange’ due to its circular operation and the orange paint used on the trains following the 1977 refurbishment.
• There is a popular challenge known as the ‘subcrawl’, which involves visiting a pub at each subway stop along the line.

What to See

Located in the city centre, Glasgow Subway provides convenient access to many local attractions, including

Riverside Museum: Home to Glasgow’s Transport Museum, the Riverside Museum is an architectural marvel and was named European Museum of the Year in 2013. The nearest tube station is Partick.

University of Glasgow: Founded in 1451, this is the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world. It can be reached from Kelvinhall, Hillhead or Kelvinbridge stations.

Glasgow Botanical Gardens: One of the most prestigious botanical gardens in Europe, the Glasgow Botanical Gardens cover 11 acres and are home to various species both in the open and in greenhouses. The nearest tube station is Hillhead.

Buchanan Street: Known for its shopping, this bustling street is conveniently located just outside Buchanan Street tube station.

Glasgow Science Centre: One of Scotland’s most popular tourist attractions, the Glasgow Science Centre includes the Science Mall, the Glasgow Tower and an IMAX cinema. The nearest tube station is Cessnock.

Ibrox Stadium: Home of Rangers F.C., this stadium holds over 50,000 spectators and is close to Ibrox underground station.

Glasgow Subway Pictures

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News / Glasgow & West

Subway trains make final journey after 44 years of service

The classic Metro-Cammell trains, introduced to passengers on April 16, 1980 are to make last trips on the network

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• Glasgow City

The last of the Glasgow subway’s iconic fleet will make their final journeys on Friday, driven by two drivers with a combined experience of nearly 70 years.

The classic Metro-Cammell trains, introduced to passengers on April 16, 1980 are to make last trips on the network after being replaced by a new fleet in December 2023.

The last two cars are to be driven by Julie Baker with 42 years service with SPT and Eileen MacPhail who has been with the company for 27 years.

The old trains have completed an estimated 2.6m miles each in passenger service, approximately 400,600 loops of the inner and outer system.

SPT Chair, Councillor Stephen Dornan said: “It is a sad day for the Subway as we say goodbye to this much-loved fleet.

“They have served us well for many decades.

“I know many of the staff, current and retired, and many passengers have been keen to come along over the last couple of weeks for one last loop round the system.

“One of the legacy cars has made its way to the Riverside Museum so there is still an opportunity to view these train and remember it in all its glory.”

Out with the old, in with the new

One of the old Subway carriages – car 128 – was moved to the Riverside Museum in Glasgow earlier this month.

Stephen Dornan, SPT Chair said: “We are in no doubt as to the importance of these carriages to the transport history of Glasgow, so it is only right and fitting that one should go to Riverside where it can go on display for visitors from the city, and much further afield, to enjoy.

“The legacy fleet has seen many long years of service and some carriages were well beyond their last legs.

“But as we have been working with the museum for some time to discuss the handover, safe transportation, and future preservation of Car 128, we’ve been able to ensure the best train available is being donated to the museum where, hopefully, it will be seen for many more years to come.”

John Messner, Curator, Transport and Technology, at Riverside Museum – part of Glasgow Life Museums – said: “For 44 years Car 128 has been a vital part of the city’s transport infrastructure.

“The new trains became local icons from the moment they were introduced in 1980.

“The ‘Clockwork Orange’ trains – as they quickly were nicknamed – hold fond memories for many Glaswegians as well as visitors to the city, and Glasgow Life Museums are proud to have been able to preserve one of these beloved carriages with the help of the team at SPT.”

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