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Explore Scotland with Ease: Edinburgh to Glasgow

Your seamless one-way car rental journey awaits

Can I rent a car from Edinburgh to Glasgow?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Edinburgh to Glasgow. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Documents required for GB residents
Documents required for international visitors
  • Form of ID: A valid physical United Kingdom national photo ID
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, AMEX, and DinersClub. XpCard is supported.
  • Age requirements: The general driving age requirement is 21-80 years. Young drivers aged 21-22 may incur a fee of US$ 55.25 per day. Drivers aged 23-24 may also incur a fee of US$ 55.25 per day. Young drivers aged 25-26 may incur a fee of US$ 64.10 per day.
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year. Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (Please note that an IDP is only a translation. You must present your original driving licence with the original IDP at the counter.)
    • EU Driving Licence
    • UK Driving License (with DVLA check code/DVLA endorsement record) (In addition to your licence, either a valid and up-to-date DVLA licence check code or a printed DVLA endorsement record must be provided for all Approved Drivers. These can be obtained from the DVLA website (www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence)).

    Notes: International renters must present a proof of inbound travel, a proof of return, two proofs of address (dated within three months and electronic copies are acceptable), and a DVLA check code or a copy of the driving license (if applicable) when picking up.

  • Form of ID: A valid passport
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, AMEX, DinersClub, and Discover. XpCard is supported. A second credit card may be required in some cases.
  • Age requirements: The general driving age requirement is 21-80 years. Young drivers aged 21-22 may incur a fee of US$ 55.25 per day. Drivers aged 23-24 may also incur a fee of US$ 55.25 per day. Young drivers aged 25-26 may incur a fee of US$ 64.10 per day.
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How much does renting a car from Edinburgh to Glasgow cost?

One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest Economy Rate

Starting from

US$ 48/day
Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 54/day
Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 108-US$ 202US$ 0-US$ 136US$ 142-US$ 276Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 166US$ 68US$ 237Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 142-US$ 355US$ 0-US$ 413US$ 197-US$ 773Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 125-US$ 244US$ 0-US$ 413US$ 162-US$ 352Large groups, long drivers
VanUS$ 136-US$ 756US$ 0-US$ 413US$ 245-US$ 892Large families, groups

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration:
  • One-way fee: Many rental companies charge an additional fee for returning the car to a different location. Check this fee when booking.
  • Drop-off location: Ensure the rental company has a drop-off location in Glasgow to suit your endpoint, such as near the city center or airport.
  • Vehicle availability: Verify that the desired vehicle type is available for one-way rentals on your route.
  • Rental agreement terms: Read the terms and conditions regarding mileage limits, fuel policies, and other restrictions specific to one-way rentals.
  • Driving distance and route planning: Plan your route ahead of time, including rest stops and fuel stations, for a smooth journey.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Book early for the best rates: One-way rentals are popular—you’ll have better availability and pricing if you book in advance.
  • Choose pickup and drop-off times wisely: Align your rental timing with your travel schedule to avoid extra charges for late returns.
  • Allow time for vehicle check: Inspect the car at both pickup and drop-off to avoid disputes about its condition.
  • Consider insurance options: Get insurance or verify your credit card coverage for potential one-way rental damages or liabilities.
  • Check fuel policy: Ensure you understand whether the rental policy requires a full-to-full return or another arrangement.
Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

QEEQ Online Car Rental Insurance
  • Comprehensive coverage for your rental vehicle
  • Approximately 50% cheaper than counter rates
  • Easy online purchase before your trip
Learn More About QEEQ Insurance
Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

QEEQ One-Dollar Freeze
  • Reserve your vehicle with just $1 upfront
  • Price Drop Protector automatically tracks price changes
  • Automatic rebooking when prices drop
Learn More About One-Dollar Freeze

Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling
Parking
Refuel Policy Basic

Refueling before returning the car is usually cheaper than purchasing a full tank from the rental company.

Always keep the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling.

Check the rental company's policy on acceptable fuel levels to avoid extra charges.

Fuel Cost

The estimated average fuel cost for this route is approximately £1.60 per liter as of the latest data.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed and avoid rapid acceleration to conserve fuel.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated to improve mileage.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the car to enhance fuel efficiency.

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Edinburgh Parking

Parking in central Edinburgh can be expensive, with rates ranging from £2 to £4 per hour.

Consider using park-and-ride facilities to save on costs and avoid city congestion.

Street parking is available but often limited to residents or short-term stays.

