Cheap Car Rental in Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is a beautiful city in Scotland, known for its historic castles, scenic roads, and nearby countryside. The city is easily accessible for exploration on foot and by public transportation. However, many international visitors prefer renting a car to visit the beautiful Scottish Highlands or the coastal towns of the Lothians at their own pace. Finding a cheap car hire in Edinburgh can sometimes be difficult, but a little planning and early booking can make it possible to find an affordable car rental easily.

Why Rent a Car in Edinburgh? 

The city center offers good public transport services, but it may not reach remote areas easily. But:

• Renting a car makes it easy to plan a better road trip through the UK and other places near Edinburgh.

• Drive the rental car close to the Royal Mile, park nearby, and easily visit top attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse, and Holyrood Park. 

• Enjoy a scenic drive along Queen’s Drive around Arthur’s Seat with a cheap car rental in Edinburgh.

• With a rental car, it is easy to leave the city using ring roads and explore peaceful countryside areas. 

• A relaxing drive on the A701 towards Dumfries offers a chance to visit lovely spots, such as Penicuik and the Pentland Hills.

• A rental car helps to explore famous places like Rosslyn Chapel, as well as explore the scenic Scottish Borders and Highlands. 

• A cheap car hire in Edinburgh also allows visitors to enjoy a beautiful drive from Gretna Green to Edinburgh.  

Popular Car Rental Suppliers in Edinburgh

More than 15 rental car companies operate at different locations in the city center and at Edinburgh Airport. Here are some of them:

• Arnold Clark

• Enterprise Rent-A-Car

• Alamo

• Budget

• Hertz

• Avis

• National

• Keddy

• Europcar

• Easihire

• Finalrentals

• Sixt

• Routes Car Rental

• Surprice

• Dollar

• Drivalia

• GreenMotion

Location of Rental Car in Edinburgh

Cheap car rentals in Edinburgh, Scotland, are available at several places. The most popular place to Rent a car at Edinburgh Airport is about 14 km away from the city centre, around a 30-minute drive. Other locations are:

• Edinburgh City Center Downtown

• Edinburgh Waverley Train Station 

• Edinburgh Sighthill

• Edinburgh Leith

• Edinburgh Willowbrae

• Edinburgh Balgreen

• Edinburgh Haymarket

• Edinburgh Granton

Price to Rent A Car in Edinburgh, Scotland

January is the cheapest month to rent a car in Edinburgh, with prices around £32 per day. This is approximately 40% cheaper than the yearly average and 54% cheaper than May, when prices typically range from around £70 per day. The average cost of a cheap car hire in Edinburgh starts from:

Cheap Car Hire Process in Edinburgh

Here is the simple and quick process of cheap car rentals in Edinburgh:

• Start by searching online and comparing different car rental deals. 

• Try to book the car early to get better prices and more options. 

• Book the car online by selecting the travel dates, pickup location, and car type. 

• Before pickup, collect all the required documents, including a valid driving licence, a credit card in the driver’s name, a passport or ID, a booking confirmation, and an international Driving Permit (if required).

• On travel day, go to the selected cheap car hire Edinburgh location.

• Complete paperwork, collect the keys, inspect the car for any damage, and take photos before driving. 

• Follow UK driving rules and enjoy exploring Edinburgh and nearby places.

• At the end of the trip, return the car on time with the agreed fuel level and complete the final check. 

• Deposits are usually refunded after inspection. 

Requirements to Rent A Car in Edinburgh

Visitors need to meet some basic requirements for cheap car rentals in Edinburgh, Scotland, such as:

Valid Driving Licence: A full and valid driving licence is required, usually expected to be held for at least 1 year. An International Driving Permit may be needed if the licence is not in English. 

Age Requirement: The minimum age is usually between 21 and 23 years. Some car hire companies may charge extra for drivers under 25. Some vehicle types may have higher age requirements. 

Payment Method: A credit card in the main driver’s name is commonly required for payment and for holding a security deposit. Debit cards may be accepted by some companies for cheap car hire in Edinburgh, depending on the policy.

Security Deposit: A refundable car rental deposit is blocked on the credit card at the time of pickup. 

Identification Documents: A passport or valid ID may be required, especially for international travellers. Visitors also need to present the booking confirmation or rental voucher at the time of vehicle pickup.

Insurance: Basic insurance is usually included in the cheap car hire in Edinburgh, Scotland rental price. However, extra coverage can be added for better protection based on the requirement.

Additional Add-ons: Additional drivers with an extra fee can be included if they meet the same requirements. Also, visitors can request GPS, navigation tools, and an infant seat with a rental car.

Quick Tips to Find a Cheap Car Rental in Edinburgh

Finding a cheap car hire in Edinburgh can be a daunting task. However, here are a few practical tips to find a better deal:

• Check for different websites and providers to find the best deal, as car rental prices can fluctuate a lot. 

• Book around 1 week before the trip or within a few weeks for lower prices.

• Change pickup or drop-off time slightly to find better deals. 

• Rent the car from locations outside the airport, as hiring a car from the airport is expensive due to fewer extra charges. 

• Always review if insurance, taxes, and mileage are included in the agreement to avoid extra costs later. 

• Many companies provide seasonal deals, promo codes, or discounts for longer cheap car hire in Edinburgh. 

• Understand rental car fuel policy, mileage limits, and fees to avoid unexpected charges. 

Places to Explore in Edinburgh with a Rental Car

A cheap car hire makes it easy to explore the city center and surrounding areas, such as:

• Edinburgh Castle

• Royal Botanic Garden

• Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

• National Museum of Scotland

• Dynamic Earth

• Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

• Portobello

• North Berwick

• Pentland Hills Regional Park

Cheap car hire in Edinburgh gives flexibility to explore not only the city but also Scotland’s beautiful countryside and famous landmarks. Finding a cheap rental car in Edinburgh is easy with the right planning and smart choices. Booking early, comparing prices, and choosing budget-friendly vehicles helps to save money.