How to Get to Every Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026 Venue Raz Hire Private Hire Guide
Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games runs from 23 July to 2 August 2026 and it brings 3000 athletes from 74 nations across 10 sports to four venues spread across the city. Getting between them without a car is one of the most common concerns for spectators attending multiple sessions. Public transport gets stretched on session days, rideshare apps surge in price after evening events, and navigating an unfamiliar city at night adds unnecessary stress to what should be a brilliant experience.
Raz Hire is a Glasgow based private hire company operating 24 hours a day seven days a week. We cover every Commonwealth Games venue with pre-booked fixed price transfers, airport pickups from Glasgow Airport and Edinburgh Airport, and group rides for families and friends attending together. This guide walks you through every venue, every sport, and exactly how Raz Hire gets you there and back without any of the hassle.
Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games at a Glance
Before covering each venue in detail, here is the full picture for Glasgow 2026 so you can plan your session days in advance.
| Detail | Information |
| Dates | 23 July to 2 August 2026 |
| Host City | Glasgow Scotland |
| Nations | 74 nations and territories |
| Athletes | Approximately 3000 |
| Sports | 10 sports across 4 venue clusters |
| Opening Ceremony | OVO Hydro Glasgow on 23 July 2026 |
| Closing Ceremony | OVO Hydro Glasgow on 2 August 2026 |
| Games Ambassador | Sam Heughan |
| Sport | Venue | Dates |
| Athletics and Para Athletics | Scotstoun Stadium | 27 July to 1 August |
| Swimming and Para Swimming | Tollcross International Swimming Centre | 24 to 31 July |
| Track Cycling and Para Track Cycling | Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome | 30 July to 2 August |
| Artistic Gymnastics | Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome | 24 to 28 July |
| Netball | OVO Hydro | 24 July to 2 August |
| 3×3 Basketball | SEC Centre | 24 to 29 July |
| Boxing | SEC Centre | 25 July to 1 August |
| Lawn Bowls | SEC Centre | 24 July to 2 August |
| Judo | SEC Centre | 25 to 27 July |
| Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting | SEC Armadillo | 24 to 27 July |
Scotstoun Stadium Athletics and Para Athletics
Scotstoun Stadium in the west end of Glasgow is the home of Athletics and Para Athletics for Glasgow 2026. The programme runs across six days from Monday 27 July to Saturday 1 August covering 59 medal events including sprints, distance races, field events, relays, and the historic return of the Commonwealth Mile which has not appeared in the Games since 1966.
The stadium sits on Danes Drive in the Scotstoun area approximately 4 miles west of Glasgow city centre. On session days Glasgow City Council applies road management around the venue which affects both parking and approach routes. There is no general public car park at Scotstoun Stadium for Games events.
Raz Hire picks up from any address in Glasgow and delivers you directly to the stadium entrance. Drivers are briefed on event night road management and know which approach routes remain open so your journey in and out is as smooth as possible. For the return journey after an evening session your driver confirms your pickup point before you go in so there is no searching at the end of the night.
| Pickup Location | Journey to Scotstoun Stadium | Notes |
| Glasgow City Centre | Approximately 4 miles | 12 to 20 minutes in normal conditions |
| Glasgow Airport | Approximately 10 miles | Airport transfer with flight monitoring |
| West End Glasgow | Approximately 2 miles | Closest area to the venue |
| South Side Glasgow | Approximately 6 miles | 20 to 25 minutes on session days |
| Edinburgh City Centre | Approximately 50 miles | Fixed price intercity private hire |
| Edinburgh Airport | Approximately 55 miles | Airport transfer to venue direct |
Tollcross International Swimming Centre Swimming and Para Swimming
Tollcross International Swimming Centre sits in the east end of Glasgow on Edgefauld Road in the G32 area approximately 3.5 miles from the city centre. It is one of Europe’s leading aquatic venues and hosted the swimming programme at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. For Glasgow 2026 it covers 56 medal events across eight days from 24 to 31 July including 42 swimming events and 14 para swimming events.
The east end location means Tollcross is further from most city centre hotels than the Clydeside venues and public transport connections from the west end and south side require changes. Evening finals at Tollcross typically draw the largest crowds and post-session transport demand is high around 9pm to 10pm.
