Car Rental in Glasgow
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The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 13:27 on 2021-09-24. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
Travel Information
Language
English
Currency
GBP
Country code
44
Traffic direction
Left-hand
Speed limit out of town
97 km/h
60 mi/h
Speed limit within town
48 km/h
30 mi/h
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.08%
Why rent 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 wonderfully 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 .
One-Way Car Rentals in Glasgow
The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Glasgow and drop off in another city include:
- From Glasgow to Edinburgh - 294 offers from US$ 39.89 per day
- From Glasgow to Aberdeen - 104 offers from US$ 39.67 per day
- From Glasgow to London - 106 offers from US$ 44.67 per day
- From Glasgow to Inverness - 104 offers from US$ 46.89 per day
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.
Useful 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 destinations 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.
Traffic and parking tips
- 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 a day-trip
- 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 rental types and cars
The most popular rental 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 rental car types are mini, economy, and compact.
Further destinations
For more about traveling around Scotland with a rental 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.
- Scottish Highlands region. When many people think of Scotland, the first thing that’s on their mind is its wild nature, and in no other place can you experience in better than in the Scottish Highlands. Not only is the region beautiful, it’s also culturally unique. Go on a three hour drive to the regional capital, Inverness, and you can easily explore the rest from there.
- 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.
Car Rental Prices in Glasgow
- Station wagons - from $66 per day
- Large cars - from $63 per day
- Medium cars - from $50 per day
- People Carriers/Vans - from $121 per day
- Premium cars - from $155 per day
- Small cars - from $37 per day
- SUVs - from $88 per day
How can I save money on my rental car?
There are many ways to get a good car rental deal in Glasgow:
- Compare rates of different rental car providers
- Book your rental car well in advance
- Plan your route before you go
- Know your fuel and mileage requirements
- Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Glasgow is the cheapest in January when renting a car is a whole 70% cheaper than the yearly average.
Top 20 Cities near Glasgow
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London Car Rentals from $25.08 per day577.2 km / 358.7 miles away
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Edinburgh Car Rentals from $13.26 per day56.1 km / 34.9 miles away
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Manchester Car Rentals from $20.92 per day306.4 km / 190.4 miles away
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Belfast Car Rentals from $17.30 per day171.5 km / 106.6 miles away
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Birmingham Car Rentals from $29.54 per day406.1 km / 252.3 miles away
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Luton Car Rentals from $19.84 per day511.0 km / 317.5 miles away
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Inverness Car Rentals from $25.55 per day180.2 km / 112.0 miles away
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Bristol Car Rentals from $20.92 per day508.0 km / 315.7 miles away
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Leeds Car Rentals from $23.98 per day289.7 km / 180.0 miles away
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Liverpool Car Rentals from $14.80 per day295.1 km / 183.4 miles away
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Newcastle Car Rentals from $24.51 per day185.8 km / 115.5 miles away
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Cardiff Car Rentals from $29.50 per day499.8 km / 310.6 miles away
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Aberdeen Car Rentals from $17.67 per day195.6 km / 121.5 miles away
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581.9 km / 361.6 miles away
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592.3 km / 368.1 miles away
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Bolton Car Rentals from $43.69 per day281.3 km / 174.8 miles away
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East Midlands Car Rentals from $25.32 per day386.5 km / 240.2 miles away
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Jersey Car Rentals from $32.97 per day752.5 km / 467.6 miles away
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572.4 km / 355.7 miles away
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Brighton Car Rentals from $22.34 per day622.3 km / 386.7 miles away
Top 20 Locations near Glasgow
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Glasgow Central Train Station Car Rentals from $41.58 per day
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Glasgow Airport Car Rentals from $18.76 per day11.0 km / 6.8 miles away
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Prestwick Airport Car Rentals from $33.26 per day44.0 km / 27.3 miles away
