Cabs to/from Greenock

If we take a ship's shore excursion and opt to stay in Glasgow afterwards we then have to find our own transport back to the Greenock pier. Anyone know how far and expensive it would be from downtown Glasgow and how much time we should allow for the ride? I noticed that most of the cab companies in Southampton do not take credit cards........only cash.........would you say this is the norm for all ports of call in the UK?

Thanks Pat

Applaude your desire to spend a bit of time in Glasgow on your own - it's a great city with beautiful Victorian architecture, lots to see, easily walkable and has a good Hop On/Off Bus.

Check the train schedule - station in Glasgow is near city centre and station at Greenock is not far from the pier.

Cool! I never even thought of the train..........thanks for the suggestion........that's even better then taking a cab.

Pat

Make sure you get off at Greenock Central, not Greenock West.

...from another Pat who lives in Glasgow! Yes, Glasgow is a very nice city nowadays - wasn't always, but it is now, and very friendly folks! I agree that you should consider the train. You would need to allow around an hour for a taxi - there are lots of roadworks right now around Glasgow Airport which is right on your way and they're going to last a while, also when you get to Greenock itself, there can be holdups. I reckon a taxi would cost you around £30. The train would be much less, and the added bonus us, the stations are all right downtown. You should be able to check the schedules online. The train travels right alongside the River Clyde and on a nice day, it is gorgeous. We also have people all over the city now wearing red and grey jackets and red caps, and they are there to help you - they should be able to answer any questions you have. Enjoy!

Pat

Thank-you, thank-you to Glasgow Pat and Tartan Lassie!.......more terrific tips to help make the adventure go smoothly. I'm counting down the days until the Golden Princess arrives in August. I do hope it's a nice day and we get some great site seeing in from the train as well.

Cheers! Pat

Hi Canadagal,you're getting very good advice here. I'm a former Greenockian and have made the trip numerous times from Glasgow to Greenock by train, taxi, and bus. (The name Greenock comes from the Green Oak Tree.)

Personally, I think that by the time you pay for two or more train tickets

it just isn't worth it. Hop a taxi, but get the quote of how much it will be before you get in the cab. Go to a couple of taxi drivers and see the differences in prices quoted. It shouldn't cost more than 30 pounds for two or more. It may be less. Depending on traffic it takes between 15-25 minutes. it's about 23 miles.The fare is always paid in cash.

In the city centre the taxi line outside the Glasgow Central Station is a good spot to hire a taxi and compare prices. Or, you can pre-arrange for one

in Greenock to come and pick you up in Glasgow. Don't miss a good fish'n'chips dinner. Haddock is a local fish and is very good. You can request it.

It's said that haddock was the fish that Jesus used to divide and feed the

multitude. (Fishes and Loaves.) It's one of the miracles cited in The Bible.There's a mark on the fish that's said to be Jesus' thumbprint.

Have fun and don't forget your umbrella. It's also said that it rains more in Greenock than anywhere else in Scotland. It may be true. That's why the Greenock girls are better-looking. Eh Patsy and Tartan Lassie?

Please excuse this digression. Wishing you Happy holidays.

Chris.

Hey Chicagolass, thanks for your input. For the Greenock stop we will probably just do the taxi from the city centre of Glasgow as there is no way we want to get off a train and start walking a mile back to the ship especially if it's in the dark. Unless our return was during rush hour I just couldn't see cabs being at the station to shuttle us down to the pier. We don't walk in unfamiliar territory after dark at home so I don't think we will start that practice in Greenock.........just seems safer and smarter that way. In fact I've been reading online that there are usually no taxis at any train stations, besides the busy city centre ones.......and even then, it's only during the rush hour. So we will be cabbing it from Glasgow to Greenock. We'll just plan our return time accordingly for road works and traffic grid-lock and I've not only got my travel umbrella packed but my Mac too.....but the wellies will be staying at home. One question about Scottish fish and chips...........this is just the fillet battered right??? Reason I ask is, we were floored one year to find that the custom in most Lancashire chippies was to bread the fish with the skin on and it grossed me right out. Ever since then, I always ask how the fish is prepared before ordering. Love a good fish n chips dinner and my favorite is fish cakes......not like the ones we get in North America..it's the kind with the fish pressed between two slices of potato and then breaded and deep fryed.......yum yum.......starting to get hungry just thinking about it.

