The Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel
The Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel
The Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Riverside Museum is Glasgow's award-winning transport museum. With over 3,000 objects on display there's everything from skateboards to locomotives, paintings to prams and cars to a Stormtrooper. Get hands on with our interactive displays. Walk through Glasgow streets and visit the shops, bar and subway. Climb aboard a train, tram or bus and get a real feel for old public transport. Discover Glasgow's rich shipbuilding history, explore the car and motorbike walls and help put out a fire with our interactive fire engine. There are over 90 large touch screens panels full of images, memories and films that tell the fascinating stories behind the objects. There really is something for all ages to enjoy at the Riverside Museum.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience The Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: West End
Glasgow's West End is a cultural hive of activity, with the University of Glasgow's towering gothic architecture standing as an awe-inspiring landmark against the horizon. The neighborhood is home to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, known for its exquisite collections and delightful park. Dining options range from charming teahouses to gourmet restaurants serving international cuisine. With the Hillhead Subway Station conveniently located in the neighborhood, access to other parts of the city is hassle-free. The West End is a haven for artists, students, and anyone seeking a relaxed atmosphere with a cultural edge.
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,983 within 5 kms
Attractions
542 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
9,856 reviews
Excellent
6,514
Very good
2,365
Average
633
Poor
206
Terrible
138
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
Simon P
Toulouse, France449 contributions
Nov 2024 • Family
This is a great day out for the whole family. You can easily spend more than three hours looking round the exhibits and visiting the cafe. The museum entry is free, but you need to pay for the car park (£7.50 for three hours, or less if you’re planning a shorter visit).
The main exhibits of the museum are transport. There are all types and there is a large focus on historic Glasgow public transport: trams of different eras, busses, trolley busses, underground train carriages of different eras. There are various rail locomotives, the largest being one from South Africa. There is a large exhibit of cars, from early 1900s up to a Tesla S. For the motor cycle enthusiast there is a large stock of bikes of all ages. Shipping is also covered due to the proximity to the Glasgow docks and shipbuilding era. Outside is a tall ship which you can explore.
It’s nice that you can visit on board most of the trams, busses, and train carriages as it gives you a feeling of a previous lifestyle.
I was a little disappointed that the cars are exhibited on a ramp which goes up the wall, as it would have been nicer to have a closer inspection of the cars, but I guess space is lacking. So, you need good eyesight to see the cars.
One of the nicest parts is a replica street from the past where you can find a pub, saddler, cinema, music record shop, cobbler, and a few more. It gives great insight to Glasgow living. I was pleased to see an old ticket from the Apollo theatre for the same concert as I attended in 1978!
The cafe restaurant is not too big ( there is a smaller coffee bar upstairs but only with cakes and biscuits) and fills up quickly at lunchtime. The restaurant is actually quite pricey, but the quality is good. The toasted sandwiches came on bloomer slices, and were accompanied by a nice fresh salad. The cakes we had were very moist and fresh. The kids chicken nuggets and chips were a hit with the kids, but perhaps too much on the plate as they couldn’t finish - maybe they should reduce the quantity and the price??
Overall we all left very happy and look forward to our next visit.
The main exhibits of the museum are transport. There are all types and there is a large focus on historic Glasgow public transport: trams of different eras, busses, trolley busses, underground train carriages of different eras. There are various rail locomotives, the largest being one from South Africa. There is a large exhibit of cars, from early 1900s up to a Tesla S. For the motor cycle enthusiast there is a large stock of bikes of all ages. Shipping is also covered due to the proximity to the Glasgow docks and shipbuilding era. Outside is a tall ship which you can explore.
It’s nice that you can visit on board most of the trams, busses, and train carriages as it gives you a feeling of a previous lifestyle.
I was a little disappointed that the cars are exhibited on a ramp which goes up the wall, as it would have been nicer to have a closer inspection of the cars, but I guess space is lacking. So, you need good eyesight to see the cars.
One of the nicest parts is a replica street from the past where you can find a pub, saddler, cinema, music record shop, cobbler, and a few more. It gives great insight to Glasgow living. I was pleased to see an old ticket from the Apollo theatre for the same concert as I attended in 1978!
