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Glasgow Airport Basics.....
Glasgow Airport is the ideal place to begin your exploration of the beautiful and historic country of Scotland. Whatever kind of holiday you want you will find it here. From the astonishing natural beauty of the Highlands, to the mystery of Loch Ness and the historic castles which can be found across the country, not to mention the hustle and bustle of Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, with its thriving city centre, busy nightlife and the passion of the Old Firm football games.
Glasgow Airport Car Rental.....
Major car hire players such as Hertz, Europcar, Avis, National, Enterprise, and Budget line the car rental desk area near the baggage claim area in the the Arrivals Hall. With around 7 million passengers traveling thru the airport, you'd expect a fairly decent-sized demand on seven car rental companies. So, the lesson here is book early.
Most (if not all) of the rental car drop-offs are on the western side of the facility. Shuttle services are available to collect you and take you to the terminal area.
Glasgow Airport Amenities.....
Glasgow Airport has all the conveniences you'd expect from a modern international airport handling over 8 million passengers per year through its 38 gates. Starbucks provides coffee and snacks and sandwiches can be purchased from Eat. If you have a little longer to spend, Frankie & Benny's provides an Italian-American experience or traditional British pub food can be found at The Drum and Monkey.
As well as extensive duty-free shopping area selling perfumes, cosmetics, alcohol and tobacco, Boots offers those last minute holiday essentials, WH Smith provides book, magazines and newspapers and Dixons sells electrical goods. Before you flight, you can relax in Skylounge Private Lounge, which provides free alcoholic and soft drinks, snacks and free wireless internet access or even enjoy a pre-flight massage at Relaxation Station!
Things To Do Nearby.....
Glasgow Airport is conveniently situated right on the M8 motorway which takes you directly into the city centre, a car rental journey of only 13 km, or carry on and reach the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, home of the famous Fringe Festival and the Scottish Parliament in less than an hour.
Scotland of course is the Home of Golf, and Glasgow airport is perfectly situated between the famous courses of St Andrews to the east and Turnberry and Royal Troon to the west, all of which are less than a 2 hour rental car drive away. Whilst playing these courses can be expensive, the experience and breath-taking views will linger in your memory for a very long time.
Further north, the ski resort of Aviemore is popular in the winter and make sure you visit Loch Ness where you might just catch a glimpse of the famous Loch Ness Monster or Nessie!
A visit to Scotland wouldn't be complete without a visit to a whiskey distillery to sample Scotland's national tipple. Glengoyne Distillery (pictured below), located 30 km north of Glasgow Airport has been described as the 'best whiskey tour' and will give you a unique insight into the manufacturing process behind this traditional Scottish drink. Hop in your rental car, and have a check.
Car Rental Driving Distances.....
We thought it would be handy to put together some more local areas nearby that might be worth a check. As always, reserve a GPS when booking your car - this way you'll get exact driving distances. All hired car driving distances below are from the Glasgow Airport.
City Chambers, 15 km.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery, 15 km.
Botanic Gardens and Kibble Place 15 km.
Glengoyne Distillery, 32 km.
Glasgow Cathedral, 16 km.
The Burrell Collection, 13 km.
Scottish Football Museum, 15 km.
University of Glasgow, 13 km.
Types of Vehicles for Hire at the Glasgow Airport.....
Again, with over 7 million passengers, you know there will be about any type of rental car imaginable for hire out of the facility. SUV's, minivans or minibuses (7-passenger), luxury cars such as a Mercedes, and economy cars are generally available. Of course, most cars hired out of the U.K. tend to be standard shift and diesel - both features that will help on the pocketbook.
Overall, Glasgow Airport is the gateway to an amazing and unforgettable holiday in this enchanting country, and a Glasgow Airport car rental may be the best way to see it.