Perfectly positioned at Maxim Business Park just off the M8 near Motherwell, Dakota Eurocentral sits at the very heart of Scotland's Central Belt - 12 miles east of Glasgow city centre and around 33 miles west of Edinburgh. Whether you're here for business, a weekend escape, or breaking a longer journey, you'll find that exploring this part of Scotland is easier than you might expect.
Complimentary on-site parking makes arriving by car effortless, while the Scottish CityLink 900 bus - one of the UK's most frequent intercity coach services - stops directly at Maxim Business Park, connecting you to Glasgow city centre, Edinburgh, and Edinburgh Airport with ease.
Here's everything you need to know about getting around from Dakota Eurocentral.
Getting Around: Transport from Dakota Eurocentral
Scottish CityLink 900 - The Coach at Your Door
The most convenient transport link from the hotel is the Scottish CityLink 900 service, which stops directly at Maxim Business Park — just a short walk from the hotel entrance. This is a 24-hour, 7-days-a-week service running between Edinburgh Bus Station and Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station, with the Eurocentral stop sitting between the two cities.
We recommend checking the CityLink timetable before travelling to confirm which departures call at Maxim Park.
Local Bus Services - First Bus 202 & 242
In addition to the CityLink service, two local First Bus routes serve the Maxim Business Park stop:
• First Bus 242 – Runs between Maxim Business Park and Overtown/Pather via Holytown, Wishaw, and Motherwell. Operates Monday to Friday during peak hours, with the journey to Motherwell taking approximately 30–35 minutes. This service is primarily geared towards commuters.
• First Bus 202 – Runs between Maxim Business Park and Airdrie (Stirling Street), serving the surrounding North Lanarkshire communities. Operates Monday to Friday only.
For the most up to date information on timetables, visit the First Bus Scotland website at firstbus.co.uk.
Train Services - Holytown Station
The nearest train station to Dakota Eurocentral is Holytown, which is approximately a 10-minute walk from the hotel, or a short taxi ride. ScotRail operates regular services from Holytown throughout the day:
• Glasgow Central: direct services run approximately every hour, with a journey time of around 20–25 minutes. There are up to 21 trains per day on this route, with the first departure at 06:59.
Airports
Dakota Eurocentral is well placed for both of Scotland's main international airports, making it an excellent pre- or post-flight base:
• Glasgow Airport: approximately 25–30 minutes by car. By public transport, take the CityLink 900 to Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station (20 minutes), then the Glasgow Airport Express Service 500 direct to the terminal (approximately 25 minutes). The Service 500 runs up to every 10 minutes, 24 hours a day.
• Edinburgh Airport: approximately 30–35 minutes by car. By public transport, board the CityLink AIR service directly from Maxim Business Park - the journey to Edinburgh Airport takes approximately 40–45 minutes.
If you need any assistance arranging your onward travel or would like recommendations on the best route for your journey, our Reception Team will be happy to help.
View Our SpecialsBOOK A ROOM
Places of Interest: Exploring from Dakota Eurocentral
Dakota Eurocentral's position in the Central Belt means you're ideally placed to reach some of the area's most popular attractions - from sweeping country parks and medieval ruins on your doorstep, to two of Scotland's finest cities within easy reach by coach or car.
Strathclyde Country Park
The nearest major outdoor attraction to the hotel, Strathclyde Country Park covers around 400 hectares of countryside in the valley of the River Clyde, centred on the scenic Strathclyde Loch. The park offers a wide range of activities including watersports, cycling, walking trails, pedalo and boat hire, and coarse angling. It's a wonderful option for guests looking to recharge with some fresh air.
• By car: Approximately 10 minutes from the hotel (around 4 miles via the A725 towards Motherwell).
• By public transport: Take the First Bus 242 from Maxim Business Park to Motherwell, from where the park is accessible by local bus or a short taxi. Alternatively, Motherwell train station is within walking distance of the park for those travelling via Holytown.
Bothwell Castle
Just 4–5 miles from the hotel, Bothwell Castle is widely regarded as the largest and finest 13th-century stone castle in Scotland. Dramatically sited above a steep cliff on the east bank of the River Clyde, its red sandstone ruins make for a genuinely impressive sight, and the surrounding woodland walks and riverside paths are beautiful in any season.
• By car: Approximately 10–15 minutes from the hotel (around 4–5 miles via the A725 southbound towards Bothwell).
• By public transport: There is no direct bus link. The most practical public transport route is to take the CityLink 900 to Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station, then a ScotRail service from Glasgow Central to Uddingston - the castle is approximately a 15-minute walk from Uddingston Station..jpg)
Family Days Out
Dakota Eurocentral is brilliantly placed for a range of family-friendly activities, with several excellent leisure venues within a 10–15 minute drive of the hotel.
The Time Capsule - Coatbridge
One of Scotland's most popular family leisure venues, The Time Capsule at 100 Buchanan Street, Coatbridge is a superb all-in-one destination for families. Under one roof you'll find Scotland's own indoor waterpark alongside a public ice rink, swimming pool, a gym, fitness studio, and a soft play area.
