Car Rental Edinburgh

Key Takeaways

• Rental car prices in Edinburgh can start from around £20–25 per day in off-peak periods, though typical rates are higher. The cheapest deals often come with limitations such as mileage caps, higher excess, or smaller/local providers, so it’s worth checking the terms carefully.

• Edinburgh Airport (EDI) offers the widest choice of rental companies and is usually the most convenient place to pick up a car. It is located about 13 km (8 miles) west of the city centre, with a typical drive time of 20–30 minutes.

• Edinburgh operates a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in the city centre. Most modern rental cars meet the required standards, but it’s still important to confirm compliance—especially if you plan to drive into central areas.

• For most visitors, a car is not necessary within the city. Edinburgh is compact and well served by public transport. A rental becomes far more useful for day trips to places like Stirling, St Andrews, or the Scottish Highlands.

• Well-known international brands such as Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, Europcar, and Sixt operate across the city and airport. Pricing, vehicle choice, and deposit policies can vary, so comparing options in advance helps secure better value.

Why Rent a Car in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is compact and easy to get around on foot, with a reliable bus and tram network. For most visitors, a car isn’t necessary for getting around the city centre. Where it does make a difference is beyond the city.

With a car, you can reach much more of Scotland on your own schedule. Within a couple of hours, you’re in places that are harder to access efficiently by public transport—Stirling Castle, the beaches of East Lothian, the fishing villages of Fife, or the edge of the Trossachs National Park. Many of these trips involve multiple train or bus connections, which can make them slower and less flexible.

A car also gives you the freedom to travel on your own timing—whether that’s an early start for quieter roads, a detour into the countryside, or scenic stops along the way. For families or small groups, the cost can work out well too, especially when compared with multiple train tickets and the need to manage luggage.

Popular day trips by car

• Stirling Castle — around 1 hour west. One of Scotland’s most important historic sites, with views over the surrounding countryside.

• St Andrews — about 1 hour 45 minutes north. A coastal town known for its university, cathedral ruins, and world-famous golf courses.

• Loch Lomond & The Trossachs — roughly 1.5–2 hours west. Ideal for loch views, walking trails, and a first taste of the Highlands.

• North Berwick — about 40 minutes east. A relaxed seaside town with beaches, coastal walks, and views of Bass Rock.

• Rosslyn Chapel — around 25 minutes south. A small but richly detailed chapel set in woodland, known for its intricate stone carvings.

Drive times are approximate and can vary with traffic and weather conditions.

Pickup Options: Airport vs City

Most visitors choose between Edinburgh Airport (EDI), a city-centre branch near Waverley or the Omni Centre, or an edge-of-city location such as Sighthill. Each option comes with trade-offs in price, convenience, and driving conditions.

For most travellers, the best choice depends on timing. Pick up at the airport if you plan to leave the city straight away. Choose a city or edge location if you’re staying in Edinburgh first and only need a car later.

Car Types Available

The best car for your trip depends on where you plan to drive and how many people are travelling.

• City / Economy (Fiat 500, Vauxhall Corsa): Ideal for short stays and navigating the narrow streets of the Old Town. Easy to park and fuel-efficient.

• Compact hatchback (VW Polo, Ford Focus): A practical middle ground for couples or small groups taking day trips.

• Estate or small SUV (Skoda Octavia, VW T-Cross): Better for longer journeys, with more luggage space and added comfort on rural roads.

• 7-seater or minibus (Ford Galaxy, VW Transporter): Suited to larger groups or families travelling together, especially on multi-day trips.

• Electric and hybrid models: A good option if you plan to drive within Edinburgh’s Low Emission Zone. Most modern rental vehicles already meet emissions standards, but it is worth confirming when booking.

If you are planning longer routes such as Glencoe or the North Coast 500, consider a vehicle with good ground clearance and comfortable long-distance driving. For those carrying bikes or extra gear, check in advance for options such as roof racks or tow bars.

