Visitor Guide

Planning to watch Glasgow 2026 in person? Everything an Indian fan needs to know โ€” tickets, visa, getting there, staying there, and making the most of 11 days in Scotland.

Entry

Tickets

Tickets are on sale now via the official Glasgow 2026 portal. Buy only through official channels to avoid scams. Every ticket includes a Games Travel Pass โ€” free travel on buses, Glasgow Subway and ScotRail trains on that day.

Concession

ยฃ12 / session

  • Under 16s and over 60s
  • Disabled spectators
  • Qualifying proof required
  • Games Travel Pass included

Non-Medal Session

ยฃ17 / session

  • Heats, qualifying rounds
  • Often longer sessions
  • Great for watching volume of sport
  • Games Travel Pass included

Best value for casual fans wanting lots of sport

Medal Session

ยฃ27+ / session

  • Finals and medal ceremonies
  • Evening sessions, best atmosphere
  • Includes medal ceremony
  • Games Travel Pass included

โš ๏ธ 1 August (44 medals) will sell out fast

Ceremonies

Varies

  • Opening: 23 July โ€” OVO Hydro
  • Closing: 2 August โ€” OVO Hydro
  • Closing includes Ahmedabad 2030 handover
  • Priced higher than sport sessions

Closing ceremony extra special for Indian fans

Book official tickets at: www.glasgow2026.com/tickets โ€” Do not buy from third-party resellers or social media. Session schedules are on the official site and are subject to change.

Entry Requirements

UK Visa for Indian Citizens

โš ๏ธ Important: Indian nationals are NOT eligible for the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). You must apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa well in advance of travel. Apply at least 8โ€“12 weeks before your travel date.

1

Check your passport validity

Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the UK. Ensure at least 6 months validity beyond your travel dates to avoid any issues.

2

Apply for UK Standard Visitor Visa

Apply online at the official UK government website (gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa). Check current UK Standard Visitor Visa fees before applying. You will need a biometric appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre in India (available in major cities).

3

Documents to prepare

Valid passport, bank statements (last 3โ€“6 months), proof of accommodation in Glasgow, return flight tickets, your Glasgow 2026 ticket booking confirmation, employer/business letter, income tax returns, and travel insurance.

4

Attend biometric appointment

You must attend in person at a VFS Global or TLScontact centre. Fingerprints and photograph are taken. Processing typically takes 3โ€“8 weeks, though priority services are available at extra cost.

5

Collect your visa and travel

Once approved, the visa vignette is placed in your passport. Carry your ticket confirmation, accommodation bookings and return tickets when entering the UK โ€” border officers may ask for them.

* Visa rules can change. Always verify the latest requirements at gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa.

Travel

Flights from India to Glasgow

Main Airports

Glasgow Int'l (GLA)Primary. 15 min to city centre.
Edinburgh (EDI)50 min to Glasgow by train. Often cheaper.
Manchester (MAN)Direct India flights. 2.5 hr train to Glasgow.
London (LHR/LGW)Most direct flights from India. 1 hr flight or 5 hr train to Glasgow.

Routes from India

Mumbai (BOM)Via London, Manchester, Dubai, Amsterdam
Delhi (DEL)Most connections. Via London (Air India direct), Dubai, Amsterdam
Ahmedabad (AMD)Via Mumbai/Delhi connections or Emirates via Dubai
Bengaluru (BLR)Via London, Amsterdam, Dubai
Typical fareโ‚น60,000โ€“โ‚น1,50,000 return during Games period
Book early: Glasgow 2026 runs in peak summer. Flights and hotels fill up rapidly. The earlier you book after visa approval, the lower the fares. Aim to book by Aprilโ€“May 2026 at the latest.

Where to Stay

Accommodation in Glasgow

Unlike previous Games, there is no Athletes' Village โ€” athletes stay in hotels. This means the city's hotel stock is split between athletes/officials and fans. Book as soon as possible.

Best Areas to Stay

City CentreBest transport links to all 4 venues. Hotels fill up first.
West EndCloser to Scotstoun Stadium (Athletics). More residential feel.
SouthsideNear Pollokshields for Tollcross (Swimming). Often cheaper.
SEC AreaWalking distance to SEC campus (Weightlifting, Boxing, Ceremonies).
Airbnb/serviced aptsCan be good value for multi-day stays. Book directly on Airbnb or Booking.com

Budget Guide (July 2026)

Budget (hostel)ยฃ40โ€“70 / night (~โ‚น4,200โ€“7,400)
Mid-range (3โ˜…)ยฃ100โ€“180 / night (~โ‚น10,500โ€“19,000)
Premium (4โ˜…)ยฃ180โ€“300 / night (~โ‚น19,000โ€“31,500)
Luxury (5โ˜…)ยฃ300+ / night (~โ‚น31,500+)
Edinburgh optionOften 20โ€“30% cheaper; 50 min by train

Transport

Getting Around Glasgow

Your event ticket includes a Games Travel Pass โ€” free travel on Glasgow Subway, local buses, and ScotRail trains on competition day. This is a significant saving and makes multi-venue days very practical.

