Uber in Glasgow: Getting Around the City
Wondering about Uber in Glasgow and how it can help with your travel planning? You’re in the right place.
As a seasoned traveller and meticulous transport researcher with decades of travel experience, let me unravel the answers to your queries and guide you through the ins and outs of Uber in Glasgow.
I’ll cover not just the details of Uber in Glasgow, but also different ways to get around the city and what your travel options are for trips to and from Glasgow airport.
Join me as we navigate how to get around Glasgow.
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Is There Uber in Glasgow?
If you’re searching for the answer to is there Uber in Glasgow, then you’ll be glad to know that yes, there is Uber in Glasgow.
I’ve used Uber in Glasgow and lots of other locations across the world, as I travel without a car. Uber in Glasgow offers a simple way to move around during your trip.
Planning a trip to Glasgow? Check out these key services
🚖 How to book an airport transfer?
Get picked up and go directly to your location in Glasgow with Kiwitaxi.
📌 What’s a great site to find tours and experiences?
Check out the best tours and activities in and around Glasgow with Viator.
🚗 How to hire a car?
Explore Scotland at your own pace with a rental car from Discover Cars.
🛌 How to find hotels?
Find a great deal for your accommodation in Glasgow with Booking.com.
Is Uber in Scotland?
Uber has been operating in Scotland since 2015. It started with the launch of Uber Glasgow and soon spread to offer Uber in Edinburgh.
As of 2024, Uber in Scotland looks set to expand further, as plans to apply for an operating licence in Aberdeen and Dundee have been made.
Uber also operates in many other European cities and countries including Uber in Cambridge, Uber Madrid, Uber Malta and Uber in Stockholm.
If you’re also planning to travel to London on your trip to the UK, check out my detailed guide on using Uber in London.
Getting from Glasgow Centre to Glasgow Airport
One of the popular journeys in Glasgow is to go from the centre to Glasgow Airport. You have a choice of what transportation you use to make this trip.
Uber Glasgow Airport
Ordering an Uber to Glasgow international airport can be an efficient way to get to the airport, especially if you have luggage. You don’t have to share with other people and an Uber offers door to door service.
Glasgow Airport Transfers
Another stress-free option for journeys to and from Glasgow Airport is to book an airport transfer. I’ve found this to be a particularly good option when arriving in a new place or when arriving late (and tired).
A driver will meet you inside the arrivals terminal, with your name on a board, and show you directly to your transfer. This saves a lot of hassle of trying to work out how to get to an Uber, avoids having to wait around and is more affordable than it once was.
Glasgow Airport Bus
Glasgow Airport Express bus 500 is available from right outside the terminal and will take you direct to the city centre.
Journey time is only 15 minutes and it runs throughout the day and night. You can pay for your ticket in advance or on the bus, by card or cash.
A single Glasgow Airport Bus ticket costs £10. That’s quite pricey for a short trip, so if there are a few of you travelling, an airport transfer could offer better value and the convenience of a door to door service.
Glasgow Airport Taxi
A good alternative to taking an Uber is to get a Glasgow Airport taxi. Glasgow Taxis prioritise Glasgow Airport journeys. This offers more peace of mind than getting an Uber on the day.
Using Uber in Glasgow Price
Uber Glasgow pricing is based on the Uber model of dynamic pricing, so if there is high demand prices can rise. This means that to work out the price of your trip you’ll need to check on the app at the time of travel.
As a general example, standard Uber pricing in Glasgow at non-surge rates is:
- Base fare £2.25
- Minimum fare £4
- Per minute £0.12
- Per mile £1.10
- Plus an operating fee (e.g. £4.93)
You can also book Uber in advance but this usually costs more than booking at time of travel.
Glasgow Taxis
Several licensed local taxi firms operate in Glasgow. They include:
These companies are licensed by Glasgow City Council and, as such, have to meet certain conditions, including:
- Using the agreed fare rate for trips within Glasgow city.
- Can be hailed from the street, at a taxi rank.
- Can be pre-booked.
- Have a taxi sign on the roof and identification plates on the front and back of the car.
- Drivers take a test to show they can find their way around Glasgow.
Glasgow Taxi Price
Taxi fares are set by the local authority and must be adhered to by licensed taxis in Glasgow.
This includes a basic minimum fare of £4 plus 30p for each increment of 42 seconds or 198 yards. Different pricing structures may operate at key times of the year e.g. at New Year.
Alternative Ways to Get Around Glasgow
Of course, you don’t have to take an Uber in Glasgow at all. There are plenty of alternative ways to get around Glasgow. Check out this guide to understanding postcodes in Glasgow.
Walk
I found Glasgow to be a very walkable city, if you’re able to. There are various pedestrianised sections and the main city centre is compact enough to get around on foot.
Glasgow Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus
For an easy way to get around the main sights in Glasgow, take a ride on the Glasgow Hop-On-Hop-Off bus.
Bus
To get to some of the attractions in Glasgow that are a little outside of the central part of town, you can take a bus. There’s a sizeable bus network run by First Bus.
Car Hire
If you’re combining a trip to Glasgow with other Scottish locations, you can hire a car to give you maximum flexibility.
Discover Cars are a great site to check and compare car hire prices. They also have an excellent rating on Trustpilot.com.
Train
Loch Lomond makes a great destination to visit from Glasgow. You can reach it by train from Glasgow Central to Ballloch or Arrochar & Tarbet station. Get tickets in advance from thetrainline.com.
How Does Payment Work for Uber in Glasgow?
When using the Uber app in Glasgow, it provides an upfront estimate of your journey’s cost. The app will automatically process payment using the electronic payment method you configured when opening your Uber account.
This may feel unfamiliar if you are more used to paying the driver directly in person when using traditional taxi services.
If you want to tip your driver, the app will present you with the option to do so through a pop-up message at the end of the ride. See my guide to tipping in the UK for more details.
Uber Eats Glasgow
If you’ve used Uber Eats in other places you might be wondering if there is Uber Eats in Glasgow. The good news is that yes, there is Uber Eats in Glasgow.
So if its late or raining and you get hungry you can order up Uber Eats to bring local meals to your Glasgow accommodation rather than trying to find somewhere to go out and eat.
FAQs: Uber in Glasgow
Does Uber Work in Glasgow?
Yes, Uber does work in Glasgow and I have used it myself. You can book an Uber in advance or at the time of travel.
What Uber Safety Features are There?
The Uber app offers the option to set up trusted contacts and share your trip with a single tap. Moreover, the app enables you to monitor the vehicle, ensuring it follows the expected route. Prior to its arrival, you can view details such as the vehicle type and license plate, which helps you to find the correct car.
Can Uber Pick Up from Glasgow Airport?
Indeed, Uber can pick up from Glasgow Airport but you’ll need to carefully check where abouts to meet the driver.
Do You Tip Taxis in Glasgow?
It’s not expected that you must tip taxis in Glasgow but if you would like to tip, 10% is the standard amount.