Car Rental in Edinburgh

✓ No Hidden Costs ✓ 24/7 Support ✓ Free Cancellation
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Unable to find any location
Driver's country of residence is United States of America (USA) and age is 30-65
  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • 21
  • 22
  • 23
  • 24
  • 25
  • 26
  • 27
  • 28
  • 29
  • 30 - 65
  • 66
  • 67
  • 68
  • 69
  • 70
  • 71
  • 72
  • 73
  • 74
  • 75
  • 76
  • 77
  • 78
  • 79
  • 80+
700+ Trusted Suppliers:

Cheapest Car Rental Rates

Edinburgh Airport
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
Fiat 500
  • 4
  • 2
  • 3
  • A/C
  • Man.
Drivalia
$14.22 per day
Edinburgh Airport
Economy
Vauxhall Corsa or similar
Vauxhall Corsa
  • 5
  • 1
  • 3
  • A/C
  • Man.
Keddy
$17.02 per day
Edinburgh Airport
Compact
Vauxhall Astra or similar
Vauxhall Astra
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Man.
Europcar
$21.17 per day
Edinburgh Airport
Intermediate SUV
Nissan Qashqai or similar
Nissan Qashqai
  • 5
  • 3
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
Enterprise
$26.94 per day

Most Popular Car Rental Deals

Edinburgh Airport
Compact Elite
Mercedes Benz A Class or similar
Mercedes Benz A Class
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Alamo
$33.77 per day
Downtown
Standard
Skoda Octavia or similar
Skoda Octavia
  • 5
  • 3
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Budget
$34.10 per day
Downtown
Full-size
BMW 3 series or similar
BMW 3 series
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
SIXT
$43.85 per day
Edinburgh Waverley Train Station
Premium
Mercedes Benz C Class or similar
Mercedes Benz C Class
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
National
$50.46 per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 4:50 AM on 11/19/24. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
Why book with us?
Special offers
As a market leader, 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 (4 years in a row).
Highly-rated
A combined rating of 4.5 with 175k+ 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.

Travel Information

Languages
English
Currency
GBP
Drive on
Left-hand side
Country code
+44
Average car rental price
$30 per day
Average car rental length
6 days
Speed limit within town
48 km/h or 30 mph
Speed limit out of town
96 - 112 km/h or 60 - 70 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.08%
Rating
9.2 / 10
Average gas price
$1.85 per liter or $6.99 per gallon
Lowest gas price
$1.77 per liter or $6.70 per gallon
Highest gas price
$2.02 per liter or $7.66 per gallon

Why rent a car in Edinburgh?

Historic and beautiful, Edinburgh is one of the most unique cities in the United Kingdom. Having the freedom of your own car will let you visit its different neighborhoods and beautiful Scottish landscapes, at your own pace. From older parts of the city to modern and upbeat districts and even nearby beaches and nature areas, there is plenty to explore.

Edinburgh

One-Way Car Rentals in Edinburgh

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

  • From Edinburgh to Glasgow - 327 offers from $31.92 per day
  • From Edinburgh to Inverness - 143 offers from $40.33 per day
  • From Edinburgh to Manchester - 104 offers from $38.42 per day
  • From Edinburgh to Aberdeen - 104 offers from $40.33 per day
  • From Edinburgh to London - 130 offers from $41.50 per day

Top ways to enter Edinburgh

  • Edinburgh Airport. The sixth-busiest airport in the United Kingdom and the largestin Scotland, Edinburgh Airport is served by more than 30 different airlines. Along with domestic flights and many flights to other places in Europe, Edinburgh Airport is also connected to North America and the Middle East. The airport is about 9 km (5.5 mi) west of the city center.
  • Glasgow Airport. The second-largest airport in Scotland, Glasgow Airport is served by a large number of airlines, including many low-cost carriers. The airport is slightly more than an hour’s drive west of Edinburgh.
  • Glasgow Prestwick Airport. Another international airport serving Glasgow, it only has flights one airline serving it, Ryanair. With connections to Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Poland, it can sometimes be the cheapest airport to fly into in Scotland. Glasgow Prestwick is a 1 hour and 40 40-minuteive west of Edinburgh.
  • By rail. If you’re arrive in Edinburgh by train, you can conveniently pick up your rental car at the Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station.

