Cheap Car Rental in Inverness $50+/day - FREE Cancellation

Travel Information

Language

English

Currency

GBP

Drive on

Left-hand side

Country code

+44

Average car rental price

$124.54 / per day

Average car rental length

6 days

Speed limit within town

48 km/h

30 mph

Speed limit out of town

96 - 112 km/h

60 - 70 mph

Acceptable limit of BAC

0.08%

Rating

9.5

Average gasoline price

$1.90 per liter

Highest gasoline price

$2.36 per liter

Lowest gasoline price

$1.82 per liter

Why rent a car in Inverness?

Inverness is a great place to visit. The city is small and cozy but has surprisingly many things to explore, from interesting architecture to pubs and restaurants. Inverness is also a great base for seeing the rest of the Scottish Highlands. Whether you’re interested in Loch Ness, the United Kingdom’s highest mountains, or an impressive, rugged coastline, all of these places can be easily reached if you have your own ride.

One-Way Car Rentals in Inverness

The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Inverness and drop off in another city include:

From Inverness to Edinburgh - 71 offers from $50.42 per day
From Inverness to Glasgow - 155 offers from $47.23 per day
From Inverness to Aberdeen - 71 offers from $49.53 per day
From Inverness to Derby - 10 offers from $50.42 per day

Top ways to enter Inverness

Inverness Airport: Known as Port-adhair Inbhir Nis in the local Scottish Gaelic language, Inverness Airport is served by 4 different airlines and hosts direct flights to Dublin, Belfast, Amsterdam, London and several other destinations in the United Kingdom. The airport is conveniently located only 13km (8 miles) northeast of the city center.
Aberdeen Airport: Serving the largest city of Northern Scotland, Aberdeen Airport saw 2.9 million travelers in 2019. Aberdeen is about 166km (103 miles) east of Inverness, a distance that can be traveled by car in about two and a half hours.
Dundee Airport: Serving the city of the same name, you can fly from London City Airport to Dundee Airport. Then, Inverness is 215 km (134 mi) north, a distance that can be traveled in less than three hours.
Edinburgh Airport: Serving the capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh Airport is the busiest in Scotland and the sixth-busiest in the United Kingdom. Located 251km (156 miles) south of Inverness, it can be reached in about three hours.
By rail: If you’re arriving in Inverness by train, you can conveniently pick up your rental car at the Inverness Railway Station.

City facts

Located near the coast of the North Sea, Inverness has an oceanic climate. The air temperature is around 15°C (59°F) in July and August, the warmest months, and 4°C (39°F) from December to February, the coldest months. Inverness is one of the driest cities in the United Kingdom but experiences some snowy days every year.
While most of the inhabitants of Inverness are native speakers of English, there is a large community of speakers of Scottish Gaelic. A member of the Celtic linguistic group, it is only distantly related to English and is the native language of the Scottish Highlands. Inverness is known as Inbhir Nis in Scottish Gaelic.

Top destinations and activities

Inverness Castle. Although not famous for its defensive capabilities (it was invaded, looted, and destroyed multiple times throughout history), Inverness Castle is one of the nicest buildings in the city. Located on an impressive cliff overlooking the River Ness, it offers great panoramic views from its North Tower and having seen no invasions since 1846, it’s safe to say you can relax and enjoy.
Inverness Museum & Art Gallery. Covering the human habitation of Inverness since ancient times, this museum has exhibits on everything from the mysterious Pictish stones (the Celtic tribe that once inhabited the area) to medieval weapons and stunning paintings of the Highlands. Check out the museum’s official website before visiting - with plenty of rotating exhibits, there’s always something new going on.
Inverness Botanic Gardens. Located in the Bught Park near the riverbank, the beautiful gardens have many local protected plant species as well as a collection of exotic plants inside its glasshouse. If you’re in a rush and cannot visit one of the national parks nearby, this is the best place in Inverness to spend some time outdoors.
Cathedral Church of St. Andrew. Also known simply as Inverness Cathedral, this prime example of Neo-Gothic Architecture is the city’s most important church. Although not especially old - its construction dates back to the mid-17th century - it is worth visiting for its beautiful riverside location and awe-inspiring interior.
Ness Islands. Located on the River Ness, this is a lovely place to go for a walk and one of the best free things to do in Inverness. The first bridges to the islands were constructed in 1828 and were replaced by two suspension bridges in 1853-1854. There are a number of tree species on the islands and beautiful scenic views. It’s also possible to spot some wildlife living on the island, like otters, deer, and even bats.

