Evolving from a nondescript fishing village on the River Clyde into the biggest sea port in the UK, Glasgow has an industrious past. It witnessed the construction of the Roman Antonine Wall – the central belt of Scotland erected in AD 140 to segregate Britannia from Caledonia (the Latin name for Scotland). Its notable University of Glasgow, founded in 1451, was a pioneer in the Scottish Enlightenment. And the city nurtured a booming transatlantic trade with the United States and West Indies in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Now the fourth most-visited city in Britain, its unique aesthetic marries Victorian grandeur with Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Art Nouveau Glasgow Style. Stroll through George Square to admire the towering 18th-century City Chambers, and chase some serious sightseeing with a wee dram at one of the city’s numerous lively music venues. Glasgow was named UNESCO City of Music in 2008, testament to its appreciation for a good live act and diverse range of musical genres – including the famed Scottish Opera.

Beer enthusiasts will enjoy a pint at Tennent's Wellpark Brewery, Scotland’s oldest, while whisky aficionados might prefer a tour of Glengoyne distillery, a 40-minute drive north of Glasgow. Local Glaswegian cuisine is not for the faint-hearted: haggis, black pudding, chip sandwiches and, of course, the ubiquitous deep-fried Mars bar. For something a little more highbrow, Cail Bruich in the West End serves Scottish cuisine with a French bent.

Which side of the road?
In the United Kingdom, please drive on the left side of the road.

Country driving laws

• Mobile phones may only be used with a headset or hands-free device
• Use the outside lane to overtake on motorways and dual carriageways
• There is a congestion charge payable when driving in London
• Zebra crossings (black and white stripes on the road) give pedestrians right of way to cross the road

Speed Limits
All speed signs will be in mph.

For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers:

• Urban areas: 30 mph (48 km/h)
• Rural areas: 60 mph (96 km/h)
• Motorways: 70 mph (112 km/h)

Unless indicated by road signs.

Child safety / Seatbelt laws

• It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt
• Children aged under 12 or less than 135cm tall must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size

Please note, it is the child’s parent/guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.

This road rules information is for provided for general guidance only. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk.

If you want to learn more about driving your hire car in Glasgow, see the full United Kingdom Road Rules guide.

For an adventure into the Lowlands, the Trossachs National Park, home to Loch Lomond – the largest stretch of water in Scotland, will be your first most arresting encounter with the Scottish wilds. A 50-minute drive from Glasgow, it’s here that nature-lovers can bliss out on the area’s spectacularly diverse geography. The 21 Munros in this area, reaching summits higher than 3,000 ft, are home to more than 50 special nature conservation sites and 22 sparkling lochs.

Fort William is located a two-hour drive further north. Breeze past pretty waterfalls and through heather-covered glens and ancient hunting forests to reach this settlement on the eastern shore of pretty Loch Linnhe. It’s known as the gateway to Ben Nevis, the tallest summit in the British Isles.

Head east into the Scottish Highlands to discover the expansive peaks of Cairngorms National Park, popular with skiers and home to the quaint town of Aviemore. Venture further north, and you’ll reach the picturesque, coved coastline of Inverness.

Hiring a car in Glasgow with Avis guarantees you access to this remarkable region’s most far-flung scenic sites.

What is it like driving in Glasgow?

Roads in and around Glasgow, like the rest of the United Kingdom, are generally in good condition. Driving in the city is relatively easy despite traffic at rush hours. On street parking can be difficult but the city has plenty of car parks.

Is it expensive to hire a car in Glasgow?

Avis offers competitive rates for car hire in Glasgow no matter the season. Find the best car rental deals on our website and enjoy flexible booking options. Use our online booking form to compare prices for your chosen dates.

How old do you have to be to hire a car in Glasgow?

Anyone looking to rent a car in Glasgow must be at least 23 and be in possession of a full UK or EU driving licence for over a year. Age limit is restricted to certain vehicle types, and there is a young driver surcharge fee for most vehicles.

What are the driving rules in Glasgow?

Glasgow has the same driving rules as the United Kingdom. If you want to know more about driving in Glasgow, see the full United Kingdom Road Rules guide.

Other Avis services in Glasgow

Take a top-of-the-range Avis Prestige car out for a road trip with high style. We stock a limited number of high-calibre Range Rovers, executive Jaguars and sleek Mercedes. We also offer automatic car hire in Glasgow – check out our best rates online.

Take a top-of-the-range Avis Prestige car out for a road trip with high style. We stock a limited number of high-calibre Range Rovers, executive Jaguars and sleek Mercedes. We also offer automatic car hire in Glasgow – check out our best rates online.