Edinburgh Castle Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental around Edinburgh Castle

Renting a car around Edinburgh Castle offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Edinburgh at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage while visiting nearby attractions, such as Princes Street, Grassmarket, and Princes Street Gardens, all located less than 1 km from the castle. This convenience is especially appealing for families or those travelling with multiple bags, allowing for a comfortable journey.

Additionally, a car allows you to explore the broader Edinburgh area, including the bustling Edinburgh City Centre and the historic Old Town Edinburgh, both of which feature iconic sites like the Royal Mile and numerous shops and eateries. Having a rental vehicle means you can create flexible travel plans, making spontaneous stops at charming spots or local favourites without the constraints of public transport schedules. Whether you're drawn to historical sites or the friendly atmosphere of the city, a rental car enhances your sightseeing experience around Edinburgh Castle, ensuring you make the most of your visit.

Most popular car rentals near Edinburgh Castle

• Compact: This car type is perfect for accommodating up to 5 travellers along with up to 3 medium suitcases. The Compact option is ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families looking to explore the area around Edinburgh Castle. Its size makes navigating through the city streets and finding parking much easier, allowing you to enjoy your trip without the hassle of larger vehicles.
• Midsize SUV: Accommodating 5 travellers and up to 3 large suitcases, the Midsize SUV is well-suited for families, couples, or small groups. This option provides additional comfort and space for longer journeys while allowing you to easily manage your luggage. With the flexibility of an SUV, you can venture further afield from Edinburgh Castle, making it a practical choice for your exploration.
• Economy: The Economy car is designed for up to 5 travellers with room for up to 2 medium suitcases. This option is excellent for solo travellers, couples, or families who prioritise budget-friendly travel without sacrificing comfort. Its smaller size allows for easy navigation in urban areas, making it an efficient choice for your car rental needs around Edinburgh Castle.

Top rated car suppliers near Edinburgh Castle

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo is a popular choice among travellers seeking flexibility and convenience near Edinburgh Castle. With a rental location less than 1 km away, it provides easy access for those looking to explore the area. Customers frequently book Compact SUVs and Midsize SUVs with Alamo, enjoying the well-maintained vehicles and efficient service. Many travellers appreciate the cleanliness and hassle-free return process, making Alamo a reliable option for your car rental needs.
• National Car Rental: National Car Rental is another excellent supplier located less than 1 km from Edinburgh Castle. Known for its friendly staff and efficient service, National has garnered popularity for its selection of vehicles, particularly Compact SUVs and Midsize SUVs. Travellers commend the smooth booking process and the comfort of the cars, making it an ideal choice for those looking to navigate the attractions around Edinburgh at their own pace.
• Routes: Routes is situated 1 km away from Edinburgh Castle and offers a solid selection of vehicles, including Standard SUVs and Compact SUVs. Customers appreciate the straightforward rental process and the quality of vehicles provided. The convenient location makes it accessible for visitors wanting to explore the surrounding sights with ease. Routes is a commendable option for those seeking reliable transportation while enjoying their time in Edinburgh.

Where to stay near Edinburgh Castle

• Edinburgh City Centre: Less than 1 km from Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh City Centre is a vibrant neighbourhood perfect for those seeking a culture-themed, family, or city-themed experience. The area boasts popular attractions such as Princes Street and Grassmarket, along with numerous shopping venues and theatres. With a variety of nearby food and drink options, including restaurants and breweries, it presents an ideal base for exploring the city's rich history and lively atmosphere.
• Old Town Edinburgh: Situated directly around Edinburgh Castle, Old Town Edinburgh offers a unique blend of city-themed, culture-themed, and family experiences. This historic neighbourhood features significant landmarks like the Royal Mile and Grassmarket, providing diverse shopping and educational opportunities. Visitors can easily immerse themselves in the local culture while enjoying a selection of restaurants and distilleries that enhance the overall experience of staying in this captivating area.

10 tips to save on your car rental around Edinburgh Castle

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific 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 identify the perfect vehicle 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 car well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you are more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically less expensive to rent and more convenient to park in busy areas. Mid-size vehicles 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 vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This could also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to making a booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling choices, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure that you return the vehicle empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but this may be worthwhile for the added convenience it provides.
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 offers peace of mind should anything unexpected occur during your trip. It is straightforward to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you are planning extended road trips, seek out rentals that include unlimited mileage to prevent incurring additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is mandatory for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car around Edinburgh Castle

The best value period to rent a car around Edinburgh Castle is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is low as well. March also offers low demand, but prices begin to rise slightly. April to May sees average prices with average demand, while June through August can be busy, with prices remaining fairly stable. However, December tends to be the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and average demand throughout the month.

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	Slightly High
June	55.2°F (12.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
July	58.1°F (14.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
August	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	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