Getting to Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Venues: A Complete Guide

Glasgow will host the 2026 Commonwealth Games from July 23 to August 2, 2026, showcasing world-class athletics and Para sport across four main venue clusters. Having successfully hosted the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Glasgow brings proven infrastructure, excellent transport links, and legendary Scottish hospitality to welcome athletes and spectators from across the Commonwealth.

Getting to Glasgow First

From Airports

Glasgow Airport (GLA) - Main international gateway

• Airport bus services to Glasgow city center (25 minutes, £8-10)
• Taxi to city center (20-25 minutes, £25-30)
• Uber/Bolt (20-25 minutes, £20-28)
• No direct rail link, but buses are frequent and efficient

Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) - Budget airlines

• Direct train to Glasgow Central (45 minutes, £8-12)
• Located south of Glasgow, good for southern venues
• Less frequent flights than Glasgow Airport

Edinburgh Airport (EDI) - Alternative major airport

• Airlink bus to Edinburgh, then train to Glasgow (1.5 hours total, £25-35)
• Direct bus services to Glasgow (1 hour 15 minutes, £18-25)
• Good option for exploring both cities

By Train

Glasgow Central - Main station for southern approaches

• Trains from London (4.5 hours), Manchester, Birmingham
• Connected to low-level platforms for local services
• Walking distance to city center hotels

Glasgow Queen Street - Station for northern/eastern routes

• Trains from Edinburgh (50 minutes), Aberdeen, Inverness
• Connected to lower level for local suburban services
• Adjacent to main shopping district

Overview of Glasgow 2026 Venues

Glasgow 2026 will utilize four main venue locations:

1. Scottish Event Campus (SEC) - West End, multiple sports

2. Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Arena - East End, cycling and gymnastics

3. Scotstoun Stadium - West End, athletics

4. Tollcross International Swimming Centre - East End, swimming

All venues are easily accessible via Glasgow's efficient public transport network.

Getting to the Scottish Event Campus (SEC)

The SEC comprises three distinct venues hosting five different sports: The Hydro (Netball), The SEC Armadillo (Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting), and The SEC Centre (3x3 Basketball, Bowls, Boxing, and Judo).

Location and Dates

• Address: Exhibition Way, Stobcross Rd, Glasgow G3 8YW
• Competition dates: July 24 - August 2, 2026

By Train (Recommended)

Exhibition Centre Station

• Four-minute walk from the main SEC concourse across the bridge
• Direct trains from Glasgow Central (low level) - 4 minutes
• Trains every 10-15 minutes throughout the day
• Cost: £2-3 single journey

By Subway

Nearest Stations

• Partick station: 25-minute walk
• Ibrox station (south of river): 20-minute walk
• Glasgow Subway is a circular route - easy to use
• Cost: £1.75 single, £4.20 day ticket

Walking/Cycling

• 30-minute walk from city center
• Accessible from Finnieston and Partick areas
• Connecting footbridges across the River Clyde
• Dedicated cycle paths along riverside
• Nextbike Glasgow - bike hire scheme available

By Bus

Multiple routes serve the SEC area

• Routes 100, 2, 3 from city center
• Frequent service during Games time
• Cost: £2.50 single, day tickets available

Parking

• Multi-storey car park with blue badge parking spaces
• Not recommended during Games due to congestion
• Park and ride services likely from outside city
• Limited on-street parking in surrounding areas

What to Expect at SEC

Multiple Sports Under One Roof

• The Hydro: Netball competition across 21 sessions
• The SEC Armadillo: Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting
• The SEC Centre: Basketball, Bowls, Boxing, and Judo
• Easy to attend multiple events in one visit
• Food and beverage options throughout campus

Venue Experience

• The Hydro is the fifth largest arena in the UK
• The SEC Armadillo is an iconic Foster + Partners design
• World-class facilities from Glasgow 2014 Games
• Excellent accessibility features throughout

Getting to Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Arena

This East End venue hosts Track Cycling, Para Track Cycling, and Artistic Gymnastics.