Raz Hire covers direct private hire transfers to Tollcross from the city centre, west end, south side, Glasgow Airport, and Edinburgh. Your driver drops you at the main entrance and collects you from a confirmed pickup point after the session ends. No waiting at bus stops. No changing trains with wet swimming bags.
| Pickup Location | Journey to Tollcross | Notes |
| Glasgow City Centre | Approximately 3.5 miles | 10 to 18 minutes in normal conditions |
| Glasgow Airport | Approximately 12 miles | Airport transfer direct to venue |
| West End Glasgow | Approximately 5 miles | Allow 20 minutes on session evenings |
| South Side Glasgow | Approximately 4 miles | 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic |
| Edinburgh City Centre | Approximately 52 miles | Intercity fixed price transfer |
Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome Track Cycling and Artistic Gymnastics
The Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome on London Road in the east end of Glasgow sits next to Celtic Park approximately 2.5 miles from the city centre. It was purpose built for the 2014 Commonwealth Games and named after Scottish cycling legend and six time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy who is also a Glasgow 2026 ambassador. The venue hosts Artistic Gymnastics from 24 to 28 July and Track Cycling including Para Track Cycling from 30 July to 2 August.
The Velodrome is a specialist venue with a passionate following for both gymnastics and cycling. Track cycling finals nights in particular attract loud enthusiastic crowds and are among the most electrifying sessions on the entire Games programme. The venue shares its east end location with Tollcross meaning Raz Hire can cover both on the same day for spectators attending multiple sessions.
Private hire with Raz Hire is the most practical way to reach the Velodrome from the city centre or west end without depending on public transport connections through a busy area of the city on event nights.
| Pickup Location | Journey to Velodrome | Notes |
| Glasgow City Centre | Approximately 2.5 miles | 8 to 15 minutes in normal conditions |
| Glasgow Airport | Approximately 11 miles | Airport transfer direct to venue |
| West End Glasgow | Approximately 4 miles | Allow 15 to 20 minutes on session days |
| South Side Glasgow | Approximately 4 miles | 15 minutes via Rutherglen Road |
| Edinburgh Airport | Approximately 53 miles | Fixed price intercity transfer available |
OVO Hydro Netball Opening and Closing Ceremonies
The OVO Hydro on Exhibition Way sits on the south bank of the River Clyde approximately 1.5 miles from Glasgow city centre. It is the most central of all four Games venue clusters and the most straightforward to reach from city centre hotels and transport hubs. The Hydro hosts the Opening Ceremony on 23 July which is notable as the first indoor Opening Ceremony in Commonwealth Games history and the Closing Ceremony on 2 August. Netball runs across the full 10 days of the Games at this venue.
Because of its central location the OVO Hydro is the easiest venue to reach quickly. Raz Hire transfers from the city centre to the Hydro take as little as 5 minutes in light traffic making it ideal for last minute bookings or spectators attending multiple sessions across the day. The Clydeside pickup zone for post-event collection is well established and Raz Hire drivers know exactly where to meet you after the ceremony or final whistle.
| Pickup Location | Journey to OVO Hydro | Notes |
| Glasgow City Centre | Approximately 1.5 miles | 5 to 12 minutes closest venue to centre |
| Glasgow Airport | Approximately 9 miles | Airport transfer direct to venue |
| West End Glasgow | Approximately 2 miles | 8 to 12 minutes |
| South Side Glasgow | Approximately 3 miles | 10 to 15 minutes |
| Edinburgh City Centre | Approximately 50 miles | Intercity fixed price transfer |
SEC Centre and SEC Armadillo Boxing Bowls Basketball Judo and Weightlifting
The Scottish Event Campus complex on Exhibition Way sits directly beside the OVO Hydro on the Clydeside making it the most multi sport venue cluster of Glasgow 2026. The SEC Centre hosts Boxing from 25 July to 1 August, 3×3 Basketball from 24 to 29 July, Lawn Bowls across the full 10 days, and Judo from 25 to 27 July. The SEC Armadillo next door stages Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting from 24 to 27 July.
