Getting to Know the Glasgow 2026 Venues
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place across just four main venues, all positioned within an eight-mile corridor running from the west end of Glasgow to the east end. That compact layout should make the Games considerably easier to navigate than many previous multi-city sporting events, although spectators will still need to plan carefully when attending sessions at different venues on the same day.
This guide looks at each venue individually, covering the sports being held there, the nearest railway station, approximate walking times and the main transport restrictions expected during the Games. Although the venues are spread across Glasgow, all four can be reached by public transport, and organisers are strongly encouraging spectators to leave the car at home.
That advice is worth taking seriously. General public parking will be extremely limited or completely unavailable around several venues, while temporary road closures, one-way systems and no-stopping restrictions will affect taxis and private vehicles throughout the event. Travelling by train, Subway or bus will usually be simpler than attempting to drive close to the entrance.
The Scottish Event Campus is the easiest venue for visitors staying in the city centre or Finnieston, while Scotstoun Stadium is in the west end. The Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Arena and Tollcross International Swimming Centre are both in Glasgow’s east end, making journey planning particularly important when combining events at opposite ends of the city.
This page focuses specifically on the venues and how to reach them. For tickets, dates and the complete sports programme, our dedicated Commonwealth Games Glasgow guide provides the wider overview.
| Venue | Sports | Nearest Station | Walk | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scottish Event Campus (SEC) | Boxing, Bowls, Para Bowls, Judo, 3×3 Basketball, Weightlifting, Para Powerlifting, Netball, Opening Ceremony | Exhibition Centre | 4 mins | Watching multiple sports in one day |
| Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome & Arena | Artistic Gymnastics, Track Cycling, Para Track Cycling | Dalmarnock | 10 mins | Indoor events and cycling |
| Tollcross International Swimming Centre | Swimming, Para Swimming | Carntyne | 14 mins | Swimming sessions and medal finals |
| Scotstoun Stadium | Athletics, Para Athletics | Scotstounhill | 8–10 mins | Track and field events |
What Has Changed Since Glasgow 2014?
Visitors who attended the 2014 Commonwealth Games should not assume that Glasgow 2026 will follow the same venue plan. This is a noticeably smaller and more concentrated edition of the Games, with ten sports taking place across four venues, rather than the much larger network of arenas and competition sites used in 2014.
The most significant change is the absence of Hampden Park. Scotland’s national football stadium was dramatically converted into an athletics venue for the 2014 Games, with a raised track installed above the existing pitch. For 2026, athletics and para athletics have moved to the newly redeveloped Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow’s west end.
There is also no dedicated hockey venue in the 2026 programme, while several other sports and locations associated with the previous Games are not returning. The reduced format has been deliberately designed around facilities Glasgow already has, helping to avoid the cost and disruption of constructing temporary venues across the city.
The change should make the event easier for many spectators to navigate, particularly at the Scottish Event Campus, where several sports will take place within the same complex. However, memories of travelling around Glasgow during the 2014 Games may not be especially useful when planning this edition. Venue assignments, transport arrangements and even parts of the sports programme have changed considerably.
This guide should therefore be treated as the current reference for Glasgow 2026 venue travel. Our separate How to Get to Hampden Park guide remains useful for Scotland football fixtures, concerts and other events held there outside the Commonwealth Games.
Scottish Event Campus
The Scottish Event Campus, usually shortened to the SEC, will be the busiest and most varied venue complex of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Three separate buildings within the campus will host competitions, allowing spectators to see several different sports without travelling across the city.
The SEC Armadillo will host weightlifting and para powerlifting, while the exhibition halls inside the SEC Centre will be used for boxing, bowls, para bowls, judo and 3×3 basketball. The neighbouring OVO Hydro will stage the netball competition and the opening ceremony on 23 July 2026.
The nearest railway station is Exhibition Centre, located around a four-minute walk from the heart of the campus. Trains run regularly from Glasgow Central, and the short covered walkway between the station and the SEC makes this the most conveniently connected of the four Games venues.
Even so, the area is likely to become extremely busy before and after major sessions. Crowding will be particularly noticeable around the opening ceremony, evening netball matches and days when events are taking place simultaneously in all three buildings. Arriving early will give you time to pass through security and locate the correct hall without rushing.
Drivers should be aware that Stobcross Road will close to traffic on 23 and 24 July, with further restrictions continuing until 2 August. Taxis and rideshares may also have designated drop-off points farther from the entrances.
The surrounding Finnieston neighbourhood is packed with restaurants, bars and hotels, making it one of the best areas to stay for SEC events. Our Where to Stay in Glasgow guide covers the district in more detail.
Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Arena
The venue formerly known as the Emirates Arena has been renamed the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Arena, honouring Scotland’s six-time Olympic cycling champion and one of the country’s most successful athletes.
During Glasgow 2026, the arena will host artistic gymnastics from 24 to 28 July, followed by track cycling and para track cycling from 30 July to 2 August. The combination of an indoor arena and international-standard velodrome makes it one of the most important sporting facilities in Glasgow’s east end.
