Car Hire at Glasgow Prestwick Airport
Prestwick airport is located on the West coast of Scotland. The airport is perfectly located for visiting Glasgow, Galloway Forest Park and the rest of Scotland. If you are looking for a Scottish adventure then there are plenty of attractions in Scotland bound to give you a thrill.
If you decide to venture into Scotland and enjoy the sights and sounds of the country then you will need a rental car. There are 5 car rental branches located at Prestwick Airport with desks located in the arrivals area of the terminal. You can book when you arrive at the airport, but if you want the best deals from car hire providers you should book online and in advance.
To help you choose which provider to book your car hire with, the Prestwick Airport Guide has collated information on each individual provider. You can find out about their optional extras, age restrictions, additional charges and much more, here at the Prestwick Airport Guide.
Direct Bookings
| Provider | Phone | Website | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | + 44 (0) 208 564 3500 | www.europcar.co.uk |  | ||
 | + 44 (0) 870 400 4562 | www.alamo.co.uk | | ||
 | + 44 (0) 870 400 4581 | www.nationalcar.co.uk | | ||
 | + 44 (0) 844 544 6007 | www.avis.co.uk |  | | |
 | + 44 (0) 870 846 0006 | www.hertz.co.uk | |
Book Online
For the best deals and discounts you should try and book your car hire online. Booking online could not be easier as you can select your rental vehicle and optional extras during the booking process. The only issue with regards to booking online is choosing which website to use. With thousands of car hire comparison sites to choose from it is difficult to know who you can trust and who offers the best comparison service.
Car Hire Centre
If you are looking for a suitable online comparison site the Prestwick Airport Guide recommends the Car Hire Centre. The site is great as they will compare all of the providers at Glasgow Prestwick Airport to find you the best deal.
You can get a quote online or over the phone by calling +44 (0)844 816 0099.
holiday autos
holiday autos are a car rental comparison company offering fantastic deals on rental vehicles. You can visit their website for a quote or call 0871 472 5229.
Map of Prestwick Car Hire Locations
Prestwick Airport surrounding area
Prestwick Airport is a short drive from the vibrant city of Glasgow. Glasgow is a fantastic city full of culture. Prestwick Airport is also near some other fantastic UK destinations you may not have conisdered visiting while you are in the UK.
The airport is also in driving distance of the highest mountain in the UK; Ben Nevis. Ben Nevis is about 140 miles from Prestwick airport but the route you take is scenic and stunning. If you are a keen runner or simply enjoy watching a good race you should consider visiting Ben Nevis on the first Saturday in September when the Ben Nevis race takes place. Ben Nevis also is host to one of the three peak challenges. The challenge involves racing the three highest peaks in Wales, England and Scotland. If you are planning on taking part in the Three Peaks Challenge then you should consider flying to Prestwick Airport and driving to Ben Nevis from there.
Scotland is also known to be a fantastic destination for skiing. Therefore hiring a car, both self drive and chauffeur driven, is an excellent transport option for visitors planning on making the most of the snowy mountain tops of Scotland. This is because you can transport all of your skis, boots and other equipment in your car without having to pay any additional baggage fees. It is also a suitable transport option as some of the more beautiful destinations in Scotland are only accessible by car.
Collecting your rental
To collect your rental you will need your driving license and second form of ID with you such as a passport to ensure you are eligible to hire a car. You must remember you need both the photo card part of your driving license and paper counterpart.
You should triple check whether the car takes Petrol or Diesel fuel before you leave the forecourt. It may seem obvious but the vehicle may differ from your own car you are used to driving and putting the wrong fuel in the vehicle can result in large repair costs.
Before you leave the car rental forecourt check the vehicle for damage. If you find any damage inform your rental provider and make sure they document the damage on their damage report to avoid you being charged for the damage at the end of your rental.
Once you are in the car make sure you know how to use the controls for the windscreen wipers and turning on the lights. You do not want to be looking for these while driving later on when you need them.
Minimum age of hire
Most car hire providers ensure their drivers are over the age of 21 or above. The only exception at Prestwick airport is Hertz who allow drivers over the age of 19 for certain vehicle groups. They also offer student discounts to their young customers who own a valid NUS card. Avis and Budget only allow customers over the age of 23 to hire a car with them.
Additional Charges
Car hire providers have a range of additional charges they may add to your booking. They use complicated jargon to try and encourage you to paying these charges. You can find out what all of these terms mean here. Most of the additional charges are listed here and you will also see advice on how to reduce or avoid these additional charges.
One Way Car Hire
One way car hire is a great transport option for getting to, from or between any of the airports in the UK. Car hire providers charge a large fee for the privilege of this service. However, Europcar offer Airport Connect, which is any one way hire to, from or between airports, from as little as £45 exclusively to Prestwick Airport Guide visitors.
Car Hire Excess Charge
A car hire excess charge is the additional fee you may be asked to pay if the car is damaged in any way. The charge can cost anything up to £2,000. To avoid this fee you should buy car hire excess insurance. Insurance4carhire offer car hire excess insurance from as little as £4.75 per day. This small price could end up saving you thousands of pounds. Your car hire provider may offer their own car hire excess policy but usually this policy will exclude damage to the tyres, windows, roof and undercarriage. Insurance4carhire insurance polices will cover you for all of these items at no extra cost.
