Car Rental Glasgow

Which type of car hire is best for driving in Glasgow?

Whether you're travelling in Glasgow or heading out to explore Scotland, the right car can make getting around easier. Here's a quick guide to choosing the right car hire in Glasgow.

Compact Cars

If you're planning to rent a car in Glasgow for city driving, a compact car is a smart choice. A compact car can be easily manoeuvred through city streets and parked in tighter spaces, making it ideal for city breaks and short-term car hire. Hertz offers compact options such as the Vauxhall Corsa and similar models.

Electric Cars

We offer EV car hire in Glasgow, with electric and hybrid models available at Glasgow Airport. Take your pick from vehicles such as the Tesla Model 3 or Polestar 2 for city driving and longer journeys.

Family Cars

Travelling with family or extra luggage? Hertz's family cars, including the Vauxhall Mokka and Toyota C-HR, provide more space for passengers and bags. They're a practical choice for road trips around Scotland or longer stays.

Luxury Cars

Choose luxury car rental in Glasgow for a more premium driving experience. Hertz's British Collection is available at Glasgow Airport, with models including Range Rover, Jaguar and MINI. It's a fitting choice for business trips, special occasions or simply travelling in style.

Note: The vehicles mentioned above are examples. Specific models within a car class may vary in availability and features.

Parking in Glasgow

• Buchanan Galleries (G2 3GF): has 2000 spaces and is next to Glasgow Queen Street station. Electric vehicle charging facilities are available.
• St Enoch Shopping Centre (G1 4BW): is near St Andrew's Cathedral with 900 spaces.
• Dundasvale (G4 0SY): has 460 spaces, with charging spots for electric cars, located near Glasgow Caledonian University.

Key roads in Glasgow

• M8 is one of Scotland's most important arterial roads - goes right through the centre of Glasgow. It connects Glasgow city centre to the airport, Paisley and Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park (PA19 1BE).
• The A82 runs from Glasgow to Inverness in the north of Scotland and travels a total length of 167 miles.
• M77 leads south from Glasgow, past attractions such as Pollock Country Park (G43 1AT).

How to get from Glasgow to Edinburgh

It takes around 90 minutes to drive the 48 miles from Glasgow to Edinburgh.

• Leave the Glasgow car hire car park and head onto the M8.
• Follow the M8 to the City of Edinburgh Bypass/A720. Take exit 1 from the M8.
• Take Maybury Road/A902 to A900. Continue on this route to arrive in Edinburgh.

How to get from Glasgow to Dundee

Dundee is just a one hour and 30 minutes' drive from Glasgow. Just get onto the M8 from Port Dundas Road and Milton Street. Then take the M80 and the A9 to the A90 in Perth and Kinross. Continue on the A90 until you reach Dundee.

What are the top road trips from Glasgow?

Lochs, mountains, historic towns and the coast - Scotland's landscape changes by the mile. Road trips from Glasgow put all of it within reach.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs

Route: Glasgow to Loch Lomond via A82

Distance: Approx. 25 miles

Driving time: Around 45 minutes

A short drive from the city takes you to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, where you can explore lakeside villages, walking trails and mountain views. Continue towards Balmaha or Rowardennan for more of the scenery. It's an easy choice for a weekend trip from Glasgow or a day out with short-term car hire.

Glencoe and the Highlands

Route: Glasgow to Glencoe via A82

Distance: Approx. 90 miles

Driving time: Around 2 hours 15 minutes

Drive north along the A82 through Loch Lomond and Tyndrum before crossing Rannoch Moor and reaching Glencoe. With dramatic Highland landscapes and mountains along the way, this is one of the most rewarding road trips from Glasgow. Plan an overnight stay if you want more time to soak it all in.

Argyll and Loch Fyne

Route: Glasgow to Inveraray via A82 and A83

Distance: Approx. 55 miles

Driving time: Around 1.5 hours

Follow the western shore of Loch Lomond before turning onto the A83 towards Inveraray and Loch Fyne. Expect mountain backdrops, lochs, historic attractions and plenty of places to stop along the way. It's a great option when travelling in Glasgow and looking for a longer escape, with long-term car hire giving you more time to wander around.

When is the best time to visit Glasgow?

What time of year is best for visiting Glasgow?

Glasgow is a year-round destination, but summer in Glasgow brings longer days and a busy calendar of events, making June to August a popular time to visit. Spring and early autumn offer milder temperatures and fewer visitors, making these times a good choice for visiting attractions in Glasgow or planning weekend trips beyond the city.

When is car hire in Glasgow most in demand?

Demand for car hire in Glasgow tends to rise during the summer holiday period, when more visitors travel around Glasgow and the wider Scottish Highlands. If you plan to rent a car in Glasgow during this period, booking ahead gives you more choice of vehicles and dates.

What should you know about driving in Glasgow during different seasons?

Travelling in Glasgow is possible throughout the year, but Scottish weather can change quickly. Summer brings longer daylight hours, while autumn and winter can mean rain, wind, fog and shorter days. If you're driving beyond Glasgow, check the latest weather and road conditions before setting off.