Glasgow 2026: Major Commonwealth Countries, Sports Schedule, and What Visitors Need To Know

After Victoria, Australia, withdrew from its original hosting bid for the 2026 Commonwealth Games due to rising costs, Glasgow, Scotland, has stepped in to host the prestigious event from July 23 to August 2, 2026. This will mark Glasgow’s second time hosting the Games, after the successful 2014 edition. The 2026 Games will be a compact and cost-effective event, featuring 74 participating nations and territories, including some of the largest Commonwealth countries such as India, Australia, Canada, and the UK.

Key Details

• Host City: Glasgow, Scotland
• Event Dates: July 23 – August 2, 2026
• Confirmed Sports: Athletics, Swimming, Track Cycling, Netball, Boxing, and more
• Countries Participating: 74 nations, including India, Australia, Canada, UK, South Africa, and more

A Scaled-Back Commonwealth Games

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will feature a more streamlined program compared to previous editions. The event has been designed to reduce costs and environmental impact, with fewer sports and venues. The Games will focus on core sports such as athletics, swimming, and cycling, and will be held at existing venues that were used during the 2014 Games. This move aims to minimize the financial burden while ensuring a world-class experience for athletes and visitors.

• Number of Sports: 10 (including Athletics, Swimming, Artistic Gymnastics, Weightlifting, and more)
• Para Sports: Fully integrated into the main program

Participating Countries

A total of 74 countries and territories from the Commonwealth of Nations are expected to compete in the 2026 Games. This includes both familiar faces and debut nations such as Gabon and Togo, who became part of the Commonwealth Games Federation in 2023.

Notable countries participating include:

• India
• Australia
• Canada
• South Africa
• United Kingdom
• New Zealand
• Jamaica
• Kenya
• Gabon (Debut)
• Togo (Debut)

Sports and Venues

The 2026 Commonwealth Games will be hosted across four main venues, many of which were used during the 2014 Games. The venue selection is part of the effort to keep costs low while maintaining high standards for competition.

• Scotstoun Stadium: Hosting athletics events
• Tollcross International Swimming Centre: Swimming competitions
• Emirates Arena: Artistic gymnastics, track cycling, netball, and 3×3 basketball
• Scottish Event Campus (SEC): Weightlifting, boxing, judo, bowls, and para sports

The Impact on Glasgow’s Economy and Tourism

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games are expected to bring over £100 million of inward investment into the city, with an estimated £150 million economic impact. The influx of athletes, spectators, and media representatives will benefit various sectors, particularly hospitality and retail. Business travelers attending the Games will find ample opportunities for networking, while tourists can explore Glasgow’s rich cultural heritage.

• Accommodation: Visitors are encouraged to book accommodations early as demand is expected to be high.
• Public Transportation: Glasgow’s extensive public transport system, including buses, trains, and the subway, will be the best way to get around during the Games.

Air Travel to Glasgow 2026

Major Airports Serving Glasgow

• Glasgow International Airport (GLA): Located approximately 15–30 minutes from the city center, GLA is the primary international gateway. It offers direct flights from various global destinations, including London, Dubai, and Toronto.
• Edinburgh Airport (EDI): Situated about 45 minutes from Glasgow, EDI provides additional international connections. Travelers can take a tram to Edinburgh Gateway, then transfer to a ScotRail train to Glasgow.
• Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK): Located southwest of Glasgow, PIK is approximately 45 minutes away by train. It serves budget airlines with European routes.

Airport Transfers

• From Glasgow International Airport: The Glasgow Airport Express Bus (Service 500) operates every 10 minutes, taking about 25 minutes to reach the city center. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt are also available.
• From Edinburgh Airport: Tram services connect the airport to Edinburgh Gateway Station, where passengers can board a ScotRail train to Glasgow, with a total travel time of approximately 1.5 hours.
• From Glasgow Prestwick Airport: A direct train service connects the airport to Glasgow Central Station in about 45 minutes.

Train Travel to Glasgow

ScotRail Services

• From London: Direct trains from London Euston to Glasgow Central Station take approximately 4.5 to 5.5 hours.
• From Edinburgh: Frequent services run between Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Queen Street stations, with a journey time of about 45 minutes.
• From Other UK Cities: ScotRail and other operators provide connections from cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Newcastle to Glasgow.

Local Connections

• Within Scotland: ScotRail offers extensive coverage across Scotland, connecting Glasgow to various towns and cities.
• To Games Venues: Key venues like Scotstoun Stadium and the Scottish Event Campus are accessible via local train services.

Road Travel to Glasgow

Major Motorways

• M8 Motorway: Connects Glasgow to Edinburgh and Greenock, passing through the city center.
• M74 and M77: Link Glasgow to southern Scotland and the M6 motorway in England.
• M80 and M9: Provide routes to Stirling and the north of Scotland.

Local Transport Options

• Clyde Fastlink: A high-frequency bus rapid transit system connecting Glasgow City Centre to key locations along the Clyde Waterfront, including the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
• Public Buses: Various local bus services operate throughout Glasgow, providing access to venues and attractions.

Getting Around Glasgow During the Games

Public Transportation

• Glasgow Subway: The city’s metro system offers convenient access to many venues.
• Buses and Trams: Extensive networks cover the city, with special services likely to be introduced during the Games.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing

• Taxis: Widely available throughout the city, with designated taxi ranks near major venues.
• Ride-Hailing Services: Uber and Bolt operate in Glasgow, providing flexible transportation options.

Walking and Cycling

• Pedestrian Access: Many venues are within walking distance of each other, especially in the city center.
• Cycling: Bike-sharing schemes and dedicated cycling lanes make it easy to navigate the city on two wheels.

Travel Tips for International Visitors

• Advance Booking: Secure accommodations and transportation early, as demand will be high during the Games.
• Event Tickets: Keep your event tickets handy, as they may be required for access to public transportation during the Games.
• Local Currency: The currency used in Scotland is the British Pound (£).
• Weather: Pack for variable weather conditions; layers and waterproofs are recommended.
• Time Zone: Glasgow operates on British Summer Time (BST), which is UTC+1.

What Travelers Need to Know

For visitors planning to attend the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, here are some important travel tips:

• Book Accommodation Early: Glasgow is expected to see a significant influx of visitors, so it’s crucial to reserve your stay as soon as possible.
• Utilize Public Transportation: Glasgow’s bus, train, and subway systems are efficient and will help you get around the city easily during the Games.
• Stay Informed: Be sure to stay updated on the latest schedules and changes by visiting the official Glasgow 2026 website and checking social media channels.
• Explore Glasgow: While you’re in the city, make sure to take time to explore local attractions, such as the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow Cathedral, and the Glasgow Science Centre.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the Commonwealth Games

Glasgow 2026 marks an important step forward for the Commonwealth Games, with a new approach that prioritizes sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and inclusivity. By using existing infrastructure and focusing on a more compact event, Glasgow is setting a precedent for future editions of the Games. The event will showcase a blend of athletic excellence and international camaraderie, making it an unmissable experience for sports fans, tourists, and business professionals alike.

Whether you are an athlete, spectator, or tourist, the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games promise to be a celebration of sport, culture, and unity. With a strong lineup of sports, an impressive array of participating nations, and a rich city full of history, the Games are shaping up to be a landmark event in the heart of Scotland.