Car Hire in Edinburgh
✓ No Hidden Costs ✓ 24/7 Support ✓ Free Cancellation
500+ Trusted Suppliers:
Cheapest Car Hire Rates
Edinburgh Airport Car Hire
Mini
Fiat 500
or comparable
£ 10.96
/ per day
Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station Car Hire
Economy
Kia Rio
or comparable
£ 15.17
/ per day
Edinburgh Airport Car Hire
Compact
Ford Focus
or comparable
£ 16.31
/ per day
Edinburgh Airport Car Hire
Intermediate Crossover
Vauxhall Mokka
or comparable
£ 23.78
/ per day
Most Popular Car Hire Deals
Edinburgh Airport Car Hire
Compact Elite
Mercedes Benz A Class
or comparable
£ 25.20
/ per day
Edinburgh Airport Car Hire
Standard SUV
Ford Kuga
or comparable
£ 26.71
/ per day
Edinburgh Airport Car Hire
Full-size
Mercedes-Benz CLA
or comparable
£ 41.59
/ per day
Edinburgh Airport Car Hire
Premium
Mercedes Benz CLA
or comparable
£ 46.55
/ per day
These prices are approximate and depend on the dates of the booking, hire length and type of car. This information was last updated at 12:07 on 2023-12-04.
Travel Information
Languages
English
Currency
GBP
Drive on
Left-hand side
Dialing code
+44
Average car hire price
£ 26 per day
Average car hire length
7 days
Speed limit within city centre
48 km/h or 30 mph
Speed limit out of city centre
96 - 112 km/h or 60 - 70 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.08%
Average gasoline price
£ 1.68 per litre or £ 6.36 / 1 gallon
Lowest gasoline price
£ 1.45 per litre or £ 5.49 / 1 gallon
Highest gasoline price
£ 1.90 per litre or £ 7.19 / 1 gallon
Why hire a car in Edinburgh?
The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is the UK’s second-most visited city (after London) for a reason. In addition to its well-preserved architecture and fairy-tale atmosphere, the city is a cultural and innovation hub and boasts some of the country’s best museums.
One-way Car Hire in Edinburgh
The most popular one-way car hire options for pick up in Edinburgh and drop off in another city include:
- From Edinburgh to Glasgow - 327 offers from £ 25.98 per day
- From Edinburgh to Inverness - 143 offers from £ 32.83 per day
- From Edinburgh to Manchester - 104 offers from £ 31.27 per day
- From Edinburgh to Aberdeen - 104 offers from £ 32.83 per day
- From Edinburgh to London - 130 offers from £ 33.78 per day
Top ways to enter Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Airport. The busiest in Scotland, Edinburgh Airport handles about 15 million travellers annually. A number of low-cost carriers fly here, including easyJet and Ryanair. Edinburgh Airport is about a 30-minute drive from the city centre.
- Glasgow Airports. There are two other international airports near Edinburgh, both nominally serving the neighbouring city of Glasgow. By far the largest of the two, Glasgow Airport is about a 90-minute drive east while the smaller Glasgow-Prestwick Airport, served only by Ryanair, is about 1 hour and 45 minutes away.
Top destinations and activities
- Edinburgh Castle. The symbol of Edinburgh and home of the Scottish Crown Jewels, this is arguably the most famous of all the Edinburgh landmarks. The castle was first built more than 1,000 years ago, though the complex has been renovated and expanded over the centuries. Tickets need to be purchased in advance — you can do that on the official website.
- Scottish National Gallery. Another Edinburgh treasure, the National Gallery has a collection of virtually all of the most notable Scottish artists, as well as foreign masters like Botticelli, Gauguin, Cezanne, and many more. As with Edinburgh Castle, you should book your tickets in advance.
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Not just a public green area, but also a centre for the conservation and study of plants, RBGE is home to more than 13,000 floral species (as well as a herbarium of over three million specimens). In addition to plants native to the British Isles, there are many exotic species that can be found in the Palm House and Cryptogamic Garden.
Traffic and parking
- The United Kingdom drives on the left-hand side of the road
- On-street parking is usually heavily restricted. Never park on a white, double yellow or double red line (stopping on motorways and along red lines is illegal).