Pat

I think for anyone to suugest they can get a Glasgow black taxi for £30 from the city centre to Greenock is way off the mark. A 23 mile journey would about £35 and as it is out of the city boundries a boundry charge would be applied , adding 30-50% on top of the fare. I would expect the fare to be nearer £50. (i used to own and rent out 2 Glasgow taxis). The train is convenient, safe and cheap. see http://www.trainline.co.uk

Hi Scottie99: It's not the train ride I object to but rather the 1 mile walk from the station to the ship, especially if it's after dark. There is no guarantee once we take the train and land in Greenock that any cabs will be around to take us the remainder of the way to the pier. If there were then I wouldn't hesitate to take the train nor would I hesitate to take the train if we were returning at let's say 3:00 p.m. So unless, someone can tell me that there are local cabs hanging around Greenock station or that there is a call box for cabs once we get there.........I just don't want to chance it. It's the mile walk in the dark that bothers me. That's not a slight against Greenock either. For all I know, it could be the safest town in the British Isles.......I just don't make a practice of walking for long distances after the sun goes down in neighbourhoods that I am not accustomed to. Whether it be Greenock, Boston, Dallas, New York, or Toronto etc.

Pat

Hi Canadagal,

Yes, it's strictly a filet of fish they serve in all restaurants. The carryout

places do a deep fry with a thicker batter, but the regular restaurants

usually just cover the fish with a fine dressing and it's fried or grilled, but not

deep fried. Both are very tasty. The fish is great in Scotland.

You're right about the taxis not being outside the stations in most areas.

Greenock Central is the best train station nearest the pier, but there isn't

a taxi station. You would have to walk down to the nearest pub,

The James Watt Bar and call one. It's just a minutes walk out of the

station and straight ahead to the main thoroughfare. (It was a post office, but is changed into a very nice lounge and bar.) Serves good fish and meals at very good prices too. The bartender would probably call a taxi for you.

Otherwise, Greenock West Station is only 7-10 minutes farther and it does

have a taxi line around the corner from the station. In the daytime, outside most of the large grocery stores there are also taxi lines.

The distances between places in Greenock and Glasgow and elsewhere

are so much shorter than in the USA and Canada. Therefore taxi rides are so reasonable.

In 1998 I was last in Scotland (sadly, for our mother's funeral).My sister and I took a taxi from Glasgow airport to Greenock. It was 20 pounds for two. Things have gone up in price, but that's why I added on another 10 pounds when I estimated the cost. Scottie's

advice is probably better on price. But everything is negotiable.

As I tell my family when I'm leaving:

I'm nae awa' tae bide awa', I'll aye come back and see ye. Or,

I'm not away to stay away, I'll always come back and see you.

It's a line from an old Scottish song that we Scots like to sing.

I'm getting sentimental and homesick here.

Cheerio, Chrissie.

Hi Chrissie! Gosh now you are getting me all sentimental. I haven't heard that lingo since my beautiful Grandmother, of Sutherland and Mackaye descent passed away many years ago at the ripe old age of 100. She was a bonnie lass that hailed from Inverness. We are actually renting a car once we get to Invergordon as I want to see if they replaced the headstone on my great grandparents grave (Grandmother's parents) that are in Tomnahurich Cemetery in Inverness. The other one had been there since early 1800 and was worn out. Then off to find the family homestead. I was suprised to hear that it is still standing.......a hundred plus years later. Good to hear about the fish and thanks for the tip about going to the pub in Greenock.

All the best to you!

Pat

Yes. the fish in English fish and chip shops comes with the skin on!!! And I agree with you - yuk!!! But up here north of the border, the fish is fully skinned before it is battered and deepfried. Enjoy!!

Pat

Scottie99 (or Anyone),

From all I have read on this board, it seems to me that the train is a good way to get into Glasgow and back. I have checked the schedule for Sunday July 16 and there is a train departing at 9:26 am and returning 4:05 pm. Perfect timing! My only concern is that the station is far removed from the dock. How far is it from the dock where we come ashore to Greenock Central, or Greenock West RR station? My wife will go along with a half mile, but if it is a mile or more she will balk. Any info will be appreciated. Thanks.

SHORE LEAVE

Hi Shore Leave, what is the name of the pier? Is it Hunter's Quay or Princess Pier?