• By car: Approximately 10 minutes from the hotel. Free on-site parking is available.
Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility - Motherwell
Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility on O'Donnell Way, Motherwell is one of Scotland's most impressive public sports centres. The world-class facility includes a full-size indoor football pitch, indoor athletics track, badminton sports hall, a fully-equipped gym, and a jogging track around the building that connects to the wider Ravenscraig path network. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, it's open every day of the year.
• By car: Approximately 12 minutes from the hotel (around 5 miles via the A725 towards Motherwell). Free on-site parking is available.
Showcase Leisure Park - Hollywood Bowl & Showcase Cinema
Located at Barrbridge Road, Coatbridge, Showcase Leisure Park brings together two great family entertainment options on one site - and is under 10 minutes from the hotel.
• Hollywood Bowl - 28 lanes of ten-pin bowling in a lively, modern venue with arcade games and pool table.
• Showcase Cinema - a large multiplex cinema showing the latest blockbusters and family releases.
• By car: Under 10 minutes from the hotel via the A8 and Langmuir Road (approximately 4 miles). Free on-site parking available. The nearest train station is Bargeddie, 2 minutes from the leisure park.
Drumpellier Country Park - Walking & Cycling
One of North Lanarkshire's most popular green spaces, Drumpellier Country Park on Townhead Road, Coatbridge covers 500 acres of moorland, woodlands, grasslands, and two natural lochs. An idyllic free destination for walking, cycling, jogging, and wildlife watching, with a network of accessible paths.
• By car: Approximately 10 minutes from the hotel via the A8 towards Coatbridge. Free on-site parking at the visitor centre on Townhead Road.
• By public transport: The nearest bus stop is directly outside the Visitor Centre on Townhead Road. The nearest train station is Blairhill, which is a 25-minute walk or 10-minute cycle through the park.
Shopping: Glasgow Fort
For a dedicated shopping trip, Glasgow Fort is one of central Scotland's leading retail and leisure destinations and is just 15 minutes from the hotel by car. Home to almost 100 leading brands, it offers an excellent range of high street and designer fashion, footwear, homewares, and accessories.
• By car: Approximately 15 minutes from the hotel. Free parking for vehicles on site.
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9:00–10:00, Saturday 9:00–8:00, Sunday 10:00–7:00. Individual store times may vary; food, cinema, and leisure venues may open later.
Glasgow
Scotland's largest city and one of the UK's most vibrant destinations, Glasgow is just 20 minutes away by the CityLink 900. Whether you're here for world-class museums, legendary live music, outstanding dining, or a wander through the eclectic West End, Glasgow has something for every visitor.
• CityLink 900: Board at Maxim Business Park — direct to Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station in approximately 20 minutes. Services run every 15 minutes during the day, every 30 minutes in the evening. A 24-hour service. Check the timetable to confirm your departure calls at Maxim Park.
• By car: Approximately 20 minutes via the M8 westbound.
Edinburgh
Scotland's capital is equally accessible from Dakota Eurocentral - making this an excellent base for guests looking to visit both cities. Edinburgh's Old Town, with its magnificent Castle, the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, and the wealth of independent restaurants and bars, makes it a popular destination for tourists.
• CityLink 900: Board at Maxim Business Park — direct to Edinburgh Bus Station in approximately 55–60 minutes. Services run every 15 minutes during the day. Check the timetable to confirm your departure calls at Maxim Park.
• By car: Approximately 35–40 minutes via the M8 eastbound, traffic dependent.
Stirling
Stirling is one of Scotland's most historically significant cities and sits around 35 minutes from the hotel by car. Stirling Castle - perched dramatically on volcanic rock above the city — is one of the grandest castles in Scotland, with a history stretching back over 1,000 years and spectacular views across the surrounding landscape. The National Wallace Monument, the medieval Old Town, and the atmospheric Bannockburn battlefield site are all within easy reach.
• By car: Approximately 35 minutes via the M8 and M80 northbound, traffic dependent.
• By public transport: Take the CityLink 900 to Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station, then a ScotRail service from Glasgow Queen Street to Stirling - a direct journey of approximately 35–40 minutes.
Central Belt Connections, Effortless Travel
Dakota Eurocentral's position at the heart of Scotland's Central Belt means that wherever you're headed - a day in Glasgow, an evening in Edinburgh, a morning at Bothwell Castle, or a flight from either airport - you're never far from where you need to be. With complimentary on-site parking and the CityLink 900 stopping at the hotel's doorstep, getting there couldn't be simpler.
View Our SpecialsBOOK A ROOM
For journey planning, visit Scottish CityLink at citylink.co.uk, First Bus Scotland at firstbus.co.uk, or ScotRail at scotrail.co.uk.
If you need any assistance with planning your visit or would like local recommendations on things to do in the surrounding area our friendly Reception Team would be delighted to assist you.