- There are relatively few parking areas available for city visitors in Edinburgh. Some paid parking spots are available via a pay-and-display system. You can find many of those on this map on the city’s official website. The exact fee will depend on the length of the time you park there, the hour of the day, and the day of the week. It is not a good idea to park without a permit as the fines are quite high and the rules are strictly enforced; sometimes your car might even be towed away.
- You are not allowed to use your mobile phone while driving unless you use a hands-free system.
- Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limits are 112 km/h (70 mph) on motorways, 112 km/h (70 mph) on dual carriageways, 96 km/h (60 mph) on single carriageways and 48km/h (30 mph) in residential areas and areas with street lighting.
- In Scotland, the legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for both experienced and novice drivers. In the rest of the UK, the legal alcohol limit is 0.08% for both experienced and novice drivers. Exceeding the limit can lead to large fines, a suspended license, or even imprisonment.
- Proof of insurance and the documentation of the car need to be in it whenever you’re driving.
- When driving, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
- The emergency numbers are 999 and 112.
Ideas for day trips
- Leith. Technically a district of Edinburgh, the port area is highly distinct — it even has its own accent! Naturally, many of the attractions here are sea-related — such as the Trinity House Maritime Museum, the display of the Royal Yacht Britannia, and the scenic waterfront. Leith is immediately to the north of Edinburgh and only a short drive away.
- Glasgow. The largest city of Scotland and sometimes seen as a rival of Edinburgh, Glasgow might not be as historic or picturesque but is definitely a very fun destination. Not that there’s any lack of notable landmarks — Glasgow Cathedral, St. Mungo’s Museum of Religious Life and Art, Kelvingrove Park and Art Gallery, and even Glasgow Necropolis are just a few to mention. The drive from Edinburgh takes only about an hour and 20 minutes.
Most popular cars
The most hired car in Edinburgh is the Skoda Octavia, followed by the Ford Fiesta and the Vauxhall Corsa. The most popular car types are economy, compact, and intermediate.
Car Hire Prices in Edinburgh
- Station wagons - starting at £ 24 per day
- Large cars - starting at £ 26 per day
- Medium cars - starting at £ 13 per day
- People Carriers - starting at £ 48 per day
- Premium cars - starting at £ 30 per day
- Small cars - starting at £ 11 per day
- SUVs - starting at £ 17 per day
Money-saving tips
These are some good methods to save money on the car you’ll hire:
- Compare rates of different car hire providers
- Book your vehicle well in advance
- Plan your route before you go
- Know your fuel and mileage requirements
- Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Edinburgh is the cheapest in October.
Top 20 Cities near Edinburgh
-
Dundee Car Hire starting at £ 48.38 per day62.4 km / 38.8 miles away
-
Glasgow Car Hire starting at £ 11.17 per day66.7 km / 41.4 miles away
-
Paisley Car Hire starting at £ 38.70 per day67.4 km / 41.9 miles away
-
Carlisle Car Hire starting at £ 38.70 per day120.8 km / 75.1 miles away
-
Newcastle Car Hire starting at £ 16.09 per day146.6 km / 91.1 miles away
-
Aberdeen Car Hire starting at £ 12.58 per day156.8 km / 97.4 miles away
-
Sunderland Car Hire starting at £ 66.19 per day170.3 km / 105.8 miles away
-
Inverness Car Hire starting at £ 14.31 per day181.8 km / 113.0 miles away
-
Middlesbrough Car Hire starting at £ 66.19 per day204.8 km / 127.3 miles away
-
Barrow-in-Furness Car Hire starting at £ 24.86 per day204.9 km / 127.3 miles away
-
Belfast Car Hire starting at £ 14.47 per day230.3 km / 143.1 miles away
-
Blackpool Car Hire starting at £ 58.80 per day243.1 km / 151.1 miles away
-
Preston Car Hire starting at £ 48.38 per day246.0 km / 152.9 miles away
-
Leeds Car Hire starting at £ 20.96 per day256.3 km / 159.3 miles away
-
Derry Car Hire starting at £ 20.07 per day259.0 km / 160.9 miles away
-
Bolton Car Hire starting at £ 24.86 per day272.3 km / 169.2 miles away
-
Warrington Car Hire starting at £ 48.38 per day289.3 km / 179.8 miles away
-
Liverpool Car Hire starting at £ 11.61 per day292.9 km / 182.0 miles away
-
Manchester Car Hire starting at £ 10.90 per day297.2 km / 184.7 miles away
-
Holyhead Car Hire starting at £ 24.86 per day304.0 km / 188.9 miles away
Top 20 Destinations around Edinburgh
-
Edinburgh Airport Car Hire starting at £ 10.96 per day
