Car Hire Edinburgh

Parking in Edinburgh

•        St James Quarter (EH1 3AD) offers 45 electric car charging pointsandis centrally located, close to Calton Hill and New Town.
•        APCOAS Parking (EH8 8BH) is right next to the Waverley Station, just a short walk from the Old Town and provides EV charging facilities that can pe paid via an app.
•        David Hume Tower Car Park (EH8 9LN) has two EV chargers and is near Holyrood Park and National Museum of Scotland.

Charging point locations in Edinburgh

Edinburgh has over 100 EV charging points. There are 7kw, 24kw and also 50kw rapid chargers installed across the city. You’ll usually find them in car parks, supermarkets, petrol stations and hotels.

Key roads in Edinburgh

• M8 motorway is a major road that travels east to west across Scotland, travelling from the Scottish capital toward Glasgow. It also passes by Livingston and several towns on the outskirts of the two cities.
• A720 city bypass is 13 miles long and it provides the easiest access into central Edinburgh, although beware that the Sheriffhall Roundabout can become quite congested.
• A1 motorway goes from Edinburgh all the way down to London for 410 miles, twisting down through Great British countryside and towns.

Congestion charges in Edinburgh

Low emission zone charges in Edinburgh will apply from 31^st of May 2024.

How to get from Edinburgh to Glasgow

It takes less than 90 minutes to reach the biggest city in Scotland from its capital, which is 53 miles away.

1. Use the A7, West Approach Road and A71 to get on the M8 west.
2. Follow the M8 for around 39 miles (approx. 45 minutes).
3. Exit at Junction 16.

How to get from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond

The spectacular landscapes of Loch Lomond are just a two-hour drive from Edinburgh.

1. Take the M8 from A1, Canongate, West Approach Road and A71.
2. Follow M8 to A898 for around 53 miles.
3. Take A82 to your destination in Argyll and Bute Council.

Best hotels in Edinburgh

The Balmoral

1 Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2EQ – EV charging facilities nearby

This prestigious hotel located in the heart of Edinburgh offers Michelin-starred dining, individually designed rooms and suites with gorgeous views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town. Its indoor pool and spa make it the perfect place to relax after a busy day in the city.

The Witchery by the Castle

352 Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NF – EV charging facilities nearby

Next to Edinburgh Castle is this cozy gothic-themed establishment that blends so well with the city’s baroque aesthetic. Choose from one of the nine unique suites available, featuring spectacular decor, large oak beds and free-standing silver baths.

Radisson Blu

The Royal Mile, 80 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1TH – EV charging facilities available on site

The hotel is conveniently placed on Edinburgh’s most famous street, The Royal Mile. Gaze at the historic Old Town from your stylish room or go down to the indoor heated swimming pool for a dip. You can also charge your electric car hire on the building’s premises.

Best restaurants in Edinburgh

Makars Gourmet Mash Bar

9 Bank Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2LN – EV charging facilities nearby

Step into mashed potatoes heaven, with nine varieties on the menu to choose from. Both locals, and tourists praise this restaurant on the mound that only serves locally sourced Scottish food.

Gordon's Trattoria

231 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1PE – EV charging facilities nearby

How about some hearty Italian food with a Scottish twist? You’ll feel very welcome in this warm and friendly restaurant, that also has menu options for vegan and gluten-free diets.

New Chapter

18 Eyre Place, Edinburgh, EH3 5EP – EV charging facilities nearby

Explore a new culinary chapter in the New Town. Try one of their contemporary dishes with European influences like the Scottish girolles with broad bean risotto, roasted Maitake mushrooms and truffle Pecorino cheese.

Best things to do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle

Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG – EV charging facilities nearby

The fascinating fortress, home to many royal personalities over the centuries, watches over the city from the top of The Royal Mile. Explore the history encapsulated in the castle’s walls and learn about James IV , Margaret Tudor, Mary Queen of Scots, Oliver Cromwell and many more historical figures. The Crown Room holds The Honours of Scotland, the oldest Crown Jewels in Britain.

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

75 Belford Road, Edinburgh, EH4 3DR – EV charging facilities available on site

Spend some quality time amongst impressive collections of contemporary art. You’ll find the works of many Scottish artists, alongside Matisse, Picasso, Vuillard, Dada, While the entry is free, you must pre-book your visit.

Dean Village

Dean Path, Edinburgh, EH8 8BH – EV charging facilities nearby

This hidden oasis near Princess Street is a great place for a recharging stroll along the water of Leith. Enjoy the picturesque 19^th century buildings and spot traces of the milling industry, such as mill stones, carved stone plaques with baked bread and pies.