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Finding a rental car at Inverness Airport (INV) is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers all around the United Kingdom with no booking fees. Pick up your car hire inside the terminal with a short walk to your vehicle, then head straight for Inverness, Loch Ness or the start of the North Coast 500. For peak summer and NC500 dates, reserve early for better availability and low prices.
Several car rental companies have desks inside the Inverness Airport terminal.
| Location Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| On-airport terminal desks (Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt) | Walk from arrivals; vehicles a short distance from terminal; widest fleet and availability; seamless returns; ideal for tight schedules | Higher prices due to airport fees; queues possible in peak/NC500 season |
| Off-airport local providers (Focus Vehicle Rental, Moray Firth Vehicle Rental) | Often competitive pricing; local advice and service; useful backup if on-airport fleets sell out | Requires shuttle/transfer and coordination; fewer staff and smaller fleets; pickup must be pre-arranged |
On average, car rentals at Inverness Airport cost around €54 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €16 per day.
Compare locations: Airport pickups include a location fee. Check prices for Inverness city and local off-airport providers too, then factor any shuttle or taxi cost to see what’s truly cheaper.
Peak-season plan: With NC500 demand April–October, especially June–August, prices jump. Book about 3+ months ahead then. In winter, 2–4 weeks out usually works and lets you watch prices.
Small/manual saves: Pick the smallest car that fits your crew and bags. Manuals are cheaper; automatics are limited at INV, so if you need one, lock it in early.
Play with duration: Weekly rates can beat 5–6 day hires. Shift pickup/return by a day to see if a 7-day deal is cheaper overall.
Fuel smart: Choose full-to-full and refill right before return. There are petrol stations on the A96 in both directions near the airport to avoid refuelling charges.
One-way maths: Fees within Scotland are often £50–100. Compare a one-way to Edinburgh/Glasgow/Aberdeen vs returning to INV and go with the cheaper total.
If you need to park before collection or after returning your rental:
| Car Park Option | Location | Use Case | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Stay | Adjacent to terminal | Brief pickup/dropoff or short-term use | Higher hourly rates |
| Long Stay | Walking distance from terminal | Not usually needed for rental customers | Pre-booking recommended for better rates |
| Rental Return | Dedicated areas for each rental company | Follow signage for your provider | Take photos of car condition when returning |
Airport Vicinity: 30-40mph limits near airport, A96 has 60mph sections
Speed Cameras: Several fixed and average speed camera sections in region
A9 Cameras: Average speed camera system on A9 south to Perth; strictly enforced
Rural Roads: Many Highland roads are single-track plus passing places
Road Types: Expect everything from dual carriageways to single-track roads
Winter Driving: Snow and ice possible November-April, especially on higher routes
Book a rental car to visit:
Loch Ness
Cairngorms National Park – Aviemore
North Coast 500 – start point, Inverness
Isle of Skye – Glen Shiel
Speyside whisky distilleries
Which car rental companies have desks at Inverness Airport? Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar and Hertz have their desks right inside the terminal building. Sixt and some local companies might meet you at the airport or use a shuttle bus.
How far in advance should I book a rental car at Inverness Airport? If you're travelling in summer (June-August), especially for a North Coast 500 trip, you should book at least 3 months early. For a winter trip, booking 2-4 weeks ahead is usually enough.
What type of vehicle is best for the North Coast 500 route? While you can drive the route in any standard car, a compact SUV is a good choice. It's comfortable and easy to handle on the single-track roads and mountain passes. Campervans are popular, but they can be tricky on narrow sections.
Is there a shuttle service to the car rental facility? You won't need a shuttle for the main rental companies because their desks are inside the terminal. You can just walk to the cars. Some companies based away from the airport might offer a shuttle service.
Can I pick up at Inverness Airport and drop off elsewhere in Scotland? Yes, you can rent a car one-way to big cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen. The rental company usually adds a one-way fee of about £50-100, which changes based on the distance.
Are automatic transmission cars available at Inverness Airport? Yes, but rental companies have fewer automatic cars than manual ones. You should book an automatic well ahead of time, especially if you're travelling in the busy season.
Do I need a 4x4 vehicle for Highland driving? A normal 2WD car is fine for the main tourist routes, including the NC500. A 4x4 can feel more comfortable on rough roads and give you more confidence in winter, but you don't really need one.
What documents do I need to collect a rental car at Inverness Airport? You'll need to show a valid driving licence, a credit card in the main driver's name and your booking confirmation. If you're visiting from another country, you might also need an International Driving Permit, depending on where your licence is from.
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