๐Ÿš‡

Glasgow Subway

The "Clockwork Orange" โ€” one of the world's oldest underground railways. Connects the city centre to the West End. Useful for getting to Scotstoun (Athletics) area. Covered by Games Travel Pass.

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Local Buses

Glasgow's bus network is extensive. All venues are well-served. Games shuttle buses will also run between venues on busy days. All covered by your Games Travel Pass.

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ScotRail Trains

Useful if staying in Edinburgh or beyond. Trains run regularly between Edinburgh and Glasgow (50 min). ScotRail services covered by Games Travel Pass.

๐Ÿš–

Taxis & Uber

Widely available. Uber operates in Glasgow. Black cabs available outside all major venues. Costs will be higher during peak Games days โ€” allow extra time.

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Walking

The SEC Campus venues (Weightlifting, Boxing, Bowls, Basketball, Ceremonies) are all within walking distance of each other. City centre to SEC is ~25 min walk along the Clyde.

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All within 8 Miles

All four venues sit within an 8-mile corridor. It's realistically possible to catch events at more than one venue in a single day โ€” plan your day around the schedule.

Climate

Glasgow Weather in Late July / August

Glasgow in July and August is mild โ€” pleasant by Scottish standards but very different from India. Pack layers and always carry a light rain jacket.

๐ŸŒก๏ธ

15โ€“21ยฐC

Typical daytime high

๐ŸŒ™

10โ€“13ยฐC

Night temperature

๐ŸŒง๏ธ

~12 days

Rain days in July

โ˜€๏ธ

~6 hrs

Sunshine per day

๐ŸŒฌ๏ธ

Breezy

Wind is common

๐Ÿ•™

10pm

Sunset time (BST)

What to pack: Light waterproof jacket (essential), layers (mornings and evenings are cool), comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen (it does get sunny!), small umbrella. All indoor venues are heated/air-conditioned. IST is UTC+5:30, BST is UTC+1 โ€” Games events start at very comfortable evening viewing hours for Indian TV audiences.

Insider Advice

Fan Tips for Indian Visitors

๐Ÿ“ฑ

Get a UK SIM or eSIM

Buy a prepaid UK SIM (Giffgaff, EE, Lebara) at the airport or pre-order an eSIM before leaving India. Data is essential for ticket scanning, maps, and Games updates. Roaming from Indian networks is expensive.

๐Ÿ’ท

Currency โ€” Pound Sterling

Scotland uses pound sterling (GBP). Carry a mix of cash and a card. Revolut or Wise multi-currency cards give good exchange rates. ATMs are widely available. Most venues are cashless.

๐Ÿ›

Indian Food in Glasgow

Great news โ€” Glasgow has an excellent Indian restaurant scene, particularly along Shettleston Road and in the South Side. The city is actually famous for its curry culture. You won't struggle to find good Indian food.

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ

Multi-Session Planning

Book Weightlifting (India's best medal hope) and Athletics sessions around 28โ€“30 July for maximum India action. The Closing Ceremony on 2 August is a must for Indian fans โ€” it includes the handover to Ahmedabad 2030.

๐ŸŸ๏ธ

Arrive Early at Venues

Bag check queues can be long, especially at the SEC and Scotstoun. Arrive at least 45 min before session start. No large bags allowed โ€” check venue entry rules when booking.

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Watching from India โ€” TV

Glasgow 2026 coverage is confirmed on TNT Sports (UK), included in all HBO Max packages. Indian broadcast rights expected to be with DD Sports and a major sports network. Check nearer the time for Indian streaming options.

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ

Wear Your Colours!

Indian fans are warmly welcomed. Tricolour jerseys, Indian flag, and "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" chants are always heard at weightlifting and athletics sessions. The more vocal the Indian contingent, the better the atmosphere!

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Explore Glasgow Beyond the Games

Glasgow has world-class museums (Kelvingrove is free), the West End food scene, and the nearby Scottish Highlands within day-trip distance. Build in an extra day or two โ€” it's well worth it.

After Glasgow โ€” Ahmedabad 2030

The Closing Ceremony on 2 August will officially hand the Commonwealth Games to India. The Centenary Games in Ahmedabad 2030 will be India's biggest-ever sporting event โ€” host to the full programme and the entire Commonwealth.

Explore CWG 2030 Ahmedabad โ†’