City facts

Like much of the rest of the United Kingdom, Edinburgh has a temperate maritime climate with little temperature change between seasons. Though typically much drier than Glasgow to the west, its location  on the North Sea means Edinburgh sometimes experiences haar, or sea fog. While not everyone likes it, it certainly adds to the city’s unique atmosphere.

Edinburgh has 4,500 protected buildings of historic architectural importance that cannot be demolished or rebuilt without the permission from a special local authority. Edinburgh has more protected buildings, proportionally, than any other city in the United Kingdom making it a must-visit for history lovers.

Top sights and activities

  • Edinburgh Castle. Of all the many impressive buildings of Edinburgh, its castle is arguably the most famous one and the most important landmark of the city. First built in the 12th century from a volcanic rock, the castle is now one of the city’s top attractions. The castle complex includes attractions like the Portcullis Gate and the St. Margaret’s Chapel, ad offers truly amazing views.
  • Royal Botanic Garden. The garden is one of the nicest green places in the city. It includes the 165 m (541 ft) long herbaceous border and many smaller gardens of both local and exotic plants. The stunning John Hope Gateway with a restaurant and museum is also located here.
  • Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. The museum is actually made up of two separate buildings called Modern Art One and Modern Art Two, which are divided by a street,. Both feature a large number of famous artworks and beautiful gardens for relaxing and taking it all in. The National Gallery of Modern Art is in the picturesque Dean Village area of Edinburgh.
  • National Museum of Scotland. First established in the 1860s, the National Museum of Scotland is actually made up of two separate museums, the Royal Scottish Museum and the Museum of Scotland. The former is dedicated to natural history and classical cultures from around the world with exhibits that range from Assyrian sculptures to a taxidermy of Dolly the sheep, the first-ever cloned animal; the latter, meanwhile, stays closer to home and offers fascinating artifacts of the Celts, Picts, and other cultures that have inhabited Scotland over the millennia.
  • Dynamic Earth. Known for its futuristic building, an amphitheater in front of it, and many interactive exhibitions, Dynamic Earth is one of the most visited attractions in Edinburgh. Some of the sections of the museum are a real iceberg, a possibility to experience an earthquake simulation, and the Deep Time Machine which permits visitors to travel through the geological eras of the planet.
  • Camera Obscura & World of Illusions. Having grown out of a 19th-century observatory and an ‘Outlook Tower’ that functioned as a museum and an urban study center of Edinburgh, Camera Obscura is one of the city’s most interesting attractions today. Taking up the tower’s six floors, it is an interactive museum of the original camera obscura, as well as optical illusions, mazes, and even a vortex tunnel. The attraction is just a stone’s throw from the aforementioned Edinburgh Castle.

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 pay parking spots are available via a pay-and-display system. You can find many those on this map on the city’s official website. The exact fee will depend on the length of the parking period, on 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) or 32km/h (20 mph) in residential areas and areas with street lightning.

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 all drivers. Exceeding the limit can lead to large fines, a suspended license, or even imprisonment.

The insurance and documentation of the car needs to be in it whenever you’re driving.

The emergency numbers  is 999.

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 M6toll is a 43 km (27 mi) 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 January 2023, the price is £8.20 for using the toll road from Monday to Friday (from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.), £8.20 for using the toll road on Saturday or Sunday (from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.), and £7 for using the toll road at night (11 p.m. to 5 a.m.)y 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