The Armadillo is also where Games ambassador Sam Heughan performs at the first medal session on 24 July making it a particularly high profile venue from the opening day of competition. The SEC campus is shared with major conference and concert events meaning the surrounding area is busy on most days of the Games week. Raz Hire covers all SEC venues with the same fixed price private hire service as every other Games location.
| Pickup Location | Journey to SEC Campus | Notes |
| Glasgow City Centre | Approximately 1.5 miles | 5 to 12 minutes same cluster as Hydro |
| Glasgow Airport | Approximately 9 miles | Airport transfer direct to SEC entrance |
| West End Glasgow | Approximately 2 miles | 8 to 12 minutes |
| South Side Glasgow | Approximately 3 miles | 10 to 15 minutes |
| Edinburgh City Centre | Approximately 50 miles | Intercity fixed price transfer |
Glasgow Airport Private Hire for Commonwealth Games 2026
Thousands of spectators are flying into Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games from across the UK, Europe, and further afield. Glasgow Airport sits approximately 8 miles west of the city centre and is the main point of arrival for international Games visitors. Raz Hire provides fixed price airport private hire transfers from Glasgow Airport to every Games venue and every hotel across the city.
The Raz Hire Glasgow airport transfer service covers everything from your first moment at arrivals. Your driver monitors your incoming flight in real time so they are at the terminal whether you land early on time or delayed. You walk out of customs and your driver is there with your name on a board ready to take you directly to your hotel or straight to a venue if your session starts the same day.
For return journeys back to Glasgow Airport after the Games your driver picks you up from your hotel or accommodation and takes you directly to your departure terminal. The fixed fare is confirmed when you book so there are no surprises on the day.
| Transfer from Glasgow Airport | Approximate Distance | Key Detail |
| Glasgow Airport to City Centre Hotels | 8 miles | Meet and greet fixed fare flight tracked |
| Glasgow Airport to OVO Hydro or SEC | 9 miles | Direct to venue on session day |
| Glasgow Airport to Scotstoun Stadium | 10 miles | Pre-book essential on Athletics days |
| Glasgow Airport to Tollcross Swimming | 12 miles | East end direct transfer |
| Glasgow Airport to Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome | 11 miles | East end direct transfer |
Airport Transfer Booking Raz Hire recommends 24 hours notice for airport pickups. For Commonwealth Games week from 23 July to 2 August book your Glasgow airport transfer as early as possible. This is the busiest airport transfer period Glasgow has seen since 2014 and availability is limited.
Edinburgh Airport and Intercity Private Hire to Glasgow 2026
Edinburgh Airport handles a large share of UK and international arrivals for Scotland and many Commonwealth Games spectators will land there rather than at Glasgow. Edinburgh Airport is approximately 50 miles east of Glasgow city centre which is around 55 to 65 minutes by private hire on the M8 motorway. Raz Hire provides fixed price intercity transfers from Edinburgh Airport directly to Glasgow city centre hotels or any Games venue.
Travelling by train from Edinburgh Airport involves getting to Waverley Station then taking a ScotRail service to Glasgow Queen Street or Central with luggage in tow on a busy route during Games week. A pre-booked Raz Hire intercity private hire removes every one of those steps. Your driver meets you at Edinburgh Airport arrivals and takes you directly to your Glasgow destination in one comfortable vehicle with no changes.
Raz Hire also covers intercity transfers for spectators based in Edinburgh who want to travel to Glasgow for day sessions and return the same evening. This is a popular arrangement for people attending Athletics at Scotstoun or Swimming at Tollcross without needing to stay overnight in Glasgow.
Taxi to Metallica Glasgow 2026 Raz Hire Private Hire to Hampden Park
Glasgow 2026 is not the only major event Raz Hire is covering this summer. Metallica played Barclays Hampden Park on 25 June 2026 bringing over 50000 fans to Scotland’s national stadium just four weeks before the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony. Raz Hire provided private hire transfers to Hampden Park for Metallica night covering city centre pickups, Glasgow Airport transfers for fans flying in, Edinburgh intercity runs, and group rides for multiple people travelling together.
The transport challenges for Metallica at Hampden are well documented on the Raz Hire blog. No general public parking at the stadium, event night road closures around Mount Florida, and post-show rideshare surge pricing that made pre-booked fixed price private hire the only sensible option for tens of thousands of fans. The Raz Hire Metallica Glasgow 2026 guide covers all of this in detail and the same approach applies directly to Commonwealth Games sessions across all four venues. Pre-book. Fix your price. Travel without stress.
If you attended Metallica at Hampden Park on 25 June and used Raz Hire you already know the quality of service we provide for major Glasgow events. The Commonwealth Games is the next chapter of that same Glasgow 2026 summer and Raz Hire is ready for every session from opening ceremony to closing night.