The nearest railway station is Dalmarnock, approximately a ten-minute walk from the venue. Regular services connect Dalmarnock with central Glasgow, but trains and platforms are likely to become heavily congested immediately before and after popular finals. Leaving a little earlier than strictly necessary will make the journey far less stressful.
A significant road closure will operate between Nuneaton Street and Clyde Gateway from 22 July until 2 August, affecting private vehicles, taxis and some local bus services. Anyone being dropped off near the arena should check the latest designated access points on the day rather than relying on normal routes.
The arena is close to Celtic Park and the wider Parkhead and Dalmarnock area. This part of Glasgow receives fewer leisure visitors than the city centre or west end, so first-time visitors should allow extra time to find the correct entrance and become familiar with the walking route from the station.
For journeys involving more than one venue, our Glasgow Public Transport Guide explains the suburban rail, bus and Subway networks in detail. The Subway does not travel directly to the arena, so most spectators will find the train to Dalmarnock the simplest option.
Tollcross International Swimming Centre
The Tollcross International Swimming Centre will once again take centre stage during the Commonwealth Games, hosting both swimming and para swimming from 24 to 29 July 2026. As one of Scotland’s premier aquatic venues, it has staged major international competitions for many years and is expected to attract some of the largest crowds of the entire Games.
Swimming has traditionally been one of the Commonwealth Games’ biggest draws, with morning heats followed by evening finals that regularly produce medal-winning performances and packed spectator sessions. If you have tickets for an evening final, expect the area around the venue to become particularly busy in the hour before competition begins.
The nearest railway station is Carntyne, located around a 14-minute walk from the entrance. This is the longest station-to-venue walk of all four Commonwealth Games venues, so it’s worth allowing a little extra time, especially if you’re travelling with children or arriving shortly before your session starts.
Several temporary transport measures will also be in place throughout the Games. The eastbound bus stop near Wellshot Road will be suspended from 22 July until 2 August, while temporary one-way systems and traffic restrictions will affect surrounding roads. Checking your route on the morning of your visit is recommended, as some bus services may use alternative stopping points.
If walking from Carntyne station isn’t suitable, a taxi or rideshare for the final part of the journey can be a sensible option, particularly after evening sessions when fatigue begins to set in.
Despite being slightly less convenient than some of the other venues, Tollcross International Swimming Centre remains straightforward to reach by public transport and should present few difficulties if you allow enough time for the final walk.
Latest from Rupert on Instagram
Follow Rupert's latest train journeys, destination discoveries, travel apps and behind-the-scenes adventures from AppSavvyTraveller.
Scotstoun Stadium
One of the biggest changes for Glasgow 2026 is that Scotstoun Stadium becomes the new home of athletics and para athletics, replacing Hampden Park, which hosted the track and field events during the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Located at 112 Danes Drive in Glasgow’s west end, Scotstoun has undergone a major redevelopment specifically for the Games, with an upgraded athletics track and enhanced spectator facilities designed to host one of the event’s flagship sports.
Competition takes place between 27 July and 1 August, with morning qualifying sessions followed by evening finals expected to draw large crowds. As athletics remains one of the most popular events of any Commonwealth Games, spectators should expect busy trains and queues during peak arrival and departure times.
The nearest railway station is Scotstounhill, approximately an 8 to 10-minute walk from the stadium. Regular ScotRail services provide convenient links with Glasgow Central, Glasgow Queen Street and Partick, making this one of the better-connected venues despite its suburban location.
Unlike previous athletics venues, there is no public parking available during the Games. Danes Drive will operate under temporary traffic restrictions, including eastbound-only access and extensive no-stopping zones between 22 July and 2 August, making public transport by far the easiest way to reach the stadium.
One advantage of Scotstoun’s location is its proximity to Glasgow Airport, which lies around 6.5 miles away. Visitors flying in specifically for an athletics session may find this the quickest venue to reach directly from the airport before continuing into the city afterwards.
For full journey options, our Glasgow Airport Transfers Guide explains every available route into the city.
AppSavvyTraveller.com
More from our travel archive
Keep exploring with related guides
Choose a destination or travel topic to discover more practical guides from our own travel archive.
Explore related topics
Browse the wider collection
Travelling Between Commonwealth Games Venues
Although the four competition venues are relatively close together by Glasgow standards, they are not all connected by the Subway, meaning you’ll usually need a combination of rail, bus or Subway services when travelling between events.
It’s also important to remember that Commonwealth Games tickets do not include public transport. Every spectator will need a separate valid ticket for each journey, whether travelling by train, bus or Subway.
The Glasgow Subway remains one of the easiest ways to move around the city centre, with single fares from £1.80 and daily fare caps helping to keep travel costs low. For longer journeys to venues such as Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Centre and the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, ScotRail services are generally the quickest option.
During the Games, ScotRail has suspended peak fares, making train travel more affordable throughout the event. Even so, you’ll still need to purchase a valid ticket before boarding.
If you’re attending sessions at more than one venue on the same day, don’t assume that travelling between them will be quick. Moving from the SEC in the west end to Tollcross in the east, for example, usually involves changing trains or combining rail with other public transport rather than making a simple direct journey.