  • Portobello. Affectionately called “Porty” by locals, Portobello is a nice beach in the area. Frequented by travelers and local families alike, it is a great place to have a picnic and spend a relaxing day away from the city. Even if you’re visiting in winter, you can still have a nice walk along the beach or visit the Portobello Swim Center and enjoy dipping in the Victorian baths. Portobello is just a 15 minute drive from Edinburgh center.
  • North Berwick. Another nice beach town, and arguably even more local in character, North Berwick is famous not only for its coastline, but also for the Tantallon Castle and Coastal Communities Museum. If you’re more of a nature lover, you’ll enjoy the impressive views of the Bass Rock or a visit to the Scottish Seabird Center. North Berwick is about 45 minutes drive northeast of Edinburgh.
  • Pentland Hills Regional Park. Great for long walks through its pastures and forests, the Pentland Hills is a nature area just south of Edinburgh. Its austere landscape might not be the most impressive in Scotland, but it is a perfect spot to spend a day away from the city
  • Glasgow. Edgier than Edinburgh, perhaps less historic, but nonetheless charming, Glasgow is a fun city to visit. From quirky museums to unique restaurants, bars and live music, there’s plenty to see. Glasgow is just an hour’s drive west of Edinburgh.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in Edinburgh is the VW Golf. Many travelers also pick the Vauxhall Corsa and the Fiat 500. The most popular rental car types are compact, economy, and mini.

Further destinations

For more about traveling around Scotland with a rental car, check out our complete guide.

  • Scottish Highlands. Sparsely populated and spectacular, the Scottish Highlands are, for many, among the most spectacular areas of Europe. Whether you’re looking for natural beauty or to learn about traditional Scottish culture, it’s all there. Start at the region’s capital, Inverness, then go on to explore Glencoe Valley, the mountains, and the lakes. Glencoe is around 3 hours’ from Edinburgh. Northumberland National Park. On the other side of the border, this is the northernmost national park in England. There are very few people here, even for a nature area - instead, you’ll find blue lakes, extensive woodlands, and the remains of ancient religious sites. The border between England and Scotland was defended by Hadrian’s Wall during the Roman times, a large part of which still survives and can be explored within the national park’s territory. The park’s northeast corner is just a 90 minutes drive from Edinburgh.
  • Shetland and the Orkney Islands. These islands north of Scotland, teeming with wildlife, offer visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in nature and see historic sites from the neolithic era. They can be reached by ferry from Aberdeen, north of Edinburgh. Rental cars can be picked up and dropped off at the Aberdeen Northlink Ferry Terminal. It is also possible to pick rental cars up at Kirkwall Airport which has flights to and from Edinburgh. 
  • Aberdeen. Sitting on the coast of the North Sea, Scotland’s third-largest city has been steadily growing in stature as a tourist destination. Known as the Granite City thanks to its distinctive architecture, it boasts a variety of attractions from the well-preserved Old Town to Aberdeen Maritime Museum and many beautiful public gardens. Despite its northerly location, Aberdeen is also a major hub of surfing and other water sports. Located about 205 km (127 miles) northeast of Edinburgh, Aberdeen can be reached in 2 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Newcastle. The closest big English city, Newcastle upon Tyne is only a 2 hour and 30 minute drive south of Edinburgh. More importantly, it’s a fascinating destination known not just for its unique accent and industrial heritage, but also its busy cultural life, Edwardian shopping arcade, and other landmarks such as the Tyne Bridge, Newcastle Cathedral, and Gallery North.

Car rental prices in Edinburgh

  • Station wagons - from $27 per day
  • Large cars - from $20 per day
  • Medium cars - from $17 per day
  • Vans - from $45 per day
  • Premium cars - from $37 per day
  • Small cars - from $14 per day
  • SUVs - from $18 per day

Money-saving and other tips

Below, you'll find reviews about traveling in Edinburgh from customers who booked their rental car through us. Here's a summary of some of the most frequent tips they mentioned:

  1. Explore Beyond Edinburgh:

    • Visiting places like Balmoral Castle, Skye, and Oban provides a richer experience: "Our highlights were visiting Balmoral Castle, our couple of days in Skye (stayed at Lower Milovaig), and our time in/around Oban."

  2. Enjoy Scenic Drives:

    • Driving around places like Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands is highly recommended: "Loch Ness by car was an amazing experience" and "Travelled from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands."

  3. Embrace Outdoor Activities:

    • Activities like winter hiking in the Cairngorms offer stunning experiences: "Winter Hiking in the Cairngorm, stunning location."

and issues to watch out for

  1. Driving on the Left Side:

    • If you're not used to driving on the left side of the road, be prepared: "First time on left side of road - not too bad, but takes getting used to."

