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Cheapest Car Rental 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 rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
Why Rent a Car in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is a historic city with stunning architecture and a vibrant cultural scene. While public transport is available, renting a car offers unparalleled freedom to explore the Scottish capital and its surrounding areas.
Explore Beyond the City Center. Many of Scotland's most breathtaking landscapes and historic sites are easily accessible by car. A rental allows you to discover the Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness, and charming coastal towns at your own pace.
Convenience and Flexibility. With a rental car, you can travel comfortably and efficiently, especially if you're carrying luggage or traveling with family. Avoid the hassle of coordinating with public transport schedules and enjoy the freedom to change your itinerary as you please.
Access to Hidden Gems. Discover hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path locations that are not easily accessible by public transport. A rental car opens up a world of possibilities for unique and memorable experiences.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Edinburgh
Before booking a rental car in Edinburgh, be aware of the standard rental terms. These include age restrictions, required documentation, insurance coverage, and fuel policies. Understanding these conditions will help ensure a smooth and stress-free rental experience.
Area
264 square kilometers (102 square miles)
Population
Approximately 550,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT (GMT+1 during British Summer Time)
Ideal for
Exploring the city and surrounding areas
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Edinburgh require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. Non-UK residents may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but consider additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is typically required and will be refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy; unlimited mileage is often available. Fuel policies vary, but full-to-full is common, requiring you to return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras like GPS and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Edinburgh – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11 per day
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €35 per day
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
Automatic:
from £22 / $28 / €25 per day
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Higher demand leads to price increases of 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Discounts are often available
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Edinburgh?
Booking a car in Edinburgh involves a few simple steps to ensure you get the best deal and the right vehicle for your needs.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it's a compact car for city driving or a larger vehicle for family trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid any surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better availability by booking well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental car.
General Information About Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a captivating city with a rich history and stunning landscapes. Exploring Edinburgh and its surroundings by car offers flexibility and convenience.
As the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is renowned for its historic architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and breathtaking scenery. While the city has an efficient public transportation system, renting a car provides the freedom to explore beyond the city center and discover the hidden gems of the Scottish countryside.
Top Attractions to Discover
Edinburgh Castle
Iconic fortress perched atop Castle Rock, offering panoramic views of the city.
Royal Mile
Historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace.
Arthur's Seat
Extinct volcano offering stunning views of Edinburgh and the surrounding area.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use services like NCP or Q-Park for secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but can be limited, especially in the city center.
Park & Ride
Use park-and-ride facilities outside the city center and take public transport into Edinburgh.
Gas Stations in Edinburgh
Availability
Gas stations are readily available throughout Edinburgh and the surrounding areas.
Major Brands
Look for BP, Shell, and Esso stations.
Navigation Apps
Use Google Maps or similar apps to locate nearby gas stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Edinburgh
Use Contactless Payment
Contactless payment is widely accepted on buses and trams.
Watch for Pedestrians
Be mindful of pedestrians, especially in busy areas.
Plan for Traffic
Allow extra time for travel during rush hours.
Key Transportation Hubs in Edinburgh
Major Bus Stations
Edinburgh Bus Station
Located in the city center, it serves as the main hub for long-distance bus services.
Railway Stations
Edinburgh Waverley
The main railway station in Edinburgh, providing connections to cities throughout the UK.
Edinburgh Haymarket
Another major station, located to the west of the city center.
Airports
Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
Located approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) west of the city center, serving numerous domestic and international flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Edinburgh?
Renting a car in the UK is straightforward, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements.
A valid driver's license is required. Non-UK residents may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and some may charge extra for drivers under 25.
A valid credit or debit card in the main driver's name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required.
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This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customers Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Edinburgh as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
Pretty chill, actually.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 20.02.2025
Fantastic short trip! Edinburgh was easily explored by car; so efficient for my business meetings.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 05.03.2025
Absolutely loved exploring Edinburgh! It was my first time, and having a car made seeing everything so much easier. The city is gorgeous.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 24.01.2025
Back in Edinburgh after years away, and it's even more magical! Getting around was a breeze. Highly recommend!
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 06.10.2024
Edinburgh charmed me! Getting around was effortless, and I saw so much more than I expected.
Olivia Brown
Reviewed: 09.11.2024
Fine, a bit pricey.
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 08.10.2024
Edinburgh was stunning! So easy to get around, though the castle was a bit of a tourist trap.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 12.08.2025