Location and Dates

• Address: 1000 London Rd, Glasgow G40 3HG
• Cycling: July 30 - August 2, 2026
• Gymnastics: July 24-28, 2026

By Train (Recommended)

Dalmarnock Station

• 10-minute walk to venue
• Seven-minute journey from Glasgow Central (low level)
• Frequent service every 10-15 minutes
• Cost: £2-3 single journey

Walking/Cycling

• 45-minute walk from city center
• Good walking and cycling routes available
• Follows River Clyde path - scenic route
• Well-signposted during Games

By Bus

Local bus routes

• Routes 60, 61, 240, 263 serve the area
• Increased frequency during Games period
• Cost: £2.50 single

About the Venue

• Named after 11-time world champion, six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy
• Purpose-built for Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games
• Opened in October 2012
• World-class velodrome track and flexible arena space
• 26 cycling and 14 gymnastics medal events

Getting to Scotstoun Stadium

Scotstoun hosts Athletics and Para Athletics, the marquee events of any Commonwealth Games.

Location and Dates

• Address: 112 Danes Dr, Glasgow G14 9HD
• Competition dates: July 27 - August 2, 2026
• 59 total medal events across 12 sessions

By Train (Recommended)

Scotstounhill Station

• 10-minute walk from the stadium
• 14-minute journey from Glasgow Central (low level)
• Regular service every 15 minutes
• Cost: £2-3 single journey

Walking/Cycling

• Easily accessible on foot or by cycle
• Many good bus routes nearby on Danes Drive
• West End location - pleasant residential area
• 45-minute walk from city center

By Bus

Multiple routes serve the area

• Routes 4, 4A, 4B from city center
• Route 90 connects to other areas
• Cost: £2.50 single

About the Venue

• Part of Scotstoun Sports Campus in Glasgow's West End
• Home of Glasgow Warriors rugby since 2012
• Features world-class MONDO track recently installed
• 400m outdoor track plus 100m indoor sprint track
• Previously hosted Squash and Table Tennis at Glasgow 2014

Getting to Tollcross International Swimming Centre

Tollcross hosts Swimming and Para Swimming events across 56 medal events.

Location and Dates

• Address: 350 Wellshot Rd, Glasgow G32 7QR
• Competition dates: July 24-29, 2026
• 12 competition sessions

By Train (Recommended)

Carntyne Station

• 14-minute walk from the venue
• Seven-minute journey from Glasgow Queen Street (lower level)
• Trains every 15-20 minutes
• Cost: £2-3 single journey

By Bus

• Good bus routes from city center
• Routes 61, 263 serve the area
• Approximately 30-40 minutes from city center
• Cost: £2.50 single

Walking/Cycling

• East End location, approximately 4 miles from city center
• 50-60 minute walk
• Cycling approximately 25 minutes
• Less walkable than other venues but doable for enthusiasts

About the Venue

• Opened in 1997
• Hosted Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, 2015 World Para Swimming Championships, 2018 European Aquatics Championships, and 2019 European Short Course Championships
• Competition standard 50m pool
• Additional pools available for warm-up and training
• Proven major championship venue

General Transport Tips for Glasgow 2026

SPT (Strathclyde Partnership for Transport)

Integrated Transport System

• Trains, subway, and buses all accept contactless payment
• Day tickets work across all modes
• Daytripper ticket: Unlimited travel after 9am (around £14)
• Roundabout Glasgow ticket: Unlimited subway travel (£4.20 per day)

Getting Around During Games

Plan Ahead

• Expect increased crowds on all public transport
• Allow extra time, especially for finals and popular events
• Services will be enhanced during Games period
• Check schedules in advance - some routes may be modified

Multiple Event Days

• Consider staying near central Glasgow for easy access to all venues
• SEC and Scotstoun are both on west side - easy to combine
• Velodrome and Tollcross are both east side - consider pairing
• All venues within 15-30 minutes of city center