  2. Weather Conditions:

    • Be prepared for varying weather, especially if engaging in outdoor activities: "Winter Hiking in the Cairngorm, stunning location" implies preparation for cold weather.

  3. Accommodation Availability:

    • Plan and book accommodations in advance, especially in popular or remote areas: "Great accommodation in the middle of nature, scenic views."

Land a great rental car deal in Edinburgh by applying these tricks:

  • 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 Edinburgh is cheapest in March when renting a car is about 52% cheaper than the yearly average and about 72% cheaper than renting a car in December, around Christmas time and the New Year’s Eve. 
This information was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our content creators.

Learn more about our Editorial Policy.
Fact checked by
Hannah
This article was reviewed and updated by Hannah, the adventurer behind That Adventurer, a travel blog for active travellers. If you like exploring new places by hiking, biking, kayaking or paddleboarding, then you’ll enjoy That Adventurer’s travel guides. Originally from the UK, Hannah has lived in Canada, Norway and France.

Top 20 cities near Edinburgh

  1. 38.3 km / 23.8 miles away
  2. 49.8 km / 30.9 miles away
  3. 62.4 km / 38.8 miles away
  4. 66.7 km / 41.4 miles away
  5. 90.4 km / 56.2 miles away
  6. 146.6 km / 91.1 miles away
  7. 156.8 km / 97.4 miles away
  8. 170.3 km / 105.8 miles away
  9. 181.8 km / 113 miles away
  10. 204.8 km / 127.3 miles away
  11. 204.9 km / 127.3 miles away
  12. 212.6 km / 132.1 miles away
  13. 230.3 km / 143.1 miles away
  14. 243.1 km / 151.1 miles away
  15. 246 km / 152.9 miles away
  16. 256.3 km / 159.3 miles away
  17. 274.6 km / 170.6 miles away
  18. 282.4 km / 175.5 miles away
  19. 289.3 km / 179.8 miles away
  20. 292.9 km / 182 miles away

Map of Car Rental Locations

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

Car rental prices in Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh
$36.06
January
$34.98
February
$51.29
March
$56.98
April
$73.31
May
$67.89
June
$69.28
July
$59.81
August
$51.49
September
$41.99
October
$35.42
November
$54.37
December
The cheapest month to rent a car in Edinburgh is February (when prices average $34.98 per day). This is 34% cheaper than the yearly average and 52% cheaper than renting in May (when prices average $73.31).

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 Edinburgh?

How long travelers keep their rental cars for varies from month to month: in July, the average renter keeps their car for 8 days, and in January, they keep their car for 5 days.
Average number of rental days in Edinburgh
5
January
5
February
6
March
6
April
6
May
7
June
8
July
8
August
6
September
6
October
5
November
6
December

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

Based on the number of searches by our customers, the most popular month for renting a car in Edinburgh is August, and the least popular is January.
Monthly searches in Edinburgh by pick-up date relative to the average
44%
January
45%
February
70%
March
103%
April
145%
May
121%
June
148%
July
191%
August
124%
September
90%
October
53%
November
66%
December

Car rental information

Car rental locations 8
Airport locations 1
Popular suppliers Drivalia, Arnold Clark, Alamo, GreenMotion, Enterprise
Popular car categories Small cars, SUVs, Medium cars, Vans
Lowest price $14 per day
Cheapest supplier Drivalia

Most popular car models of rental suppliers

Rental Supplier Model Doors Luggage Type
Drivalia Volkswagen Polo 5 1 Small cars
Drivalia Fiat 500 3 1 Small cars
Arnold Clark Ford Fiesta 5 2 Small cars
Drivalia Renault Captur 5 2 Medium cars
Arnold Clark Kia Ceed 5 2 Medium cars
Arnold Clark Renault Kadjar 5 3 SUVs
Alamo Nissan Juke 5 2 SUVs
Arnold Clark Renault Kadjar 5 2 SUVs
Alamo Nissan Qashqai 5 3 SUVs
Alamo Vauxhall Corsa 3 1 Small cars

Our customers' reviews

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.

