Edinburgh and Lothian Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Edinburgh and Lothian

Renting a car in Edinburgh and Lothian offers you the freedom to explore this beautiful region at your own pace. With a car, you can conveniently manage your luggage while visiting key attractions like the Royal Mile, Grassmarket, and the National Museum of Scotland, all located just 8 km from your base. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for families and those seeking outdoor or cultural experiences. You can easily travel to Edinburgh, a vibrant metropolis 8 km away, or visit the historic Old Town Edinburgh, which features iconic sites such as Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. Additionally, Loanhead, only 1 km from Edinburgh and Lothian, is perfect for exploring further attractions like Rosslyn Chapel. With a rental car, you can create your own itinerary, accommodating your interests and travel plans without the constraints of public transport. Whether you are a culture enthusiast, an outdoor adventurer, or simply looking to enjoy the city, having a vehicle allows you to make the most of your visit to Edinburgh and Lothian.

Most popular car rentals around Edinburgh and Lothian

• Compact: The Compact car is a highly sought-after option for travellers in Edinburgh and Lothian. Accommodating up to 5 passengers and offering space for 3 medium suitcases, this car type is perfect for solo adventurers, couples, or small families. Its manageable size makes it ideal for navigating the city streets, while still providing enough room for luggage, making it a practical choice for those who appreciate flexibility in their travel plans.
• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV is another popular choice among visitors to Edinburgh and Lothian. This vehicle comfortably seats 5 travellers and can hold up to 3 large suitcases, making it suitable for families, couples, or small groups. The added space and higher driving position provide a commanding view of the road, ensuring a comfortable journey while exploring the scenic surroundings at your leisure. This option combines versatility with comfort, making it ideal for various travel needs.
• Economy: The Economy car option is favoured by those seeking affordability without sacrificing essential space. Accommodating up to 5 travellers and allowing for 2 medium suitcases, this choice is excellent for solo travellers, couples, or small families. The Economy car is not only budget-friendly but also easy to manoeuvre in urban areas, making it a practical solution for exploring Edinburgh and Lothian. Its compact size aids in parking and navigating tight spaces, enhancing your overall travel experience.

Top rated car suppliers around Edinburgh and Lothian

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo is a popular choice among travellers looking for a reliable and efficient rental service. With one rental location situated 8 km away from Edinburgh and Lothian, Alamo offers a selection of well-maintained vehicles, particularly favouring Compact SUVs and Midsize SUVs. Customers appreciate the quick pickup process and the friendly staff, making it a hassle-free option for those looking to explore the region at their own pace.
• Enterprise: With two rental locations, the nearest being 7 km away from Edinburgh and Lothian, Enterprise is renowned for its exceptional customer service. Travellers often commend the helpful staff and smooth check-in process. This supplier provides a diverse range of vehicles, with Compact and Economy cars being the most booked. Enterprise is an excellent choice for both families and solo travellers seeking flexibility and convenience during their journey.
• National Car Rental: National Car Rental stands out for its commitment to customer satisfaction, boasting one rental location 8 km away from Edinburgh and Lothian. This supplier also offers a selection of Compact SUVs and Midsize SUVs, catering to those who prefer a little more space. Customers frequently highlight the cleanliness and reliability of the vehicles, making it a solid choice for exploring the scenic attractions in and around Edinburgh and Lothian.

Where to stay around Edinburgh and Lothian

• Edinburgh: Edinburgh is a vibrant metropolis renowned for its cultural and family-oriented experiences. Situated 8 km from Edinburgh and Lothian, it offers an array of attractions including the historic Edinburgh Castle, perfect for a romantic holiday, and the bustling Royal Mile and Princes Street, ideal for those seeking a city holiday. Enjoy a variety of dining options, including restaurants and local distilleries, as you explore the city's rich history and vibrant atmosphere.
• Edinburgh City Centre: Located 8 km from Edinburgh and Lothian, Edinburgh City Centre is a lively neighbourhood perfect for culture enthusiasts and families alike. Key highlights include the iconic Princes Street and the majestic Edinburgh Castle, both excellent for sightseeing. The area boasts numerous shopping venues and theatres, along with a diverse selection of restaurants and distilleries, making it an ideal base for your city adventures.
• Old Town Edinburgh: Old Town Edinburgh, also 8 km away from Edinburgh and Lothian, is steeped in history and charm, making it a great choice for those interested in city-themed, cultural, and family experiences. Explore the renowned Royal Mile and the historic Edinburgh Castle, both of which are must-see attractions. The neighbourhood also features the Grassmarket area, perfect for outdoor activities and family outings, along with a variety of dining options, including local distilleries and restaurants.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Edinburgh and Lothian

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer outings, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to help you identify the perfect match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your vehicle well in advance of your trip. By booking ahead, you're more likely to obtain lower prices and better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are generally more affordable to rent and simpler to park in busy urban areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the vehicle empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance while booking through Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning lengthy road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's licence is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Edinburgh and Lothian

The best time to rent a car in and around Edinburgh and Lothian is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is at its lowest. March also offers good value with similar conditions. As spring approaches, April and May see average prices and demand. However, January stands out as the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and average demand. Following that, June through August can be busy periods with slightly high to average pricing.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	38.5°F (3.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
February	39.4°F (4.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
March	41.5°F (5.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
April	45.1°F (7.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	50.0°F (10.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
June	55.2°F (12.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
July	58.1°F (14.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
August	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
September	54.3°F (12.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
October	49.5°F (9.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	43.5°F (6.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
December	39.6°F (4.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High