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Edinburgh Airport Car Rentals from $13.26 per day56.1 km / 34.9 miles away
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Edinburgh Waverley Train Station Car Rentals from $19.84 per day67.5 km / 41.9 miles away
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Dundee Airport Car Rentals from $41.10 per day100.9 km / 62.7 miles away
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Belfast Cruise Port Car Rentals from $17.30 per day171.5 km / 106.6 miles away
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George Best Belfast City Airport Car Rentals from $12.94 per day171.8 km / 106.8 miles away
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Inverness Train Station Car Rentals from $25.55 per day180.2 km / 112.0 miles away
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Belfast International Airport Car Rentals from $12.94 per day182.3 km / 113.3 miles away
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Newcastle Airport Car Rentals from $24.51 per day185.8 km / 115.5 miles away
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Inverness Airport Car Rentals from $47.88 per day187.6 km / 116.6 miles away
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Aberdeen Airport Car Rentals from $17.67 per day195.6 km / 121.5 miles away
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Isle of Man Airport Car Rentals from $39.72 per day198.8 km / 123.5 miles away
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Leeds Bradford Airport Car Rentals from $29.02 per day277.0 km / 172.1 miles away
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Holyhead Port Car Rentals from $32.55 per day284.0 km / 176.5 miles away
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Liverpool Airport Car Rentals from $14.80 per day295.1 km / 183.4 miles away
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Manchester Airport Car Rentals from $20.92 per day306.4 km / 190.4 miles away
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Doncaster Sheffield Airport Car Rentals from $24.50 per day337.7 km / 209.8 miles away
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Humberside Airport Car Rentals from $22.32 per day357.0 km / 221.8 miles away
Map of Car Rental Locations
Which is the cheapest month to rent a car in Glasgow?
Car rental prices in Glasgow vary a lot according to the time of year. This graph compares month-to-month price changes to help you find the best offer.
Average Rental Price in Glasgow
The best month to rent a car in Glasgow is January (when prices for an Economy class start from $30.81). This is 60% cheaper than the yearly average and 80% cheaper than renting in October (when rental prices start at $154.16 for a Compact class). Knowing this can help you find the best price.
What’s the usual rental length in Glasgow?
Travel lengths vary from month to month: in December, travelers rent a car for an average of 10 days in September, the average rental period is 4 days.
Average Rental Length in Glasgow
What's the most popular month to rent a car in Glasgow?
While travelers visit Glasgow year-round, the most popular month for renting a car is March, and the least popular is June.
Popularity of Car Rental in Glasgow by Monthly Searches
Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers
| Rental Agency | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easirent | Ford Fiesta | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| Easirent | Ford Focus | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Easirent | Fiat 500 | 3 | 2 | Small cars |
| Easirent | Ford Fiesta | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| GreenMotion | Fiat 500 | 3 | 1 | Small cars |
| GreenMotion | Citroen C3 | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| Enterprise | Toyota Aygo | 3 | 1 | Small cars |
| Avis | Ford Fiesta | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| Easirent | VW Touran | 5 | 3 | People Carriers/Vans |
| Enterprise | Ford Focus | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
Our Customers Reviews
WM
United Kingdom
Vauxhall Mokka
June 27, 2021
West coast of Scotland, simple beautiful, good road system with stunning Glen and Lochside views
KW
United Kingdom
Fiat 500
October 10, 2019
The people are mostly lovely
TW
Australia
VW Golf
April 20, 2019
Roads are not in the best condition so need to be very aware incase of damage to car wheels.
PJ
United Kingdom
VW Polo
February 17, 2019
It definitely widens your experience in Glasgow and allows you to see more of this beautiful place I.e. Loch Lomond and Dunoon etc
KH
United Kingdom
Hyundai i10
October 24, 2018
The desk rep checked the car with me and noted all dents/scratches including wheels. Upon return the same intense check over. So make sure that all dents/scratches are noted before you take your car away. All in all a very efficient and cheap car hire service. The shuttle bus arrived quickly, and took just 5mins each way. No hesitation in recommending Green Motion car hire.
FC
New Zealand
Ford Focus 3d
October 22, 2018
Great company, make sure you read all the information so you have all your documents and a print out of your reservation and everything will go very smoothly. Possibly one of the easiest rental's ever.
KR
United Kingdom
Ford Focus 5d
October 15, 2018
Dont be put off by the lack of fancy expensive facilities. The cars are new, good and competitively priced.
