Car Rental at Glasgow Airport

Glasgow Airport is situated only 8 miles, or 13 km from central Glasgow, and is one of the major international airports in the United Kingdom. It is also the second largest airport in Scotland, handling over 9.6 million passengers. Many of these passengers find that having their own rented car is the ideal way to explore Glasgow and its surrounding areas, or to manage their business travels. There is a wide range of quality car hire companies situated within Glasgow Airport’s terminal building which offer a variety of car rental options.

Car Rental Companies at Glasgow Airport:

• Alamo: +44 141 840 1300
• Arnold Clark Car & Van: +44 141 847 8602
• Avis: +44 344 544 6003
• Budget: +44 344 544 4604
• Budget Vans: +44 844 544 4604
• Dollar: +44 141 611 7581
• Drivalia: +44 1416117100 / +44 7889 535442
• Easirent: +44 141 611 7100
• Enterprise: +44 141 840 1300
• Europcar: +44 371 384 1079
• Firefly: +44 843 309 3031
• Flizzr: +44 207 018 8246
• Green Motion: +44 141 433 8268
• Hertz: +44 843 309 3031
• Keddy By Europcar: +44 371 384 1079
• National: +44 141 840 1300
• Sixt: +44 207 018 8246
• Thrifty: +44 141 611 7581

The airport consists of a single terminal building, known as Terminal 1, and a satellite extension used only for certain low-cost airline check-in procedures. This extension is known as Terminal 2, or T2. The car hire companies are found on the ground floor of the main terminal building, in the baggage reclaim area. They include the companies of Hertz, Avis, Europcar, National, Alamo, Enterprise and Budget. Although passengers can hire a vehicle when they arrive at the airport, it is recommended to make a booking in advance of your departure flight, to ensure that your ideal vehicle selection is available. It is also wise to reserve extra items needed for travels, such as child safety seats or satellite navigation systems. Most of the car hire companies offer these types of items at small additional fee, and they are well-worth the money to ensure your trip goes smoothly and without any hassles. A navigation system is a wonderful piece of equipment to have with you, especially if you are unfamiliar with the roads in Glasgow, and most GPS systems offered come with excellent features such as high-quality color touch-screens, continuous mapping features, easy-to-use controls, a selection of languages and thousands of pre-programmed points of interest.

Glasgow is the biggest city in Scotland, and is situated along the River Clyde. There are a grid of roads in the city center, some of which are restricted to buses and taxis. There are also numerous one-way streets in this area. The eastern side of the city is bordered by High Street, where many of the top attractions can be found, and the River Clyde runs along the southern side of the city. Having a rented car is an excellent way to travel the Scottish countryside, and visit nearby towns and cities, for example, Edinburgh, which is only an hours drive away from Glasgow. The speed limits for Glasgow roads are strictly monitored, and should be obeyed at all times. They are 48 km/h or 30 mph in urban areas, 64 km/h or 40 mph on the open roads, 32 km/h or 20 mph in towns and residential areas, and 112 km/h or 70 mph on the motorways and highways. Motorists in Glasgow will also find various parking spaces available in the city, as well as some parking garages. A large and frequently used car park is available at the Concert Square. All car parking areas are well signposted in Glasgow.

The car hire companies at the airport offer a wide range of quality vehicles for hire. Passengers who are concerned for the environment can even hire a vehicle which is considered to be environmentally friendly and fuel efficient. Budget and Europcar are two of the companies which offer these types of vehicles. Vehicles come in all shapes and sizes, from small and practical vehicles for just two people to large vehicles which can accommodate a group of travelers. Smaller vehicles are also available for small families, and these vehicles are great for city driving and are easy to manage. Estate or wagon type vehicles would be a good option for those who need plenty of luggage storage space. They are also good family cars. SUV's and Minivans provide space for larger families or groups of friends who wish to travel together. Business travelers can hire a more up-market vehicle from the Premium or Luxury categories at most of the car hire companies. These are vehicles ideal for presentation purposes at prestigious business or even private functions. They also have more luxurious features than the average rental car. Individuals who would like to add some excitement to their holiday rental can also choose from a range of convertibles and more sporty-type vehicles.

The vehicles at most car hire companies are divided into various car categories, and customers will choose one of these categories rather than a car by its specific make and model. However, car hire companies such as Hertz offers three categories containing vehicles which can be reserved by make and model. This is a unique feature offered by Hertz, and a popular option for many people looking for the perfect rented car. The three categories are the Hertz Green Collection, containing environmentally friendly vehicles, the Hertz Prestige Collection, with vehicles ideal for smart business events, and the Hertz Fun Collection, featuring a range of interesting convertibles and sporty car models. Budget also offers their ‘Street Fleet’ vehicles, a range of vehicles which can be reserved by specific make and model.

Most of the car hire companies at Glasgow Airport require the primary renter to be at least 25 years of age, have a valid drivers license, and a major credit card in their name in order to pay for the rental. An International Driving Permit may also be required for foreign renters. Further details are available on each car hire company’s website.

General enquiries regarding Glasgow Airport can be made at the information desk on the first floor of the main airport terminal, next to the UK and Ireland departure areas, and tourist information is available from the Scotland tourist desk in the international arrivals concourse.