Located less than 2 kilometres (a mile) north-east of the town of Prestwick in South Ayrshire, Scotland, the airport is one of Glasgow’s major air transport facilities.
In 1992 the airport was in dire financial trouble but was saved by Canadian entrepreneur Matthew Hudson, who invested heavily and initiated a renaissance. The airport now serves 17 destinations across Europe.
How to get to the airport?
If you are travelling from Dundee, there are a few different options to get to the airport. The cheapest option is to take a train, which will cost around PS50.6 one way and takes 2 hours 42 minutes to travel from Dundee to Glasgow Prestwick Airport Station. Train services are more frequent on weekends and holidays, so be sure to check the timetable before you book.
If train tickets are too expensive, you can also get to the airport by bus. However, be aware that buses are much slower than trains and have more stops. If you’re on a tight schedule, it may be best to take a taxi or minibus instead.
For those travelling to Dundee to Prestwick Airport by car, there are several companies which offer airport transfers from the city centre. These include Arnold Clark, which is under a mile away from the airport and Europcar, which is around two miles away. Both companies will provide a free shuttle bus transfer from the airport to their depot to collect your vehicle. If you’re planning to hire a car, remember to allow 30min after landing to return it to the depot and catch your flight home.
The best way to find cheap flights is to use a price comparison website, such as momondo. The site will compare prices for a range of airlines and routes to give you the cheapest option. You can also use the momondo app to track prices and receive alerts when they change.
Once you’ve found the cheapest airfare, it’s a good idea to book early as prices can increase dramatically near departure dates. To help you plan your trip, you can also set up a price alert on momondo, which will send you an email when the price drops.
If you’re a student, be sure to check out the TrainPal Student discount. It’s available to all students aged 16-25 and gives you 5% off on train tickets. To apply, simply register with Student Beans and verify your identity. You can then start using your discount immediately.
Arriving at the airport
The easiest way to get to the airport is by taxi, which can be pre-booked online. A driver will meet you in the arrivals area holding a board with your name. This is the fastest option, but may not be the cheapest. It is also possible to book a shared transport service to the airport for a lower price.
Located in South Ayrshire, Prestwick is Scotland’s fourth busiest airport and is the largest commercial airfield in the UK outside of London. The airport is the centre of the country’s aerospace industry and supports over 4,000 jobs in the region. It is home to BAE Systems, Spirit AeroSystems Europe and UTC.
Passenger traffic at the airport peaked in 2007, but has declined since then due to competition from larger airlines and no-frills flights. It remains one of the busiest airports in Scotland based on physical size, but is behind Glasgow International and Edinburgh Airport when it comes to passenger numbers.
Buses from Dundee to the airport run regularly, with Xplore operating a service between West Park Road and West Marketgait every 30 minutes. Stagecoach East Scotland also services the route hourly, with tickets available to purchase onboard or at the station. Journey times vary depending on the route and time of day, and it’s worth comparing prices before booking to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
When you arrive at the airport, check the flight boards to see if your connecting flight has been delayed or cancelled. If you’re unsure, ask an employee at the information desk for advice. If your flight is delayed, try to remain calm and check the website for more information about your flight before departing.
If you’re a frequent flyer, it can be helpful to set up a price alert on Skyscanner to help you keep track of DND-PIK ticket prices. You can also save money by being flexible with your travel dates and using the ‘whole month’ search tool to find the cheapest fares. This will send you an email or push notification whenever prices are low.
Departing from the airport
There are a number of ways to depart from the airport depending on your destination and the type of flight you’re taking. Whether you’re catching a train, bus or driving yourself, it’s best to check online for timetables and prices before you travel. You can also use an app such as Moovit to help you plan your journey.
The most popular flight route from Dundee is the 222 mile non-stop flight to London Heathrow. This route is operated by Loganair and offers a variety of domestic and international destinations.
In addition to connecting Scotland’s second city with the rest of the world, Dundee airport is home to a number of attractions. These include the HM Frigate Unicorn, which displays the city’s naval history, and DCA (Dundee Contemporary Arts), which hosts exhibitions and art-house films. The city is also known for its ancient castles, which can be found at Glamis Castle and throughout the local area.
Getting to the airport by train is easy and convenient. There are a number of trains that run between the airport and the city centre. Typically, the journey takes around 2h 54m and trains are available throughout the day. First ScotRail services offer discounts on flights to the airport and a free airport ticket with any rail fare purchase. Alternatively, you can take a bus service, which is operated by Terravision.
When planning your trip, it’s important to consider the weather. Winters can be particularly cold, with snow and freezing temperatures. However, the summer is a great time to visit, with warm and sunny weather.
Regardless of when you’re planning to travel, it’s recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight is scheduled to depart. This will give you plenty of time to get through security, check in and reach your gate. It’s worth remembering that check-in times can vary, so it’s best to check with the airline you’re flying with directly.
Make sure you’re covered before your departure from Dundee by purchasing a travel insurance policy. This will protect you against cancellations and delays, giving you peace of mind while on your trip.
Returning to the airport
Whether you’re travelling on business or leisure, the return trip from Dundee to Glasgow Prestwick Airport is quick and easy. With convenient connections to the city centre and train stations, you can get to your destination in no time at all. The airport also offers a wide range of shopping and dining options, so you can grab a bite to eat before your flight.
Located near Ayr in South Ayrshire, Prestwick Airport was the first of Scotland’s commercial airfields to have international flights. It is now home to a hub of aircraft maintenance, cargo and passenger services and has two runways.
The airport’s main terminal is all-on-one level and features high ceilings and glass frontage to make it a bright and pleasant place to travel through. Passenger figures reached a peak in 2007 after ten years of rapid growth, driven by the rise of no-frills airlines such as Ryanair. However, since that peak, passenger numbers have fallen sharply, and the airport now struggles to attract significant levels of traffic.
In November 2013, the Scottish Government purchased the airport to protect jobs and safeguard a strategic infrastructure asset. It now operates as a private company at arm’s length from the Government and is led by a Board of Directors with expertise across the aviation sector, chaired by Forsyth Black.
As a result of the purchase, a new group structure has been put in place to oversee the operation and financial performance of the airport. This includes a new Executive team, with Forsyth Black appointed as Chairman of the board and a knowledgeable group of Non-Executive Directors.
Airfare to Glasgow Prestwick Airport varies throughout the year, so it’s important to book ahead and find the best deals. Skyscanner’s ‘Whole Month’ search tool helps you find the cheapest month to fly to DND-PIK and can help you discover hidden bargains on both one-way and roundtrip flights. You can also track prices for your trip by setting up a Price Alert, which will send you email or push notifications when the price changes.
When buying your tickets, choose a flexible date option to see the lowest rates for the whole month. This can save you money, as fares are more likely to drop closer to your departure date.
