How to find a cheap car hire deal in Edinburgh
Grab a cheap rental car in Edinburgh and get going for around ₹ 10,165 a day. From solo adventures to group travel, we'll help you find a rental that keeps up with your trip.
₹ 1,891 is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental in Edinburgh.
Staying on a bit longer? Pick up a weekly rental from ₹ 4,605 and take the time to discover more.
Here's your inside scoop on when to book. Around one week in advance gives you the best window to grab the best price on a Edinburgh car hire.
Line up your ride with Green Motion, Drivalia or Enterprise. They're some of the most trusted providers in the city.
Whether you go with Green Motion or another supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Edinburgh car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as a paid add-on.
Booking one-way could snag you a cheaper rate on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Simply select 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Edinburgh.
Avoid those steep refueling fees by choosing a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start and end your trip with a full tank, and pay only for what you use.
Go wherever the road takes you by choosing a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you drive as far as you need without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company. Prices average ₹ 10,736 a day.
Coming in next is this provider, offering daily rates of around ₹ 11,112.
The third option won't stretch your budget either. You'll pay roughly ₹ 8,443 a day with this supplier.
The Compact rental category is a reliable choice if you're not quite sure what kind of wheels you need. It's also the most commonly booked car type in Edinburgh.
Flying to Edinburgh? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're jetting into Edinburgh, hit the road sooner by booking a car hire at Edinburgh Airport. The drive from this airport to the city centre is around 13 kilometres and takes about 25 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Edinburgh
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Edinburgh gets you moving without breaking the bank. These zippy, fuel-efficient cars are excellent for city driving and short trips.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the Goldilocks of rentals! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are suited to small families and couples.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and advanced tech features, this Edinburgh car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier rear seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV says, 'let's go.' It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for highways, backroads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and advanced safety features.
Van: Go for this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Edinburgh that can handle the big jobs. Typically featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to transport more, whether that's equipment, baggage or a bunch of your favourite people.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your Edinburgh car hire gives you peace of mind. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of an accident or theft. Insurance policies can differ between rental providers, so always compare your options.
From GPS units to reverse cameras, the right extras can make all the difference on the road. Think about which features will make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Edinburgh.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a vehicle in the United Kingdom is generally 21 years old. However some providers set their own rules, so always double-check your rental company's terms to be sure you satisfy the requirements.
Planning a trip with the kids? Car seat requirements differ from place to place, and the right setup may depend on their weight, age and height. Confirm whether you need to add one to your Edinburgh car hire booking.
You'll need to hand over a few things when picking up your rental car: an official driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with room to cover the excess. Debit cards are generally not accepted. Your booking will show the full list of what's required.
Driving in the United Kingdom might take some adjustment for first-time visitors. Keep in mind you'll need to stay on the left side of the road.
Follow the local speed limits. Usually that's around 40kph in urban areas and 100kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United Kingdom is 0.08%. Because alcohol affects each person differently, the surest choice is to avoid drinks so you remain legal to drive.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid peak times generally for a smoother trip.
You'll be using the British pound (GBP) for everyday expenses throughout your trip. You may find it handy to carry a mix of cards and cash so you always have a backup option.
Best hotels in Edinburgh for drivers
Spend less time looking for a place to park and more time enjoying your stay at Ocean Mist Leith. About 3 kilometres from central Edinburgh, it comes with parking, luggage storage and air conditioning.
Barony House also works well for a trip built around driving. It features parking, plus ironing services and a laundry. Make this your base and you'll be roughly 3 kilometres from the city centre.
Like some more inspiration? Browse the full lineup of hotels in Edinburgh. You can fine-tune your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If you're driving electric, you can select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter too.
After you've found a car hire deal in Edinburgh and your hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle and Castle Rock are classics for any first-time visitor.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Edinburgh
Around 64 kilometres west of central Edinburgh, Glasgow belongs on your itinerary. Steer straight toward must-see sights like Glasgow Cathedral and King's Theatre.
Reliable accommodation options with parking in Glasgow include Ibis Budget Glasgow and Leonardo Royal Hotel Glasgow.
Or collect your cheap car hire in Edinburgh and then head out to Dundee. About 56 kilometres north of Edinburgh, V&A Dundee and Victoria Park are big attractions that are well worth the trip.
Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa and Hotel Indigo - Dundee by IHG are comfortable places to stay in Dundee if you're planning to stick around. Choose one of these and skip the stress of finding somewhere to leave your ride.
Stretch your journey and road-trip it to Bradford, around 257 kilometres south of Edinburgh. Kick things off at Bradford Cathedral, then spend some time at Cartwright Hall.
Check out the room availability at Holiday Inn Express Bradford City Centre by IHG or Leonardo Hotel Bradford. They're an ideal base for exploring everything Bradford has to offer. They come with room for your wheels too.
