Smart travel
Student and staff commuting are significant components of the Glasgow Caledonian University`s carbon footprint and we are committed to reducing it and other environmental impacts associated with our operations.
Our Sustainable Travel Plan (Jul 2021) sets out our ambitions for reducing the environmental impact of travel, while the Sustainable Travel Plan (July 2021) - Progress Update (June 2025 update) provides a summary of progress so far.
Below are some tips which will, depending on how you travel, help you choose cheaper, more environmentally friendlier ways of travelling to the University.
Walking
- It's free and healthy
Cycling - head to the Cycle Forum
- The University has plenty of secure cycle parking, shower and locker facilities in the ARC. GCU's Cycling Forum has information about forthcoming events and cycling to the University
Glasgow Subway
- SPT’s Smartcard offers the most cost-effective subway fares (up to 30% off the cost of Subway travel). Visit SPT's Smartcard pages for more information and details on how to get your Smartcard
Take the bus
- In Scotland, everyone under 22 years old is eligible for free bus travel
- First Bus: If you’re not eligible for free bus journeys (if you’re not under-22), you can still purchase student tickets and passes. Find out more on the First Bus App
- McGill's: You can get student prices on daily, weekly and 4-week passes. Find out more here
- Does your commute include the bus and subway? The Zonecard offers a combined card saving you money on your travel, depending on where you're going in Glasgow
Citylink discount
- Available for students and staff to save around 30% on tickets when traveling with Citylink
Save on train travel
- For £30 a year you can purchase a 16-25 or 26-30 Railcard which gives you 30% off all off-peak rail travel
Efficient driving
- Take a look at liftshare to see who you could car pool with from your location
- If none of the above are an option, the Energy Saving Trust has some useful tips to help reduce the environmental impact of driving
While Glasgow Caledonian University campuses in Glasgow and London are both easily accessible by their city’s transport infrastructure, the University actively encourages pedestrian access through the measures it promotes and how the campuses are laid out.