How to find a cheap car hire deal in Edinburgh
Pick up a cheap rental car in Edinburgh for an average of $146 a day and drive off happy. We do the hard work for you by searching all the top rental companies, so you can easily compare prices and book.
Daily rental prices in Edinburgh start from just $33.
Making it more than a quick visit? Grab a weekly rental from $117 and squeeze in a few road trips.
Timing can make all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Edinburgh car hire. Try booking around one week before your departure date.
Grab your wheels from Green Motion, Drivalia or Enterprise. They're some of the most trusted providers in the city.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Edinburgh car hire policy, whether you go with Green Motion or another supplier. Some companies treat it as an optional extra instead of bundling it in.
Choosing a one-way car hire can be your secret weapon for finding a deal. Simply check 'Return car to a different location.' Providers often need to move vehicles from one branch to another, which means you can lock in some awesome one-way prices on a car for rent in Edinburgh.
Avoid any unexpected charges by choosing a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, paying only for what you use.
Travel without limits by choosing a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you want without extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
In the number-one spot for value is this company, with average prices of $133 a day.
Next in line is this provider, offering daily rates of around $94.
The third option also stacks up well on price. Hop into one of their rentals for roughly $189 a day.
The Economy rental category is a dependable pick if you're not quite sure what kind of ride you need. It's also the vehicle type that's rented the most in Edinburgh.
Flying to Edinburgh? Think about an airport pick-up
Kick off your Edinburgh trip quicker by booking a car hire at Edinburgh Airport. The city centre is about 13 kilometres away from this airport, which is a drive of around 25 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Edinburgh
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Edinburgh puts you on the road for less. These agile, fuel-efficient cars are ideal choices for city driving and short trips.
Medium: A smart pick when you need something that has a few more features but is still easy to drive. This category includes compact and intermediate models that offer a bit of extra room compared to smaller cars.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this Edinburgh car hire category. Also known as full-size, they pack plenty of power for open-road performance. The extra space and comfort make them a popular choice for families and groups of friends.
SUV: When adventure's on your mind, an SUV's made for the moment. It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for country roads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and improved safety features.
Van: Choose this category of vehicle when you want a car for rent in Edinburgh that can handle the big jobs. Typically featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to transport more, whether that's equipment, luggage or a bunch of your favourite people.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your Edinburgh car hire gives you peace of mind. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of damage or theft. Insurance policies can vary from one provider to another, so always compare your options.
Upgrade your ride with extras like a reverse camera and GPS unit. These features can make your drive smoother and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Edinburgh.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a car in the United Kingdom is generally 21 years old. However rules can vary by provider, so always read your rental company's policy to find out what applies to you.
Planning a trip with the kids? Car seat laws vary according to the location, and the correct setup may depend on their age, height and weight. Confirm whether you need to add one to your Edinburgh car hire reservation.
Bring the right documents and keep pick-up quick and easy. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (no screenshots) and a second photo ID. Also bring along a credit card with room for the security hold. If extra requirements apply, your booking will list them.
For first-time drivers in the United Kingdom, remember that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.
Keep within the local speed limits. Usually that's around 40kph in built-up areas and 100kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
In the United Kingdom, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you intend to drink, hand the keys to someone else or choose another way to travel.
Aim to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a faster run in general. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
The British pound (GBP) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day purchases and excursions. Pay with your card when it's possible, but have some cash ready when electronic payments aren't possible.
English is the language most commonly spoken throughout this country.
Best hotels in Edinburgh for drivers
Pull in and enjoy your stay at The Balmoral Hotel. Offering valet parking as well as a 24-hour front desk and room service, this hotel is about 0.16 kilometres from central Edinburgh.
Premier Inn Edinburgh A1 (Newcraighall) makes life simpler with parking and features such as room service and a restaurant. It's roughly 6 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse the full range of hotels in Edinburgh for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find exactly what you're after. You can even apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to limit results to EV-friendly stays.
It's time to get out and explore now you've found a car hire deal in Edinburgh and your hotel. From Edinburgh Castle to Castle Rock and The Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, there's loads to keep you busy here.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Edinburgh
Around 64 kilometres west of central Edinburgh, Glasgow should be on your itinerary. Head straight for must-see sights like Glasgow West End and Glasgow Cathedral.
Ibis Budget Glasgow and Leonardo Royal Hotel Glasgow are popular accommodation options with parking in Glasgow.
Add Dundee to your holiday plans too. Pick up your cheap car hire in Edinburgh and drive about 56 kilometres north to take in main draws such as V&A Dundee and The McManus Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum.
Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa and Hotel Indigo - Dundee by IHG are comfortable places to stay in Dundee if you're hanging around for a while. Go for one of these and skip the stress of finding somewhere to leave your ride.
Take things a bit further and road-trip it to Bradford, about 257 kilometres south of Edinburgh. Kick things off at Bradford Cathedral, then spend some time at St Paul's Church.
Time to think about catching some z's. Holiday Inn Express Bradford City Centre and Campanile Bradford have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Bradford.