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).
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.
The population density of the Highlands is quite low, so the roads are not crowded and the driving is very enjoyable. However, many Scottish farmers keep sheep who occasionally wander on the roads and are one of the main reasons for road accidents in the region, so watch out for them.
It’s not a bad idea to get familiar with the Highway Code, an official guide book of driving rules and tips in England, Scotland, and Wales, issued by the UK Government. The guide book can be downloaded online for free on its official website.
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.

Toll roads

Currently, there is only a single toll road in the United Kingdom, the M6 toll. You also have to pay a toll for using a number of bridges and tunnels as well as for entering the central areas of London and Durham (a city in North East England).

As an alternative to the M6 around Birmingham, the M6 Toll is a 43km (27 mile) long portion of the road, also known as the Birmingham North Relief Road (BNRR), that relieves congestion on the M6 itself. There are toll gates where you can pay by either cash or credit card. As of March 2023, the price is £8.20 for using the toll road from 5am to 11pm, £7.00 for using the toll road at night from 11pm to 5am. Find out more on the M6 Toll official website.

Find out more about toll roads in the United Kingdom on the European toll road website.

Ideas for day trips

Culloden. Culloden is a small village near Inverness, and its name means “back of a small pond” in Gaelic. Famous since ancient times as the location of clootie wells, a network of sacred springs, Culloden is also the location of Clava cairn, a mysterious burial complex, the site of the Battle of Culloden, and a place mentioned in Shakespeare’s tragedy of Macbeth. Even if you’re not big on history, Culloden is the perfect place for a nice day outdoors. Located just a 15-minute drive east of Inverness, it’s easy to reach, too.
Loch Ness. Although you might not be lucky enough to meet its most famous inhabitant, the Loch Ness Monster, this lake is still a stunning place to visit. There are many wonderful attractions on Loch Ness, such as the impressive Urquhart Castle, old lighthouses, rugged beaches, and deep blue waters, naturally. Dores, the closest village on the lake’s northwestern coast, is just 15km (9 miles) south of Inverness and can be reached in about 20 minutes. Be sure to continue along the entire route around Loch Ness as it is considered to be one of the most picturesque places in Europe.
Cairngorms National Park. With 1.8 million visitors every year, you might think the Cairngorms is a crowded place. However, its 4,500 square kilometers of mountain plateaus, huge rocks, and vast wetlands provide enough space and freedom for everyone. A semi-tundra moorland, the park is home to unique species like the rock ptarmigan, red grouse, otter, reindeer, and wild cat. Boat of Garten, one of the nearest settlements to the national park, is about 47km (29 miles) southeast of Inverness and can be reached in less than 50 minutes.
Nairn. Although most people wouldn’t mention northern Scotland and beach resorts in the same breath, the coastal town of Nairn is exactly that. Surprisingly lovely in the summertime, it doesn’t have just some of the area’s best coastline, but also historical gems like Fort George and the remains of Rait Castle. The drive from Inverness takes only about 30 minutes.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car types in Inverness are economy, compact, and intermediate, while the most popular rental cars are the Vauxhall Corsa, the Vauxhall Astra, and the Ford Focus.

Further destinations

Ben Nevis. Part of the impressive Nevis Range, Ben Nevis is the highest summit in the British Isles. Surrounded by formidable cliffs, its clouded peak can only be accessed by experienced climbers, but even just hiking the lower paths will feel awesome. The summit of Aonach Mòr, Ben Nevis’s neighboring mountain, can be accessed by cable car. The nearest town, Fort William, is also worth a visit, thanks to both the spectacular nature of its surroundings and landmarks like the West Highland Museum. Fort William is about 106km (66 miles) southwest of Inverness and can be reached in less than two hours.
Aberdeen. Located on the coast of the North Sea, Aberdeen is often called the Oil Capital of Europe but has plenty to offer even if you’re not interested in the extractive industries. Its unique granite architecture is unrivaled in the United Kingdom, Aberdeen Maritime Museum tells the story of the city’s proud seafaring past and present, and the Union Terrace Gardens, Winter Gardens, and the Aberdeen beach offer a great day outdoors (or even great surfing, if you’re visiting in summertime). Located 167km (104 miles) east of Inverness, it takes less than three hours to reach it by car.
Edinburgh. Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is perhaps the most picturesque city in the United Kingdom. Visit Edinburgh Castle, the historic Royal Mile, Calton Hill, the Royal Botanical Garden, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Go to a folk concert in the Old Town, hike to the top of Arthur’s Seat, or visit the National Gallery of Scotland. Edinburgh is about 251km (156 miles) south of Inverness and can be reached in approximately three hours.

