There is also an extensive suburban network serving parts of the city of Glasgow, the suburbs and neighbouring towns. Services are fairly frequent by European and US standards, but the fares structure is complex and it can pay handsomely to check for cheap fares before buying a ticket for a long journey. A student railcard can be purchased which gives significant discounts. Glasgow International Airport is about 10 miles from the city centre and is served by buses which run every 20 minutes during the day and every hour in the evening. The airport bus currently costs 3 and a taxi about 15 for a single journey.
Coaches provide an alternative to rail and air, and are sometimes cheaper.
Retain the ticket which the driver will issue, as inspectors carry out checks from time to time. Longer distance bus and coach travel information can be obtained at Buchanan Bus Station and all railway enquiries by telephone should be made on 0345-212282. For air travel, the best solution is a good travel agent, and many travel agents also handle rail or even long-distance coach bookings. The range of amenities is enormous, from the Sports Centre on the central precinct and the Sports Ground some 8 km away to the hill-walking, mountaineering, canoeing and skiing in the Scottish Highlands. Activities may be arranged informally with friends or within Residences, or may be part of the programmes of one of the many clubs and societies within the Students' Association.