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Find competitive rental car prices at Glasgow Airport (GLA) with Road Genius. Compare live rates of SUVs, hatchbacks, people movers and make bookings with no booking fees. Pick up your Glasgow Airport car hire from on-airport desks and be on the M8 in minutes for Glasgow city, Loch Lomond or Edinburgh. Prices vary by season, so book early for summer to secure automatics and family SUVs.
Glasgow Airport has an on-site car rental centre offering a choice of providers.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Car rental centre located at the airport, a short walk from the main terminal |
| Major Providers | Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, Alamo, National |
| Operating Hours | Hours usually follow flight schedules (approximately 7:00am-11:00pm) |
| After-Hours Service | Some providers offer after-hours pickup/drop-off by prior arrangement |
| Vehicle Collection | Cars are parked within walking distance from the rental centre |
| Local Options | Arnold Clark provides a shuttle service to their nearby facility |
On average, car rentals at Glasgow Airport cost around €48 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €16 per day.
Compare providers, car classes and pickup spots. On-airport is easiest, but a nearby off-airport supplier with a shuttle can be cheaper at GLA.
For summer (Jun–Aug) and big events, book 3–4 weeks ahead to lock in prices and secure automatics or specific models. Spring or autumn usually costs less.
Play with dates and duration. Weekly rates can beat day-by-day pricing. Shifting pickup/return by a day or to business hours can lower costs.
Pick the smallest car that fits your crew and bags. Cheaper and easier on the A82 and narrow Highland roads.
Skip the day-1 car if staying in central Glasgow. Airport rentals include a location fee. Use transit in town, then pick up in the city centre the day you head out.
Use full-to-full. Top up on the M8 approaches before return to avoid refuelling charges.
If you need to leave your car before collection or after returning your rental:
| Car Storage Option | Location | Use Case | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Stay | Adjacent to terminal | Brief pickup/drop-off or meetings | Higher hourly rates |
| Long Stay | Requires shuttle | Not usually needed for rental customers | Discounts for pre-booking |
| Rental Return | Dedicated areas for each company | Follow signage for your provider | Take photos of vehicle condition when returning |
Leaving the Airport: Follow signs for M8 motorway (east for Glasgow, west for Greenock)
Glasgow City Centre: Has many one-way systems and bus lanes
Low Emission Zone (LEZ): Implemented in central Glasgow; rental cars generally compliant
Speed Limits: 30mph in urban areas; 70mph on motorways unless otherwise signed
Bus Lanes: Enforced during operational hours in Glasgow (usually 7:30-9:30am and 4:00-6:30pm Mon-Fri)
M8 Navigation: Complex junctions through city centre; stay in correct lanes
Motorway Regulations: No stopping on motorways except in emergencies
Fuel Types: Ensure you use the correct fuel type (petrol/diesel) as specified on vehicle
Glasgow city centre - 8 miles, 15-20 minutes, M8 eastbound
Loch Lomond - 20 miles, 30 minutes, M8, A82
Edinburgh - 50 miles, 1-1.5 hours, M8 eastbound
Stirling - 30 miles, 35 minutes, M8, M80
Which car rental companies have desks at Glasgow Airport? All major international companies have desks at Glasgow Airport, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, Alamo and National. You can find the rental centre at the airport, just a short walk from the main terminal.
How far in advance should I book a rental car from Glasgow Airport? For most times of the year, you should book 2-3 weeks ahead. For summer (June-August), try to book 3-4 weeks in advance. If you're visiting during big events like golf tournaments or festivals, we recommend you book even earlier.
How long does it take to reach Glasgow city centre from the airport? The drive usually takes 15-20 minutes on the M8. It can be longer during rush hours (7:30-9:30am and 4:00-6:00pm weekdays). The traffic on the M8 through Glasgow can get heavy, especially at the Kingston Bridge.
What type of car is best for exploring the Highlands from Glasgow? For driving in the Highlands, you should think about getting a midsize car or a small SUV. They are more comfortable for longer trips and on country roads. If you visit in winter and plan to go to remote places, you might feel more confident driving an SUV on country roads.
Do I need to worry about Glasgow's Low Emission Zone with a rental car? No, your rental car from Glasgow Airport will be new enough to meet the LEZ rules. Rental companies update their cars regularly. The zone covers the city centre, so make sure you know where it starts and ends if you drive into central Glasgow.
Can I take a rental car on ferries to Scottish islands? Yes, most rental companies let you take their cars on CalMac ferries to islands like Arran, Mull and Skye. Always tell the rental company what you're planning. You should also book a space for your car on the ferry far in advance, especially in summer.
Are automatic transmission cars readily available at Glasgow Airport? Yes, you'll find a good number of automatic cars at Glasgow Airport, more than at smaller places. However, they still have fewer automatics than manual cars. So, we recommend you book in advance, especially if you want a certain type of car.
What documents do I need to collect a rental car at Glasgow Airport? You'll need a valid driving licence, a credit card in the main driver's name and your booking confirmation. If you're visiting from another country, you might also need an International Driving Permit. You should check what your rental company needs before you go.
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