Car Rental Prices in Inverness

Station wagons - from $82 per day
Large cars - from $61 per day
Medium cars - from $50 per day
Vans - from $120 per day
Premium cars - from $102 per day
Small cars - from $55 per day
SUVs - from $57 per day

Money-saving tips

These are the things you can do to land a cheap rental car in the Scottish Highlands:

Compare the rates of different rental car providers
Book your rental car well in advance
Plan your route before you go
Know your fuel and mileage requirements
Visit during the month when rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Inverness is the cheapest in February when renting a car is about 45% cheaper than the yearly average. Come visit the Highlands in wintertime!

What travel writers say

Inverness is just north of Loch Ness on the Moray Firth and is a city steeped in Highland history. Though the city is not too big, there are plenty of things to do in and around the city, so plan on staying at least one night during your Scotland road trip.

T&V

Terrence & Victoria

Hi! We are Victoria and Terrence, a traveling couple on a mission to inspire others to see the world!

Inverness is the perfect city to start your road trip around Northern Scotland. We highly recommend renting a car to explore Inverness and the Scottish Highlands as things are a good drive to anywhere. Plus you want to be able to stop often to take in the scenery whenever you desire. The highlands around Inverness are some of the most picturesque scenery on earth, so take your time and enjoy the view!

DBADC

Dave Bouskill and Deb Corbiel

Hi, we’re Dave and Deb, the founders of this award-winning travel blog. Since we started The Planet D back in 2007 we have become experts in the travel space and were even named Top Travel Influencers by Forbes Magazine.

Extending 37 kilometers southwest of Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness is a deep freshwater lake best known for allegedly being home to thy mythical Loch Ness Monster (also known as Nessie). The spectacular lake is connected at the southern end by the River Oich and the Caledonian Canal, while the northern end is connected to Loch Dochfour and the River Ness. The loch is the second-largest of its kind in Scotland (after Loch Lomond) by surface area but is the largest volume lake in the British Isles – the deepest point being 230 meters below sea level. While the lake itself is impressive, the mystery that surrounds it has drawn visitors to its shores for years. The tale of the Loch Ness Monster suggests that a great cryptid, a relatively unknown animal, lives in the loch’s murky waters and sightings over the decades have only further spawned rumors of its existence.

AW

Alex Waltner

My name is Alex Waltner, also known as Swedish Nomad. I’m a Professional Travel Blogger and Photographer from Sweden who have been traveling around the world since 2013.

Top 20 Cities near Inverness

Elgin Car Rentals from $56.21 per day

45.5 km / 28.3 miles away
Aberdeen Car Rentals from $40.67 per day

117.0 km / 72.7 miles away
Perth Car Rentals from $56.21 per day

132.6 km / 82.4 miles away
Dundee Car Rentals from $74.42 per day

136.7 km / 84.9 miles away
Stirling Car Rentals from $63.79 per day

161.3 km / 100.2 miles away
Edinburgh Car Rentals from $27.11 per day

181.8 km / 113.0 miles away
Glasgow Car Rentals from $28.71 per day

187.2 km / 116.3 miles away
Prestwick Car Rentals from $77.08 per day

228.5 km / 142.0 miles away
Newcastle Car Rentals from $31.07 per day

314.2 km / 195.2 miles away
Sunderland Car Rentals from $93.03 per day

335.4 km / 208.4 miles away
Belfast Car Rentals from $21.05 per day

347.8 km / 216.1 miles away
Middlesbrough Car Rentals from $93.03 per day

373.7 km / 232.2 miles away
Barrow-in-Furness Car Rentals from $40.83 per day

385.3 km / 239.4 miles away
Lancaster Car Rentals from $41.52 per day

396.0 km / 246.1 miles away
Preston Car Rentals from $46.84 per day

427.6 km / 265.7 miles away
Leeds Car Rentals from $43.59 per day

435.2 km / 270.4 miles away
Bolton Car Rentals from $46.87 per day

454.1 km / 282.2 miles away
Huddersfield Car Rentals from $71.05 per day

454.7 km / 282.5 miles away
Warrington Car Rentals from $65.12 per day

471.0 km / 292.7 miles away
Holyhead Car Rentals from $39.96 per day

471.6 km / 293.0 miles away

Top 20 Locations near Inverness

Inverness Airport Car Rentals from $50.04 per day
Aberdeen Airport Car Rentals from $40.67 per day