Glasgow Parking

Glasgow offers multiple parking options, including multi-story car parks with average costs of £1.50 per hour.

Some areas have free parking after 6 PM; check signage for details.

Mobile apps such as RingGo can be used to find and pay for parking spots.

Recommended Parking Apps

RingGo: Allows you to find and pay for parking in advance.

JustPark: Provides a wide range of parking options, including private driveways.

Parkopedia: Offers comprehensive parking information and availability.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes Around Edinburgh and Glasgow:
Edinburgh to Glasgow via M8
Direct Highway 1 hour

The fastest route between the two cities, following a major motorway.

Edinburgh Airport , West Lothian , Glasgow Cathedral
Edinburgh to Glasgow via A71
Scenic Route 1.5 hours

A scenic drive through small towns and countryside.

Livingston , Cambuslang , Barrowfield
Edinburgh to Glasgow via A702
Picturesque Route 2 hours

A longer but picturesque journey through the Pentland Hills.

Carlops , Biggar , Hamilton
Road Trip Planning Tips:

Plan Your Route: Use GPS or maps to determine your best route before starting off.

Allow Extra Time: Prepare for occasional traffic jams or roadworks along the way.

Check Fuel Availability: Familiarize yourself with stations along your route.

Know the Rules: Review the traffic laws of the region to ensure a safe journey.

Understand Rental Policies: Clarify terms and additional charges of the one-way rental.

Inspect the Vehicle: Verify the rental car's condition to avoid disputes later.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

An overview of reputable car rental companies for convenient one-way rentals from Edinburgh to Glasgow.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Enterprise Rent-A-Car$$HighExtensive Wide network of locations , Diverse vehicle options , 24/7 customer support
Avis Rent-A-Car$$$HighExtensive Premium vehicles available , Seamless online booking , Loyalty rewards program
Hertz$$MediumWide Multiple convenient pickup/drop-off locations , Good variety of vehicle classes , Flexible rental periods
Sixt Rent A Car$$MediumModerate Luxury vehicle selection , Innovative app features , Competitive pricing with transparent costs
QEEQ

Access to 110,000+ locations worldwide with 1,000+ suppliers for the best rates

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Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

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Best Rates

Compare across providers

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24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

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Exclusive Features

One-Dollar Freeze & Price Drop Protector

Explore QEEQ Car Rentals
Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:
Pricing Considerations
  • Base rental rate per day
  • One-way drop-off fees
  • Additional driver charges
  • Insurance costs
  • Fuel policy and potential charges
Vehicle Selection
  • Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
  • Fuel efficiency for long drives
  • Comfort features for highway driving
  • Navigation and entertainment systems
  • Vehicle condition and mileage
Company Reliability
  • Customer service reputation
  • Transparency in fees and policies
  • Roadside assistance coverage
  • Cancellation and modification policies
  • Reviews from other one-way renters

Edinburgh Car Rental Center Information

Operating Hours:

The Edinburgh rental center typically operates from 7:30 AM to 10:30 PM local time.

Location:

Located conveniently at Edinburgh Airport's car rental complex, adjacent to the parking facilities.

Shuttle Services:

Shuttles are available every 15 minutes from the main terminal to the rental center.

Closest Highways:

Easily accessible via the M9 motorway, enabling a quick transition to the route toward Glasgow.

Pro Tips for Edinburgh Airport(EDI) Car Rentals

It’s advisable to confirm the specific operating hours of the rental center during holidays and plan your pick-up/drop-off accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up the vehicle at one location and drop it off at another, such as renting a car in Edinburgh and returning it in Glasgow.

Is there an additional fee for a one-way rental between Edinburgh and Glasgow?

Yes, most car rental companies charge a one-way fee to cover the logistics of returning the vehicle to the original location. The fee amount varies by company.

What is the distance between Edinburgh and Glasgow, and how long does it take to drive?

The driving distance between Edinburgh and Glasgow is approximately 45 miles (72 kilometers), and it typically takes about 1 hour to drive on the M8 motorway under normal traffic conditions.

What documents are required to rent a car in the UK?

To rent a car in the UK, you typically need a valid driver's license, a credit or debit card, and photo identification (usually a passport for foreign drivers). Some companies may also require proof of address.

Can I rent a car without advanced booking?

While it's possible to rent a car on the spot, availability may be limited, especially during peak travel seasons. It's recommended to book in advance to secure the best rates and vehicle options.

Ready to Book Your Edinburgh to Glasgow Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes