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.
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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, but no 24-hour concessions. 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.
Sleeping in Glasgow Airport
This airport is generally friendly to overnight sleepers. There is a decent amount of comfortable seating throughout the terminal, including benches and couches. Consider pushing a few chairs together for a makeshift bed.
Here are good sleep spots that travellers have reported:
- Floor 2’s food court is where many overnight sleepers congregate once restaurants close for the night.
- Terminal 2 had some carpeting where travellers spread out, but a recent review suggests this area may be temporarily or permanently closed.
- Landside, there are rows of benches near the Tesco Express.
Areas of the airport are described as noisy and cold, so consider bringing earplugs/noise-cancelling headphones and a sweater or travel blanket.
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.
Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips.
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.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
No dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones exist. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
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. No airport shuttle. » Check Rates
- Courtyard Glasgow Airport – No airport shuttle. » Check Rates
- Premier Inn Glasgow Airport – Shuttle available on request. » 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 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 using a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain 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 the elevator across from “Boots.” Lounge Access: Pay at the Door. Hours: 4:45 AM – 6:00 PM.
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
Drinking Water
Thirsty? Need to refill your water bottle? 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 centre of the terminal.
Food & Drinks
When you get the midnight munchies or give up trying to sleep and need a coffee to stay awake, head to Gregg’s in the landside area, which is open 24 hours.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Luggage Point offers luggage storage, wrapping, and dry cleaning. Rates for standard size: £9.50/ 1 – 3 hours • £14.50/ 1st day • £12.50 each additional day/bag • £60.00/ 1 week. 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.
Mobile Charging
Charging stations are located throughout both terminals and can be used for free.
Showers
Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
WiFi/Internet
Free WiFi is available at Glasgow Airport for one hour. Connect to the “Glasgow Airport” network. If you want more time after the initial hour, purchase a package: £2 (24 hours).
At one point, the airport had Surfbox internet stations with printers and mobile charging. We could not confirm this at the time of our September 2023 update. If you know whether they are still there, click here to update this guide.
Security & Safety
Travellers report that the airport staff is generally tolerant of sleepers. Security guards seem to mill about for much of the night, adding to the sense of safety.
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.
More Airport Information
Airport Ambassadors – If you are lost or need general assistance, there are roving airport ambassadors that can help.
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.
Family Services
- Baby Care Facilities – Diaper changing facilities are available in these locations:
» Landside: Main Check-In Hall, opposite elevator • rear of the Food Court, 1st Floor.
» Airside: beside the British Airways lounge • 1st Floor, beside Tennant’s Bar • 1st Floor, beside Beardmore Bar • 1st Floor, by Starbucks • 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).
Luggage
- Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
- 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 • Terminal 2, Check-in area. Rate: £1 per bag.
- Luggage Wrapping – Available at Luggage Point for £13.50 per bag. Location: Check-in Hall, landside, Ground Floor, by the British Airways check-in desks. Hours: 4:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
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 are travelling 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. All locations have ATMs that dispense GBP, USD and Euro.
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. Two extra prayer areas are near Gates 14 – 26 and Gate 30.
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 4:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri) • 4:00 AM – 7:30 PM (Sun, Thu) • 4:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Sat).
SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Spa Services -AeroSpa offers services such as manicures, pedicures and massages. Location: Airside. Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
Smoking – Smoking is permitted in designated areas outside the airport.
Bus
The local bus system connects GLA airport to the city centre and surrounding areas. For a comfier, more direct route, you can opt for the Airport Express, with tickets starting at £10 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 and outside Terminal 2: Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar/Thrifty • Enterprise • Europcar • Hertz • National • Sixt.
Hotel Shuttles
At the time of this update, we could not find any hotels that provide an airport shuttle. See also Airport Hotels above.
Ride Sharing
Uber operates throughout Scotland. A ride to the city centre will cost you about ￡66.
Taxis
Official Glasgow Airport Taxis are available directly in front of the main terminal on a 24-hour basis. They 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 cab directly through Glasgow Airport Taxi’s website for a discount.
Last updated: 2024-08-26
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.