117.0 km / 72.7 miles away
Edinburgh Airport Car Rentals from $27.11 per day

181.8 km / 113.0 miles away
Edinburgh Waverley Train Station Car Rentals from $58.72 per day

184.3 km / 114.5 miles away
Glasgow Airport Car Rentals from $28.71 per day

187.2 km / 116.3 miles away
Glasgow Central Train Station Car Rentals from $81.41 per day

187.6 km / 116.6 miles away
Prestwick Airport Car Rentals from $77.08 per day

228.5 km / 142.0 miles away
Newcastle Airport Car Rentals from $31.07 per day

314.2 km / 195.2 miles away
George Best Belfast City Airport Car Rentals from $42.22 per day

344.3 km / 213.9 miles away
Belfast Central Railway station Car Rentals from $43.86 per day

347.7 km / 216.1 miles away
Belfast International Airport Car Rentals from $21.05 per day

347.8 km / 216.1 miles away
Leeds Bradford Airport Car Rentals from $43.59 per day

435.2 km / 270.4 miles away
Downtown Car Rentals from $55.82 per day

447.0 km / 277.8 miles away
Manchester Trafford Park Car Rentals from $96.18 per day

465.6 km / 289.3 miles away
Holyhead Port Car Rentals from $39.96 per day

471.6 km / 293.0 miles away
Liverpool Airport Car Rentals from $18.61 per day

474.0 km / 294.5 miles away
Manchester Airport Car Rentals from $30.87 per day

479.0 km / 297.6 miles away
Doncaster Sheffield Airport Car Rentals

491.1 km / 305.2 miles away
East Midlands Airport Car Rentals from $31.43 per day

551.5 km / 342.7 miles away
Birmingham Airport Car Rentals from $24.45 per day

584.4 km / 363.1 miles away

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Inverness?

Car rental prices in Inverness vary by time of year. This graph shows the average prices per month to help you find the best time of year to rent.

Average rental costs per day in Inverness

$71.60

January

$57.72

February

$50.48

March

$96.49

April

$110.20

May

$123.58

June

$135.79

July

$120.67

August

$95.54

September

$79.27

October

$50.97

November

$73.61

December

The cheapest month to rent a car in Inverness is March (when prices average $50.48 per day). This is 43% cheaper than the yearly average and 63% cheaper than renting in July (when prices average $135.79).

This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.

What’s the usual rental length in Inverness?

How long travelers keep their rental cars for varies from month to month: in July, the average renter keeps their car for 7 days, and in January, they keep their car for 4 days.

Average rental length in Inverness

4

January

6

February

5

March

5

April

6

May

6

June

7

July

6

August

6

September

6

October

5

November

7

December

What's the most popular month to rent a car in Inverness?

Based on the number of searches by our customers, the most popular month for renting a car in Inverness is September, and the least popular is January.

Monthly searches in Inverness by pick-up date relative to the average

14%

January

48%

February

90%

March

187%

April

213%

May

63%

June

63%

July

69%

August

229%

September

122%

October

39%

November

63%

December

Car Rental Information

Car rental locations	2
Airport locations	1
Popular suppliers	Arnold Clark, Keddy, SIXT, Europcar, Enterprise
Popular car categories	Small cars, Medium cars, SUVs, Vans
Lowest price	$50 per day
Cheapest supplier	SIXT

Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers

Rental Supplier	Model	Doors	Luggage	Type
Keddy	Fiat 500	3	1	Small cars
Arnold Clark	Ford Fiesta	5	2	Small cars
Arnold Clark	Kia Ceed	5	2	Medium cars
Keddy	Ford Focus	5	2	Medium cars
Keddy	Vauxhall Crossland	5	2	SUVs
Arnold Clark	Peugeot 3008	5	3	SUVs
Arnold Clark	Mercedes Benz Vito	5	3	Vans
Arnold Clark	Vauxhall Astra	5	2	Medium cars
Europcar	Vauxhall Crossland	5	2	SUVs
Keddy	MG ZS	5	2	SUVs

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.

JP

United States of America (USA)

Ford Fiesta

May 31, 2023

Highlights included a cruise on Loch Ness, hiking on the Isle of Skye, exploring ancient ruins on the Island of Islay, driving next to Loch Lomand, touring castles - especially the amazing ruins of Dunnottar Castle, and driving through Aberdeenshire.