Because temporary road closures and traffic restrictions will affect every venue throughout the Games, travelling by public transport is almost always faster and considerably less stressful than driving. Spending a few minutes checking journey times before leaving your accommodation can save a great deal of unnecessary rushing later in the day.
For detailed ticket information and route planning, see our comprehensive Glasgow Public Transport Guide.
Accessibility Across the Venues
All four Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games venues have been designed to accommodate spectators with a wide range of accessibility requirements, with accessible seating, step-free routes and dedicated facilities available throughout the event.
While general public parking is either extremely limited or unavailable at most venues, Blue Badge parking will be provided at selected locations for eligible visitors. As spaces are expected to be limited, anyone requiring accessible parking should check the latest guidance before travelling.
Public transport has also become increasingly accessible. Many stations on the Glasgow Subway now provide step-free access, although not every station offers identical facilities. Our dedicated Glasgow Subway Guide explains accessibility station by station, making it easier to choose the most suitable route.
The nearest railway stations for each venue – Exhibition Centre, Dalmarnock, Carntyne and Scotstounhill – generally provide accessible routes to platforms, although temporary crowd management measures may slightly alter normal access arrangements during busy periods.
Visitors with specific mobility or accessibility requirements are encouraged to contact the relevant venue before travelling, particularly if assistance is required on arrival or during the event. Individual facilities can vary between the three buildings that make up the Scottish Event Campus, while the single-purpose venues each have slightly different layouts and access arrangements.
With a little forward planning, Glasgow 2026 should be accessible for the vast majority of spectators, allowing everyone to enjoy the Games with confidence.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Although the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games are taking place on a much smaller scale than in 2014, there’s still plenty of opportunity to turn your visit into a memorable city break rather than simply attending a sporting event.
If you’re lucky enough to have tickets for several sports, it’s worth grouping them by location where possible. The Scottish Event Campus (SEC) is by far the easiest venue for a multi-sport day, with several competitions taking place across three adjoining buildings. Instead of travelling across Glasgow between every session, you can often watch two or even three sports without leaving the complex.
Visitors heading to the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome or Tollcross International Swimming Centre shouldn’t rush straight back to the city centre afterwards. Glasgow’s east end has changed dramatically over the past decade, with new public spaces, cafés and attractions making it well worth exploring if you have a few spare hours between events.
If you’re attending athletics at Scotstoun Stadium, consider spending some time in Glasgow’s vibrant West End either before or after your session. Kelvingrove Park, the University of Glasgow, Ashton Lane and dozens of excellent restaurants are all within easy reach and provide a completely different side of the city from George Square or Buchanan Street.
One piece of advice applies whichever venue you’re visiting: check travel information on the morning of your event. Temporary road closures, altered bus routes and crowd management measures can change at short notice during major sporting events, so relying on information you saw several days earlier isn’t always the best approach.
Finally, don’t underestimate how walkable much of Glasgow is. While public transport is excellent, many visitors find they discover the city’s best pubs, cafés, murals and hidden corners simply by walking between stations and attractions. Leave yourself a little extra time, enjoy the atmosphere and make the Commonwealth Games part of a wider Glasgow adventure rather than the sole reason for your visit.
Rupert’s Handy Travel Tips
Planning which Games venues to visit? Here are a few useful tips before you go:
- Remember your fare: Games tickets don’t cover transport, so you’ll need a valid Subway, bus, or rail ticket too.
- Tollcross has the longest walk: Budget 14 minutes from Carntyne station, or consider a taxi.
- SEC is the easiest venue: Three halls in one site means less travel if you want to see multiple sports in a day.
- Check closures each morning: Road restrictions around venues are being adjusted throughout the Games.
Want to meet the reindeer behind our travel tips? Find out more in our page Who is Rupert?.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many venues does Glasgow 2026 use?
Just four: the Scottish Event Campus, the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Arena, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, and Scotstoun Stadium.
Is Hampden Park being used as a venue in 2026?
No, athletics has moved to a redeveloped Scotstoun Stadium, and Hampden Park is not part of the 2026 Games venue list.
What is the nearest station to the Scottish Event Campus?
Exhibition Centre station, around a four-minute walk from the SEC, is the closest and most convenient of all four venues.
Do Games tickets include public transport?
No, admission tickets do not cover transport, so a separate valid Subway, bus, or rail ticket is required for every journey.
Can I drive and park at the venues?
Public parking is limited or unavailable at most venues during the Games, with Blue Badge parking available at selected sites, so public transport is strongly recommended.
Further Reading
For the full picture on tickets and the sports programme, see our Commonwealth Games Glasgow guide, and for getting around the city, our Glasgow Public Transport Guide and Glasgow Subway Guide cover every route in detail.
Our Where to Stay in Glasgow guide helps you choose a base near the venues, and our Things to Do in Glasgow guide fills any gaps between sessions.
Arriving by air? Our Glasgow Airport Transfers guide covers every route from the airport into the city.
Last Updated
July 2026
Affiliate Disclosure
This page contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase or booking, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support our work and allows us to continue providing detailed, independent travel advice. We only recommend apps and services we personally use or have verified as high-quality.
