Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Glasgow
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Glasgow
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Glasgow
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Glasgow
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
Glasgow is a vibrant city with a rich industrial heritage and a thriving cultural scene. While public transport is available, renting a car offers greater flexibility and allows you to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City. With a rental car, you can easily visit Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, the Scottish Highlands, and other scenic locations outside Glasgow.
Convenience and Comfort. A rental car provides a comfortable and convenient way to travel, especially if you are traveling with family, luggage, or sports equipment.
Freedom to Travel at Your Own Pace. Unlike public transport, a rental car allows you to create your own itinerary and visit attractions at your leisure.
Before booking a rental car in Glasgow, ensure you meet the minimum age (usually 21+), possess a valid driving license, and understand the rental agreement's terms, including insurance, deposit, mileage, and fuel policies. Additional fees may apply for young drivers or extra services.
Area
175 square kilometers (68 square miles)
Population
Approximately 635,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summer time
Ideal for
Exploring Scotland's central belt
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Glasgow require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with some providers having a minimum age of 23 or 25 for certain vehicle categories. Young driver surcharges typically apply for renters under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driving license is essential. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English. A passport and a credit card in the driver's name are usually required.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and theft protection are available. A security deposit is generally held on the renter's credit card and refunded upon the vehicle's return, provided there are no damages.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies differ; many require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges can occur for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons such as GPS and child seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20.50
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9.50
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31.50
7 Seater:
from £29 / $36.50 / €35
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20.50
SUV:
from £9 / $11.50 / €11
Peak season (June to August): Expect higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms to avoid surprises. Booking early ensures the best rates, especially in peak seasons. Remember your license, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site like rentycars.com to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or an SUV for exploring the Highlands.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid unexpected charges.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
Glasgow is a vibrant city with a rich history and modern attractions. Ideal for day trips and exploring the surrounding Scottish countryside, understanding local traffic regulations, parking, and fuel access is essential for a smooth rental experience.
As Scotland's largest city, Glasgow is a dynamic mix of culture, history, and modern innovation. From its industrial roots to its thriving arts scene, Glasgow offers something for everyone. While public transport is available, renting a car provides greater freedom to explore beyond the city limits. Driving in Glasgow requires awareness of local traffic laws, congestion charges, and parking regulations.
Top Attractions to Discover
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Explore a vast collection of art and artifacts in a stunning Victorian building.
Glasgow Cathedral
Visit a magnificent medieval cathedral with rich historical significance.
Riverside Museum
Discover Scotland's transport history with interactive exhibits and displays.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Utilize services like NCP or Q-Park for secure parking options throughout the city.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available, but costs and time limits apply, particularly in central areas.
Park & Ride
Leave your car at designated park-and-ride locations and use public transport to access the city center.
Gas Stations in Glasgow
Main Fuel Chains
Find stations from major brands like BP, Shell, Esso, and Texaco on the city's outskirts and along major roads.
Refueling Tips
Plan your refueling stops in advance, especially when traveling outside the city center.
Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby gas stations in real time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Glasgow
Congestion Charges
Be aware of the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in the city center, which may affect older vehicles.
Dedicated Bus Lanes
Avoid driving in bus lanes, which are clearly marked and enforced.
Traffic Delays
Plan for extra travel time during rush hours (7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM).
Contactless Payments
Use contactless payments for buses, trains, and parking where available.
Major Bus Stations
Buchanan Bus Station
Located in the city center, serving local and long-distance bus routes.
Railway Stations
Glasgow Central
The city's main railway station, providing services to destinations across Scotland and the UK.
Glasgow Queen Street
Serving routes to the north and east of Scotland, including Edinburgh and the Highlands.
Airports
Glasgow Airport (GLA)
Located approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) west of the city center, offering domestic and international flights.
Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK)
Situated about 50 kilometers (31 miles) southwest of Glasgow, serving budget airlines and cargo flights.
Renting a car in Scotland is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before getting on the road. Here’s what you’ll need.
If you’re from the UK, your standard license is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country license for up to 12 months, but some may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, although some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters.
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This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
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Loved exploring Glasgow! Getting around with a car was a breeze, and I saw so much more than I expected.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 21.05.2025
Fantastic weekend in Glasgow! Having a car made exploring so easy. Highly recommend.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 07.05.2025
Great trip to Glasgow! Catching up with friends was easy thanks to having a car. The city is beautiful.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 10.09.2024
I'd heard amazing things about Glasgow, and they were right! Exploring with a car was incredibly convenient; I saw so much more than I expected.
Olivia Garcia
Reviewed: 25.08.2024
Glasgow charmed me! Getting around with a car was effortless, and I discovered hidden gems. Highly recommend!
Ava Lee
Reviewed: 27.08.2024
Busy trip, but Glasgow was manageable. Having a car helped immensely, though the hotel breakfast was underwhelming.
David Lee
Reviewed: 21.03.2025
Glasgow surprised me! Exploring by car was perfect.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 01.04.2025
Glasgow was a pleasant stopover on our road trip; renting a car made things so easy. The city centre felt a bit crowded, though.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 30.07.2025
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Glasgow was efficient for my business trip; having a car made getting around so much easier. The museums were great, though the cafe I tried near the gallery was a bit underwhelming.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 18.03.2025