Car Hire Glasgow International Airport

Whether you’re heading into the city of Glasgow or travelling north to delve deeper into the magnificent glens and wild mountainous moors of the Scottish Highlands, you’ll find the M8 motorway will take you where you need to go.

As with any large city, the roads in the centre of Glasgow can get busy – particularly at peak travel times – so it’s worth bearing this in mind when planning journeys.

Hiring a car at Glasgow Airport gives you the freedom to explore everything that Scotland has to offer. Driving through the country really is a pleasure as roads are well maintained and traffic flows fairly freely outside of the busiest cities.

The scenery that you’ll enjoy on your journey is simply breathtaking, a fusion of incredible towering mountains and charming stone-built Scottish towns. Speed limits vary, with limits on highways (called motorways) reaching 110km/h. You’ll regularly see speed cameras on the roads of Scotland, so be sure to stay within the limits.

Why not travel via the M8 from Glasgow Airport to the historic capital of Edinburgh? In just over an hour you’ll be enjoying amazing views, medieval architecture and maybe even a taste of traditional haggis.

For an eclectic mix of Ancient Egyptian artefacts, Salvador Dali paintings and a full-size Spitfire plane, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is just a short drive from Glasgow Airport.

It’s one of Scotland’s most visited attractions thanks to the vast collection of thousands of curiosities that fill the turn-of-the-century hall.

The fun begins as soon as you touch down at Glasgow Airport. Whether you’re seeing the sights of Glasgow, viewing the great sparkling Kelpie at Falkirk, or heading down into England, there’s simply a world of sights to see.

Glasgow: A cultural capital

If you’re travelling from Glasgow Airport to the city centre then you’re really in for a treat, as Glasgow is one of the cultural highlights of the United Kingdom. It offers an eclectic mix of theatres and music venues, fantastic shopping from high street names to small vintage boutiques, and a fabulous selection of fine dining restaurants.

The cheekily-named Ubiquitous Chip is a big hitter on Glasgow’s comprehensive culinary scene, championing Scottish produce in a charming courtyard setting. Comedians at Blackfriars or live music at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut will have you laughing and dancing long into the night.

The art scene is also a big part of Glasgow, with tributes paid to both the traditional and contemporary arts. Spend a day exploring the Gallery of Modern Art in the heart of the city, it’s home to contemporary masterpieces by David Hockney and Andy Warhol, as well as locally-born Scottish artists.

Scotland awaits

Glasgow has so much to see, but the best part is that it’s within easy reach of the rest of an awe-inspiring and diverse country.

Drive just over 30 minutes and you’ll arrive in Loch Lomond, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Take a boat trip across the serene lake, feel exhilarated by the views of the mountains that surround you, or take a hike to enjoy incredible views.

Stirling Castle, the former home of the Scottish monarchy, is one of Scotland’s most impressive sites and just a short drive from Glasgow Airport. Step inside the enormous medieval banquet and feel the sense of its history as you gaze at the winding turrets and sumptuous halls.

Just over an hour’s drive from Glasgow Airport is Edinburgh. This vibrant and colourful capital has almost a carnival feel in the summer months as it plays host to a number of different creative festivals.

Just spending a day walking the cobblestoned streets is a true experience as you take in the impressive architecture, imposing castle and quaint corners before dining at one of the many fantastic restaurants.

A gateway to the rest of the UK

Glasgow Airport not only gives you access to more of Scotland but it’s ideal for exploring the rest of the UK too. You can travel south to England or Wales, or even head across to Northern Ireland on a car ferry.

Travel south on the M78 from Glasgow Airport and you’ll be on your way to England. Just over 230km from Glasgow Airport lies the Lake District, a beautiful area of the UK which is always worth a visit.

The Lake District is one of the UK’s most popular national parks due to its network of beautiful lakes, charming towns and villages and stunning landscapes. Stop for coffee in Kendal and enjoy lunch at one of the many quaint tearooms before exploring the shops for something special.

If a city break is more what you’re looking for then take the time to visit Newcastle upon Tyne. Set on the River Tyne, the city offers fantastic shopping, a mix of bars and restaurants and a historic quayside with buildings dating back to the 16th century.

Car hire from Glasgow Airport is the perfect way to hit the ground running in Scotland and see more of this beautiful country – and beyond.