Princess Pier is at the west end of the town while Hunter's Quay or other

piers are at the east side of the town. From the West Station it's closer to 2 miles. I'd take a taxi at the station for around four pounds to the pier.There should be taxis meeting the ship.

The Central Station is on the east side and less than a mile from the pier. The waterfront is only two or three streets behind the main thoroughfare.

At 4:30p.m. there should be know trouble leisurely walking to the pier.

(if it's not raining) and that will always be a possibility.It would cost around

3 pounds by taxi (around 6 dollars.) The distances are so short.

Hope this helps.

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=228070&y=676040&z=2&sv=228070,676040&st=OSGrid&lu=N&tl=~&ar=y&bi=~&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf

Shoreleave- above is a local map of Greenock. Each grid is 500m (550Yds) I am not sure wher the ship docks but you can see on the map it is probably more than 1/2 mile

scottie99 and chicagolass

Thank you both for the good information. Excellent map, scottie99!! Now I need to answer chicagolass' "which dock" question. I will ask my travel agent to find out for me. She enjoys answering obscure questions like that. (not)

Actually, if the cab fare is only 4 or 5 pounds I am not going to worry too much about it. I will just wait to see what the weather is like and if we feel like walking.

I like to use public transportation in a foreign country. It can be a real adventure sometimes. Last year we took the train from Paris to Vernon, and the bus from Vernon to Giverny to see Monet's gardens. We had been there before with a tour group, but it was much more fun doing it on our own. Thanks again.

SHORE LEAVE

You should check to see if there will be a shuttle service from the pier in Greenock into Glasgow. That was the case when we were there on a cruise with Royal Caribbean. Also, it is walkable from the town of Greenock to the Princess Pier. There is a great church in Greenock with beautiful stained glass windows and we witnessed a wedding there. Scotland is just a beautiful country and I can't wait to return.

As a proud Glaswegian may I suggest some interesting places for visitors to explore.

Glasgow Art Gallery (kelvingrove) has just been undergone a 2 year revamp. It is about to reopen this month. It is FANTASTIC. There are works by most of the Impressionists (Manet Monet Van Gogh ,and also Degas , Gainsborough Dali Etc. Opposite this is the Transport Museum

There is also the Museum of Modern Art in Queen St in the city centre and the Burrell Collection in Pollock Park. For soccer fans there is an interesting exhibition at Hampden Park.The city centre is a vibrant shopping area.

Unfortunately my knowledge of the Greenock area is scant but if anyone wants info on Glasgow, please ask.

Hi Scottie, What good ideas you give. Don't forget the MacIntosh House

for architecture and the furniture collection.

...I belong to Glasgow/ Dear old Glesga toon.

Oh for the nights of ballroom dancing at The Locarno to the great bands

and seeing all the shows and stars at The Glasgow Empire.

The memories live on. But that's before your time, I'm sure.

Cheers Chris.

CHICAGOLASS

Well your half correct!!! I am in my mid fifties I was never in the Empire but I certainly remember it! In my teens I went dancing in at the Locarno ballroom in Sauchiehall St (it is now a casino). There was also the Albert in Bath St, Green Playhouse, Dennistoun Palais and many others!

In fact you may remember the old Regent Cinema on Renfield St-well I own a business in premises built on that site.

If anyone is concerned about arriving at Greenock station and having to "walk back to the pier in the dark", check the time it gets dark at that latitude at the time of the year when you will be there. You may find it stays lighter much later in the summer in Northern Europe than where you are from.

Hi folks - a trip to Glasgow is commendable - its a superb, vibrant city with amazing architecture - ensure you look up when pounding the streets! Don't forget that there is a local tourist group who organsie FREE local trips around Greenock from the terminal (its called Ocean terminal)These trips last about 1 - 1.5 hours and if you choose the 'Greenock' trip it culminates with a visit to the town hall where the provost usually meets and greets the visitors. all they request is a donation. The Tourist group are all vounteers and are readily identifiable with their tartan waistcoats. They are to be found as you enter the terminal from the ship. After this trip it is only a 5 min walk from the Town Hall to the station (Greenock central) and you are in Glasgow in 40 mins (Glasgow central) - on your return journey you are looking for the Gourock train. It is therefore possible to do both trips when you visit Greenock.

Enjoy Scotland!