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Compare rental cars from leading companies at Edinburgh Airport (EDI) with Road Genius. From compact cars to luxury SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at great prices in convenient locations. Pick up at the on-airport rental centre, a short walk from the terminal, with easy access to the A8, M8 and M90. Summer and the August Edinburgh Festival are busy, so book early to secure better rates and an automatic if you need one.
Edinburgh Airport has an on-site car rental facility for multiple providers.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Car rental centre located on-site at the airport |
| Major Providers | Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, Alamo, National, Dollar, Thrifty |
| Operating Hours | Hours generally match flight schedules (approximately 7:00am-11:00pm) |
| After-Hours Service | Some providers offer after-hours pickup/drop-off by prior arrangement |
| Vehicle Collection | Cars parked a short walking distance from the rental centre |
| Special Services | Premium/luxury vehicles, child seats, GPS units available by advance booking |
On average, car rentals at Edinburgh Airport cost around €51 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €16 per day.
Compare airport vs city pickup: EDI has an airport location fee. If you’re staying in Edinburgh first, price a city-centre pickup for later to avoid paying for days you won’t drive.
Peak season = book early: For June to August, especially the Edinburgh Festival in August, reserve 2-3+ months ahead to dodge surge pricing and limited choice.
Flex your dates and duration: Shifting pickup/return by a day can change rates. Check if a 7-day rental beats 4-6 days.
Choose the smallest car that fits: Cheaper to rent and fuel, and easier for Edinburgh’s tight streets and parking.
Refuel before return: Use the petrol stations on the A8 near the airport and bring it back full to avoid refuelling service charges.
Avoid paying for idle days: Central parking is pricey. Delay pickup until you leave the city or return the car before re-entering. Park & Ride or the tram can cover city days.
If you need to park before collection or after returning your rental:
| Parking Option | Location | Use Case | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Stay | Adjacent to terminal | Brief pickup/dropoff or meetings | Higher hourly rates |
| Long Stay | Requires shuttle | Not usually needed for rental customers | Discounts for pre-booking |
| Rental Return | Dedicated areas for each company | Follow signage for your provider | Take photos of vehicle condition when returning |
Edinburgh City Centre: Has many one-way systems and restricted access zones
Low Emission Zone (LEZ): Implemented in central Edinburgh; rental cars generally compliant
Speed Limits: 20mph in many central Edinburgh streets; 30-40mph in outer areas
Bus Lanes: Enforced during operational hours (usually 7:30-9:30am and 4:00-6:30pm Mon-Fri)
Tram Lines: Be cautious when driving near tram routes in Edinburgh
Forth Road Bridge: Now reserved for public transport; use Queensferry Crossing for cars
Edinburgh Bypass (A720): Can be heavily congested during rush hours
Rural Roads: Varied quality in surrounding countryside and borders
Get a rental car so you can drive to:
Edinburgh city centre – A8, Princes Street
St Andrews – A90, A91
Stirling – M9
Loch Lomond – M8, A82
Scottish Borders – A68, A7
North Berwick – A1, A198
Which car rental companies have desks at Edinburgh Airport? All major international companies have desks at Edinburgh Airport, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, Alamo and National. You can find the rental centre right at the airport.
How far in advance should I book a rental car from Edinburgh Airport? For normal times of the year, you should book 2-4 weeks ahead. For summer (June-August), book 2-3 months in advance. For the Edinburgh Festival in August, you should book at least 3-4 months ahead because cars get booked out quickly and prices go up a lot.
How long does it take to reach Edinburgh city centre from the airport? The drive usually takes 25-30 minutes, but it can be longer during rush hour (7:30-9:30am and 4:00-6:30pm on weekdays). There are a few different ways to go, and the staff at your rental company can suggest other routes if the main roads are busy.
What type of car is best for exploring Scotland from Edinburgh? For exploring the city and for short trips, you'll find a small car is big enough and easier to park. If you're touring the Highlands or travelling as a family, you might want to consider a medium-sized car or a small SUV. These are more comfortable for long drives and on country roads. If you visit in winter and drive in the Highlands, an SUV can make you feel more confident on the country roads.
Do I need to worry about Edinburgh's Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in a rental car? The car you rent from Edinburgh Airport will be new enough to meet the LEZ rules, as the rental companies update their cars often. The zone covers the city centre, so just look out for the signs if you are driving into central Edinburgh.
Can I take a rental car on ferries to Scottish islands? Yes, most rental companies let you take their cars on CalMac ferries to the Scottish islands. You should always tell the rental company what you're planning to do and book a spot for your car on the ferry well ahead of time, especially in summer.
Are automatic transmission cars readily available at Edinburgh Airport? Yes, you can find a good number of automatic cars at Edinburgh Airport, more than at smaller places. However, rental companies still have more manual cars than automatic ones. So, it's a good idea for you to book early, especially if you want a particular type of car.
What documents do I need to collect a rental car at Edinburgh Airport? You will need a current driving licence, a credit card in the main driver's name (most companies don't accept debit cards) and proof of your booking. If you are visiting from another country, you might also need an International Driving Permit. You should ask your rental company exactly what documents they need to see.
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