DD
United States of America (USA)
Skoda Octavia Combi
September 30, 2018
all depends on how far you want to go... I enjoy the freedom of moving around. parking is expensive and difficult
GS
United Kingdom
VW Golf
September 26, 2018
Use an on airport hire company. They are more expensive but more effiicient
AM
United States of America (USA)
VW Caddy
September 17, 2018
Busy bustling city, quite spread out. If you aren’t very comfortable driving in the UK, maybe take the train or bus to a smaller town ie. Inverness or Aberdeen and rent your car there. Great Indian food!
PB
United Kingdom
Toyota Rav4
September 11, 2018
Very picturesque very busy very friendly where ever we went
CH
United Kingdom
Audi A3
September 5, 2018
City actually has very good public transport and the city centre is a 20mph zone, however if you're going anywhere outside Glasgow I would recommend it.
RM
United Kingdom
Ford Fiesta
August 27, 2018
Beautiful scenery on the Isle of Skye.
RK
India
Toyota Yaris 5d
August 16, 2018
Rent from Arnold Clark
KC
United States of America (USA)
VW Sharan 6+1
August 16, 2018
Our impression of Glasgow was exceeded! Lots to do, great little cafes and restaurants, a wide variety of cultural events, and the weather was refreshing
EL
United States of America (USA)
Hyundai i30
July 31, 2018
Petrol may run out in high tourist areas during peak season, so make sure if you do not get a diesel car to never let your tank fall below a sufficient level to carry you to the next major city, especially in the highlands.
SG
Canada
Ford Fiesta 3d
July 26, 2018
Loved Glasgow and surrounding countryside. Will definitely be returning but unfortunately will not be using Green Motion
Top 12 Suppliers in Glasgow in 2021
Interrent
+4401418891684
Phoenix Industrial Estate, Inchinnan Rd, Paisley PA3 2RP
Working hours
Mon:07:00-19:00
Tue:07:00-19:00
Wed:07:00-19:00
Thu:07:00-19:00
Fri:07:00-19:00
Sat:07:00-19:00
Sun:07:00-19:00
Enterprise
+441418401300
Glasgow Airport, Car Rental Centre, Paisley PA3 2ST
Alamo
+441418401300
Glasgow Airport, Car Rental Centre, Paisley PA3 2ST
SIXT
+442070188246
Gordon St Glasgow G1 3SL
Keddy
+4403713841079
Car Rental Centre
Working hours
Mon:08:00-20:00
Tue:08:00-20:00
Wed:08:00-20:00
Thu:08:00-20:00
Fri:08:00-22:00
Sat:08:00-20:00
Sun:08:00-22:00
Avis
+4403445446003
Glasgow Airport St Andrews Drive
Working hours
Mon:07:00-22:30
Tue:07:00-22:30
Wed:07:00-22:30
Thu:07:00-22:30
Fri:07:00-22:30
Sat:07:00-22:30
Sun:07:00-22:30
Alamo
01418401300
Enterprise Rent A Car
Working hours
Mon:08:00-18:00
Tue:08:00-18:00
Wed:08:00-18:00
Thu:08:00-18:00
Fri:08:00-18:00
Sat:08:00-18:00
Sun:08:00-18:00
Europcar
+4403713841079
CAMPSIE DRIVE
Working hours
Mon:08:00-20:00
Tue:08:00-20:00
Wed:08:00-20:00
Thu:08:00-20:00
Fri:08:00-22:00
Sat:08:00-20:00
Sun:08:00-22:00
Interrent
01418891684
St Andrews Drive Glasgow Airport
GreenMotion
+4401414338268
Green Motion Glasgow airport, Unit 8 Glasgow Airlink Industrial Estate, Inchinnan Road, Paisley
Working hours
Mon:08:00-18:00
Tue:08:00-18:00
Wed:08:00-18:00
Thu:08:00-18:00
Fri:08:00-18:00
Sat:08:00-18:00
Sun:08:00-18:00
Easirent
+441416117100
35 McFarlane Street, Glasgow Airport, Paisley
Working hours
Mon:06:00-00:30
Tue:06:00-00:30
Wed:06:00-00:30
Thu:06:00-00:30
Fri:06:00-00:30
Sat:06:00-00:30
Sun:06:00-00:30
Goldcar
+442078621732
Terminal 1, St. Andrews Dr W, Paisley PA3 2ST