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 and around Edinburgh and Lothian offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility for your travel plans. With a rental vehicle, you can explore attractions such as the Royal Mile, Grassmarket, and the National Museum of Scotland, all located a convenient 8 km away from your base. This allows you to enjoy city-themed experiences at your own pace, without the constraints of public transport schedules. For families seeking outdoor adventures, a car rental makes it easy to manage luggage and gear while visiting family-friendly spots like Grassmarket, also 8 km away. You can effortlessly travel to nearby destinations such as Loanhead, just 1 km away, where you can discover the stunning Rosslyn Chapel or delve into history at the National Museum of Scotland. Additionally, the vibrant city of Edinburgh, featuring landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street, is also a mere 8 km from your location. Whether you are interested in culture, outdoor activities, or urban exploration, having a rental car in Edinburgh and Lothian enhances your experience and provides the convenience necessary for a memorable trip.

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: With a rental location situated 8 km away from Edinburgh and Lothian, Alamo is a popular choice for travellers seeking reliable vehicles. Known for its excellent customer service, Alamo offers a varied fleet, with Compact SUVs and Midsize SUVs being the most booked options. This supplier provides the flexibility to explore the beautiful surroundings of Edinburgh and Lothian at your own pace.
• Enterprise: Offering two rental locations, the nearest being 7 km away from Edinburgh and Lothian, Enterprise is well-regarded for its convenience and extensive vehicle selection. Travellers frequently opt for Compact and Economy cars, making it an ideal choice for those looking for efficiency and affordability. With a strong reputation for customer satisfaction, Enterprise ensures a smooth rental experience.
• National Car Rental: Located 8 km from Edinburgh and Lothian, National Car Rental is another excellent supplier for those in need of a vehicle. With Compact SUVs and Midsize SUVs leading the bookings, National provides a solid range of options for various traveller needs. Their commitment to quality service makes them a favourite among visitors wishing to explore the scenic routes of Scotland.

Where to stay around Edinburgh and Lothian

• Edinburgh: A vibrant metropolis located 8 km from Edinburgh and Lothian, Edinburgh offers a rich cultural experience perfect for families and city-themed holidays. Key attractions include the iconic Edinburgh Castle, ideal for those seeking romance or cultural immersion, and the bustling streets of the Royal Mile and Princes Street, which are great for shopping and exploring. With numerous restaurants, distilleries, and breweries nearby, you'll find plenty of dining options to enhance your stay.
• Edinburgh City Centre: Situated 8 km from Edinburgh and Lothian, Edinburgh City Centre is a lively neighbourhood that caters to culture enthusiasts and families alike. The area boasts popular attractions such as Princes Street, which is perfect for city exploration, and the historic Edinburgh Castle, which adds a touch of romance. The Grassmarket area is particularly family-friendly, offering outdoor experiences along with numerous dining establishments, distilleries, and breweries to enjoy.
• Old Town Edinburgh: Located 8 km away from Edinburgh and Lothian, Old Town Edinburgh is rich in history and culture, making it an excellent choice for city-themed and family trips. This charming neighbourhood features historic sites, including the majestic Edinburgh Castle and the famous Royal Mile. The Grassmarket serves as a lively tourist precinct, perfect for outdoor activities. With various restaurants and distilleries nearby, Old Town Edinburgh ensures a delightful culinary experience during your stay.

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're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more economical to rent and easier to manoeuvre in busy areas. Mid-size rentals offer a suitable balance of affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age restrictions prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, which requires you to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favourable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuelling alternatives, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for collecting your rental car from airports, but the added convenience may justify the cost.
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 added peace of mind in the event of unforeseen circumstances during your trip. It's simple to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary for renting a car.

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

The best value period to rent a car in and around Edinburgh and Lothian is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is at its lowest. March follows closely, offering similar price levels with average demand. In contrast, July tends to be the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and average demand. August also sees high demand and slightly high prices, making it a busier time for rentals. September follows with average pricing but high demand, reflecting the busy summer season.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	38.5°F (3.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
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	Average	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	High	Slightly High
June	55.2°F (12.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
July	58.1°F (14.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
August	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Slightly High
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	Average	Slightly Low
December	39.6°F (4.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average