Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
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Highland
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Highland
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Highland
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Highland
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
Highland is a region of stunning natural beauty, offering dramatic coastlines, majestic mountains, and tranquil lochs. While public transport is available, renting a car offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility to explore this vast area at your own pace.
Unrestricted Exploration: A rental car allows you to venture beyond the main tourist routes and discover hidden gems that are inaccessible by public transport. Explore remote glens, picturesque villages, and breathtaking viewpoints at your leisure.
Convenience and Comfort: Traveling with luggage or outdoor gear is much easier with your own vehicle. A rental car eliminates the hassle of navigating public transport with bulky items, making your trip more comfortable and enjoyable.
Time Efficiency: Highland is a large region, and distances between attractions can be significant. A rental car allows you to maximize your time by traveling directly to your chosen destinations without waiting for buses or trains.
Before booking a rental car in Highland, ensure you meet the minimum age (usually 21+), hold a valid driver's license, and understand the rental company's insurance, deposit, mileage, and fuel policies. Additional fees may apply for extra services or young drivers.
Area
25,657 square kilometers (9,906 square miles)
Population
Approximately 232,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summer time
Ideal for
Exploring the Scottish Highlands
Rush Hours
Limited congestion, mostly in urban areas
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Highland require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some providers may have a minimum age of 25 for certain vehicle categories. Young driver surcharges often apply for renters under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license isn't in English. A passport and a credit or debit card in the driver’s name are also typically required.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and theft protection are available. A security deposit is usually held on the renter’s credit card and refunded upon vehicle return, provided the car is returned undamaged.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others may have daily or total limits. Fuel policies vary—many require returning the car with a full tank to avoid refueling charges.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals (returning the car to a different location), late returns, or optional extras like GPS and child seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £38 / $48 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €24 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $13 / €12 per day
Executive:
from £28 / $35 / €33 per day
7 Seater:
from £32 / $40 / €38 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €24 per day
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14 per day
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms to avoid surprises. Book early for the best rates, especially in peak seasons. Don’t forget your license, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s a compact car for solo travel or an SUV for family adventures.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid unexpected charges.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure vehicle availability by booking early, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental vehicle.
Highland offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Understanding local traffic rules, parking regulations, and fuel availability is essential, particularly when venturing beyond urban areas.
Highland is a region of stunning landscapes and rich history, making it perfect for exploration by car. From the iconic Loch Ness to the dramatic Isle of Skye, a rental car provides the freedom to discover these incredible locations at your own pace. While some areas may have limited public transport, driving allows you to reach remote glens, charming villages, and breathtaking coastal routes. Familiarize yourself with local driving conditions, including single-track roads and variable weather, to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey through this magnificent region.
Top Attractions to Discover
Loch Ness
Explore the mysterious waters and search for the legendary Nessie.
Isle of Skye
Discover dramatic landscapes, rugged mountains, and picturesque villages.
Eilean Donan Castle
Visit one of the most iconic and photographed castles in Scotland.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Larger towns like Inverness have public parking garages for secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available in urban areas, but check time limits and restrictions.
Park & Ride
Some towns offer park-and-ride services to reduce traffic congestion in the center.
Gas Stations in Highland
Availability in Towns
Fuel stations are readily available in larger towns and along main roads.
Limited Availability in Remote Areas
Fuel stations are less frequent in remote areas, so plan refueling stops accordingly.
Major Brands
Look for major brands like BP, Shell, and Esso along main routes.
Useful Tips for Visiting Highland
Drive on the Left
Remember to drive on the left side of the road.
Be Aware of Single-Track Roads
Many rural roads are single-track with passing places. Use them to allow other vehicles to pass safely.
Watch for Wildlife
Be aware of deer and other wildlife, particularly at dawn and dusk.
Check Weather Conditions
Weather can change rapidly in Highland, so check forecasts before setting off.
Major Bus Stations
Inverness Bus Station
The main bus station in Inverness, serving regional and national routes.
Railway Stations
Inverness Railway Station
The primary rail hub in Highland, connecting to major cities in Scotland and beyond.
Fort William Railway Station
A key station on the West Highland Line, offering scenic routes through the Highlands.
Kyle of Lochalsh Railway Station
The terminus of the Kyle Line, providing access to the Isle of Skye.
Airports
Inverness Airport (INV)
The main airport serving Highland, with domestic and international flights.
Wick John O'Groats Airport (WIC)
A smaller airport serving the northern Highlands, primarily for domestic flights.
Renting a car in the UK is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need
If you're from the UK, your standard license is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country license for up to 12 months, but some may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters
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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 clients rate such place as Highland 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.
Meh. Midges were brutal.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 20.01.2025
Family vacation in Highland was amazing! Driving around was so convenient, and the scenery was stunning.
Emily Wilson
Reviewed: 11.08.2025
So glad I returned to Highland after all these years! Having a car made exploring so easy, and the scenery was incredible.
Jessica Lee
Reviewed: 28.01.2025
Highland was breathtaking! Exploring by car was perfect.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 17.03.2025
Pretty relaxed, really.
Mia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 05.01.2025
Scenic drives and charming towns! A perfect weekend getaway.
Olivia Bennett
Reviewed: 27.10.2024
Highland was lovely, revisiting after so long. Getting around with a rental car was easy, though the local museum was a bit underwhelming.
Katherine Jones
Reviewed: 01.07.2025
Stunning landscapes everywhere! Driving around was effortless and so enjoyable.
Amelia Hernandez
Reviewed: 07.10.2024
Kind of underwhelming. Midges everywhere.
Noah Thompson
Reviewed: 18.08.2024
Pretty peaceful, really.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 17.01.2025
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Pretty chill vibe
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 12.10.2024