Scotland

Car Hire in Glasgow

Compare the rates of all car rental companies in Glasgow, including local agencies, with just one search.
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  • Best price guaranteed
  • Free cancellation
  • No commissions
  • 24h Service - 7/7d
  • Hertz
  • Europcar
  • Budget
  • Avis
  • National
  • Sixt

Glasgow is one of the top destinations chosen by thousands of visitors travelling to Scotland to begin their journey through these stunning lands. Thanks to excellent flight and rail connections, getting to Glasgow is both economical and quick.

Car rental information in Glasgow

Rent a car in Glasgow

Car rental prices in Glasgow

The prices of car rental at the in Glasgow varies depending on the time of year. This graph shows the average prices in the various months to help you find out which is the best period to rent a low cost car.

Rent a car in Glasgow

Travel information

Why hire a car in Glasgow?

Glasgow is the gateway to Western Scotland, where you’ll find some of the nation’s most beautiful destinations, including Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, the Highlands and the islands. This region has relatively limited public transport connections, so hiring a car gives you far greater flexibility.

The advantages of having your own vehicle extend to the Glasgow area itself. Just outside the city you’ll find excellent attractions worth visiting, such as the Mackintosh Trail and the outstanding Burrell Collection at Pollok Park.

Although Glasgow has a comprehensive public transport network, it’s primarily designed for suburban commuters and doesn’t reach many of the destinations that are essential for tourism-focused travellers in Scotland.

Despite Glasgow’s well-developed rail network, it still lacks direct connections to the city’s airports. Journey times to your hotel can become frustratingly long once you arrive in the city. Getting from the airport by car will be considerably more straightforward. Moreover, almost 50% of city hotels offer private parking, where you can leave your car free of charge. Many public spaces, attractions and shopping centres have large car parks available.

Car hire locations in Glasgow

If you’ve decided to hire a car in Glasgow, the main vehicle collection points are the two airports Glasgow International and Prestwick. The city’s main train station, Central Station, is another option.

Major international companies such as Hertz and Europcar operate throughout Scotland and in Glasgow. Their main offices are located at Glasgow International Airport.

Avis, Hertz, Thrifty, Sixt and Alamo also have desks at the airport, with additional branches near the city’s train station. Their worldwide presence is certainly a guaranteed standard of reliability and trustworthiness.

If you’re looking to save money, you might consider one of the many small local rental firms, such as Arnold Clark. Local agencies are scattered throughout the city, with many based at the airport, and they offer competitive prices, though service quality may be lower.

Rental arrangements allow you to return the vehicle either at the same location where you picked it up or at another site, either within the city or elsewhere in Scotland. For instance, there’s no problem hiring your car in Glasgow, embarking on a tour of Scotland and returning it at Edinburgh Airport. If you choose a different drop-off location, you’ll be charged a surcharge.

Glasgow International Airport

Cheapest offers at the Airport of Glasgow

Below are the cheapest prices for car hire at at the Airport of Glasgow, to book click here.

/ per day
GreenMotion
/ per day
GreenMotion
€46.92 / per day
Drivalia
€52.85 / per day
Budget
/ per day
GreenMotion
/ per day
GreenMotion
/ per day
GreenMotion
€34.00 / per day
Drivalia

Best car rental companies at the Airport of Glasgow

According to reviews by other travellers, the following are the best car rental companies at the Airport of Glasgow. To compare rates click here.

Enterprise
Outstanding 9.276 reviews
€72–€222 per day
Arnold Clark
Outstanding 9.2157 reviews
€30–€100 per day
Budget
Outstanding 9.113 reviews
€34–€178 per day
Alamo
Outstanding 9.071 reviews
€68–€200 per day
Hertz
Excellent 8.817 reviews
€49–€89 per day
Europcar
Excellent 8.627 reviews
€36–€336 per day

Glasgow Prestwick Airport

Cheapest offers at the Airport of Glasgow Prestwick

Below are the cheapest prices for car hire at at the Airport of Glasgow Prestwick, to book click here.

