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Road Genius makes it easy to find car hire deals in Glasgow. Compare prices and book in one place. Choose car hire at Glasgow Airport (GLA) or city centre locations and compare major providers including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt. Book early for summer or big events to secure low prices on everything from compact cars to SUVs for trips to Loch Lomond, the Highlands and the Ayrshire coast.
Glasgow has several car hire locations to suit different travel plans.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Glasgow Airport (GLA) | • On-site car hire centre has major providers • Extended hours matching flight schedules • Larger vehicle selection • Convenient for flight arrivals |
• Airport/premium location surcharge • 8 miles from city centre • Traffic when driving into city |
| City Centre | • No airport surcharges • Multiple locations throughout central Glasgow • Convenient if already staying in the city • Good for those arriving by train |
• Shorter operating hours (8:00-18:00 weekdays, shorter on weekends) • City traffic when starting journey • Navigation challenges in one-way systems |
| Glasgow Suburbs | • Potentially lower rates • Easier parking and access • Avoids city centre congestion |
• Harder to reach without a car • May require taxi/public transport to reach |
Airport: Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, Alamo, National
City Centre: Enterprise, Arnold Clark, Europcar, Hertz, Thrifty, Sixt
On average, car rentals in Glasgow cost around €50 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €16 per day.
Compare pickup locations: Airport spots often add a premium. City centre or suburban depots in Glasgow can be 10-15% cheaper. Factor the cost of a short taxi or train.
Time your booking to demand: For June–August or big events (football, concerts, conferences), book 1–2 months ahead. Outside peak, keep comparing prices as rates can move.
Hire only for the days you’ll drive: Stay car-free in central Glasgow and pick up the car the day you leave. City parking is pricey, and the subway/park-and-ride work well.
Check weekly vs daily pricing: A 6-day hire can cost more than a 7-day “weekly” rate. Compare both.
Choose the smallest suitable car: Usually cheaper, easier to park, and better on fuel around Glasgow’s one-way systems.
Fuel and returns: Pick a full-to-full policy and refuel in town, not at airport pumps. A location with after-hours return can save paying an extra day for a late flight.
Glasgow has various options for leaving your car, though city centre spaces can be expensive and sometimes limited.
| Type | Details | Cost Range | Extra Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| City centre car parks | Multiple locations (Q-Park, NCP, council-run) | Varies | Q-Park Sauchiehall Street and NCP Mitchell Street are central |
| On-street spaces | Metered spaces throughout city | Varies | Time restrictions apply; strictly enforced |
| Park & Ride | Available at subway stations | Varies | Good option for day visits to city |
| Shopping centre spaces | Buchanan Galleries, St. Enoch Centre | Varies | Validation may be required |
| Residential areas | Permit zones in many neighbourhoods | Varies | Visitor permits sometimes available; avoid unauthorised spaces in permit zones |
Low Emission Zone (LEZ): Glasgow has implemented a LEZ in the city centre. Most hire cars meet requirements (Euro 6 for diesel, Euro 4 for petrol minimum).
One-Way Systems: Extensive in city centre; navigation can be challenging
Bus Lanes: Active during specific hours on major routes; camera-enforced
Speed Limits: 20mph zones common in city centre and residential areas
City Layout: River Clyde divides north and south; multiple bridge crossings
M8 Motorway: Runs through the city complex junctions; can be congested
Kingston Bridge: Major crossing of River Clyde; often busy during peak times
Congestion: No formal congestion charge but busy during rush hours
Loch Lomond – Balloch, Luss
Stirling – Stirling Castle, Bannockburn
Ayrshire Coast – Ayr, Culzean Castle, Turnberry
Glencoe – Three Sisters, Glencoe village
Inveraray – Inveraray Castle, Loch Fyne
Isle of Arran – Brodick, Machrie Moor
How difficult is driving in Glasgow city centre? Glasgow's city centre has a lot of one-way streets and bus lanes, which can be tricky for first-time visitors. We suggest you use a navigation app or GPS. If you're staying in the centre, think about picking up your hire car when you leave the city, not when you first arrive.
Do I need to worry about Glasgow's Low Emission Zone with a hire car? No, you don't need to worry. Car hire companies keep their cars modern and up-to-date, so your car will meet the LEZ rules. The zone is in the city centre, and all major car hire companies provide cars that are allowed inside it.
What's the best route from Glasgow to the Highlands? You can take the A82, which is the main road north from Glasgow. It passes Loch Lomond and goes on to Glencoe and Fort William. This road has amazing views and is kept in good shape, but it can get busy in summer and during holidays.
Can I take a hire car on ferries to Scottish islands? Yes, most car hire companies let you take their cars on CalMac ferries to islands like Arran, Mull and Skye. You should always tell the car hire company your plans and book a spot for your car on the ferry well ahead of time, especially in summer.
How far in advance should I book a hire car in Glasgow? For normal times, you should book 2-3 weeks ahead. For summer (June-August), try to book 1-2 months in advance. If you're visiting during a big event or festival, it's best to book even earlier because many more people will be trying to hire cars.
Is winter driving difficult around Glasgow? Glasgow itself doesn't often have bad winter weather for very long. They keep the main roads clear and in good condition. However, roads going into the Highlands can have snow and ice from November to April, especially on higher passes like the Rest and Be Thankful on the A83.
What documents do I need to hire a car in Glasgow? You'll need a valid driving licence, a credit card in the main driver's name and booking confirmation. Visitors from other countries might need an International Driving Permit, depending on where they're from. You should check the specific requirements with the car hire company you choose.
Are automatic transmission cars readily available in Glasgow? Yes, it's easier to find an automatic car in Glasgow than in smaller towns. However, car hire companies have more manual cars than automatic ones. We recommend you book early, especially if you want a particular type of car.
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