Free CancellationBest Price GuaranteeNo Hidden Fees24/7 Multilingual SupportCar rental in Edinburgh - Search, Compare, and Save
Free CancellationNo Hidden FeesPick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Edinburgh
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Edinburgh
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Edinburgh
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a city brimming with history, culture, and stunning landscapes. While public transport is available, renting a car offers unparalleled freedom to explore beyond the city centre and discover the Scottish Highlands at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City: With a rental car, you can easily venture beyond Edinburgh to explore the scenic Scottish Highlands, picturesque lochs, and historic castles scattered throughout the countryside.
Convenience and Flexibility: Enjoy the convenience of travelling on your own schedule without being tied to public transport timetables. A car allows you to make spontaneous stops and explore hidden gems at your leisure.
Access Remote Locations: Many of Scotland's most beautiful attractions are located in remote areas not easily accessible by public transport. A rental car provides access to these hidden treasures.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Edinburgh
Before renting a car in Edinburgh, it's important to understand the standard terms and conditions. These generally cover age requirements, driver's licence regulations, insurance, deposit policies, mileage, and fuel guidelines.
Area
264 square kilometres (102 square miles)
Population
Approximately 550,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during winter time
Ideal for
Exploring the Highlands
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Edinburgh is typically 21, but some companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25. Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's licence is required. If your licence is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended. A passport is also generally required.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements usually include basic insurance. Additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is typically held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; unlimited mileage options are often available. Fuel policies commonly require returning the car with the same fuel level as when collected to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, GPS navigation systems, and child seats. Be aware of potential charges for late returns.
Car Rental Prices in Edinburgh – How Much Does It Cost?
Average car rental prices in Edinburgh can vary depending on the type of car, rental duration, and time of year.
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €24
Classic:
from £10 / $12.50 / €12
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €36
7 Seater:
from £40 / $50 / €48
Automatic:
from £25 / $31 / €30
SUV:
from £15 / $19 / €18
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Demand is higher, and prices increase by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Discounts are often available during the off-season
Prices can fluctuate significantly based on the time of year.
How to Book a Car in Edinburgh?
Booking a rental car in Edinburgh involves several key steps to ensure a smooth and cost-effective experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering factors like size and fuel efficiency.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement carefully, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better prices and availability by booking your car well in advance, especially during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Have your driver's licence, credit card, and passport ready when collecting your rental vehicle.
General Information About Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a historic city with a blend of old and new. Driving in Edinburgh requires awareness of local traffic rules and parking regulations.
As the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is a popular tourist destination with numerous attractions. Renting a car can be beneficial for exploring the surrounding areas and the Scottish Highlands. However, driving in the city centre can be challenging due to traffic and limited parking. Understanding local traffic laws, fuel availability, and parking options will contribute to a smoother experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Edinburgh Castle
A historic fortress dominating the city skyline.
Royal Mile
A historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace.
Holyrood Palace
The official residence of the British monarch in Scotland.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use public parking garages for secure parking in the city centre.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but can be costly and time-limited.
Park & Ride
Use park-and-ride facilities outside the city centre to avoid traffic congestion.
Gas Stations in Edinburgh
Availability
Gas stations are readily available throughout Edinburgh and its surrounding areas.
Major Brands
Major fuel brands include BP, Shell, and Esso.
Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps to locate nearby gas stations in real time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Edinburgh
Use Contactless Payment
Contactless payment is widely accepted on public transport and at many businesses.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in the city centre.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Traffic congestion can be heavy during rush hours, so plan accordingly.
Key Transportation Hubs in Edinburgh
Major Bus Stations
Edinburgh Bus Station
Located in the city centre, it serves as the main hub for local and long-distance bus services.
Railway Stations
Edinburgh Waverley
The main railway station in Edinburgh, providing connections to various destinations throughout the UK.
Edinburgh Haymarket
Another major railway station, serving both local and long-distance routes.
Airports
Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
Located approximately 13 kilometres (8 miles) west of Edinburgh city centre, serving both domestic and international flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Edinburgh?
Renting a car in Edinburgh requires a few essential documents and meeting certain criteria.
A valid driver's licence is required, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be needed if your licence is not in English.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for drivers under 25.
A valid credit or debit card in the main driver's name is necessary for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification is usually required.
Our Content Quality
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Edinburgh as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Quick business trip, Edinburgh was efficient. The castle was underwhelming, though.
David Lee
Reviewed: 07.10.2024
Fantastic, short trip to Edinburgh! Having a car made getting around so much easier for my business meetings. The city is beautiful; I'll definitely return for a longer visit.
Jessica Brown
Reviewed: 01.05.2025
Meh. So grey.
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 16.06.2025
Absolutely loved my Edinburgh weekend! Having a car was perfect for exploring beyond the city center. So much to see!
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 15.04.2025
Pretty chill, tbh
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 11.01.2025
Pretty relaxed, actually.
Oliver Wilson
Reviewed: 29.05.2025
Whizzing around Edinburgh was great, seeing friends was fun. The weather was a bit disappointing, though.
Evelyn Harris
Reviewed: 31.12.2024
Pretty good, actually.
Thomas Jackson
Reviewed: 31.01.2025
Edinburgh rediscovered! So easy with a car, beautiful city.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 29.01.2025