Car Rental Edinburgh

Which type of car hire is best for driving in Edinburgh?

Whether you're travelling in Edinburgh or heading out on a road trip, choosing the right car can make every journey easier. Here’s a quick guide to help you rent a car in Edinburgh that suits your plans.

Compact Cars

Compact cars are an ideal choice for short-term car hire in Edinburgh. They’re easy to drive on busy city streets and convenient to park in smaller spaces. You can choose between automatic and manual transmission based on your preference. With space for up to five people and two bags, these cars are ideal for shorter trips.

Intermediate Cars

Need a bit more space? Intermediate cars seat up to five passengers and have room for two to three suitcases, depending on the model. Available with manual and automatic transmission, they are a good option for getting around Edinburgh or heading out on a weekend trip.

Electric Cars

If you’re considering EV car hire in Edinburgh, electric cars can offer a quiet, smooth drive around the city and on longer journeys. Edinburgh’s growing network of EV charging points makes it easier to charge as you travel. EVs are automatic, seat up to five people and can hold two to three bags, depending on the model.

SUVs

SUVs are a good choice if you’re travelling with family or have more luggage. They can seat up to five people and have enough room for three to four bags. The extra space can also make longer drives more comfortable, making SUVs a practical choice for long-term car hire. Hertz offers both manual and automatic SUVs, depending on the vehicle.

Luxury Cars

Luxury cars add comfort and style to any journey, making them suitable for special occasions, business trips or longer drives. Most can seat five people and hold two or more suitcases, with automatic transmission commonly available. Luxury car rental in Edinburgh gives you the option to enjoy a more comfortable drive across the UK.

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 several 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.

Congestion charges in Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ) has been in place since 1 June 2024. If your vehicle doesn’t meet the required emissions standards, you may be penalised for driving through the zone.

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.

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.

• Use the A7, West Approach Road and A71 to get on the M8 west.
• Follow the M8 for around 39 miles (approx. 45 minutes).
• 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.

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

What are the top road trips from Edinburgh?

Ready to get out of the city? Here are a few great road trips to take from Edinburgh. They’re also ideal if you’re planning a staycation in Edinburgh and want to see more without going too far.

Glencoe & The Highlands

Route: Edinburgh to Glencoe via M9 and A82

Distance: Approx. 115 miles

Driving time: Around 3 hours

Drive from Edinburgh towards the dramatic landscapes of Glencoe. The route passes Stirling Castle and the Trossachs National Park, with the journey ending among Glencoe’s mist-covered peaks, valleys and waterfalls. It’s one of the most scenic road trips from Edinburgh and a great choice for a day trip during holidays in Edinburgh.

St Andrews

Route: Edinburgh to St Andrews via A92

Distance: Approx. 50 miles

Driving time: Around 1.5 hours

St Andrews is a charming seaside town known as the home of golf and the famous University of St Andrews. Cross the Firth of Forth to explore its historic streets and visit St Andrews Castle, once home to the local archbishop. On the way back, stop at one of the fishing villages along the Fife coast for a relaxed day trip, away from the usual attractions in Edinburgh.

Aberdeen Coastal Drive

Route: Edinburgh to Aberdeen via A90

Distance: Approx. 125 miles

Driving time: Around 2.5 hours

Take the A90 from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, with stops at St Andrews, Dundee, Arbroath and Stonehaven along the way. Visit Dunnottar Castle, enjoy the coastal views around Montrose and stop at Lunan Bay for a short walk by the beach. Choose automatic car hire to make longer drives more comfortable.

When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?

What time of year is best for visiting Edinburgh?

The best time to visit Edinburgh is between June and August, when the days are longer and the weather is milder. However, it is also the busiest time of the year, particularly in August when major festivals take place. If you want to avoid the crowds, April, May and September are good options, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the attractions in Edinburgh. Winter adds a festive cheer to the city, with its Christmas markets and Hogmanay celebrations.

When is car hire in Edinburgh most in demand?

Car hire in Edinburgh is most in demand from June to August, when more people visit and longer days make it easier to travel around the city. Demand can also be higher during school holidays, Easter, Christmas and New Year. Weekend trips are especially popular in summer, so it’s a good idea to book in advance, particularly if you need a larger vehicle or a hybrid car hire, as these can be in high demand.

What should you know about driving in Edinburgh during different seasons?

Driving in Edinburgh can be a different experience depending on the season. In summer, days are longer, and driving conditions are better, while in autumn there’s more rain and roads are wetter. In winter, shorter days, frost and occasional snow can make driving more difficult. If you plan to rent a car in Edinburgh, check the weather and road conditions before you set off, especially in bad weather.