The cafe restaurant is not too big ( there is a smaller coffee bar upstairs but only with cakes and biscuits) and fills up quickly at lunchtime. The restaurant is actually quite pricey, but the quality is good. The toasted sandwiches came on bloomer slices, and were accompanied by a nice fresh salad. The cakes we had were very moist and fresh. The kids chicken nuggets and chips were a hit with the kids, but perhaps too much on the plate as they couldn’t finish - maybe they should reduce the quantity and the price??
Overall we all left very happy and look forward to our next visit.
Written 17 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Annie beg T
Darlington, UK61 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
The museum was easy to find by car. We went on a Sunday when the traffic through Glasgow was less busy. The museum is extremely interesting, with thousands of exhibits to see. It pays to keep wandering around as there are exhibits at all sorts of heights and corners. We had lunch in the cafe which was pleasant but, and this is wonderful, there are many spots inside [and outside] the museum where you can eat your own packed lunch for free. Entry is free but the car parking charges are a little steep which evens it out. However, the meters don't take cards, only cash, so if you don't have the parking app used there, it's a problem scrambling around for [at least] £5 of change. £5 for 2 hours; £7.50 for three hours etc.
Written 28 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shedload
Liverpool, UK160 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
Great museum with plenty to see. Loads of variety, cars, trains and even a boat.
The main museum is free to enter, just a donation please, but the boat is payable separately.
It can be a bit cramped and some of the vehicles are difficult to see, especially those 'in the air' !
On the day we visited there was a local company displaying their trucks outside which was a nice touch. Inside the museum there was a craft type market which had some good stalls, however the layout meant you could not see some of the displays properly, particularly the street scenes.
There is a large Carpark which is payable, several of us where having difficulty getting through online so persevere.
Definitely worth a visit.
The main museum is free to enter, just a donation please, but the boat is payable separately.
It can be a bit cramped and some of the vehicles are difficult to see, especially those 'in the air' !
On the day we visited there was a local company displaying their trucks outside which was a nice touch. Inside the museum there was a craft type market which had some good stalls, however the layout meant you could not see some of the displays properly, particularly the street scenes.
There is a large Carpark which is payable, several of us where having difficulty getting through online so persevere.
Definitely worth a visit.
Written 24 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Willie S
8 contributions
Nov 2024 • Friends
We visited as a group as part of our ‘Discovery Award’ ( for the over 50s).
The magnificent building is warm, airy, and very clean. We were treated to a free tour of the exhibits by ‘Mick’ ( one of the volunteer tour guides), he was very knowledgable and friendly and taught us many unknown facts about the trains, trams, and vintage cars ; it was obvious that he was very passionate about them. The old street and shops are magnificent and a very true representation of the good old days. I could have spent all day in the museum. We had a nice snack and coffee in the upstairs cafe. The situation of the building is very scenic, with views of the Clyde ( to die for). The new ‘opening bridge’ was raised for a ship to pass through, this was an added bonus for us! I have no hesitation about recommending this attraction to families, groups , couples or singles either on a wet or on a sunny day. I’m sure we will return very soon……Thank you everyone at the Museum….great job.
The magnificent building is warm, airy, and very clean. We were treated to a free tour of the exhibits by ‘Mick’ ( one of the volunteer tour guides), he was very knowledgable and friendly and taught us many unknown facts about the trains, trams, and vintage cars ; it was obvious that he was very passionate about them. The old street and shops are magnificent and a very true representation of the good old days. I could have spent all day in the museum. We had a nice snack and coffee in the upstairs cafe. The situation of the building is very scenic, with views of the Clyde ( to die for). The new ‘opening bridge’ was raised for a ship to pass through, this was an added bonus for us! I have no hesitation about recommending this attraction to families, groups , couples or singles either on a wet or on a sunny day. I’m sure we will return very soon……Thank you everyone at the Museum….great job.
