Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026 Your Ultimate Visitor Guide
The Commonwealth Games return to Glasgow from 23 July to 2 August 2026, bringing world class sport, international visitors and a festival atmosphere to Scotland’s largest city. If you are planning a trip to Glasgow in summer 2026, this guide covers everything you need to know, from venues and transport to ticket planning and ideas for extending your stay beyond the Games.
Dates and what to expect
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will run for eleven days from Thursday 23 July to Sunday 2 August. Around three thousand athletes from Commonwealth nations and territories will compete across ten sports, including six fully integrated Para sports.
One of the defining features of Glasgow 2026 is its compact layout. All competition venues sit within a short distance of the city centre, making it easy for visitors to attend multiple events while enjoying the city itself. The result is a lively, walkable Games experience with sport, culture and entertainment happening side by side.
Key venues across the city
Scottish Event Campus
The Scottish Event Campus will be one of the main hubs of the Games. It will host events such as netball at the Hydro alongside boxing, bowls, judo and three by three basketball. The SEC is located on the River Clyde and is well connected by train, bus and walking routes from the city centre.
Scotstoun Stadium
Scotstoun Stadium will host athletics and Para athletics, including some of the most anticipated moments of the Games. The venue sits in Glasgow’s west end and is easily accessible by public transport or on foot from nearby neighbourhoods.
Tollcross International Swimming Centre
Swimming and Para swimming events will take place at Tollcross, a venue with a long history of hosting elite competition. Expect a high energy atmosphere and strong local support throughout the Games.
Emirates Arena and Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome
Track cycling, artistic gymnastics and additional indoor sports will be held at the Emirates Arena and Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome. Purpose built for international competition, this venue offers excellent spectator facilities and straightforward transport links.
Getting to Glasgow and moving around during the Games
Arriving in Glasgow
Most international visitors will arrive via Glasgow Airport, located around fifteen to twenty minutes from the city centre. Taxis, private transfers and express bus services provide simple and reliable connections into the city.
Public transport during the Games
Glasgow has an integrated public transport network that makes moving between venues straightforward.
Trains connect central Glasgow with venues such as the Scottish Event Campus and Scotstoun Stadium quickly and frequently. The Subway offers a circular route through the city and is useful for reaching areas near the Emirates Arena. Buses operate across the entire city and day tickets are a cost effective option for visitors attending multiple events.
Transport is not included with event tickets, so visitors should plan journeys in advance and allow additional time during peak competition hours.
Walking and active travel
Many venues are within comfortable walking distance of the city centre. Glasgow is also investing in active travel routes, making cycling and walking an enjoyable way to explore the city between events.
Ticket planning advice
Tickets for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games are being released in phases, starting with priority access for local residents followed by general public sales. Session prices are designed to be accessible, with concessions available for certain groups.
Popular events such as athletics finals and swimming sessions are expected to sell out quickly. Visitors planning to attend multiple events should secure tickets early and keep an eye on the official Games ticketing platform for updates.
Experiencing Glasgow beyond the sport
Glasgow is known for its friendly atmosphere, creative energy and rich cultural scene. Between competitions, visitors can explore world class museums, historic architecture, independent shops and an excellent food and drink scene.
During the Games, the city will host additional cultural events, live performances and outdoor celebrations, creating a summer festival atmosphere across public spaces and neighbourhoods.
Extend your trip with a Highland experience
For many visitors, the Commonwealth Games are the starting point of a wider Scottish adventure. Glasgow is the perfect gateway to the Highlands, Loch Lomond, whisky regions and historic landscapes that define Scotland beyond the city.
Our private tour team can help you extend your stay with tailored experiences before, during or after the Games. Whether you are looking for a scenic day trip, a multi day Highland journey or a fully bespoke itinerary built around your event schedule, we can take care of the planning and logistics.
Get in touch with our Highland Experience private tour team to create a seamless Scotland journey around the Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026.
Extend your trip with a Highland experience
For many visitors, the Commonwealth Games are the starting point of a wider Scottish adventure. Glasgow is the perfect gateway to the Highlands, Loch Lomond, Scotland’s whisky regions and the historic landscapes that define the country beyond the city.
Our private tour team can help you extend your stay with tailored experiences before, during or after the Games. Whether you are looking for a scenic day trip, a multi day Highland journey or a fully bespoke itinerary built around your event schedule, we take care of the planning and logistics so you can focus on the experience.
If you prefer a ready made option, you can also explore our scheduled small-group tours departing from Glasgow, which offer an easy and flexible way to experience the Highlands, iconic scenery and local culture around your time at the Games.
Get in touch with our Highland Experience private tour team to create a seamless Scotland journey around the Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026.
