Rent a car in Edinburgh

Check out our selection of new cars and get a discount up to 40% for rentals lasting 5 or more days.

Cheapest Way to Rent a Car in Edinburgh

During your visit to Edinburgh, you will want to rent a car. You can get a nice two-door model that is easy to park, or opt for a larger vehicle, such as an SUV. You can also get a car with a bit of sleeping space, which will save you money on extra accommodations.

You might have heard that Scotland is known for its lochs and mountains. Renting a car to explore this country is the best way to get the most out of your trip.

  • A GPS is an important accessory for anyone renting a car. These devices allow you to navigate unfamiliar roads, and help you concentrate on the road ahead. You can find them at most gas stations.
  • A smartphone is also a good choice for navigation purposes. You can use the smartphone to check flight status, and you can program the GPS to help you find your way.
  • You might want to check out the local laws regarding mobile phone usage. It is illegal to talk on your mobile phone while driving in Scotland. There are also restrictions on sending SMS text messages.

If you are traveling from a foreign country, you might not be aware of the cheapest way to rent a car in Edinburgh. You can choose from a wide selection of cheap car rental vehicles. You can also find special airfare deals.

Getting a free GPS from your car rental company is a good idea. You can get a small unit that can fit into your dashboard.

Top Places to Visit in Edinburgh

Whether you are a tourist or a resident of Edinburgh, it is a good idea to know some of the top places to visit in Edinburgh. A compact, hilly capital, Edinburgh has an Old Town, a Georgian New Town, and Holyrood Park. This park is topped by Arthur's Seat, an imposing peak. You can also see the Stone of Destiny, which was used in the coronation of Scottish rulers.

Old Town

Located in the heart of Edinburgh, the Old Town is home to a variety of attractions. It has museums, quaint pubs, restaurants and shops. It is the ideal place for history buffs and families to visit. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Old Town of Edinburgh was originally built in the 1500s, and is home to a number of historic buildings. Some of the best museums in Edinburgh are located in the area. Some notable buildings include the Royal Museum of Scotland and the General Assembly Hall of the Church of Scotland.

In the early 19th century, the city was ravaged by typhoid fever and outbreaks of cholera. Many buildings were destroyed in the Great Fire of 1824. However, many of the Old Town's buildings were restored on their original foundations.

Royal Botanic Garden

Among the best places to visit in Edinburgh is the Royal Botanic Garden. This world-renowned garden is located just north of Stockbridge. It features plants from all over the world. It also features a contemporary art gallery in Inverleith House.

The Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh is the second-oldest of its kind in Britain. It opened in 1670. The garden has since expanded to several sites across Scotland. It is a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike. It has a diverse array of plants and offers seasonal changes. It also features exhibitions and events. It is free to enter except for the glass houses.

Royal Botanic Garden

St. Giles' Cathedral

Located in the heart of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, St Giles' Cathedral is a historic building that's been around for more than 900 years. Despite being rebuilt several times, the cathedral still stands.

The church is also home to many memorials, from the mid-seventeenth century. These include the King's Pillar, which features the coats of arms of ancient British kings.

St. Giles' Cathedral

Inside, the chapel of the Thistle is especially beautiful. The ceiling features a stunning crown spire that features gold leaf detailing. There are seventeen Gothic style chairs dedicated to the seventeen Knights of the Order. Each chair features a carving of their coat of arms.

Royal Yacht Brittania

HMY Britannia, the former royal yacht of HM Queen Elizabeth II, is docked in the Port of Leith in Edinburgh. Britannia has been a popular attraction for tourists to Edinburgh, Scotland for over four decades. It has served the royal family as a home and a floating museum. It's a unique experience and one of Scotland's top tourist attractions.

The Royal Yacht Brittania was built in 1953. It is the last of 83 Royal Yachts that have served the royal family. She's been moored in Edinburgh since April 1998.

Britannia was used by the Queen of England and the royal family, as well as influential people from around the world. She made state visits and sailed around the Commonwealth. In the early nineteen-eighties, she helped rescue thousands of refugees from civil war in Aden. She's sailed in more than one million miles over 44 years.

Greyfriars Kirk

Located on Candlemaker Row and near the George IV Bridge, Greyfriars Kirk is a historic landmark in Edinburgh. It is one of the oldest buildings in Scotland and is located on the site of a former Franciscan monastery. The church opened on Christmas Day 1620.

There is a small museum on the site which tells the history of Greyfriars from its early years to the present day. One of the highlights of the museum is an oil painting of Greyfriars Bobby by John MacLeod.

Greyfriars Kirk

Greyfriars is home to a number of interesting monuments. The Kirkyard is a burial ground surrounding the church, which holds the graves of notable historical figures. The Kirkyard is managed by a separate trust.

Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa

Located in the heart of the city, Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa is one of the most luxurious hotels in Edinburgh. It features a full-service spa, saunas, massages and more. The hotel's award-winning dining is also a plus. You can enjoy the fine food at the One Square Bar + Brasserie, a stylish restaurant that features a Scottish menu.

