Car Hire in Glasgow

Why hire a car in Glasgow?

Glasgow is a great city to explore by car. The largest in Scotland, it’s a beautifully diverse city that has everything from historical architecture and impressive museums to fun, youthful neighborhoods and its own unique take on the British cuisine. The city is also well-connected to other parts of the United Kingdom, whether you’d like to travel to nearby Edinburgh, go south to England, or explore the coastal areas Scotland.

Top ways to enter Glasgow

• Glasgow Airport. Also known as Glasgow-Paisley thanks to the nearby town in which it is located, Glasgow’s main airport is among the ten busiest in the UK as it serves around 10 million passengers every year. The airport is about 16 km (10 mi) from Glasgow’s city center.
• Glasgow Prestwick Airport. The other, much smaller, of the two airports serving the city, Glasgow Prestwick hosts only one airline, the low-cost carrier Ryanair. Nevertheless, it connects Glasgow to many different destinations in mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Poland, Malta, Portugal, and Italy.
• Edinburgh Airport. Serving nearly 15 million passengers annually, Edinburgh Airport is the largest in Scotland. It is only about 50 minutes drive from downtown Glasgow. 
• By rail. If you’re arriving in Glasgow by train, you can conveniently pick up a rental car at Glasgow Central Railway Station or Glasgow Queen Street Railway Station.

City facts

• Much like the rest of Britain, Glasgow has a cool oceanic climate with small temperature changes between seasons. Summer is the least humid part of the year, with an average temperature in July of 16 °C  (60 °F), although it can get significantly warmer on individual days. The average temperature in December, the coldest month, is 4°C  (39 °F). Snowfall in Glasgow is very rare and infrequent.
• The population of the Greater Glasgow Metropolitan area is around 1.6 million, meaning that nearly every third inhabitant of Scotland lives in or near the city.
• Although the main official language is English, Scots (a Germanic language closely related to English), Scottish Gaelic (a Celtic language), and Scottish Sign Language are also officially recognised in Glasgow.

Top sights and activities

• Glasgow Green. One of the most beautiful urban parks in the entire UK, Glasgow Green is a place where you can easily spend a whole day, either having a picnic, meeting locals, or by observing some of the landmarks of the park such as Nelson’s Memorial, the People’s Palace with its Winter Gardens, or the Doultain Fountain, the largest terracotta fountain in the world.
• Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Located in one of the most stunning buildings of the city, Kelvingrove has artworks by world-famous artists such as Van Gogh, Monnet, and Dalí, but also truly fascinating collections of wildlife, anthropology, and natural sciences.
• Riverside Museum. Also known as the Glasgow Museum of Transport, the Riverside Museum won the 2013 European Museum of the Year Award, and for a good reason. Famous exhibits include Tall Ship, a former cargo ship built in 1896, and a steam locomotive. The museum is located in the Glasgow Harbor area that’s been rapidly rebuilt over the last decade.
• Glasgow Cathedral. Also known as the High Kirk of Glasgow and St. Mungo’s Cathedral, it is one of the most impressive churches of Scotland. Built in the 12th century as Catholic church, it later came under the control of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. A fine example of Gothic architecture, it remains one of the symbols of Glasgow to this day.
• Glasgow Chambers. Another famous building, the City Chambers house the Glasgow City Council. Built in the 19th century, the Chambers are located on George Square, which is often referred to as the center of Glasgow. After looking at the chambers from outside, consider taking a tour of the inside to also see the ornate halls and mosaics. 
• Finnieston Crane. It is not often that a lifting crane ranks among the city’s most celebrated landmarks, but Finnieston, Glasgow’s giant cantilever, is just that. No longer in active use, it has become a monument of Glasgow’s industrial roots and its role in loading endless cargo from steam locomotives onto ships to be sent all over the world. Situated on the River Clyde, it is an important element of the Glasgow skyline.

Traffic and parking

• The United Kingdom drives on the left-hand side of the road
• On-street parking is usually heavily restricted. Never park on a white, double yellow or double red line (stopping on motorways and  along red lines is illegal).
• You are not allowed to use your mobile phone while driving, unless you use a hands-free system.
• Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limits are 112 km/h (70 mph) on motorways, 112 km/h (70 mph) on dual carriageways, 96 km/h (60 mph) on single carriageways and 48km/h (30 mph) in residential areas and areas with street lightning.
• In Scotland, the legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for both experienced and novice drivers. In the rest of the UK, the legal alcohol limit is 0.08% for both experienced and novice drivers. Exceeding the limit can lead to large fines, a suspended license, or even imprisonment.
• The insurance and documentation of the car needs to be in it whenever you’re driving.
• If you’re the driver, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
• The emergency numbers are 999 and 112.

Toll roads

Currently there is only a single toll road in the United Kingdom, the M6 toll. You also have to pay a toll for using a number of bridges and tunnels, as well as for entering the central areas of London and Durham (a city in North East England).