Compare Car Rental Suppliers in Edinburgh

Edinburgh has a wide mix of global brands and strong local providers. Most operate at both Edinburgh Airport (EDI) and key city locations such as Waverley, Haymarket, and the Omni Centre.

 

What to Know before Choosing

• Airport vs city pickup: Airport locations offer the widest choice and longer hours, while city branches can avoid airport surcharges.

• Ratings vs price: The cheapest options are not always the most reliable — recent customer reviews are worth checking.

• Fleet differences: Premium brands (like Sixt) tend to offer newer vehicles, while budget options may have older fleets or stricter terms.

Airport Pickup Guide

Edinburgh Airport (EDI) sits about 9 km west of the city centre and is the main hub for car hire in the region. The rental car centre is located just outside the terminal and is easy to reach on foot via a covered walkway beside the multi-storey car park.

Major on-site providers include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, National, and Sixt, giving you one of the widest selections of vehicles in Scotland.

From arrivals, exit into the main plaza and follow signs for “Car Rental.” The walk to the rental desks takes around five minutes. Most counters operate from early morning until late evening, with some providers offering 24-hour returns via key drop.

For drivers, the airport connects directly to the M8 and M9 motorways, making it quick to reach key routes: the A8 into central Edinburgh, the M8 towards Glasgow, and the A9 north towards the Highlands. If you’re not collecting a car immediately, the Edinburgh Trams service runs from the city centre (including Princes Street) to the airport in about 30 minutes, with a short walk to the rental area.

Driving Tips

Driving in Edinburgh is straightforward once you get used to the layout. The main thing to be aware of is the Low Emission Zone (LEZ), which has been enforced since June 2024. It operates 24 hours a day, year-round, using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras at entry points around the city centre.

Most modern rental cars meet LEZ standards, but it’s still worth confirming with your provider before driving into central areas. Motorcycles and mopeds are exempt. If your vehicle does not meet the standard, a penalty charge applies, so it’s best to check in advance.

A few more pointers:

• Old Town streets: The Royal Mile and surrounding roads combine one-way systems with restricted “bus gate” sections. Follow road signs carefully — GPS can sometimes route through restricted lanes.

• Bus lanes: Many city routes have bus and taxi-only lanes during set hours. Driving in them when restricted can result in a fine.

• Speed limits: 20 mph is now standard across most residential streets. Main roads typically allow 30–40 mph unless otherwise signed.

• Roundabouts: Traffic flows clockwise. Give way to vehicles coming from the right and signal when exiting.

• Driving side: Traffic drives on the left. This can take a little adjustment if you’re used to right-hand driving.

For most visitors, driving in the city centre itself isn’t necessary. It’s often easier to explore Edinburgh on foot or by public transport, and use a rental car mainly for trips outside the city.

Parking in Edinburgh

Parking in central Edinburgh is limited, regulated, and relatively expensive. Most on-street spaces fall within controlled parking zones covering areas such as the New Town, Old Town, and West End. These bays typically operate on a pay-by-phone system, with time limits and strict enforcement during the day. Always check local signage for exact hours and restrictions.

Multi-storey car parks are widely available across the city centre. Options such as Q-Park Omni and NCP Castle Terrace are convenient for short stays, but daily rates are usually high compared to out-of-town parking.

If you only need a car for day trips, Park and Ride sites on the outskirts are often the easiest and most cost-effective option. Many offer free or low-cost parking with direct tram or bus links into the city. Key locations include Ingliston (near the airport), Ferrytoll (north of the Forth), Newcraighall, Sheriffhall, Straiton, and Hermiston.

A common approach is to avoid driving into the centre altogether: drop your bags at your hotel, park at a Park and Ride or the airport, and use the car only for trips outside the city. This helps you avoid parking fees, traffic restrictions, and Low Emission Zone concerns.

