Car Hire Edinburgh

Parking in Edinburgh

•        There is a Q-PARK beneath the OMNI Centre (EH1 3AN), with 1,000 spaces close to the Edinburgh Playhouse – a short walk from the Royal Mile.
•        There are several NCP car parks dotted throughout Edinburgh, with rates for short- and long-term stays.
•        APCOA Parking has a car park at Waverley Station (EH1 1BB), with 509 spaces and easy access to the train station by lift.
•        On-street parking is limited, due to resident-only permit zones, bus lanes, loading bays and City Car Club spots.

Traffic in Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s small winding streets and growing population mean traffic congestion can be a problem – particularly on the A8 approaching the city from the west. Rush hour in Edinburgh tends to be from 7.30am to 9.30am in the morning, and 4pm to 6pm during the evening. Roads gets very busy during the Festival in August and around Christmas and New Year.

Getting around Edinburgh

Part of Edinburgh's charm is driving around the two halves of this city. Old Town roads are winding and steep, but once you get into the New Town, the system is wider and more organised along a simple grid. Don’t forget your satnav.

Roads and motorways

•        The M8 motorway heading west connects Edinburgh to Glasgow.
•        The city bypass (A720) provides the easiest access into central Edinburgh, although the Sheriffhall Roundabout can become quite congested, as accessing the A7 from here connects to Carlisle.
•        The A90/M90 takes you to Perth, Dundee and St Andrews.
•        The A1 motorway connects Edinburgh and London – 410 miles twisting down through Great British countryside and towns.

Edinburgh to Glasgow

Reach the biggest city in Scotland from its capital in around an hour. 

•        Use the A7, W Approach Rd and A71 to get on the M8 west.
•        Follow the M8 for 39.2 miles (approx. 40 minutes)
•        Exit at Junction 16.

What to see and do in Edinburgh

Royal Mile

One of Scotland’s most celebrated streets, the Royal Mile connects the towering Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse – the Queen’s official Scottish residence. At the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, you’ll find a selection of shops and museums, not to mention the buzz around Edinburgh Festival when it arrives every August. 

Edinburgh Castle

This fascinating fortress (EH1 2NG) sits atop Castle Rock at the height of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, containing centuries of history within its walls. Explore the expansive Great Hall and its displays of medieval weapons and armour. Then take a moment to pause in quiet reflection in St Margaret’s Chapel – Edinburgh’s oldest building. 

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

Edinburgh’s oldest visitor attraction (EH1 2ND) is a mind-bending, reality-altering experience, where cameras, machines and other tricks-of-the-light combine to make you see the city in a whole new way. Look down on the city through the famous Camera Obscura and seemingly pick up passers-by in your hands. 

The Museum of Childhood

Take a trip down memory lane with this collection of exhibits, celebrating the history of playtime. With hands-on demonstrations of everything from Subbuteo to skipping, the Museum of Childhood (EH1 1TG) displays vintage toys, plus a selection of modern-day collectibles.

Edinburgh’s best hotels 

The Balmoral

With over 200 rooms and suites to choose from, the Balmoral (EH2 2EQ) exudes class and tradition. Its refined rooms and high ceilings are the perfect place to rest after a long day exploring Edinburgh’s streets. 

The Witchery by the Castle

This gothic retreat (EH1 2NF) boasts nine individually themed rooms in rich, dark styles. Choose from suites such as The Armoury and The Inner Sanctum, to stoke the fires of your imagination. 

Fingal

Welcome aboard the Fingal ‘float-el’ (EH6 7DX), a former lighthouse tender moored on Alexandra Dock in Leith. Lay back in luxury with a selection of five-star cabins and an elegant ballroom to boot.

Edinburgh’s best places to eat

21212

Named after its old serving style, a choice of two starters, then one soup, 21212 (EH7 5AB) has since deepened its offering of eccentric dishes, served in cosy surroundings. 

The Table

The Table (EH3 6QG) is just that – one breakfast bar-style table, perched beside the kitchen, for a quirky dining experience. Watch the chefs work their magic on a variety of traditional Scottish fare. 

Locanda De Gusti

Hearty Italian cuisine served up in quaint rustic surroundings – that’s the magic of this little luxury spot, with a selection of seafood and perfect pizzas.

Best day trips from Edinburgh

Loch Lomond

You can reach one of Scotland’s most sensational sights in under two hours in your hire car, via the M8. Hike through changing scenery or simply gaze across the waters and find some calm. 

Linlithgow Palace

Another important part of Scottish heritage, this rural retreat lies beside its own Loch west of Edinburgh along the M9. Enjoy amazing views over lush green parkland. 

Glasgow