Accessibility

• All venues have excellent accessibility features
• Blue badge parking available at all venues
• Step-free access throughout
• Assistance available - contact venues in advance
• Glasgow's public transport generally accessible

Where to Stay for Glasgow 2026

City Center

• Merchant City - Trendy area, excellent restaurants
• Buchanan Street area - Shopping district, central location
• Equal distance to all venues via public transport
• Most hotel options and price points

West End

• Finnieston - Near SEC, vibrant dining scene
• Partick - Near SEC and Scotstoun
• Hillhead - University area, great bars and cafes
• Perfect for SEC and Scotstoun events

East End

• Dennistoun - Near Velodrome and Tollcross
• Bridgeton - Good transport links
• More affordable accommodation
• Local Glasgow character

South Side

• Pollokshields/Strathbungo - Victorian tenements, local feel
• Good train connections to all venues
• Quieter than city center
• Excellent value accommodation

Beyond the Games: Exploring Glasgow

Glasgow's Cultural Scene

Museums and Galleries (Most Free Entry)

• Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum - Stunning building, world-class collection
• Riverside Museum - Transport museum, Zaha Hadid design
• Glasgow Science Centre - Interactive exhibits, IMAX cinema
• Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) - Contemporary art in city center

Glasgow's Architecture

Charles Rennie Mackintosh Trail

• Glasgow School of Art (check status after fire)
• The Lighthouse - Scotland's Centre for Design and Architecture
• Mackintosh House at Hunterian Museum
• House for an Art Lover in Bellahouston Park

Food and Drink Scene

Glasgow's Culinary Highlights

• Finnieston - "Glasgow's Seafood Coast" with excellent restaurants
• Ashton Lane - Cobbled West End lane with bars and restaurants
• Curry on - Charing Cross area has excellent Indian restaurants
• Craft beer scene - Drygate, Shilling Brewing Company
• Traditional Scottish fare - Try haggis, Cullen skink, Scotch pies

Music and Nightlife

Glasgow's Legendary Music Scene

• King Tut's Wah Wah Hut - Where Oasis were discovered
• The Barrowland Ballroom - Iconic venue
• SWG3 - Contemporary arts and music venue
• Sub Club - Underground techno institution

Day Trips from Glasgow

Within Easy Reach

• Loch Lomond - 45 minutes by train, stunning scenery
• Stirling Castle - 45 minutes, historic fortress
• Edinburgh - 50 minutes by train, Scotland's capital
• Ayrshire Coast - Burns Country and beautiful beaches

Practical Information

Weather in July/August

Summer in Scotland

• Average temperatures: 15-20°C (59-68°F)
• Can be warm and sunny or cool and wet
• Always bring layers and waterproof jacket
• Long daylight hours - light until 10pm
• Sunscreen recommended for sunny spells

Money and Costs

• Currency: British Pound (£)
• Contactless payment widely accepted
• ATMs plentiful throughout city
• Tipping: 10-15% in restaurants (often included)
• Scotland uses same currency as rest of UK

Language

• English widely spoken
• Local Glasgow accent can be strong - don't be shy to ask for repetition
• Some Scots Gaelic on signs (mostly in Highlands)
• Friendly, helpful locals - Glasgow known for warmth

Safety

• Glasgow is generally safe city
• Use common sense in busy areas
• Public transport safe at all hours during Games
• Emergency services: Dial 999 or 112

Glasgow 2026 promises to be a spectacular celebration of Commonwealth sport, building on the incredible success of Glasgow 2014. With world-class venues, excellent transport infrastructure, and Glasgow's legendary hospitality, spectators can focus on enjoying outstanding athletic performances while experiencing one of Scotland's most vibrant cities. Whether you're watching world records fall at Tollcross, experiencing the velodrome atmosphere at the Sir Chris Hoy venue, or enjoying the multi-sport festival at the SEC, Glasgow 2026 will deliver unforgettable memories. Welcome to Glasgow - "People Make Glasgow" is more than a slogan, it's a promise.

Photo by Artur Kraft on Unsplash