Hotel and travel information for Glasgow

Information to help you make travel and hotel accommodations
Glasgow Conference Center

Welcome to Glasgow

Glasgow is a port city on the River Clyde in Scotland's western Lowlands. It's famed for its Victorian and art nouveau architecture, a rich legacy of the city's 18th–20th-century prosperity due to trade and shipbuilding. Today it's a national cultural hub, home to institutions including the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and National Theatre of Scotland, as well as acclaimed museums such as the Charles Rennie Mackintosh House and a thriving music scene. Over the last 20 years, Glasgow has also developed a great reputation for its vibrant gastronomic scene, having embraced the flavours and cuisines of the many nationalities who have made their home there. Visitors can “dine their way around the world”, choosing from native Mexican, Asian, Indian, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, African and American influences.

Learn more about Glasgow here.

Venue

Scottish Event Campus
Glasgow, Scotland, G3 8YW
United Kingdom

Make your hotel reservations


The links provided here are the only ones authorized for making reservations and you will never be contacted by email or phone unless you explicitly requestIf you book your hotel room from another source, you may be subject to fraud or identity theft. 

Plan your hotel stay

Glasgow Convention Bureau is the official accommodation provider for the event and has negotiated specially discounted rates with a wide range of hotels. Accommodation will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis and the published rates will be available until 8 September 2023. Book now to avoid disappointment!

Download a map of area hotels


Download PDF of area hotels Hotel map Hotel map ...

Travel to Glasgow

Helpful information for:

  • airport information
  • transportation from the airport
  • public transportation
  • parking
  • resaurant and city information

Explore Glasgow

Glasgow, UK

Transportation information


Airport information

Glasgow is served by three international airports, with connections across the world.


Glasgow International Airport (GLA) is located just eight miles (13 kilometres) west of Glasgow City Centre and services over 130 direct flights from many UK and European cities, including Amsterdam, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Paris, London, Dublin, Belfast, Geneva and Reykjavik as well as Dubai with its connections onwards to Asia and Australasia; and major cities in The US and Canada.


Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) is 32 miles (51km) South West of the city. It's the main base for Ryanair and serves European destinations.


Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is 39 miles (63km) from Glasgow and serves most major international airlines. You can get to Glasgow from the airport by either bus, train or taxi.


Transportation from the airport

Glasgow International Airport: These are some of the most common connections. More information can be found at Scotland's public transport information website: Traveline Scotland

Airport buses run from the airport to Glasgow city centre up to every 10 minutes, 24 hours a day, and take approximately 25 minutes.


Glasgow Taxis on arrival at the airport - bookings can be made by calling +44 (0) 141 429 7070.


Glasgow Airport Taxis are located immediately outside the terminal building or can also be booked by calling +44 (0) 141 889 1813.


Public transportation

Public transport system & tickets: SPIE Photonex takes place at the SEC (Scottish Event Campus), which is located just outside Glasgow city centre in the west-end. The campus is accessible by numerous transport options. More details can be found here.

Glasgow Prestwick Airport: Getting to Glasgow city centre from Glasgow Prestwick Airport: Prestwick has its own train station, there are three trains per hour on weekdays and the journey to Glasgow Central Station takes around 50 minutes. Alternatively, it's an easy journey to drive via the M77 or there is early morning and late evening express bus service, the X99/X100, which takes an hour. You can book tickets here: Express Bus Service


Edinburgh Airport: Scottish Citylink provides direct bus services from Edinburgh Airport to Glasgow's Buchanan Bus Station every 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can catch a bus or taxi to Edinburgh Haymarket and then catch a train to Glasgow Queen Street Station. Lothian Buses provides public transportation to Edinburgh Airport with the Airlink100 express bus from Edinburgh city centre as well as local bus services.


Glasgow Queen Street Station provides the main rail link between Glasgow and Edinburgh, with 8 direct services per hour on weekdays.


Parking

From 1st June 2023 the Glasgow City Centre Low Emission Zone (LEZ) will come into force. If you’re driving to the SEC via the City Centre you may be subject to a charge, so please check your route and vehicle compliance before travelling.

The SEC (Scottish Event Campus) is conveniently situated for motorists, just off the M8 motorway and with plenty of parking.


Restaurant and city information

Glasgow has a huge selection of restaurants in the city centre. Please use a tool such a Trip advisor to narrow down your selection, or check out the "People Make Glasgow" site for suggestions. Download the Glasgow City Map QR codes to take advantage of Delegate Offers.

Family care while attending the meeting


SPIE believes that individuals with significant caregiving responsibilities should have an equal opportunity to share their research and participate in conferences and symposia.

SPIE Family Care Grants are designed to supplement caregiving costs incurred by SPIE Members who are registered to attend an SPIE meeting, either in person or virtually. See hotel details in the reservation system to find hotels that offer onsite childcare. 

Find information and apply for an SPIE Family Care Grant