Car hires in Glasgow: practical information
Where to rent a car in Glasgow
As the largest city in Scotland, it'll definitely help to have a car to get around this city, even more so if you plan to get out and explore the wild wilderness that Scotland is so famous for! The best way to plan your trip is to book an affordable car hire at the same time as your flight tickets from London to Glasgow. At the airport you can pick up your rental from either Avis, Europcar, National, Alamo, Hertz, Enterprise or Budget.
If you would like to pick up your rental car from the city centre, look for along Clydeside Expressway, also known as Seton Road. Trifty, Hertz, Alamo and Car Hire Glasgow are all located there, Mitchells and Enterprise are on the other side of the M8.
Parking in Glasgow: what you should know
There are 20+ car parks dotting the downtown core of Glasgow, charging anywhere from £0.60 to £1.20 per hour or around £16/day. Street parking is also available in a few places for £0.50/hour but it's often limited to 1 or 2 hour intervals. Remember to pay in the nearby meter and display your ticket from the machine on your dashboard.
Many hotels in Glasgow offer free parking to guests so if you know you're going to be renting a car, then reserve your spot in the hotel car park!
Road trips from Glasgow: what to do, what to see
- A stone's throw away: Loch Lomond is the largest lake in Great Britain with dozens of islands to explore. The lake's shores are popular for hikers, as the waters are for those looking to do some sailing and canoeing. Cycle your way along the West Loch Lomond Cycle Path from Arrochar to Balloch or windsurf your way from one side to the other.
- A little further: Edinburgh, just an hour away, is a great stop if you want to check out the castle and the capital city's other historical sights. Great shopping, dining, museums and galleries, an essential city break.
- A proper day-trip: Fort William and the Highlands are just two and a half hours away. Fort William, being the largest town in the western Highlands, is the perfect destination for your day trip or weekend escape during your holidays in Glasgow.
For more things to do in Glasgow, check out Mini-guide: Glasgow.