The hotel's signature One Spa features 17 treatment rooms, an in-house fitness center and a 50 feet swimming pool. It's also connected to the hotel by a glass walkway.

Guests can also enjoy a rooftop infinity pool. The hotel's club lounge offers a reasonable breakfast, as well as a good selection of wine and whiskey.

Is Renting an Electric Vehicle a Good Choice in Edinburgh

Renting an electric vehicle (EV) in Edinburgh can be a fantastic choice for both locals and visitors. The city is increasingly becoming more EV-friendly, with numerous charging stations available throughout the area. Popular models available for rent include the Nissan Leaf, BMW i3, and Tesla Model 3, each offering a smooth and eco-friendly driving experience.

On average, you can expect to pay around £60-£80 per day for a rental, depending on the model and rental company. This price is competitive, especially considering the savings on fuel and the environmental benefits of driving electric. Plus, navigating Edinburgh's historic streets in a quiet, zero-emission vehicle adds a unique charm to your visit.

Benefits of Renting an EV in Edinburgh

  • Access to charging stations
  • Lower environmental impact
  • Quiet and smooth driving experience

Seasonal variations in car rental rates in Edinburgh

Average price for 7 days rental:

  • 0$ –
  • 22$ –
  • 72$ –
  • 122$ –
  • 172$ –
  • 222$ –
  • 272$ –
  • 322$ –
  • January
    154$
  • February
    133$
  • March
    154$
  • April
    189$
  • May
    224$
  • June
    245$
  • July
    287$
  • August
    322$
  • September
    224$
  • October
    224$
  • November
    154$
  • December
    245$
  • Jan -
    154$
  • Feb -
    133$
  • Mar -
    154$
  • Apr -
    189$
  • May -
    224$
  • Jun -
    245$
  • Jul -
    287$
  • Aug -
    322$
  • Sep -
    224$
  • Oct -
    224$
  • Nov -
    154$
  • Dec -
    245$

List of required documents

Attention!

A valid international driving license is required

1. Driver license
2. Credit card
3. Voucher
4. Passport

Frequently Asked Questions

The lowest daily rates ranging from 24$. You might wish to select a smaller vehicle because big cars tend to cost more to operate due to their higher fuel consumption.
Summertime in Edinburgh is always a time of increased demand for car rentals, which raises costs. Prices are markedly reduced in the off-season, particularly in the winter.The length of your rental also influences the overall cost.

By law, you must have third-party liability insurance when you rent a car in Edinburgh. Most car rental companies do this for you and charge you the same price.
Theft coverage and Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are recommended, but not required. If you want to add more coverage, make sure to do it when you book your trip, because the prices are best when booked this way. You can also check to see if the insurance that comes with your credit card covers car rentals.
Purchase insurance while booking your car:

Car rental insurance

The freedom to see sights at your own pace and on your own timetable is a major perk of having a rental car while on vacation. It's nice to be able to schedule your travel whenever you'd like, whether that's at the crack of dawn or after midnight to avoid crowded bus or train times.

Choose a car based on what you want to do on your trip. Small cars like the Ford Fiesta or Renault Twingo can be used to get around the city and its surroundings.
The Ford Fusion is the most popular car in the Standard category. Its starting price is 25$ per day from EAST COAST, and its rating average is 9 based on more than 1000 customer reviews. Opel Mokka from EUROPCAR is the most reasonably priced rental vehicle in Edinburgh. Just 27$ per day is the cost.
Most of the rental cars in Edinburgh are manual. Automatic cars cost more to rent, and if your license only lets you drive an automatic car, you won't be able to rent a stick shift car.

All car rental agencies allow booking the vehicle's main features but not a specific model. Because a specific model can break, be in an accident, be kept by the prior tenant, etc. Your voucher code sets the main parameters (e.g. CDAR). Code decoding:

Car rental models

When you pick up the vehicle, the same card must be used to guarantee the rental agreement. There are two card kinds we accept:

  • We will accept a credit card as a guarantee.
  • We will accept a debit card if purchase our Platinum Insurance plan for the duration of your rental period.

Rent a car without a deposit

Just bear in mind that the cardholder/renter and any additional drivers must sign the rental agreement in person at the time of pick-up.

Our advantages

24/7 Support
24/7 support in all popular languages
Free cancellation
You can change or cancel the order within 48 hours
No commission
No hidden fees and additional commissions

Reviews

John
5
The car rental process was smooth and hassle-free, with a wide selection of vehicles to choose from and excellent customer service
Mary
4.5
I was impressed by the cleanliness and condition of the car, as well as the ease of pick-up and drop-off at convenient locations
Michael
4.5
Affordable rates and a user-friendly booking system made my car rental experience enjoyable and stress-free
Jessica
4
The staff was friendly and helpful, ensuring that I had all the information I needed for a seamless rental experience
David
5
I appreciated the flexibility in rental options and the transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Emily
4.5
The vehicle performed well throughout my trip, providing a comfortable and reliable means of transportation