- When you rent a car in Glasgow, many hire companies give you a full tank of petrol and expect you to return it that way, so be sure to fill up the tank before the end of your trip to avoid a penalty.
- Remember to check the car for any damage before you set off so you’re not charged for any existing bumps or scratches – take photos if necessary.
- Most cars for hire have manual gearboxes, so if you want an automatic it’s best to book in advance.
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Search for the best car hire deals in Glasgow
Glasgow's location makes it a great base for exploring Scotland. So once you've enjoyed what the city has to offer, get yourself into a hire car and hit the road. From the breathtaking Loch Lomond to the historic Crianlarich village and the buzz of Edinburgh, adventure awaits.
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*Average flight time from London to Glasgow
Hiring a car in Glasgow city centre
It’s possible to find cheap car hire deals at several locations throughout the city in 2020. If you want to hire a car in central Glasgow, then Avis, Hertz, Thrifty, Sixt and Alamo all have branches close to Glasgow Central Station.
Fast facts about hiring a car from Glasgow Airport
If you’re flying into the city, and looking to hire a car, Glasgow Airport (GLA) is by far your best option. Located just under nine miles (14km) outside the city in Paisley, it takes, on average, 20 minutes to get into the centre of the city by car. There are plenty of car hire companies to choose from too, from well-known brands to independent businesses.
Picking up your rental car is relatively simple at Glasgow Airport – most of the companies have offices near domestic arrivals. A few, such as Europcar, Thrifty and Sixt, are a short walk away, but easy to find.
Once you’re got your keys, the drive into Glasgow City Centre is straightforward – head east on the M8 and follow the signs.
Car rental companies at Glasgow Airport (GLA):
- Avis (Tel: +44 344 544 6003)
- Enterprise (Tel: +44 141 840 1300)
- Hertz (Tel: +44 843 309 3031)
- Sixt (Tel: +44 844 499 3399)
- Europcar (Tel: +44 371 384 1709)
- Budget (Tel: +44 344 544 4604)
- Zipcar (Tel: +44 333 240 9000)
- Thrifty (Tel: +44 333 332 1222)
Driving in Glasgow
Thanks to its compact grid system, Glasgow is an easy city to navigate, especially on foot or via public transport (which tends to be reliable). Driving, while not necessarily difficult, can be tricky, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the city centre.
There are, for example, lots of one-way streets, which even the council has acknowledged are a little confusing. You’ll also need to watch out for streets that are only for buses and taxis – if you end up on one of these, you could be fined.
To minimise this risk, and for an altogether smoother driving experience, plan your route through the city in advance, using a satnav or a GPS-activated smartphone as a backup. Traffic in Glasgow tends to be bad during commuter times – early morning and late afternoon – and especially on the M8. It’s best to avoid those times altogether.
Finding a parking spot in central Glasgow can be tricky and is often expensive, but there are several car parks to choose from, especially near the river. On-street parking does exist too, but there are often restrictions on how long you can stay, and prices can climb as high as £3 an hour. A cheaper and easier option is to park further out and get on the subway to the centre, or make use of a park and ride like those found at Shields Road subway station, Kelvinbridge and Bridge Street.
Recommended day trips from Glasgow
Pollok Country Park
Driving time: 20 minutes
For some fresh air and green space, head to Pollok Country Park, a short drive from the city centre. The sprawling public park, formerly part of the Old Pollok Estate, has plenty to see and do, including woodland walks, pretty gardens and picnic spots. It's also home to the Burrell Collection, an extensive collection of art and antiques.
Helensburgh
Driving time: 50 minutes
Sitting on the banks of the River Clyde, just north of Glasgow, Helensburgh is an elegant town best known for The Hill House. Designed by architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, this National Trust for Scotland-owned building is a beguiling mix of Art Nouveau, oriental and traditional Scottish styles, decorated with Mackintosh’s trademark organic forms (currently closed for renovation). The town is also a good gateway for exploring the sea lochs around the mouth of the Clyde.
Loch Lomond
Driving time: One hour
You can’t visit Glasgow without checking out the stunning scenery of the Scottish Highlands. The famous Loch Lomond – a picturesque lake surrounded by great walking routes – is an easy run from the city along the A82. Once you reach the lake, drive as far as you can along the quieter eastern shore before parking up. From there, you can enjoy the magnificent views and surrounding woodland, and even spot deer, otters and golden eagles.
