Glasgow Central Train Station

Glasgow Central Station is today the busiest train station in Scotland, the twelfth busiest in the UK, and sees more than 38 million passengers a year.

The need for a new station was first identified in the 1850s, as Glasgow was becoming an increasingly popular and important city. Glasgow Central Station finally opened in 1879 after a long struggle with competing rail companies and the Trust responsible for the river Clyde, who feared a new bridge into Glasgow would hinder trade by boat. When completed, for £2 million, it had eight platforms but was so popular and became quickly overwhelmed.

The station was rebuilt between 1901 and 1905 to meet this demand which resulted in thirteen platforms being built, as well as improvements to the existing bridge and the creation of a new bridge, the Caledonian Railway Bridge. When completed, the new station could properly serve its vital role in connecting the country’s industrial powerhouse to other major cities around the country. During the project, the station building received the best of Victorian design and now boasts an iconic glass roof and has understandably been awarded the status of a Category A Listed Building.

Today, Glasgow Central Station continues this strong legacy. As one of the more iconic stations on the CrossCountry network, it is only fitting that this station has a guided tour, which includes the hidden underground vaults.

Modern improvements include public showers, baby changing facilities and free public Wi-Fi. The Toilets and showers are both wheelchair-accessible and induction loops have been fitted on the concourse. Step-free access is possible through most entrances, excluding Union Street. There are over 700 parking spaces available (including accessible parking), as well as bicycle racks shared between the Oswald Street and Mitchell Street car parks.

As one of the country’s major cities, Glasgow is easy to get to and is well-served on the CrossCountry network. Popular local routes include Edinburgh to Glasgow and Newcastle to Glasgow. You can even go from York to Glasgow in under four hours.

Things to do in Glasgow

Glasgow was awarded the title of the City of Culture in 1990 and it’s easy to see why. Glasgow is home to more than twenty museums, and its art nouveau architecture and Victorian design is visible throughout the city. You will even find paintings by Van Gogh and Degas hanging in the city’s art galleries.

Glasgow is also home to the Scottish Ballet and Opera and these, plus the wide range of music venues around the city, earned it the very first City of Music award granted by UNESCO in 2008.

The city is home to two iconic venues Celtic Park and Ibrox Stadium. As well as their regular football matches, these stadiums have hosted other sporting events including the Commonwealth Games Rugby Sevens tournament and boxing. If you prefer music to sports, then you will be pleased to learn that the stadiums have also been home to musical acts from around the world, such as Harry Styles, Billy Joel, Elton John and Frank Sinatra. Why not check out who is playing next and book your ticket?

If you’re in town for some retail therapy, Glasgow offers three large shopping centres close to Glasgow Central Station. You might discover some quirky finds along the cobbled streets of the city’s West End.

Don’t forget to take advantage of all the other entertainment, nightlife, shopping and restaurants while you are in town. There are lots more to find and experience in this world-famous Scottish city steeped in industrial, historical and sporting legacy, so book your journey with CrossCountry today.