How to Kill Time at Glasgow Central Station

Glasgow Central Station is a hub of activity in Glasgow’s city centre. With it being so busy, it can be difficult to assess what amenities are available and how best to kill time when waiting on a train. There are many shops, cafes, bars and even a hotel in Central Station -  with options to suit all budgets.

It’s easy to indulge in a spot of retail therapy, (Glasgow is famous for its shops) and Central Station is no exception. For fashion and beauty buys, The Body Shop and Accessorize are next door to each other (just next to the main platform barriers). There is also a Boots for more generic high-street beauty brands and a full pharmacy.

There is no shortage of food shops either - to stock up on treats for a train journey. Marks & Spencer is great for good-quality packaged sandwiches and salads, whilst Thorntons next door will satisfy all your sweet cravings with their extensive range of chocolate.

If you prefer to eat in somewhere rather than grab your food to go, Burger King and Costa Coffee cater well for the budget-conscious, whilst Patisserie Valerie’s stunning selection of cakes and the Grand Central Hotel’s quality menu will suit those who prefer a more upmarket experience. The Grand Central Hotel also has a champagne bar Champagne Central (that serves great cocktails too) whilst chain pub Bonapartes on the main Glasgow Central Station concourse offers a cheaper alternative with standard beers and spirits.

Glasgow Central Station is very short on the seating front, so if you want to wait on a train in comfort, expect to have to purchase food or a drink in one of the establishments in order to get a place to rest your feet.

When it comes to seeking information on train times and fares, there is no shortage of help available. Boards in the main concourse offer route and time details, and manned ticket desks are available on both sides of the ticket barriers and downstairs on the lower level.

All main routes leave and arrive at the upper level, whilst Central Station’s low level trains connect the city centre to smaller outlying stations such as exhibition and conference centre SECC Glasgow (via the Exhibition Centre stop).

It is definitely possible to spend many hours in Glasgow Central Station without getting bored. Even once you have exhausted the shopping and dining options, it’s a great place to just stand and people-watch to experience more of Glasgow life.

Glasgow Central Station, Gordon Street, Glasgow, G1 3SL

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