€30.34 / per day
Arnold Clark
€34.75 / per day
Arnold Clark
€72.64 / per day
Arnold Clark
€37.39 / per day
Arnold Clark
€34.75 / per day
Arnold Clark
€47.09 / per day
Arnold Clark
€47.09 / per day
Arnold Clark
€174.86 / per day
Arnold Clark

Best car rental companies at the Airport of Glasgow Prestwick

According to reviews by other travellers, the following are the best car rental companies at the Airport of Glasgow Prestwick. To compare rates click here.

Arnold Clark
Excellent 8.961 reviews
€42–€266 per day
Routes Car Rental
Good 7.8
€42–€266 per day

Tips for hiring a car

In general, it’s best to book your rental car well in advance to avoid nasty surprises and take advantage of the best deals. Book directly online through comparison engines, which will allow you to compare various offers from different companies. You’ll often find superb rates online that are reserved for web bookings, well below prices offered locally.

Required documents

When collecting your vehicle, whether you’ve made a prior booking or not, you’ll need to present a valid driving licence and proof of identity. Most rental agencies also require a credit card in the name of the primary driver, which will serve as a guarantee throughout the rental period.

Rental agencies require a minimum age of 21 to drive the vehicle. The basic rental rate includes third-party liability insurance, which covers damages to third parties. However, if you want comprehensive cover, it’s advisable to add insurance options to your package, which often include cover for bodywork or glass damage.

Opening hours and costs

Many people don’t realise that rental costs vary not only depending on the model chosen and extras added, but also on the season when you intend to hire the vehicle. During summer, when tourism peaks, prices are higher, whereas in spring and autumn you’re guaranteed savings!

When making your booking, you’ll be asked to specify the collection and return times. Do your best to be punctual, especially with the return! In fact, arriving half an hour early at the drop-off location will allow you to complete all check procedures calmly, without facing penalties for delays and, most importantly, without risking missing your flight. Also remember that returning a vehicle outside office hours may result in additional charges.

Car category and model

There’s a wide range of vehicles available for rental, from budget-friendly models to sporty options and family-friendly vehicles. Each model will meet the expectations and needs of every traveller.

Those travelling as a couple on a tight budget can opt for one of many three-door models, which are comfortable and practical to drive, even for those new to left-hand traffic! Bear in mind that the automatic transmission option comes at an additional cost.

For those travelling with family, SUVs and MPVs are available, which can be perfect for comfort, passenger space and boot capacity.

Fuel and damage policy

Remember that with the standard rental agreement, most companies will provide you with a vehicle with a full fuel tank. To avoid extra charges at return, make sure you bring the car back with the same fuel level!

Finally, before leaving the rental office, thoroughly inspect your vehicle and if you notice any damage not mentioned in the contract, point it out to your agent. If you want an automatic transmission car, specify this when booking; they’re often limited and not always available.

Driving in Glasgow

The rules, speed limits and everything you need to know about driving a car in Glasgow are the same as for Scotland generally: find out more in the Driving in Scotland section.

Frequently asked questions about car rental in Glasgow

Here are some quick answers to the most common doubts about car rental in Glasgow.

To reserve a car in Glasgow a credit card or debit card is sufficient. However, when you go to collect the car, you will need:

  • a credit card in the name of the driver. Debit and ATM cards are not accepted;
  • copy of the reservation;
  • a driving license valid for at least 12 months;
  • an identity document.

The car rental companies in Glasgow allow to rent a car to all those who are between 21 and 70 years old. However, there is an additional cost for under 25 and for those over 70.

A car rental in Glasgow always includes:

  • theft insurance;
  • limitation of liability for damage to the vehicle;
  • local, road and airport taxes.

Any extras or additional insurance coverage are separate.

Make an online quote

Find the best rates by comparing all car rental companies in one search.

Why book with us?

  • Best price guaranteed
  • Free cancellation
  • No commissions
  • 24h Service - 7/7d
  • Hertz
  • Europcar
  • Budget
  • Avis
  • National
  • Sixt
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