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh

A rental car really comes into its own once you leave the city. From Edinburgh, you can reach historic castles, coastal towns, and Highland scenery within a few hours. Drive times below are approximate and can vary with traffic.

• Rosslyn Chapel — ~12 km / 25 minutes
  A richly carved 15th-century chapel known for its intricate stonework and links to The Da Vinci Code. Compact but atmospheric, it pairs well with a walk in nearby Roslin Glen.

• North Berwick & East Lothian coast — ~40 km / 40–50 minutes
  An easy coastal escape with sandy beaches, harbour towns, and views of the Bass Rock — home to one of the world’s largest gannet colonies. Great for seafood and relaxed seaside walks.

• Stirling — ~60 km / 1 hour
  One of Scotland’s most important historic cities. Stirling Castle dominates the skyline, and the Wallace Monument offers wide views over the surrounding countryside. Ideal for a half- or full-day trip.

• Glasgow — ~75 km / 1 hour 15 minutes
  Scotland’s largest city offers a contrast to Edinburgh: vibrant, creative, and packed with museums, galleries, and live music. Merchant City and the West End are highlights.

• St Andrews — ~85 km / 1 hour 30 minutes
  Famous as the “home of golf,” but also worth visiting for its university heritage, medieval ruins, and West Sands beach. Combine with a scenic drive through the East Neuk fishing villages.

• Loch Lomond & The Trossachs — ~120 km / 1 hour 45 minutes
  The gateway to the Highlands. Expect lochside viewpoints, forest trails, and short hikes. Popular stops include Balmaha and Luss.

• Glencoe — ~180 km / 2 hours 45 minutes
  A longer but rewarding drive into dramatic Highland scenery. Steep valleys, waterfalls, and mountain views make this one of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes — best suited for a full-day trip.

Suggested Itineraries

• Short on time: Rosslyn Chapel or North Berwick

• Classic history day: Stirling Castle + Wallace Monument

• Coastal weekend: St Andrews + East Neuk of Fife

• Scenic drive: Loch Lomond or Glencoe 

FAQs

1. How much does car rental cost in Edinburgh?

Small cars typically start from around £17–£25 per day when booked in advance. Average daily rates are closer to £30–£40 depending on season, demand, and insurance level. Prices are lowest in winter and highest in summer and during major events.

2. Which car rental company is best at Edinburgh Airport?

Major brands like Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, and Sixt consistently rate well for reliability, vehicle quality, and service. The “best” option usually comes down to price, pickup time, and cancellation terms rather than brand alone.

3. Can drivers under 25 rent a car in Edinburgh?

Yes. Most companies rent from age 21, but drivers under 25 pay a daily young-driver surcharge and may face restrictions on larger or premium vehicles. Some suppliers set a higher minimum age for certain car categories.

4. Do I need to worry about the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in Edinburgh?

Yes, if you plan to drive into central Edinburgh. The LEZ operates 24/7, and non-compliant vehicles are fined. Most rental cars meet the standard, but you should confirm this with your provider before entering the zone.

5. Is it better to pick up a car at the Ediburgh airport or in the city?

Airport pickup is usually easier for onward travel, with more suppliers, longer opening hours, and direct motorway access. City-centre pickup can be more convenient if you are staying in Edinburgh first and only renting for a short trip.

6. Can I drive my rental car from Edinburgh to Glasgow or the Highlands?

Yes. Most rentals allow travel across the UK, including Scotland’s major routes. Glasgow is about 1 hour 15 minutes away, and the Highlands can be reached in 2–3 hours. Check for mileage limits on cheaper deals.

7. Is parking difficult in Edinburgh?

Parking in the city centre is limited and expensive, with controlled zones and strict enforcement. Many visitors use Park and Ride sites or hotel parking and avoid driving in the centre altogether.

8. Do I need a credit card to rent a car in Edinburgh?

In most cases, yes. A credit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some companies accept debit cards, but this often comes with higher deposits and stricter conditions.