Scotland’s largest city is a travel gateway, and many people begin their visit at the bustling Glasgow International Airport. There are numerous car hire companies and a huge range of vehicles on offer, giving you the freedom to head out into the city and beyond.
Glasgow Airport car hire made easy with Airport Rentals
Airport Rentals make it easy to plan your Glasgow Airport car rental. The search engine takes your specifications and draws upon a wide range of companies, operating both in the airport terminal and off-site, so your options are varied and plentiful. The simple list format makes it easy to compare and choose the ideal vehicle, with pictures, reviews, price details, vehicle features and more visible at a glance. Whether your travel is business or pleasure, we can deliver the perfect car for you.
Filters make the job even easier. Pare the list down with categories specifying number of passengers, transmission type, pick-up method and more, or combine a few to narrow it down to your top picks.
Glasgow Airport (GLA)
Glasgow International Airport is a big one, with many millions of passengers passing through each year. Many airlines offer flights to and from Glasgow Airport, to destinations within the UK, around Europe and as far away as North America.
Inside the two-storey terminal building is plenty of opportunity for shopping and dining, from bars to casual cafés and sportswear to convenience stores. Airport visitors can use one hour of free WiFi, and attend to money matters at the ATMs and Travelex currency exchange outlet. Car hire counters are located near the domestic arrivals hall.
Compare Glasgow Airport rental cars
Car hire companies operating at the Glasgow International Airport include Alamo, Arnold Clark, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Green Motion, Hertz, Keddy, National, Sixt. Please head from the arrivals hall to Glasgow Airport's Car Rental Centre. They will process your booking, and then you may proceed to collect your vehicle at the designated car parks for your chosen brand.
You can choose from a variety of hire car options to suit your needs. For an eco-friendly option, consider an electric vehicle like the Tesla Model 3 or Polestar 2. If you're traveling with family, the spacious Vauxhall Mokka or Toyota CH-R offer ample room for passengers and luggage. For city driving, a compact car such as the Vauxhall Corsa is ideal, while standard economy cars like the Kia Ceed or Vauxhall Astra provide a comfortable balance of space and ease of driving.
Find the best Glasgow Airport car rental deals
Your search results are listed by price, so check the top of the page for the cheapest car rental rates. Airport Rentals has a team working continuously with suppliers to get the best prices for our customers, and our global buying power means we can offer some of the most cost-effective deals online. In addition, you will find on the front page a variety of special offers for an added discount or extra bonus – these are updated regularly.
There’s no need to spend hours online looking for the perfect rental car. Airport Rentals can do all the work for you in no time at all, serving up a list of options from a range of great local and international brands with just a few clicks. Not only do we offer convenience but also the best prices you’ll find online, so there’s no need to worry about bargain hunting either.
Tips on driving your Glasgow Airport hire car
Whether navigating through historic streets or venturing out to nearby attractions, driving a car hire in Glasgow provides a convenient way to experience all the city has to offer. Keep these tips in mind to make the most of your UK trip.
Traffic moves on the left-hand side of the road in Scotland - give yourself time to get used to it if you drive on the right at home.
It’s a distance of around 9 miles between Glasgow Airport and the city centre. The drive will take 15-20 minutes in good traffic conditions. Get on the M8 heading east towards the city, and after crossing the River Clyde take exit 18 to turn left onto Pitt Street. Turn right when you reach the intersection with W George Street, and then go left on W Nile Street to find yourself in central Glasgow.
We recommend adding a GPS to your car hire to help you navigate Glasgow and its maze of streets and lanes! In the city, the speed limit is 30 miles per hour, with 40 miles per hour permitted on some roads.
While the motorways are wide, country roads and village lanes can be a tight squeeze. Go slow and be prepared to pull over to allow others to pass. There are no toll roads in Scotland, but you may come across some in the rest of the UK.
At the airport, you will find Long Stay, Short Stay and Pick Up and Drop Off options for parking. The Pick up and Drop Off lot costs £5.50 for fifteen minutes, and £1 per minute thereafter. The Short Stay lot ranges from £7 for twenty minutes to £55 for twenty-four hours, while the Long Stay lot starts at £50 per day. You can book parking on the airport’s website.
There are many parking garages for your Glasgow Airport car hire, great for all-day parking with reasonable daily rates. On-street parking is metered in the city centre, and it also often has a two-hour limit.
Glasgow Airport car hire FAQs
What do I need to rent a car at Glasgow Airport?
To hire a car at Glasgow Airport, you'll typically need a valid driver's licence, and if you're an international visitor, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required. You must meet the minimum age requirement, usually around 21, with possible surcharges for drivers under 25. Additionally, you'll need a valid credit card in the primary driver's name for payment and security deposit purposes. It's advisable to reserve in advance, and having additional identification such as a passport may be helpful.