-
Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station Car Hire starting at £ 14.37 per day11.5 km / 7.1 miles away
-
Glasgow Airport Car Hire starting at £ 11.17 per day66.7 km / 41.4 miles away
-
Newcastle Airport Car Hire starting at £ 16.09 per day146.6 km / 91.1 miles away
-
Aberdeen Airport Car Hire starting at £ 12.58 per day156.8 km / 97.4 miles away
-
Inverness Airport Car Hire starting at £ 14.31 per day181.8 km / 113.0 miles away
-
Belfast City Airport Car Hire starting at £ 20.07 per day216.8 km / 134.7 miles away
-
Belfast International Airport Car Hire starting at £ 14.47 per day230.3 km / 143.1 miles away
-
Leeds Bradford Airport Car Hire starting at £ 20.96 per day256.3 km / 159.3 miles away
-
Derry Airport Car Hire starting at £ 20.07 per day259.0 km / 160.9 miles away
-
Liverpool Airport Car Hire starting at £ 11.61 per day292.9 km / 182.0 miles away
-
Manchester Airport Car Hire starting at £ 10.90 per day297.2 km / 184.7 miles away
-
Holyhead Port Car Hire starting at £ 24.86 per day304.0 km / 188.9 miles away
-
East Midlands Airport Car Hire starting at £ 13.98 per day371.2 km / 230.7 miles away
-
Birmingham Airport Car Hire starting at £ 14.75 per day402.8 km / 250.3 miles away
-
Luton Airport Car Hire starting at £ 11.18 per day493.9 km / 306.9 miles away
-
Bristol Temple Meads Railway station Car Hire starting at £ 66.19 per day503.1 km / 312.6 miles away
-
Cardiff Airport Car Hire starting at £ 24.72 per day506.3 km / 314.6 miles away
-
Bristol Airport Car Hire starting at £ 12.73 per day509.7 km / 316.7 miles away
-
London Stansted Airport Car Hire starting at £ 11.10 per day509.9 km / 316.8 miles away
Map of Car Hire Destinations
In which month is car hire in Edinburgh the most affordable?
According to our data, prices for hiring a car in Edinburgh fluctuate depending on the time of year. This graph displays the average hire prices in each month in order to help you find the best bargain.
Average price for hiring a car per day in Edinburgh
The best month to hire a car in Edinburgh is November (when the average price is £ 30.47 per day). This is 45% less than the yearly average and 62% less than hiring in April (when the average price is £ 80.68).
This information can help you determine the low season. But note that these prices are only averages. The cost of your hire is determined by the type of car you select, the length of time you hire it for and how much in advance you book. Simply type in your dates in the form at the top of the page in order to find out the exact prices.
This information can help you determine the low season. But note that these prices are only averages. The cost of your hire is determined by the type of car you select, the length of time you hire it for and how much in advance you book. Simply type in your dates in the form at the top of the page in order to find out the exact prices.
What is the usual period for which people keep their hire cars, on average, in Edinburgh?
Car hire lengths vary by month: in May, average hirers keep their car for 7, and in May, for 5 days.
Average number of hire days in Edinburgh
What is the most favoured month for hiring a car in Edinburgh?
Given the number of searches made by our customers, the most popular month for car hire in Edinburgh is August, and the least popular is January.
Popularity of Car Hire in Edinburgh by Monthly Searches
Car Hire Information
| Car hire locations | 5 |
| Airport locations | 1 |
| Popular suppliers | Drivalia, Arnold Clark, Easirent, Alamo, Enterprise |
| Popular car categories | Small cars, Medium cars, SUVs, People Carriers |
| Lowest price | £ 11 per day |
| Cheapest supplier | Drivalia |
Most Popular Car Hire Models
| Hire Agency | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drivalia | Ford Fiesta | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Drivalia | Fiat 500 | 3 | 1 | Small cars |
| Drivalia | Ford Focus | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Arnold Clark | Ford Fiesta | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| Arnold Clark | Kia Ceed | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Arnold Clark | Peugeot 3008 | 5 | 3 | SUVs |
| Easirent | Ford Fiesta | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| Arnold Clark | Mercedes Benz Vito | 5 | 3 | People Carriers |
| Easirent | Fiat 500 | 3 | 2 | Small cars |
| Alamo | Ford Focus | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
Our Customers' Reviews
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have an 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, verified, and trustworthy.
