Car rental in Edinburgh

Enjoy Edinburgh by rental car

Edinburgh along with its surrounding areas are certainly worth exploring by rental car. The best way to do this is to rent a car at one of the local car hire companies. With Driveboo, you can easily compare different car hire offers and book your rental car directly online. Edinburgh has been the capital of Scotland since 1437 and the seat of the Scottish Parliament since 1999. The city is famous not only for its beautiful architecture and fascinating history, but also for numerous annual events and festivals, the most popular of which are the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (the largest arts festival in the world) and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, all held annually in the month of August. While Edinburgh is a year-round destination, the best time to travel is from the late spring till the beginning of autumn. Of course, winter is likely to see some cold and wet weather.

Where can I hire a car in Edinburgh?

In Edinburgh, you will find numerous rental car companies all over the city. However, if you travel by plane, it is best to pick up your rental car right at the airport. That way, you can start your journey at Edinburgh Airport (EDI). There, you will find a combined car rental centre in a convenient location with direct access to the terminal. 

A rental car provides you with independence and no need for public transport and travel agencies. Instead, you can arrange your trip the way you want to. By renting a car in Edinburgh, you will be able to enjoy all of the attractions of the city and its surroundings (which are definitely worth a trip) quickly and easily.

Insurance of a rental car in Edinburgh

One of the first things to do while renting a car is to carefully read the terms and conditions of the rental agreement in order to be sure what kind of protection you will be provided with. Every rental car in the European Union must be covered by civil liability insurance, valid in all Member States. This insurance should be included in the rental price. You can also purchase a non-compulsory insurance covering other types of risk, such as driver's injury, vehicle damage, theft, vandalism or legal aid.

Emergency phone numbers in Scotland

*101 is a non-emergency number for general enquires and situations that do not require an immediate police response

Driving through Scotland and Edinburgh in a rental car

• In Scotland, people drive on the left-hand side of the road
• Drivers in Scotland must be at least 18 years old
•  A European driver's license is sufficient
• All passengers must wear seat belts.
• Transportation of children up to 12 years old and 135 cm of height is possible only in a car seat.

Speed limits for cars in Scotland

Discover Edinburghs highlights by rental car

One of the most well-known highlights of Edinburgh is the Lauriston Castle. The place looks just as the last owners designed it in 1926. In the summer, you and your family can pack the picnic basket into your rental car, and spend the day in the extensive park, adjacent to the castle.

Also, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, with its rich diversity of beautiful plants, is ideal for families with children. While an on-site café is waiting for parents to relax and drink an aromatic coffee, children can enjoy many activities offered in the park. You can reach the Botanic Garden easily by car and take advantage of the extensive parking.

The Old Town of Edinburgh offers numerous attractions both underground as well as over ground. Surrounded by ghost stories and myths, the Mary King's Close district, very busy in the 16th century, is located beneath the modern streets of the city. While here, you should definitely book a tour and leave your rental car in one of the designated parking spaces.

The legendary Calton Hill is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located right in the middle of Edinburgh and offers beautiful views over the city. On the hill, you will find the acropolis and the Nelson Monument, as well as the National Museum and the Observatory.

Definitely worth seeing is also the district of Leith. It is located about 3 km north-east from the city centre. Here, you can explore the former Royal Yacht Britannia at the Ocean Terminal. It is considered one of the largest tourist attractions of the city.

Explore the surroundings of Edinburgh with a rental car

The town of Queensferry and the Craigmillar Castle, formerly occupied by Queen Mary, are located just south of Edinburgh and can only be reached by car. Also worthwhile are trips to the coast and to the shores of the numerous Lochs, such as the famous Loch Ness. A drive through the Highlands offers an impressive panorama. High mountains, solitary hikers, high moors and lakes as well as grazing sheep, characterize the picture. If you are a nature lover, you should definitely take a drive to the magnificent Glencoe Valley, and if you have a little more time, you can take a short tour from Edinburgh to Glasgow or take the M9 to Stirling.