Compare car rental Edinburgh offers from the airport and city pick-ups, and plan your Scottish road trip.
Rent a car in Edinburgh and head for the Highlands
Edinburgh is a compact, hilly city of castles, cobbled streets and festivals. You can see the Old Town and New Town on foot, so you may not need a car for the city itself. But Scotland’s best landscapes, from lochs and glens to castles and coastline, are mostly outside it. Car rental in Edinburgh is the simplest way to reach them.
Use the search box above to compare car hire Edinburgh offers for your dates.
Where to collect your car
- Edinburgh Airport (EDI): the main hub, with several suppliers
- City centre and Waverley station: convenient if you are starting with a few days in the capital
- One-way hire: some suppliers let you collect in Edinburgh and return elsewhere in Scotland, often for a fee
What you need to rent a car in Edinburgh
- A full, valid driving licence (check current UK guidance on International Driving Permits for your country)
- Passport or photo ID
- A credit card in the main driver’s name
- To meet the minimum age, with a possible young driver surcharge
Driving tips for Edinburgh and Scotland
- Drive on the left.
- Low Emission Zone: Edinburgh has a zone covering the city centre. Most modern rental cars comply, but confirm with your supplier.
- Narrow, steep streets and limited parking make the Old Town hard to drive, so park outside and walk.
- Single-track roads in the Highlands use passing places. Pull in to let others pass and be patient.
- Fuel stations can be far apart in remote areas, so fill up when you can.
- Weather changes quickly, and winter driving may be difficult.
Day trips and road trips from Edinburgh
- St Andrews: a historic coastal university town
- Stirling: a castle and the Wallace Monument
- Loch Lomond and the Trossachs: lakes and woodland within about an hour
- The Scottish Borders: abbeys and rolling hills
- Glencoe and the Highlands: dramatic scenery for a longer drive
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car in Edinburgh?
Not for the city centre. A car is valuable for trips beyond it.
Is driving in the Highlands difficult?
Roads can be narrow and winding. Allow extra time and don’t rush.
Can I hire a car for just a day?
Yes, many suppliers offer short rentals, which suit a single day trip.
Ready to go? Enter your dates above to compare car rental Edinburgh deals and pick the right car.