Scotland’s historical capital, Edinburgh, is home to some of the United Kingdom’s most striking landscapes, and its modern and well-designed road network means you’re within easy reach of all of them. But the city is also a great base from which to explore the lush Lothian countryside and beyond.

Hire a car from Edinburgh Airport and take the time to explore the city and surrounding region – time that the area’s beauty and diversity rewards. Take the A8 Glasgow Road from the airport to the city centre, which sits eight miles to the east. You’ll reach the centre within half an hour and have a wealth of cultural and entertainment options at your feet.

Follow the City of Edinburgh Bypass/A720 south and you’ll hit Pentland Hills Regional Park - a superb setting which offers some respite from the bustling city. Head west along the M8 to take in the beauty of West Lothian or, once you’ve seen Edinburgh Castle, head out on the trail of others. Find the sprawling grounds of Dirleton Castle 23 miles east of the city, at the end of the A1.

Head in a north-westerly direction along the M9 to get to the shimmering lochs and beautiful forests of Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Stirling and Forth Valley.

Speed limits vary, but you’ll mainly be driving to a 30mph limit in built-up areas (which is sometimes increased to 40mph), and 60mph in rural areas outside of central Edinburgh. Be careful if you’re driving during the winter months, when temperatures drop considerably and there’s an increased risk of black ice on the roads.

Children under the age of 12 and under the height of 1.35m are required by law to be safely strapped in with appropriate child restraints.

Whether you’re in the area on business or keen to get out and about and explore the city’s charm, if you’re hiring a car from Edinburgh Airport, we’ll get you on the road in no time.

A vibrant city sat on a series of extinct volcanoes and nestled amongst some of the most striking scenery in the world, it’s little wonder Edinburgh was dubbed a World City of Literature by UNESCO. Whether you’re hiring a car in Edinburgh to explore the city or are keen to venture a little further afield, it’s easy to see why this beautiful part of Scotland has sparked the imagination of authors for centuries.

A wealth of cultural heritage

Make the short journey from Edinburgh Airport into the heart of the city and find places of historic interest such as Edinburgh Castle, the medieval Old Town and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, or experience the great outdoors in the east at Holyrood Park. The city is also proud to provide a home to a vast art scene and hosts an array of world-famous festivals every year including Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, the Edinburgh Fringe and the Military Tattoo.

Beautiful contrasting scenery

While there’s plenty to keep visitors busy in the city, its picturesque surroundings are within easy reach.

In the east, just beyond the city and a 25-minute drive from the airport, you’ll find Leith, whose roots in fishing, shipbuilding and trade are still prevalent today and provide an intriguing contrast to central Edinburgh.

The wider rural surrounding areas, known as the Lothians, put miles of rolling countryside and quaint-looking towns at your feet. This magnificent green landscape is filled with castles and historic ruins. And seven miles south of the city centre lies Roslin, worth a visit for Rosslyn Chapel, one of Scotland’s most remarkable heritage attractions.

Further afield

Less than an hour’s drive from the centre of Edinburgh, you’ll find the city of Stirling, which is the gateway to the Highlands and where you’ll discover fantastic history and its accompanying architecture, including Stirling Castle, Old Town Jail and Bannockburn.

South-east of the city is Melrose Abbey, which is home to St Mary’s, a partially ruined monastery of the Cistercian order and is believed to be the final resting place of King Robert the Bruce’s heart.

The Pentland Hills lie to the south-west of Edinburgh, offering 90 square kilometres of hiking, cycling and fishing if you’re keen to be at one with the great outdoors. Meanwhile, 20 miles west of the city, the ancient town of Linlithgow is worth the drive out for the Palace alone – home to the Scottish monarchs throughout the 15th and 16th centuries, it’s steeped in history.

Even if you’re visiting on business, this is a corner of the world that’s crying out to be explored. And whether you’re staying amid the hustle and bustle of the city centre or keen to spend time exploring the characterful towns and world-renowned landscapes that surround it, if you’re hiring a car from Edinburgh Airport, you couldn’t be better placed.