Summer 2026 with Raz Hire Metallica in June and Commonwealth Games from 23 July through to 2 August means Glasgow has the two biggest events of the decade back to back. Contact Raz Hire on 0141 212 0850 to arrange all your summer transport in one conversation.
Group Private Hire for Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026
Many spectators attending the Commonwealth Games are travelling in groups. Families with children, groups of friends who have been planning this for months, work colleagues combining a sporting trip with a team day out. Raz Hire covers groups of all sizes with vehicles that keep everyone together in one ride.
The Raz Hire MPV carries up to 6 passengers with 5 bags making it the most practical option for groups heading to any Games venue. Everyone arrives at the same time, there is one fixed fare split across the group, and the driver coordinates the pickup and return for the whole party. No splitting into multiple cabs. No waiting for everyone to reassemble at a busy venue exit after an evening session.
For groups larger than 6 Raz Hire coordinates multiple vehicles travelling together so every member of the party arrives and departs in sync. Contact the team on 0141 212 0850 or send a WhatsApp message to arrange group bookings for specific session dates.
- Groups of 2 to 4 people use the Saloon or Saloon Plus
- Groups of 4 to 6 people use the MPV which carries 6 passengers and 5 bags
- Groups of 7 or more are covered by coordinated multiple vehicles
Full Raz Hire Services for Commonwealth Games Visitors
Raz Hire provides a complete range of private hire services for everyone travelling to and around Glasgow during Commonwealth Games 2026. Here is a full overview of what is available:
Glasgow Taxi Service covers all private hire journeys across the city from short local trips to cross city transfers between Games venues. Available 24 hours a day seven days a week with fixed fares and no hidden charges.
Airport Transfer covers Glasgow Airport and Edinburgh Airport with meet and greet flight monitoring and fixed fares to any destination across Glasgow or central Scotland. Every major UK airport is also covered for longer distance arrivals.
Edinburgh Taxi Services covers private hire across Edinburgh city including intercity runs to Glasgow for spectators basing themselves in the capital and travelling to Games sessions by day.
Raz Local covers short distance private hire within Glasgow from as little as 6 pounds for quick local rides between venues hotels and restaurants during the Games period.
Long Distance Private Hire covers transfers from Glasgow to any destination across the UK including London Manchester Birmingham Aberdeen and Inverness with fixed fares agreed before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions Raz Hire Private Hire to Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026
Which Commonwealth Games venue is easiest to reach from Glasgow city centre?
The OVO Hydro and SEC complex on the Clydeside are the closest venues at approximately 1.5 miles from the city centre. A Raz Hire private hire transfer takes 5 to 12 minutes from central Glasgow hotels.
Can I get a private hire from Glasgow Airport to Commonwealth Games venues?
Yes. Raz Hire covers direct airport transfers from Glasgow Airport to every Games venue. Your driver monitors your flight in real time and meets you in arrivals. Book at least 24 hours in advance for airport pickups during Games week.
Does Raz Hire cover Edinburgh Airport transfers to Glasgow for the Games?
Yes. Raz Hire provides fixed price intercity private hire from Edinburgh Airport to Glasgow city centre hotels and all four Games venue clusters. The journey is approximately 50 miles and takes 55 to 65 minutes depending on motorway conditions.
What is the best vehicle for a group of 5 or 6 attending the Commonwealth Games?
The Raz Hire MPV carries up to 6 passengers with 5 bags and is the most practical group vehicle for Games sessions. One fixed fare shared between the group. Contact Raz Hire on 0141 212 0850 to arrange group bookings.
Does Raz Hire charge surge pricing on busy Games session nights?
No. All Raz Hire fares are fixed and agreed at the time of booking. There is no surge pricing, no late night premium, and no additional charges for busy event periods. The price quoted is the price paid.
How do I book a Raz Hire private hire for Commonwealth Games sessions?
Call or WhatsApp 0141 212 0850 any time day or night. Raz Hire is available 24 hours a day seven days a week. You can also email bookings@razhire.co.uk. Booking confirmation is sent immediately and driver details are shared ahead of every journey.
How far in advance should I book for Commonwealth Games sessions?
Book as early as possible. For the Opening Ceremony on 23 July and Athletics Finals on 1 August book at least 7 days in advance. For other sessions 3 to 5 days notice is recommended. July and August 2026 is the busiest private hire period Glasgow has seen in over a decade.