Airport Surcharge
Hiring from an airport will result in an airport surcharge. Car hire providers are charged to use the airport facilities when they have an in airport branch. They pass this cost onto their customers in the form of an airport surcharge. You cannot avoid this fee but it differs per provider so it may be worth looking around and seeing who charges the smallest airport surcharge. You should also check whether it is included in your policy or whether you have to pay it upon collection of the vehicle.
Young Driver's Surcharge
Most providers charge their customers under the age of 25 a young driver’s surcharge. This fee is added per rental day and usually costs an average of £13 per rental day. However, the amount differs for each provider so make sure you find the provider offering the cheapest young driver’s surcharge fee. The amount may also vary depending on your desired rental vehicle and age.
These are just a few additional car hire charges your provider may add to your booking. You can find more car hire tips and charges at the Car Hire Centre.
Prestwick Airport Car Hire Providers
Here you will find out all you could possibly need to know about the providers including price to add a driver, disabled driver options and much more.
Provider Extras
The 5 car hire providers at Prestwick airport offer a range of specialist extras and services such as those listed in the table:
| Child Seats | Satellite Navigation | Hire via Phone App. | Disabled Driver Hand Controls | Entertainment systems | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|  | | | |  |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Opening Hours
Europcar at Prestwick airport operates between these times:
- Mon-Fri: 07:30 - 21:00
- Sat: 07:30 - 18:00
- Sun: 10:00 - 18:00
Free delivery and collection
Europcar offer their UK customers free delivery and collection on the majority of car rentals. For more information call 0871 384 1142 . Terms and Conditions apply.
Minimum age of hire
Minimum age: 21.
Young Driver’s Surcharge: Applied to bookings where the driver is under 25. Costs from £13 per day.
Drivers under 25 will be charged £13 per day young driver’s surcharge.
Cost of additional driver
Cost to add drivers: £4.99 + VAT per rental day.
Airport Connect
Airport Connect is one way hire to, from or between UK airports. The usual price starts from £49 but Prestwick Airport Guide visitors can take advantage of Airport Connect from only £45. Click here for more information.
Services for disabled drivers
To request disabled driver services please call 0870 384 1087 or email Reservationsuk@mail.europcar.com.
Opening Hours
National Car at Prestwick Airport opening hours:
- Mon-Fri: 7.30am - 9.00pm
- Sat-Sun: 7.30am - 6.00pm
Minimum age of hire
21 years old for most vehicle groups.
Young Driver's Surcharge
Applied to rentals where main drivers are aged between 21-24.
Costs from £11.67 per day
Price of a satellite navigation system
From £8.33
Cost of additional driver
From £6.50 per additional driver.
HireRewards
HireRewards is a programme National Car set up for frequent renters. The programme offers a range of benefits including 10% off all vehicle hire.
Airport Connect
Airport Connect means you can hire a car with National Car to, from or between airports from only £49.
Drivers with disabilities
Drivers with disabilities can request Lynx hand controls by emailing mobility@nationalcar.com at least 48 hours before you need your rental to start.
Opening Hours
Alamo opening hours at Prestwick airport:
- Mon-Fri: 07:30 - 21:00
- Sat-Sun: 07:30 - 18:00
Minimum age of hire
You must be over 21 to hire a vehicle with Alamo
Young Driver’s Surcharge
From £11.67 per day.
Applied to rentals where the driver is 24 or under.
Price of Satellite Navigation
From £8.33 per day + VAT
Cost of additional driver
From £5.83 per day +VAT
Airport Connect
If you are planning a one way hire to, from or between airport, Alamo offer Airport Connect from only £49.
Opening Hours
Hertz at Prestwick Airport is open 7 days a week from 8am until 9pm. If you need to hire a vehicle outside these times, please call 08708 44 88 44.
Flight Number
If you book your rental from Prestwick Airport then a flight number is mandatory. Providing your flight number means Hertz can track your flight to check if it is delayed.
Minimum age of hire
Drivers must be over 19 years of age to hire a vehicle with Hertz.
Young Driver’s Surcharge
Drivers aged 24 and under will need to pay a young driver’s surcharge to hire a car with Hertz.
Young Driver’s Surcharge costs about £15.75 per day plus tax.
Student Discounts
If you hold a valid NUS card you can get up to 15% off your rental with Hertz.
Cost of additional driver
From £9 per day plus VAT.
Services for physically challenged drivers
Hertz will add hand controls for disabled drivers who need them. To book please call 0870 840 0084. Hertz require 24 hours notice to fit hand controls.
Opening Hours
Avis opening hours at Prestwick airport:
- Mon-Fri: 08:00 - 18:00
- Sat: 08:00 - 16:00
- Sun: 10:00 - 17:00
Minimum age of hire
Drivers must be over 23 to hire a car from Prestwick airport with Avis.
Young Driver’s Surcharge
Applied to rentals where the driver is under 25.
Costs from £11 per day plus VAT.
Cost of additional driver
From £9 per additional driver/per day.
Satellite Navigation
From only £13.99 per day you can add a satellite navigation system to your rental.
Avis Chauffeur Driven
You can book chauffeur driven vehicles by calling Avis on 020 8326 7600.
Disabled Driver Options
To reserve disabled driver hand controls please call Avis on 08445 81 81 81. Avis require 48 hours notice to fit hand controls.