Belgium
Nissan Qashqai
11/9/24
Beautiful weather whole the week in the highlands
Australia
MG ZS
9/16/24
Visited The Kelpies at The Helix Centre - awesome!! A must see for anyone travelling to this part of Scotland.
United States of America (USA)
Mercedes Benz A Class
9/10/24
We drove from Edinburgh to Inverness to pick up a tour of Loch Ness and the Jacobite train (ie the Harry Potter Train). As Americans, the driving itself was a little hair-raising.
Singapore
Ford Galaxy
8/31/24
Photo 1 by Chris C K C. about renting a Ford Galaxy in Edinburgh (8/31/24) Photo 2 by Chris C K C. about renting a Ford Galaxy in Edinburgh (8/31/24) Photo 3 by Chris C K C. about renting a Ford Galaxy in Edinburgh (8/31/24) Photo 4 by Chris C K C. about renting a Ford Galaxy in Edinburgh (8/31/24) Photo 5 by Chris C K C. about renting a Ford Galaxy in Edinburgh (8/31/24) Photo 6 by Chris C K C. about renting a Ford Galaxy in Edinburgh (8/31/24) Photo 7 by Chris C K C. about renting a Ford Galaxy in Edinburgh (8/31/24)
Israel
Peugeot 3008
8/24/24
Loved Scotland! Can’t wait to come back
India
Mercedes Benz Vito
8/18/24
Drove from Edinburgh to Inverness, via Loch Ness, then to isle of Skye, Onto Loch Awe, to Lake District Windermere, Drive to Nuneaton, onto, Cheltenham, trip to Stratford upon Avon, Oxford and London.
Photo 1 by Kuldeep S. about renting a Mercedes Benz Vito in Edinburgh (8/18/24) Photo 2 by Kuldeep S. about renting a Mercedes Benz Vito in Edinburgh (8/18/24)
Czech Republic
Opel Corsa
7/15/24
The Highlands as a whole were an incredible experience the scenery was breathtaking and rich. The hikes on the Isle of Skye and near Glen Coe were especially beautiful.
Belgium
Toyota Aygo
7/11/24
I travelled from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye and back to Edinburgh, we saw amazing mountains and lochs. The car was a great idea so we could stop along the way and see the sights!
Photo 1 by Michelle K. about renting a Toyota Aygo in Edinburgh (7/11/24) Photo 2 by Michelle K. about renting a Toyota Aygo in Edinburgh (7/11/24)
United States of America (USA)
Ford Focus
7/10/24
We chose to take public transit through Edinburgh and then take a rental car through the Highlands. Driving through the Cairngorms National Park via the Old Military Road to Inverness was stunning. While in Inverness we took a cruise on Loch Ness by Jacobite to Urquhart Castle, had a lovely lunch and pet some coos at Drumbuie Farm B & B and Quila Cridhe Tearoom (Reservations Only), saw Culloden, and Clava Cairns. We would also recommend getting some donuts at Perk and then grab some coffee at Inverness Coffee Roasting Co. We can't wait to come back and explore more of Scotland!
United States of America (USA)
Nissan Juke
7/5/24
Scenic drive to Glencoe was awesome!
Australia
Peugeot 3008
6/9/24
Our highlights were visiting Balmoral Castle, our couple of days in Skye (stayed at Lower Milovaig) and our time in/ around Oban (including our visit to Carnasserie Castle and Kilmartin Glen). Best restaurant experience of the trip was Rocpool in Inverness.
South Africa
Ford Focus
6/7/24
First time to Scotland. Loved to trip overall.
Finland
Ford Fiesta
5/20/24
Loch Ness by car was an amazing experience
Romania
Ford Fiesta
5/8/24
great accommodation in the middle of nature, surrounded by deer and Scottish cows lovely people amazing places
India
Kia Ceed
4/9/24
We rented the car for a trip around Scotland and the drive itself was beautiful as we went through the Snow Roads. Definitely recommend everyone to have a drive there. There're a lot of nature spots to stop by and just soak in the scenery. There're also a lot of attraction spots to discover different things about Scotland and various cities and towns to stop for food or groceries.
United States of America (USA)
Nissan Juke
1/20/24
Photo 1 by Roland R. about renting a Nissan Juke in Edinburgh (1/20/24) Photo 2 by Roland R. about renting a Nissan Juke in Edinburgh (1/20/24) Photo 3 by Roland R. about renting a Nissan Juke in Edinburgh (1/20/24) Photo 4 by Roland R. about renting a Nissan Juke in Edinburgh (1/20/24) Photo 5 by Roland R. about renting a Nissan Juke in Edinburgh (1/20/24)
Ireland
Ford Fiesta
1/17/24
Winter Hiking in the Cairngorm, stunning location
Photo by Desmond M. about renting a Ford Fiesta in Edinburgh (1/17/24)
Australia
Nissan Juke
12/30/23
Travelled from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands for christmas, the car was easy to drive, the sat nav is easy to use, the roads were all good.
Brazil
Ford Focus
12/27/23
nature views
United States of America (USA)
Ford Fiesta
11/19/23
If going to Scotland definitely rent a car and drive around the Highlands
United Kingdom
Ford Fiesta
11/15/23
We were not on a trip we were hiring a car as our house had been broken into and had 4 cars stolen
United States of America (USA)
Kia Ceed
10/29/23
First time on left side of road - not too bad. Enjoyed the Scottish countryside.
United States of America (USA)
Vauxhall Corsa