Written 25 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PandFB
Wirral, UK516 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
We walked to the venue from our City Centre Hotel (Grand Central) which took about 45 minutes, although you can get a bus etc. The museum is really enjoyable being sited on the banks of the Clyde, as the name implies. It is a lot of fun with a great deal to see, including a recreation of a Glasgow street with vintage traffic. It shows several modes of transport through the ages and gives access through the museum to a moored ship which is visible from the City and you can walk aboard.
The museum is, as you would expect, full of the history of the City in its heyday, including quite a few facts that we weren’t aware of. You can easily spend a few hours here exploring the exhibits. There is a cafe for drinks and snacks etc. We found the staff very helpful and informative and there is a cloakroom where you can leave bags or backpacks until the time to leave. If you travel by car,there is ample parking out front and when we left we took advantage of the free to travel 100 bus from outside the museum which will take you back into the centre. If you are interested in visiting the distillery, it is a short walk along the path by the Clyde which takes you back into the centre.
It is no wonder that the museum is award winning and a must see when visiting Glasgow!
The museum is, as you would expect, full of the history of the City in its heyday, including quite a few facts that we weren’t aware of. You can easily spend a few hours here exploring the exhibits. There is a cafe for drinks and snacks etc. We found the staff very helpful and informative and there is a cloakroom where you can leave bags or backpacks until the time to leave. If you travel by car,there is ample parking out front and when we left we took advantage of the free to travel 100 bus from outside the museum which will take you back into the centre. If you are interested in visiting the distillery, it is a short walk along the path by the Clyde which takes you back into the centre.
It is no wonder that the museum is award winning and a must see when visiting Glasgow!
Written 24 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeremy D
Bingley, UK62 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
This is a very good museum with a lot of interesting exhibits, including steam locomotives, trams, buses, other vehicles and ship models. There is also a reconstructed street from the early twentieth century, and Glasgow Subway cars of different eras.
While this has a very good collection, I have some reservations about the way they are displayed and labelled. Putting the last surviving GSWR locomotive on the first floor with its front jutting out into empty space from the balcony doesn't allow a close view of its front. Stacking cars on shelves attached to the wall doesn't allow close views of those, either. The labels for the exhibits were rather minimalist, in my opinion, and didn't give the information I wanted. I resorted to the internet on my mobile phone to find what I wanted to know. They seem to have targetted children in arranging the displays, so people who want to know more are disappointed. It wasn't as dumbed down as the Dutch Railway Museum in Utrecht, however.
On the day we visited, the conveyer of ship models was broken, so not working as intended.
Note that access to the museum has been improved by the newly opened Govan bridge (for pedestrians and cyclists). This has not yet appeared on Open Street Map or the satellite views of Apple or Google Maps. This bridge means that the museum is only a fairly short walk from Govan Subway station.
While this has a very good collection, I have some reservations about the way they are displayed and labelled. Putting the last surviving GSWR locomotive on the first floor with its front jutting out into empty space from the balcony doesn't allow a close view of its front. Stacking cars on shelves attached to the wall doesn't allow close views of those, either. The labels for the exhibits were rather minimalist, in my opinion, and didn't give the information I wanted. I resorted to the internet on my mobile phone to find what I wanted to know. They seem to have targetted children in arranging the displays, so people who want to know more are disappointed. It wasn't as dumbed down as the Dutch Railway Museum in Utrecht, however.
On the day we visited, the conveyer of ship models was broken, so not working as intended.
Note that access to the museum has been improved by the newly opened Govan bridge (for pedestrians and cyclists). This has not yet appeared on Open Street Map or the satellite views of Apple or Google Maps. This bridge means that the museum is only a fairly short walk from Govan Subway station.
Written 18 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Natalie
Melbourne, Australia82 contributions
Mar 2024 • Friends
河岸运输博物馆展示了格拉斯哥丰富的交通历史，包括老式汽车、火车和船只。
亮点:
交通历史展品: 馆内有众多交通工具模型，从古老的马车到现代的汽车。
Glenlee Tall Ship: 停泊在博物馆旁的高帆船，游客可以上船参观。
By Train: The nearest train station is Partick, which is about a 15-minute walk from the museum. You can take a train from Glasgow Central or Queen Street.
By Bus: Bus services like the 100 Glasgow Citybus can take you directly to the Riverside Museum.
