Car Rental at Glasgow Airport

Airport travel guide

More gritty and blue-collar than Edinburgh, Scotland’s other large city, Glasgow is a fascinating travel destination. Known for its distinct architecture, many cultural institutions, and fun nightlife, it has plenty to keep you entertained. These are three of its most notable attractions:

• Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum: This museum and art gallery in Glasgow is one of Scotland's most popular visitor attractions. The museum has 22 galleries, with a range of exhibits including Renaissance art, taxidermy, and artefacts from ancient Egypt. There’s even a wild haggis! 

• Glasgow Cathedral. One of the symbols of the city, Glasgow Cathedral dates back to the 12th century, although other religious sites are said to have stood in the same place even 700 years before that. A notable example of medieval Gothic architecture, the Catholic church continues to fulfill its original function but has also become a very popular tourist attraction. If you’re interested in Glasgow and Scotland’s religious history, you can also visit St. Mungo’s Museum of Religious Life and Art.

• Riverside Museum. Also known as the Glasgow Museum of Transport, this cultural center is known for its unique building designed by the famous architect Zaha Hadid. The recipient of the 2013 European Museum of the Year award, the quayside museum has an interesting collection of ancient vehicles, steam locomotives, and classic Glasgow trolleybuses of the 1950s and 60s. Visit the City of Glasgow’s official website to learn more about admission and tickets. 

• Glasgow Botanic Gardens. One of the most notable in Britain, the city’s botanical gardens are equally known for their wide collection of flora and the scenic glasshouses in which they are located. There are both native species of plants and exotic examples from around the world including impressive tree ferns. The botanic gardens are right next door to Kelvingrove Park, one of the largest green spaces in Glasgow..

Top international routes

• London
• Dublin
• Amsterdam
• Southampton
• Belfast
• Bristol

Main airlines

easyJet, Flybe, Ryanair, Jet2.com, TUI Airways, and British Airways

Terminals

The single airport terminal consists of three piers—the West Pier, the Central Pier, and the East Pier. West Pier is also known as the International Pier, where most international flights will arrive. All three piers are connected, and you can easily walk between them.

Location

Glasgow Airport is about 16 km (10 mi) from Glasgow city center. The M8 motorway is the main road connecting the airport to the city.

Most popular types of rental car

• Station wagons - from €46 per day
• Medium cars - from €23 per day
• Small cars - from €19 per day
• SUVs - from €20 per day
• Large cars - from €26 per day
• Premium cars - from €59 per day
• Vans - from €61 per day

Car rental desks

Most are located near the domestic arrivals hall.

Services and facilities

You’ll find many snack kiosks, cafés, and restaurants, a sports bar, and a pub. For shopping, visit one of the many stores, duty-free outlets, Scottish-themed gift shops, or the airport supermarket. There are also ATMs, baby changing rooms, a children’s play zone, a spa, laundry service, photo booths, and a prayer room. Luggage storage, on the ground floor near the British Airways check-in desks, is open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The airport is well-equipped for travelers with reduced mobility and offers special assistance, but you should get in touch with your airline before your flight if you’d like this service. You can find more information on the airport's official website.

Nearest gas station

Gulf Hillington gas station, located at Sandwood Road, Glasgow G52 4JZ, can be reached in about six minutes and is open 24/7. While other gas stations are even closer to Glasgow Airport, travelers give this one a high rating.

Popular one-way rentals

• Edinburgh (88 km / 55 mi). The capital of Scotland is one of the most picturesque (and most visited) cities in all of the United Kingdom. Attractions include the beautiful Edinburgh Old Town, Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum of Scotland, and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. Many nice beaches are also located near the city.
• Prestwick (61 km / 38 mi). A small town best known as the location of the secondary Glasgow Airport, Prestwick nonetheless has its fair share of delights. The attractions include a number of high-quality golf courses, the Shaw Monument, and the St. Nicholas Church.
• Manchester (352 km / 219 mi). Best known as an industrial center and the home of two famous English football teams, Manchester is also a city of science, arts, and culture. Some of the most popular destinations in the city are the impressive Manchester Town Hall, Central Library, and the People's History Museum, as well as famous areas like Chinatown, the Village, and Curry Mile.
• Dublin (404 km / 251 mi). The capital of the Republic of Ireland, Dublin’s attractions include the St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, Dublin City Gallery, Famine Memorial, and Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship Museum. The fastest trip from Edinburgh to Dublin includes taking a ferry from Scotland to Northern Ireland, so if you plan to travel this way, ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit you taking a rental car on a boat.
• London (764 km / 475 mi). The capital of England and the United Kingdom, London is home to such world-famous landmarks as Big Ben, Piccadilly Circus, Tower Bridge, and Trafalgar Square. London is also a foodie’s dream, with delicious cuisine from all over the world widely available in the city.
• Cardiff (639 km / 397 mi). The capital and largest city of Wales, Cardiff is something of a hidden gem among British cities. Its attractions include the 11th century-built Cardiff Castle, the Wales Millennium Center of opera and dance, and St. Fagans National History Museum. After seeing Cardiff, you can visit the nearby Bristol or Swansea, two other interesting travel destinations.
• Middlesbrough (304 km / 189 mi)
• Leicester (505 km / 314 mi)
• Tunbridge Wells (713 km / 443 mi)