After exploring Glasgow’s many highlights (Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and Glasgow Botanic Gardens to name a few), hop in your hire car in search of Scotland’s greatest hits.
You can head out to Loch Lomond to see the Trossachs’ wild beauty, discover charming coastal villages on the Firth of Clyde, cruise through Glencoe’s dramatic landscapes and tuck into fresh grub in Oban, the seafood capital of Scotland.
Picking up a hire car in Glasgow city centre is easy, as it’s home to a number of conveniently located big-name rental companies.
Some are near Glasgow Central Station, such as Enterprise (+44 141 221 2124), while others, like Drivalia (+44 141 611 7103), are close to the M74 motorway.
Other car hire companies in Glasgow city centre include:
Glasgow is a fantastic starting point for Scottish road trips, with great connections to the country’s scenic routes. The M8 links Glasgow to Edinburgh, while the M74 heads south toward Carlisle, putting England’s Lake District within reach.
For trips north, the A82 is your route into the Highlands, leading you along Loch Lomond’s shores and through Glencoe’s dramatic landscapes.
Driving a hire car in Glasgow’s city centre requires some planning. Many streets are narrow and one-way, and several bus lanes operate with strict restrictions, particularly along key routes like Argyle Street, Killermont Street and Hope Street.
Buchanan Street and parts of the surrounding area are fully pedestrianised, so be sure to double-check your route to avoid incurring any fines.
For parking, multi-storey car parks at Buchanan Galleries and St Enoch Centre put you near popular shopping and cultural spots. There is also on-street parking, but it’s comparatively limited and can be pricey.
If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, your best option is to use the city’s park-and-ride services at subway stations like Shields Road and Bridge Street, which offer handy and affordable access to the centre.