Railcard: Be sure to use the code “RC777E” on Trainpal to enjoy a 20% discount when traveling with a railcard.
亮点:
交通历史展品: 馆内有众多交通工具模型，从古老的马车到现代的汽车。
Glenlee Tall Ship: 停泊在博物馆旁的高帆船，游客可以上船参观。
By Train: The nearest train station is Partick, which is about a 15-minute walk from the museum. You can take a train from Glasgow Central or Queen Street.
By Bus: Bus services like the 100 Glasgow Citybus can take you directly to the Riverside Museum.
Railcard: Be sure to use the code “RC777E” on Trainpal to enjoy a 20% discount when traveling with a railcard.
Written 24 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
efpub
Boston, MA98 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
The Riverside Museum (of Transport and Travel) has many objects on display related to different modes of transportation. They range from actual bus and subway cars, bicycles and motorcycles, locomotives, and even an actual sailing ship (the Glenlee) moored outside on the river.
If that sounds interesting to you, you'll enjoy yourself here. Other folks may not be as interested in the topic, as it seems to vary by individual. What they do here, though, they do well.
In addition to the actual, or life-size items, they also have a large collection of ship models. They include examples of lots of different ship types, and also large models of particular ships like the Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, and the HMS Hood with information about what happened to the Hood.
A train station was not too far off, but a little bit of a walk. They have a restaurant as well.
If that sounds interesting to you, you'll enjoy yourself here. Other folks may not be as interested in the topic, as it seems to vary by individual. What they do here, though, they do well.
In addition to the actual, or life-size items, they also have a large collection of ship models. They include examples of lots of different ship types, and also large models of particular ships like the Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, and the HMS Hood with information about what happened to the Hood.
A train station was not too far off, but a little bit of a walk. They have a restaurant as well.
Written 24 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amurray88
Glasgow, UK361 contributions
Mar 2025 • Family
On Saturday 1st March my son and I visited the Riverside museum. My son is 18 months old, and having visited a few times with him as a baby I wanted to take him back now as a toddler to experience the museum. We had a great visit, it was lovely to see him enjoy looking at all the different parts of the museum. The main reason for this was a staff member, Jackie, who went over and above to ensure we had a great visit. She is an asset to the museum - full of life and even when dealing with setting up the Star wars exhibition and trying to get lights to work, she took time away to give my son her full attention. She was personable, energetic and everything that is good about Glasgow.
Written 7 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amélie V
7 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
A very fun museum to do as a family. At the base it is a museum on transport (buses, trams, trains, carriages, metro, taxi etc) but you will find plenty of old unusual objects! It's pretty big so even with people it's not awkward. Admission is free, it's great. We did not visit the outer boat. Attention parking seemed to pay, it was not very clear as there is no barrier or others checking access. What to do if you pass through Glasgow!
Automatically translated
Written 12 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is the museum in the Glasgow low emissions zone please?
Written 7 February 2024
Do 4 year olds have to pay on the bus?
Written 3 March 2020
Don’t think so we went on the train
Written 16 March 2020
How do we get there from Buchanan Street bus Station
Written 23 July 2019
Take the 77 bus from the bus station, or use the Subway from Buchanan street station.
Written 24 July 2019
Hi, is there much here for preschool children around 4 years? Thanks
Written 5 May 2019
hi good Affternoon you liked trip india contact us my mobil 0091 9312352255
Written 5 January 2020
Riverside Museum
West Kilbride, United Kingdom
Yes, you are welcome to bring a picnic! There are picnic tables on the ground floor, or if it's nice you can go outside on events square.
Written 12 April 2019
I'm visiting on a on a cruise ship, Monday September 3 Greenock, How much is a Taxi to and from the museum?
Written 26 June 2018
Riverside Museum
West Kilbride, United Kingdom
Sorry for the delay on getting back to you, I have tried to get a price for you but all taxi company just give a estimate cost of around £50 to £60. Just for info most of the ships that come in have a number of coaches on hand to transfer people to Glasgow Museums
Written 7 July 2018
…
Showing results 1-10 of 48
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing