Car rental in Glasgow

Drive around Glasgow with a hired car

Most of the attractions in the areas surrounding Glasgow can be easily and comfortably discovered with a rental car. With Driveboo, you can compare different car hire offers and book your rental car Glasgow directly online. Glasgow is the biggest city in Scotland, with a population of about 600,000. Despite its industrial appearance, the city has an impressively long history, dating back to the 6th century AD. However, nearly 90% of Glasgow's surface area is occupied by factories and typical industrial buildings. The older buildings only form a small part of the city and are predominantly located on the northern bank of the River Clyde.

The weather in Scotland is very variable, with strong winds, sun, rain and fog, sometimes in the same day. The east coast is sunnier and windier than the west coast. Temperatures in summer average around 18°C. The best time to visit is from spring to autumn. In the summer, be sure to get yourself some insect repellent, especially since the north of the country is home to millions of midges, known for their painful bites.

Where is the best place to hire a car in Glasgow?

In Glasgow, you can easily find car hire companies all over the city. However, most tourists travel to the city by plane. Therefore, they can either use public transport to pick up their reserved car from the rental car provider in the city centre, or take advantage of the various companies found at the airport itself. Glasgow, as the third largest metropolis in the United Kingdom, has two international airports.

What about the insurance of my hired car in Glasgow?

While looking into the insurance options for you rental car, you should always be aware that every hired car in Scotland must be covered by civil liability insurance. Civil liability insurance should be included in the rental price. You can purchase a non-compulsory insurance covering other types of risk, such as driver's injury, vehicle damage, theft, vandalism or legal aid. Always remember to carefully read the terms and conditions of the rental agreement in order to be sure what kind of protection you will be provided with.

Before you hire a car in Glasgow – traffic regulations in Scotland

Same as everywhere in the UK, vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road. Inexperienced drivers are advised to first practice their skills on less frequented roads. What’s more, drivers in Scotland must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driving license. Each vehicle must also have a warning triangle and it is recommended to have a first aid kit, an extinguisher and spare bulbs. All passengers must wear seat belts. Transportation of children up to 12 years old and 4.4 feet of height is possible only in a car seat.

What are the speed limits for cars in Scotland?

Emergency phone numbers for your travel by rental car

*101 is a non-emergency number for general enquires and situations that do not require an immediate police response

Destinations by rental car in Glasgow

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Glasgow is located at the western end of George Square. Here, is an impressive building from late 19th century that functions as the City Chambers. This architectural masterpiece made of Italian marble and Scottish granite can be found in the immediate vicinity of Queen Street Station.

Driving from the city centre, you should visit The Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, housed in a handsome red sandstone building. The museum presents the art of Scottish masters as informatively and impressively as it does the natural history of Scotland. Just as in all Glasgow’s museums, admission is free of charge.

If you enjoy history, you should also definitely use your rental car to drive to Glasgow Cathedral. Built in the 12th century, it proudly stands out from the modern backdrop of the city, with its green roofs and elegant design. Take a tour through all of the interiors, which are absolutely worth seeing.

For over 200 years, Glasgow's botanical gardens and greenhouses have attracted thousands of visitors every year. We recommend that you drive your rental car to the most interesting one, Kibble Palace. The building, erected in the 19th century, is a composition of cast iron and glass that fascinates visitors with its exciting design.

Explore Glasgows surroundings by rental car

If you are in Glasgow, you should explore the city’s beautiful surroundings with your rental car. This includes a trip to Loch Lomond, a lake whose waters lap the shores of the village of Luss. The loch is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the United Kingdom. Your rental car can be parked right on the shores. Next, you can discover the wonderful national park of the same name. In addition, the charming capital city of Edinburgh can be reached by car within less than an hour.

Golfing fans will definitely enjoy Troon, where many important tournaments are held. The seaside town is located just 28 miles from Glasgow and offers a huge dose of charm.

Another interesting town is Irvine, which was once an important port for the coal trade. There, you will also find the Scottish Maritime Museum. The highlight of any road trip with your rental car will definitely be the famous Loch Ness. The monster’s existence has been debated for centuries. Maybe you'll be the one to finally spot it? A wonderful idea is also to take a trip along the coast and visit the charming towns of Prestwick or Ayr.