10/23/23
This was a trip of a lifetime for my sister and I. We went from the Highlands of Scotland to Edinburgh, then to Wales, Ireland, then to the Cotswald and London. 35 days driving around the countries. Took a little getting used to driving on the left side of the road being from the states. The roundabouts were an experience. This was slow travel, and we enjoyed every minute of it. So much to see in such a beautiful area of the world. We recommend slow travel. Get to know the people, enjoy local cuisine, make friends. As Mark Twain said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice.”
Australia
Nissan Qashqai
10/12/23
Visited too many locations to summarise the trip but had a great time in Scotland.
Australia
Skoda Octavia
10/7/23
Loved every part of the trip
United States of America (USA)
Vauxhall Corsa
9/21/23
The whole trip was great. Some of the backroads left a lot to be desired, especially driving on the left side of the road for the first time. We went from Edinburgh to the Borders region, to St. Andrews, to the Highlands, to the Orkneys, back down to Skye, Fort William, Loch Lomond, and lastly the Glasgow area.
United States of America (USA)
Kia Ceed
9/17/23
I was in Scotland for my first time and stayed three weeks. I saw and did so much, it’s hard to share it all. I will say that having a car is a must if you wish to experience this beautiful country. Taking public transit and/or going on tours will not provide a fully immersive experience. I’d never driven on the left side of the road or in any driving situations remotely close to what I encountered in Scotland. And it was all a fantastic and wondrous adventure. Rent a car from Arnold Clark and go see Scotland!
Australia
Ford Focus
9/14/23
Travelling around Scotland and the Lake District with stops at Hexham and Carlisle were very rewarding. Pase visit ullswater and its quaint Verse bookstore where they have lovely coffee and cakes together with a fantastic collection of books.
United States of America (USA)
Fiat 500
8/31/23
Scenery was beautiful, amazing sites and visited ancient ruins
Italy
Vauxhall Corsa
8/28/23
From Edinburgh to Glasgow, castles, skye island, ecc. Everything's seem a dream! Highlands so amazing
Italy
Ford Focus
8/28/23
Travel throught Scotland. 1600 miles in 4 days. Wonderful landscapes and good food.
Spain
Ford Focus
8/28/23
The highlands are amazing
France
Fiat 500
8/24/23
Scotland is super beautiful, we had such a nice weather (super lucky), people are super kind, nice pub, nice music, my friend and I fell super nice in Scotland. I definitly recomand to travel there.
Canada
Ford Kuga
8/17/23
The car was comfortable and smooth ride.
Spain
Ford Focus
8/15/23
Scotland is a beautiful country, full of amazing spots, definately great place to visit.
United Kingdom
Ford Fiesta
8/15/23
The Scottish Highlands were magnificent to visit. Weather held out and apart from a few mosquito bites, we had a wonderful time.
Photo by Matthew S. about renting a Ford Fiesta in Edinburgh (8/15/23)
Australia
Ford Fiesta
8/13/23
Not much to tell. Good trip on freeway to. Glasgow. Car performed well nice to drive.
Portugal
Ford Focus
8/13/23
Scotland is great in everything, nature, landscapes, monuments, food... and the Fringe Festival in Edimburg (a very beautiful city) was also great. And it was easy to get used to driving on the left side.
Hungary
Ford Fiesta
8/8/23
Scotland is beautiful.
United States of America (USA)
Ford Focus
8/2/23
Traveled widely: Edinburgh up to the Orkneys, and so many places between.
Kuwait
Nissan Qashqai
7/28/23
It was amazing ..Isaac Mackie was very helpful and very kind and we didn't wait for along time we find her in drop off section
United States of America (USA)
Ford Focus
7/28/23
Beautiful scenery but rained a lot
Canada
Ford Focus
7/20/23
We were in Scotland and we did a tour of the Highlands. It was fantastic. Glencoe was the most beautiful place we visited.
Canada
Kia Ceed
7/19/23
The Fort William area must have the worst weather in all of Scotland, pouring rain every day. Much drier in the East, avoid the West.
United States of America (USA)
Ford Focus
7/12/23
Scotland is beautiful. Everywhere we went we met nice people and saw amazing scenery.
United States of America (USA)
Toyota Aygo
7/12/23
Week-long hiking holiday in the Yorkshire Dales. Visits to Edinburgh, Durham, Whitby and York.
United States of America (USA)
Ford Focus
7/9/23
lots of hiking and biking and beautiful scenery in the highlands of Scotland
United States of America (USA)
Vauxhall Corsa
7/8/23
Edinburgh was wonderful. The Isle of Sky was spectacular and the Old Man of Storr was difficult but well worth it. Wimbledon was an exciting event.
New Zealand
Vauxhall Corsa
6/29/23
Being able to enjoy the wonderful sights of Scotland at our own pace.
Canada
Ford Fiesta
6/20/23
Did a full circuits of Scotland driving country roads to distilleries, castles and golf courses from Edinburgh - Inverness - Skye and Glasgow.