Is it cheaper to rent a car at Glasgow Airport or off-site?
Usually, renting a car at Glasgow Airport comes at a comparable or slightly higher cost compared to similar brands within the city. This is primarily because of the elevated taxes and fees at the airport rental location. Nevertheless, the convenience of picking up your hire cars at the airport's car park and dropping it off when you depart is a significant advantage. When making a reservation through Airport Rentals, there are no booking fees, and cancellation fees typically don't apply to most cars!
Can I rent a car at Glasgow Airport and drop it off in another city?
Certainly! You have the option to choose Glasgow Airport as your pick-up location for a hire car and return it to a different rental location, which can be a convenient and cost-effective choice. It’s not far to drive to any of Scotland’s other cities. A short jaunt south will see you in the North of England, where you can visit the Geordies in Newcastle, explore Yorkshire from Leeds or gaze upon the Irish Sea from Liverpool.
What choice of cars are there to hire at Glasgow Airport?
You'll find numerous car rental companies situated adjacent to the main terminal nearest to the domestic and international arrivals area. These companies have their own rental counter and can provide a variety of vehicles, including compact cars, family-sized sedans, and larger SUVs.
How much does it cost to rent a car at Glasgow Airport?
Looking for a cheap car hire to explore Glasgow? Rental prices may fluctuate depending on factors such as the company, vehicle type, duration of rental and availability of vehicles. For the latest pricing information, make a search on the widget above.
What are the cheapest car hire companies at Glasgow International Airport?
Our booking tool automatically locates the best-value car hire at Glasgow Airport from multiple companies for your selected travel dates, so you don't need to worry about discount codes. Prices can vary depending on availability and demand, so it's recommended to check today's offers and book early to secure the best deal.
Can I add an additional driver to my Glasgow car rental?
Yes, you have the option to include additional drivers in your Glasgow Airport car rental as an add-on feature. Take note that all additional drivers should follow the driving licence requirements.
Can I get flexible car hire, or cancel after I book a car at Glasgow International Airport?
Glasgow Airport car rental companies often offer flexible booking, allowing free cancellation within 24 to 48 hours before pick up. Some reservations don't require upfront payment, enabling easy cancellations. Always read the rental agreement and check specific terms, as some discounted rates may have stricter policies.
Hit the road from Glasgow Airport with a rental car
Ready to explore Glasgow in your rental car? Discover the city’s architectural wonders and cultural treasures before venturing into the serene landscapes of Loch Lomond and the Scottish Highlands.
Explore Glasgow's striking architecture
Start your journey by visiting landmarks such as Glasgow Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic design. The City Chambers, with its impressive façade, and Glasgow Cross, where the city’s medieval heart lies, offer a glimpse into Glasgow's rich history. Don't miss Central Station, an architectural gem showcasing Victorian and Edwardian stonework. With a hire car, you have the freedom to fully immerse yourself in the city's charm and historical splendor.
Discover Glasgow's cultural hub
Genuine, gritty Glasgow is a fabulous Scottish destination, a center of tourism, culture, and commerce that evolved from the industrial powerhouse of the UK. Explore its vibrant art scene, live music venues, and fascinating museums and galleries. The city’s parks and diverse shopping options enhance its appeal, making Glasgow a cultural hotspot. Drive through the city’s eclectic neighborhoods to experience its unique atmosphere and dynamic cultural life.
Venture into Scotland’s natural beauty
With a vehicle hire, you can easily venture beyond the city to experience Scotland’s natural beauty. Head to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, where stunning landscapes and outdoor activities await. Explore the serene loch and the park’s scenic trails, or drive further into the Scottish Highlands for breathtaking views and rugged terrain. The freedom of a hire car allows you to uncover the natural wonders that lie just outside Glasgow.
Get moving in Glasgow and beyond
Rental cars Glasgow Airport opens up many opportunities to explore the natural charms of Scotland. Start in the city, which has plenty of character. The architecture is one of Glasgow’s best features, so be sure to visit Glasgow Cathedral, City Chambers, Glasgow Cross and Central Station for amazing Victorian and Edwardian stonework.
From Glasgow, it’s not far to drive to Edinburgh with your car hire - another stunning city with incredible history and architecture. Head north see Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen, and south to visit the many cities of northern England. For something a little more wild and scenic, get off the main highways and head into the Highlands. The evocative landscapes, charming villages and open spaces make an unforgettable road trip. Don’t forget to visit a whiskey distillery, and dine in a pub or two along the way for hearty Scottish fare.
Ready for a Southern England trip? Book a car hire from Stansted or maybe get a Gatwick car hire! Alternatively, you can get rental cars at the airport in Heathrow, Liverpool and Manchester. Likewise, book car rentals from the likes of Luton or Aberdeen or South Hampton for more fantastic ways to enjoy the UK.
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