Glasgow’s big. Like, actually big. Whether you’re flitting between the West End and the city centre, racing to make your train at Queen Street, or catching a red-eye from Glasgow Airport, a decent taxi can save you hours — and anxiety.
I’ve tried everything over the years: black cabs, local companies, app-based rides, the occasional “my mate’s a driver” situation. Some were brilliant. Some… less so. So here is your straight-up guide to catching a taxi in Glasgow — one informed by many real journeys, a small number of missed trains, and one or two too many late-night takeaways.
🚖 Top Glasgow Taxi Services
| Company | Booking Options | Price Range | My Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glasgow Taxis | 📞 Call / 🌐 Web | ££ | ✅ Big fleet, reliable, city-wide |
| Hampden Cabs | 📞 Call / 🌐 Web | ££ | 👍 Great for Southside, polite drivers |
| Network Private Hire | 📞 Call / 🌐 Web | £–££ | ⚖️ Budget-friendly, sometimes patchy |
| Uber | 📱 App Only | £–£££ | ⚠️ Convenient, but surge pricing is real |
| Gett / Bolt | 📱 App Only | £–££ | ✔️ Good alternatives if Uber’s acting up |
1. Glasgow Taxis – The Big Dogs
You’ve encountered their black cabs everywhere — they’re iconic for a reason. The city’s largest fleet belongs to Glasgow Taxis, which typically arrives quickly. You can book over the phone, on the website or through their app, and the drivers know every shortcut and one-way system in the city.
Best for:
- Airport transfers
- Night outs in town
- Business trips or visitors
2. Hampden Cabs – The Best of Southside
If you’re anywhere close to Shawlands, Govanhill, or Cathcart, Hampden Cabs is a local gem. They aren’t as glamorous as the big city firms, but the drivers are reliably decent, the cars are clean and they get the job done. Bonus points if you’re going to Hampden Park on a match day — they know all the tricks.
Best for:
- Southside locals
- Football matches or events
- Polite, chill drivers
3. Network Private Hire – Lower Fares, But Mixed Results
Network’s been offering them for a while, and they’re often cheaper than the big names — ideal for shorter local runs or if budgets are tight. It should be noted that availability can be hit or miss, particularly on weekends, so plan B accordingly.
Best for:
- Budget-conscious trips
- Off-peak rides
- Short-distance bookings
4. Uber — Convenient … When It’s Not Surging
Yes, Uber is here and thriving in Glasgow — and super convenient if you like booking via an app. The problem? Surge pricing. On a rainy Saturday night (ie every Saturday in Glasgow), prices can treble. Drivers are generally fine, but don’t expect the same car twice.
Best for:
- App lovers
- Cashless payments
- When you can’t get a local cab
5. Gett / Bolt – The Under the Radar Options
If Uber’s surcharging, try Gett or Bolt. They’re not ubiquitous, but they’re growing in popularity in Glasgow. Prices are often competitive, and you may get a better deal at crowded times. Good to have these apps on back up.
Best for:
- Uber backups
- App-only users
- Price comparisons on the fly
So, Which Type of Glasgow Taxi Should You Take?
- For reliability & reach: Glasgow Taxis
- A Southside option: Hampden Cabs
- For lower-cost rides (where available): Network
- For app convenience: Uber / Bolt / Gett
- For airport runs & special pickups: Book ahead with Glasgow Taxis or Hampden
Glasgow’s great, but it’s a sprawling, bustling city, always on the go. If you’ve got two or three taxi options in your contacts (or apps on your phone), you’re never stuck, whatever the weather or the hour.