Car Rental Statistics

Highest-rated company
Arnold Clark
9.2 / 10
)
Lowest-rated company
GreenMotion
6.3 / 10
)
Total number of reviews
163
Total rental companies
15
Average daily price
$30.19
Lowest daily price
$14.22
Total cars available
1183

Top 15 suppliers in Edinburgh in 2024

Arnold Clark
Arnold Clark
Exceptional 9.2 / 591 reviews
3 locations
$33 - $174
Enterprise
Enterprise
Exceptional 9 / 234 reviews
5 locations
$22 - $219
Alamo
Alamo
Very good 8.9 / 353 reviews
3 locations
$22 - $139
Avis
Avis
Very good 8.6 / 66 reviews
4 locations
$20 - $90
Budget
Budget
Very good 8.5 / 19 reviews
3 locations
$20 - $90
National
National
Very good 8.4 / 57 reviews
3 locations
$25 - $551
Hertz
Hertz
Very good 8.3 / 56 reviews
1 location
$24 - $51
Keddy
Keddy
Very good 8.2 / 129 reviews
1 location
$16 - $45
Europcar
Europcar
Very good 8.1 / 63 reviews
2 locations
$19 - $102
Routes Car Rental
Routes Car Rental
Average 7.8 / 20 reviews
3 locations
$63 - $110
SIXT
SIXT
Average 7.7 / 65 reviews
4 locations
$25 - $172
Thrifty
Thrifty
Average 7.7 / 0 reviews
1 location
$25 - $172
Dollar
Dollar
Average 7.6 / 3 reviews
2 locations
$24 - $40
Drivalia
Drivalia
Average 7.3 / 440 reviews
2 locations
$14 - $79
GreenMotion
GreenMotion
Below average 6.3 / 371 reviews
2 locations
$22 - $129
Download Our App
Book and manage your booking on the go
Log in or create an account
Get access to all your bookings in one place
Continue with email
By selecting "Agree and continue", you agree to DiscoverCars.com's
and
What's your email?
Please check your email
Please check your email
We've sent an email with a verification link to {email}
Click on the link in the email to log in.
Please select a pick-up location and dates