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Find low rental car prices in Edinburgh with Road Genius. Find live rates for SUVs, hatchbacks and people movers and make reservations with no booking fees. Compare car hire deals at Edinburgh Airport (EDI) and city centre branches, then choose the right fuel policy and excess cover for your trip. Book early for Festival season and check LEZ boundaries and parking options if you plan to drive into the Old Town.
Edinburgh has two main car rental pickup locations: Edinburgh Airport (EDI) and city centre offices. Each offers different advantages depending on your travel plans.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh Airport (EDI) | • All major rental companies are on-site • Extended hours to match flight schedules • Larger vehicle selection • Convenient for arrivals by air |
• Airport/premium location fees added to rental cost • Potential queues during peak times • Traffic when driving into city |
| City Centre | • No airport surcharges • Convenient if already staying in the city • Multiple locations throughout central Edinburgh • Avoid immediate airport traffic |
• Shorter operating hours (8:00-18:00 weekdays, shorter on weekends) • Limited after-hours service • Navigating city traffic when starting journey • Smaller vehicle selection at some locations |
On average, car rentals in Edinburgh cost around €51 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €16 per day.
City vs airport pickup: City locations often cost less as they avoid airport fees. Check shorter opening hours. Flying into EDI? Take the tram or bus into town, then pick up.
Time your booking to the season: For July–August, especially the Festival, book 2–3 months ahead. In Nov–Mar, compare and monitor 2–4 weeks out for deals.
Flex dates and length: Shift pickup/return by a day and test times. Weekly rentals can be about 15–20% better value.
Right-size the car: Smaller models are cheaper and easier for Edinburgh’s tight streets and 20 mph zones.
Rent only when you need it: Use buses/trams while in the city, then rent for day trips. If keeping a car, use Park & Ride to avoid £15–£25 per day garages.
Watch add-ons: Compare round-trip vs one-way as Scotland one-way fees are often £40–£100. Choose full-to-full and refuel yourself to avoid refueling charges.
Getting a place to park in Edinburgh needs planning, especially in the city centre where spaces are limited and often restricted.
| Type | How it Works | Cost Range | Things to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street parking | Pay-and-display zones across central Edinburgh | Varies by zone | Time restrictions apply. Check local signage for hours, including evenings and weekends |
| Multi-storey car parks | Multiple options in city centre (St. James Quarter, Omni Centre, Castle Terrace, etc.) | Varies by location and duration | Secure but can be expensive for all-day parking |
| Park & Ride | Available at multiple locations on city outskirts | Low cost or free in some cases | Transfer to city centre via bus or tram; good option for all-day city visits |
| Residential zones | Permit-only areas in many neighbourhoods | Visitor permits sometimes available | Avoid these zones without proper authorisation |
Low Emission Zone (LEZ): Edinburgh has implemented a LEZ in the city centre. Most rental cars meet the requirements (Euro 6 for diesel, Euro 4 for petrol minimum), but be aware of the boundaries.
Speed Limits: 20 mph in most central Edinburgh streets; 30 mph in outer urban areas; 40-70 mph on major approach roads depending on signage.
Bus Lanes: Enforced during operational hours (usually 7:30-9:30am and 4:00-6:30pm Monday-Friday); watch for signage and avoid fines.
One-Way Systems: Edinburgh's Old Town has numerous one-way streets; follow navigation systems carefully.
Rent a car to easily:
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs – lochs, trails
St Andrews and Fife – golf courses, cathedral
Stirling – Stirling Castle, Wallace Monument
North Berwick and East Lothian – beaches, villages
Borders Region – abbeys, towns
Glasgow – museums, galleries
When is the best time to book a car in Edinburgh? For the busy summer season and especially the August Festival period, you should book at least 2-3 months early. For quieter times, booking 2-4 weeks ahead is often enough.
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Edinburgh? If you're a visitor from most English-speaking countries (including the US, Canada and Australia), you can drive using your home licence for up to 12 months. If your licence is not in English, you might need an International Driving Permit.
What insurance is included with Edinburgh car rentals? Rental companies usually include a basic Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and third-party liability. However, this has a high excess (the amount you pay for damage) of about £1,000 or more. You can buy extra cover to lower this excess.
How does the Edinburgh Low Emission Zone affect rentals? Most rental cars are new models, so they meet the LEZ requirements. The zone covers the city centre and you will get a fine if your vehicle doesn't meet the rules. All major rental companies provide cars that are fine to drive in the zone.
What's the minimum age to rent a car in Edinburgh? Most companies need you to be at least 23 years old, and many won't let you hire certain cars unless you're 25 or over. They also charge a 'young driver' fee of about £25-£30 per day for drivers under 25.
Can I pick up in Edinburgh and drop off elsewhere in Scotland? Yes, most companies allow one-way rentals in Scotland. They often charge a one-way fee from £40-£100, depending on the distance and the company.
Is winter driving difficult around Edinburgh? Edinburgh itself rarely has bad snow problems, but winter weather can affect roads into the Highlands. The authorities grit the main roads first, but you should allow extra time and check weather forecasts if you are travelling north or into hilly areas during winter.
What fuel do I need for my rental car? You should pay attention to whether your car needs petrol (unleaded) or diesel. Putting in the wrong fuel can lead to expensive repair bills. The company usually marks the fuel type on the fuel cap or near the fuel gauge.
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