Scotland's national and local rail and bus networks connect Glasgow with some wonderful places all across the country. From Glasgow, it's easy to visit one of Scotland's six UNESCO World Heritage Sites. New Lanark, a restored 18th century cotton mill village, is easily reached by taking a train to Lanark and then jumping on a local bus to this fantastic family friendly attraction.
Did you know you can escape to the coast by train in under an hour, and then 'hop' to an island in the Firth of Clyde? It's just a 45 minute train journey to Ardrossan, and then a 55 minute ferry crossing to the pretty Isle of Arran, often referred to as 'Scotland in miniature'. Once on Arran, you can explore the port of Brodick, or catch a local bus round the island.
Largs has been a popular seaside destination for generations of Scots, and today this coastal town still makes for a jolly day out by the sea. The train from Glasgow takes less than an hour. Once you arrive, stroll along the promenade with an ice cream or jump aboard the ferry and take the short crossing to the Isle of Cumbrae. Here you might want to hire a bike at Millport and discover the island on two wheels, or discover Millport's attractions as you wander round the tiny island town.
Or, take the train from Glasgow Central to Wemyss Bay where you can catch the ferry to the Isle of Bute. The ferry arrives in Rothesay where you can get a local bus to the magnificent Mount Stuart, Britain's most spectacular Gothic house.
Should you be more excited by the thought of seeing Scotland's capital than its coastline, then jump aboard one of the regular train or bus services to Edinburgh. Lying just 45 miles east of Glasgow, you'll find that it doesn't take long before you are walking over the ancient cobbles of the Royal Mile, admiring the stunning city skyline from Arthur's Seat, or exploring world-class attractions such as Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum of Scotland.
Remember, you can use Traveline Scotland to help you plan days out by public transport.