2026 Commonwealth Games

Name: 2026 Commonwealth Games
Start: 2026-07-23T00:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-08-02T23:59:59+01:00
Location: Glasgow

July 23, 2026 – August 2, 2026 BST

The Commonwealth Games is a multi-sport event that brings together athletes from Commonwealth nations and territories. Originally known as the British Empire Games, this quadrennial event promotes friendly competition and cultural exchange among the 74 member associations. The 2026 Games will be a unique and leaner event, focusing on sustainability and accessibility.

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What are the 2026 Commonwealth Games?

The 2026 Commonwealth Games, officially known as the XXIII Commonwealth Games and Glasgow 2026, will feature athletes from 74 nations and territories. Initially awarded to Victoria, Australia, the hosting rights were later returned due to cost concerns. In a collaborative effort, Glasgow, Scotland, which hosted the highly successful 2014 Games, has been confirmed as the new host city. The event will focus on a more compact and sustainable model, utilizing existing infrastructure to deliver a world-class sporting event.

The Games will feature a 10-sport program, with six of the sports also including fully integrated para sports. The planned sports include:

Athletics (including Para Athletics)
Artistic Gymnastics
Boxing
3×3 Basketball (including 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball)
Cycling (Track and Para Track)
Judo
Lawn Bowls (including Para Bowls)
Netball
Swimming (including Para Swimming)
Weightlifting (including Para Powerlifting)

When is the 2026 Commonwealth Games?

The 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place from July 23 to August 2, 2026. This marks the fourth time Scotland has hosted the Games and the second time for Glasgow, providing a strong legacy and an experienced team to deliver the event.

Where is the 2026 Commonwealth Games?

The Games will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, across four main venues within an eight-mile corridor. This compact approach is designed to make the event more accessible and sustainable. The confirmed venues and their respective sports are:

Scotstoun Stadium: This venue will be the home of the athletics program, including both able-bodied and para-athletics events.
Tollcross International Swimming Centre: The swimming competition, featuring both able-bodied and para-swimming, will be held at this world-class aquatic center.
Emirates Arena and Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome: This integrated venue will host artistic gymnastics, netball, and all track cycling events.
Scottish Event Campus (SEC): The SEC is a multi-purpose complex that includes The Hydro, SEC Armadillo, and SEC Centre. It will host a variety of sports, including 3×3 basketball, bowls, boxing, judo, and weightlifting.

How do I get to the 2026 Commonwealth Games?

As the host city, Glasgow is well-equipped with travel infrastructure. Public transport is the best way to get to the venues on event days.

By Air

Glasgow is served by two main airports:

Glasgow Airport (GLA): The city’s primary international airport, located just 8 miles west of the city center.
Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK): Situated 32 miles southwest of Glasgow, offering a number of international flights.

By Train

Glasgow’s main train stations are Glasgow Central and Queen Street, which connect to a wide network. Several venues are easily accessible by train:

SEC: Exhibition Centre station is located right next to the campus.
Emirates Arena/Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome: Dalmarnock Station is the closest station.

By Subway

The Glasgow Subway is a circular underground line that serves the City Centre and West End. It’s an excellent way to travel between these popular areas and connect to other transport hubs. A valid SPT Subway Smartcard or ticket is required.

By Bus

Glasgow has an extensive bus network operated by several companies, including First Glasgow. Many routes pass close to the main event venues. It’s best to check the local travel websites closer to the time for specific routes and schedules.

By Car/Parking

Driving to the venues is highly discouraged due to heavy traffic, road closures, and limited parking. For those who must drive, public parking is usually available in designated areas, but it is often expensive and fills up very early.

How do I get 2026 Commonwealth Games tickets?

Ticket sales for the 2026 Commonwealth Games are not yet open. With the change in host city, a new ticketing strategy will be announced by the organizers. Keep an eye on the official channels for the most up-to-date information on when and how to purchase tickets.

Where to stay for the 2026 Commonwealth Games?

Glasgow offers a wide range of accommodation options, but they will book out months in advance, and prices will rise significantly around the Games. It is highly advisable to book your accommodation as soon as your travel plans are confirmed.

Here are a few popular areas to consider:

Glasgow City Centre: This is the most convenient location, offering a huge range of hotels, apartments, and hostels with excellent access to public transport for all venues.
West End: A vibrant and bohemian area known for its unique shops, cafes, and restaurants. It is a great choice if you prefer a less crowded atmosphere and still offers good transport links.
East End: Staying in this area places you close to key venues like the Emirates Arena and Tollcross International Swimming Centre.
Southside: This area is well-connected to the city center by train and subway, offering a mix of residential and hotel options.

Booking Tips:

Book early to secure the best rates and availability.
Look for hotels with a flexible cancellation policy.
Use reputable booking sites like Tripadvisor to find and compare options.