Travelling to Glasgow for the 2026 Commonwealth Games by Train
The Commonwealth Games sit somewhere between elite sport and a city-wide festival. Multiple sports, packed venues, fans from across the UK and beyond, and a host city that genuinely gets involved.
Glasgow already knows how to do this.
Image source: Canva Pro
When it hosted the Games in 2014, it set a high standard, with strong venues, solid transport, and a city that fully embraced the event. In 2026, Glasgow returns to the spotlight, with the Games running from 23 July to 2 August.
If you’re planning to attend, travelling by train is the simplest option.
The TrainSplit app makes it easy to find cheaper alternative journeys through split ticketing.
Download the app
The TrainSplit app helps you find better fares by splitting your tickets. Available on iOS and Android, just search for TrainSplit in your app store and start saving today!
Glasgow 2026: dates and venues
Glasgow 2026 is an 11-day event featuring 10 sports and six Para sports, with around 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories.
Events are concentrated within an eight-mile corridor, making it easier to move between venues. Key locations include:
-
Scottish Event Campus (SEC)
One of the main hubs for the Games, hosting large indoor events and ceremonies. It’s served by Exhibition Centre station, just a short ride from Glasgow Central.
-
Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Arena
Cycling and indoor sports. Best reached via Dalmarnock station, with clear walking routes.
-
Scotstoun Stadium
Athletics and rugby. Easily accessible from Scotstounhill or Jordanhill.
-
Tollcross International Swimming Centre
Swimming and Para swimming events. Served by Shettleston and Carmyle stations.
All venues are well connected by local rail.
Why train travel works so well
Most long-distance services arrive at Glasgow Central or Glasgow Queen Street, both in the city centre. Hotels, venues, restaurants, and local transport are all close by.
There’s no airport transfer, no motorway traffic, and no parking stress. You arrive where you need to be.
Getting to Glasgow by train
-
London to Glasgow takes around 4.5 to 5 hours on direct services.
-
Manchester and the North West have regular direct and one-change routes.
-
The Midlands connects easily via Birmingham.
-
Edinburgh is under an hour away, with trains running throughout the day.
Trains will be busier during the Games, especially on ceremony days. Booking early is strongly advised.
Getting around the city
Image credit: Artur Kraft | Unsplash
Once you’re in Glasgow, you won’t need a car. Local trains, buses, and the Subway make it easy to reach venues, and many areas are walkable.
Driving during the Games is likely to be slower and more stressful, with limited parking and heavier traffic.
If you want a simple overview of getting to and around Glasgow by train, including station info and typical routes, you can find it all on our Glasgow rail travel guide.
Booking tips
Advance tickets usually go on sale around 12 weeks before travel and are often the cheapest. If you know your dates, book as early as possible.
If you have flexibility, travelling outside peak times can help reduce both costs and crowds.
More Splits, More Savings! Find cheaper train tickets by splitting your fares with the TrainSplit app. Download now on iOS or Android - search for TrainSplit in your app store.
Saving money with split tickets
Longer journeys to Glasgow can often be cheaper with split tickets. This means using more than one ticket for the same train, which is completely valid when done correctly.
TrainSplit checks this automatically and shows split tickets only where they make sense. If you’d rather buy a single through ticket, you can turn splits off during your search.
Image source: Canva Pro
Buy a digital Railcard with TrainSplit and keep everything in one place.
Your Railcard lives in the app, applies automatically to eligible fares, and is ready whenever you travel. No paper, no faff, no forgetting it at home.
Travel that fits the Games
The Commonwealth Games are about bringing people together. Travelling by train is city-centre to city-centre, sociable, and lower impact than flying or driving.
TrainSplit helps you find the best-value rail fares to Glasgow, without the hassle of working it out yourself.
When Glasgow takes centre stage in 2026, we’ll help you get there by train.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games?
The Games run from 23 July to 2 August 2026. Events take place across multiple venues within the city.
What venues are being used for Glasgow 2026?
Key venues include the Scottish Event Campus, Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, Scotstoun Stadium and Tollcross International Swimming Centre.
Is the train the best way to get to Glasgow for the Games?
Yes. Trains arrive directly into the city centre, close to hotels and local transport, with no airport transfers or parking issues.
Which stations serve Glasgow?
Most long-distance trains arrive at Glasgow Central or Glasgow Queen Street, both located in the city centre.
How do I get between venues once in Glasgow?
Local trains, buses and the Subway provide easy access to venues. Many locations are also walkable from central areas.
Should I book train tickets early for the Commonwealth Games?
Yes. Trains will be busier during the Games, especially on ceremony days. Booking early usually means better availability and lower prices.
What are split tickets?
Split tickets use more than one ticket for a single journey on the same train. When done correctly, they are valid and can reduce the overall fare.
Does TrainSplit handle split tickets automatically?
Yes. TrainSplit checks for valid split tickets and shows them only where they make sense. You can turn splits off if you prefer a through ticket.
Do I need a car during the Games?
No. Public transport and walkable routes make it easy to get around. Driving is likely to be slower due to traffic and limited parking.
Can I use a Railcard for travel to Glasgow 2026?
Yes. Eligible Railcards apply to most fares. A digital Railcard can be stored in the TrainSplit app for easy use.
Journey Planner