SM
United Kingdom
Ford Fiesta
28 October 2023
I had to come back to Scotland to attend a funeral and it meant I was able to catch up with all my family and spend time with people I love
BK
United Kingdom
Kia Picanto
21 September 2023
Great Service
VE
New Zealand
Vauxhall Astra
18 August 2023
Wonderful Scotland. What more can you say?
BW
Canada
Vauxhall Corsa
15 August 2023
From beginning to end from Edinburgh to Inverness such amazing beauty.
WG
United States of America (USA)
Ford Focus
8 June 2023
Drove to Isle of Skye with its crappy roads but beautiful scenery. Also drove th North Coast 500.
AP
United Kingdom
Vauxhall Astra
3 June 2023
Used car to visit Ben Nevis and surrounding areas.
PT
United States of America (USA)
Peugeot 3008
20 November 2022
If you're traveling from abroad and is used to driving on the left side- the best thing to remember driving on the right side is to pay attention to the line in the center on the road not the side ones- if you keep an eye on the side lane I can assure you that an accident is very likely to happen. Scotland is truly a gem! On another note- Arnold Clark is the only car rental I'll ever use in Edinburgh and around the UK. They're the cheapest, have the best cars and very nice customer service.
SC
United Kingdom
Fiat 500
26 February 2022
Waiting time when I picked up the car ( i couldn't open the park gate because I didn't have the ticket to leave the park). I called the park assistant and told me the easyar
worn brake discs and windshield rubbers
CM
United Kingdom
Toyota Yaris
13 August 2021
Driving around Highlands - most scenic trip ever. Loved it.! Great views, no traffic and lots of free car parks.
FT
United Kingdom
Vauxhall Astra
7 July 2021
Very well managed and simple
PM
United Kingdom
Renault Kadjar
9 June 2021
We rented a car to have more luggage space for our staycation and would do that again
Car Hire Statistics
Highest rated company
Arnold Clark
9.5 / 10
Lowest rated company
GreenMotion
7.6 / 10
Total number of reviews
121
Total rental companies
14
Average daily price
£ 25.78
Lowest daily price
£ 10.96
Total cars available
756
Top 14 Hire Companies in Edinburgh in 2023
Arnold Clark
3 locations
£ 39 - £ 124
Alamo
3 locations
£ 18 - £ 105
Enterprise
4 locations
£ 18 - £ 250
Avis
3 locations
£ 16 - £ 173
Keddy
2 locations
£ 14 - £ 112
Hertz
1 location
£ 17 - £ 32
Europcar
2 locations
£ 17 - £ 134
National
3 locations
£ 20 - £ 440
Drivalia
2 locations
£ 11 - £ 147
SIXT
3 locations
£ 28 - £ 55
Easirent
1 location
Budget
1 location
£ 19 - £ 173
Interrent
1 location
GreenMotion
2 locations
£ 15 - £ 260
Why book with us?
Special offers
As a market leader (see SimilarWeb), we get special offers like contactless pick-ups, great prices, and free upgrades.
Award-winning
World's Leading Car Rental Booking Website in the World Travel Tech Awards (3 years in a row).
Highly-rated
A combined rating of 4.5 with 90k total reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, Google, and Review Center.
4M users
Have already booked on one of the fastest-growing car rental booking websites.
Awards
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2022
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking App 2022
Magellan Awards Gold Winner 2022
Travel & Hospitality Awards 2021
FT 1000: Europes Fastest Growing Companies - Top 300 Companies 2021
FT 1000: Europe's Fastest Growing Companies - Top 100 Companies 2020
Uzakrota Travel Awards - World’s Leading Car Rental Website 2022
Inc. 5000 Europe - Top 500 Companies 2019
Our clients highly recommend us
Download App
Book and manage your booking on the go