RC

Canada

Kia Ceed

October 31, 2022

Great service and efficient.

MM

Finland

Kia Ceed

October 17, 2022

Some really fine Links Golf Courses visited

EB

United States of America (USA)

Ford Fiesta

October 15, 2022

The outer Hebrides, Isle of Sky and Mull were high spots. Callinish stones on Lewis were magical.

LB

United States of America (USA)

Peugeot 3008

September 20, 2022

drove all over Scotland for three days.

RR

Australia

Vauxhall Astra

September 19, 2022

Rent from Arnold Clark. When we return for a 3 month stay we will rent from them again.

MW

Barbados

Peugeot 3008

August 30, 2022

My trip was mainly personal, but we did visit Loch Ness and Cawdor castle

WI

United States of America (USA)

Nissan Tiida

October 19, 2021

Customer service are very kind and helpful

WZ

United Kingdom

Vauxhall Crossland

September 10, 2020

Go to Isle of Skye!

IR

Netherlands

Nissan Tiida

August 2, 2019

The absolute north of Scotland is fabulous. The Orkneys were just amazing but we like Scotland Mainland a lot as well. We were very happy to drive an automatic, sos I didn't have to worry about using the gear, since the roads in the north are very small, and often just one lane wide. That means stopping a lot at the passing places! But these small roads (even the main ones) are in such an beautiful area, that that doesn't matter at all. It gives you just a little bit more time to enjoy the scenery as a driver as well!

RT

United Kingdom

Vauxhall Corsa

June 4, 2019

easy access to Skye and the North of Scotland

JS

United Kingdom

Ford Fiesta

April 27, 2019

Explore the Black Isle, Colloden battlefield and the area around Loch Ness. For a true Highlands experience head to Applecross. Eat at the River House in Inverness

DR

United Kingdom

Hyundai Tucson

September 2, 2018

Excellent scenery. Lovely coastine in Moray.

EM

Germany

Toyota Yaris 5d

August 26, 2018

local Highland Games is always a great experience for travellers.

DR

United Kingdom

Renault Kadjar

August 21, 2018

Highly recommend travel combination to explore Highlands, Caledonian Sleeper then Car Rental in Inverness

DS

India

VAUXHALL CORSA

June 26, 2018

Inverness, Lockness and isle of the Sky are a must see on any itinerary while in UK. The lovely Cruz n the beauty of the drive around is simply out of the world

Car Rental Statistics

Highest rated company

Arnold Clark

9.7 / 10

Lowest rated company

Interrent

8.2 / 10

Total number of reviews

17

Total rental companies

11

Average daily price

$124.54

Lowest daily price

$23.35

Total cars available

208

Top 11 Suppliers in Inverness in 2023

Arnold Clark

Exceptional 9.7 / 127 reviews

2 locations

$114 - $282

Avis

Exceptional 9.1 / 9 reviews

1 location

$56 - $303

Keddy

Exceptional 9.1 / 26 reviews

1 location

$55 - $88

Alamo

Exceptional 9 / 14 reviews

1 location

$66 - $402

Enterprise

Exceptional 9 / 11 reviews

2 locations

$67 - $402

SIXT

Excellent 8.6 / 11 reviews

1 location

$50 - $150

Europcar

Excellent 8.6 / 7 reviews

1 location

$65 - $104

National

Excellent 8.5 / 3 reviews

1 location

$72 - $431

Hertz

Excellent 8.4 / 7 reviews

1 location

Firefly

Excellent 8.4

1 location

Interrent

Excellent 8.2

1 location

Car Rental in Inverness

Cheapest Car Rental Rates

Most Popular Car Rental Deals

Travel Information

Why rent a car in Inverness?

One-Way Car Rentals in Inverness

Top ways to enter Inverness

City facts

Top destinations and activities

Traffic and parking

Toll roads

Ideas for day trips

Most popular cars

Further destinations

Car Rental Prices in Inverness

Money-saving tips

What travel writers say

Top 20 Cities near Inverness

Top 20 Locations near Inverness

Map of Car Rental Locations

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Inverness?

What’s the usual rental length in Inverness?

What's the most popular month to rent a car in Inverness?

Car Rental Information

Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers

Our Customers' Reviews

Car Rental Statistics

Top 11 Suppliers in Inverness in 2023

Highly recommended by our customers