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 (January 2024 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: 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.
  • 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: 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.