Getting to the OVO Hydro by train, Subway, bus or taxi (Glasgow)

The OVO Hydro, known as The SSE Hydro until 2021, is part of the Scottish Event Campus (SEC), on the north bank of the Clyde, next to the SEC Armadillo and the SEC Centre. It is about two kilometres west of the city centre, on the edge of Finnieston. The campus has its own railway station, which makes the train the simplest way to get there.

By train: Exhibition Centre station

The SEC has its own station, Exhibition Centre, on ScotRail's low-level Argyle Line. According to the SEC:

• the station is a three-minute train ride from Glasgow Central;
• there are about six trains an hour from Glasgow Central to Exhibition Centre, from platform 17 (low level);
• on arrival, a lift takes you up to street level, and a covered walkway links the station to the campus.

Trains on the line continue eastwards towards Motherwell or Larkhall and westwards towards Dalmuir, which also makes Exhibition Centre easy to reach from the suburbs without going through the city centre.

If you arrive at Glasgow Queen Street (trains from Edinburgh and the north), the SEC advises walking or taking a bus to Central to continue your journey by train. Check your train times, and the last train home, with ScotRail on the day.

By Subway

The Glasgow Subway does not stop at the SEC. The SEC points out that St Enoch station is a few minutes' walk from Glasgow Central, where you can take the train to Exhibition Centre. Partick, one stop west of Exhibition Centre on the Argyle Line, is also a Subway station: another place to switch between the two networks.

By bus

According to the SEC, the X19 (Stagecoach) stops on Finnieston Street, a few minutes' walk from the venue. Coaches from across the UK arrive at Buchanan Bus Station, in the city centre. Routes change regularly: plan your journey on Traveline Scotland.

On foot

The Clyde Walkway runs right past the SEC, a pleasant route from the city centre along the river. Two footbridges cross the Clydeside Expressway at the front and rear of the campus, and Bells Bridge and the Millennium Bridge link it to the south bank of the Clyde (Science Centre, BBC). Finnieston, the neighbourhood of bars and restaurants just north of the campus, is also within walking distance (see our guide to where to eat near the OVO Hydro).

By taxi

There is a Glasgow Taxis pick-up and drop-off point outside the SEC Armadillo, right next to the Hydro. Taxi ranks are also found at Buchanan Bus Station, Queen Street and Central stations, and at most large hotels. Black cabs can carry five or six passengers.

By bike

A Voi bike station is located outside the venue, and there is a covered cycle rack in the main piazza between the SEC Centre and the SEC Armadillo.

Getting home

At the end of the show, thousands of people head for Exhibition Centre station at the same time, so expect queues. If you are not in a hurry, a drink in Finnieston before setting off can save waiting on the platform. Check the time of your last train with ScotRail, and plan an alternative (taxi, walk) if the show finishes late.

Step-free access

For step-free access, the SEC recommends using Glasgow Central: Argyle Street station, also on the line, is not accessible by lift. At Exhibition Centre, a lift takes you to street level and the covered walkway leads to the campus. The Hydro has two accessible entrances, the East Doors (closest to the multi-storey car park) and the West Doors (closest to the train walkway and the SEC Centre). When Congress Road is closed during Hydro events, a dedicated drop-off and pick-up area at the rear of the SEC Centre is linked by an accessible shuttle that stops within 130 metres of the Hydro's south entrance.

To prepare the rest of your evening, read our guides to parking at the OVO Hydro, where to eat nearby and the best seats. After the show, you can write a review.

Frequently asked questions

What is the nearest train station to the OVO Hydro?

Exhibition Centre, the SEC's own station on the Argyle Line, linked to the campus by a covered walkway. It is a three-minute train ride from Glasgow Central low level.

Which Subway station is closest to the OVO Hydro?

The Subway does not serve the SEC directly. Get off at St Enoch, walk a few minutes to Glasgow Central and take the train to Exhibition Centre, or change to the train at Partick.

Can I get to the OVO Hydro from Glasgow Queen Street?

Trains from Queen Street do not go to Exhibition Centre. The SEC advises walking or taking a bus to Glasgow Central, then taking the low-level train.

Where do taxis drop off at the OVO Hydro?

At the Glasgow Taxis pick-up and drop-off point outside the SEC Armadillo, right next to the Hydro.