Logistics

Glasgow is a hub for transport, with road and rail networks connecting to all parts of Scotland. It is just four-and-a-half hours by train from London, with hourly direct services (and an overnight sleeper service).

Further access to the city is provided by Glasgow International Airport. Together with Prestwick and Edinburgh airports, all are within an hour by public transport. Collectively, these link to international hubs (London, Frankfurt, Paris, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Dubai) and direct flights into North America (Atlanta, Boston, Calgary, Chicago, New York, Orlando, Toronto, Washington DC). All three airports connect to a large array of European airports, many by direct flights from budget carriers – making for affordable journeys.

Glasgow has over 13,500 hotel rooms across a range of prices. These include excellent value hotels – 18% cheaper than the UK average, 29% cheaper than London. Glasgow does not charge a local tax on visitors. Likewise, there is a wide range of restaurants to suit all budgets. The Finnieston district, home to the SEC, itself has thousands of hotel beds, supported by bars, cafes and restaurants.

Getting around the city could not be easier. The SEC, our venue for IGC, is just a 30 minute stroll to the city centre, along the promenade on the banks of the river Clyde. But if that doesn’t appeal, the SEC has its own railway station with regular connections straight into the city’s transport hub. Along with the overground rail network, Glasgow has a metro and an extensive network of buses. Glasgow taxi cabs are very reasonably priced too.

For excursions near and far across Scotland, there are the famous Highland railway lines. Hourly trains link Glasgow with the major towns and cities of the central belt, including Edinburgh. Many remote rural communities in the Highlands are connected to Glasgow by long-distance coaches.