As an alternative to the M6 around Birmingham, the M6toll is a 43 km (27 mi) long portion of the road, also known as the Birmingham North Relief Road (BNRR), that relieves congestion on the M6 itself. There are toll gates where you can pay by either cash or credit card. As of March 2019, the price is £6.40 for using the toll road from Monday to Friday (from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.), £5.30 for using the toll road on Saturday or Sunday (from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.), and £4.10 for using the toll road at night time on any day (from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.). Find out more on the M6 Toll official website. 

Find out more about toll roads in the United Kingdom on the European toll road website. 

Ideas for day trips

• Stirling. Located roughly halfway between Glasgow and Edinburgh, the small city of Stirling is most famous for its stunning hilltop castle and monument to William Wallace, a Scottish national hero. Stirling lies roughly on the border between the Scottish Lowlands and the Highlands, giving you the opportunity to explore both. The distance to Glasgow is just 45 km (28 mi).
• Isle of Arran. Often referred to as “Scotland in Miniature”, the Isle of Arran is a relaxing place just west of the Scottish mainland. It is best known for the Brodick Castle and Garden, but make sure to also see the Machrie Moor Standing Stones, drive around the little villages, or go into the mountains where you can sometimes spot golden eagles. Isle of Arran can only be reached by ferry. Some, although not all, ferry companies, carry passenger vehicles, and it is best to book a ticket in advance. Find out more about visiting Arran on the island’s official homepage.
• Houston. A proper Scottish village, Houston is just 40 minutes drive west of Glasgow, but unless you’re traveling with a friend who can also drive, you should consider making it a two day trip. The reason? It’s one of the most famous brewing communities in Scotland, and while it is a lovely place in its own right, it would be a shame to go there and not to sample some of the fine local produce.
• The Trossachs. Made up of thick woodlands, deep valleys or glens, and picturesque hills, the Trossachs is a beautiful nature area just a short drive north of Glasgow. The Trossachs include several protected areas like the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and Great Trossachs Forest Reserve, and is a great place for scenic drives, hiking, or simply enjoying nature.
• Cairngorms National Park. Located in the eastern part of the Highlands, Cairngorms is the largest protected nature area in Scotland. An austere and wild landscape, the national park is made up of snowy peaks, moors, marshes, and a portion of the ancient Caledonian Forest. The park’s walking paths take you past impressive rock formations and waterfalls; there are also opportunities for skiing, mountain biking, canoeing, and other sports. The Highland Wildlife Park is located in the Cairngorms and is home to many local species, as well as animals like Amur tigers, yaks, and red pandas. There are some villages inside the park, so it’s possible to find a place to stay. 

Most popular cars

The most hired car in Glasgow is the Fiat 500, although the VW Polo and the VW Golfo are also picked a lot by travelers. The most popular car types are mini, economy, and compact.

Further destinations

For more about traveling around Scotland with a hired car, check out our complete guide.

• Edinburgh. Just 74 km (46 mi) east of Glasgow and quite similar in size, Scotland’s capital is nevertheless a very different place when it comes to atmosphere. Famous for its castles, museums, and many festivals, it would be a shame to miss it if you’re going to Scotland.
• Inverness. The capital of the aforementioned Highlands region, Inverness is the gateway to all the magical nature that can be found in this area of Scotland. But just as importantly, it is a fine travel destination in its own right and the center of Scottish Gaelic culture, with the Celtic language, culture, and identity still going strong in its streets and performance venues. The drive from Glasgow takes just over three hours.
• Newcastle. A large city in Northern England, Newcastle is a unique and lively place. It is famous for its many beautiful bridges crossing the Tyne River, the ancient Roman fort of Segedunum, and its close proximity to wildlife areas like the Northumberland National Park and the North York Moors National Park. Coming from Glasgow, it’s just a three hour drive south.
• Aberdeen. Sitting on the North Sea coast in eastern Scotland, Aberdeen doesn’t enjoy the same amount of popularity as Glasgow and Aberdeen. That is a shame, as the city has plenty for a traveler to enjoy, from unique granite architecture to beautiful public gardens and even the northernmost surfing opportunities in Europe. Located 240 km (150 mi) northeast of Glasgow and easily reachable in three hours, Scotland’s third city is definitely worth a shot.
• The Hebrides. A vast and disjointed archipelago, the Hebrides are the islands that are located off the west coast of mainland Scotland. The region is home to some of the wildest and most beautiful nature areas of Scotland, as well as an interesting, distinct culture. One of the highlights of the Hebrides is arguably the Isle of Skye, the largest and arguably also the most picturesque of the islands which is known for its impressive mountains and rugged coastline. Skye has no airport, but a trip northwest of Glasgow takes only about five hours and the island can be accessed either via bridge or by a short ferry ride.

Car hire prices in Glasgow

• Medium cars - starting at £18 per day
• Small cars - starting at £15 per day
• SUVs - starting at £20 per day
• Large cars - starting at £13 per day
• Station wagons - starting at £28 per day
• Premium cars - starting at £39 per day
• People Carriers - starting at £33 per day

Money-saving and other tips

There are many ways to get a good car hire deal in Glasgow:

• Compare rates of different car hire companies
• Book your car well in advance
• Plan your route before you go
• Know your fuel and mileage requirements
• Visit during the month when the prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Glasgow is the cheapest in January when hiring a car is a whole 70% cheaper than the yearly average.