Edinburgh Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Edinburgh

Renting a car in Edinburgh provides the freedom and flexibility to explore this vibrant metropolis at your own pace. With a vehicle, you can easily visit iconic attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, located prominently in the city, and immerse yourself in its rich cultural heritage. The Royal Mile offers a fantastic city experience, while the Grassmarket is perfect for family outings and outdoor activities. A rental car simplifies luggage management, allowing you to travel comfortably without the hassle of public transport schedules.

Additionally, having a car makes it convenient to explore various neighbourhoods like Old Town Edinburgh, where you can discover a blend of history and modern attractions. The city centre, featuring Princes Street and the bustling Grassmarket, is also easily accessible. For those interested in visiting New Town, a rental car allows for a smooth journey to experience its unique charm. Whether you are seeking cultural experiences, family adventures, or city-themed exploration, renting a car enhances your visit to Edinburgh and its surrounding areas.

Most popular car rentals in Edinburgh

• Compact: This car type is perfect for those travelling in small groups, accommodating up to 5 travellers and 3 medium suitcases. Its size makes it ideal for navigating the streets of Edinburgh, where parking can be challenging. The compact car offers a good balance between comfort and fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice for solo travellers, couples, and families looking to explore the city at their own pace.
• Midsize SUV: Offering more space and comfort, the midsize SUV suits families, couples, or small groups of up to 5 travellers, along with the capacity for 3 large suitcases. This option is particularly advantageous for those who need extra room for luggage or prefer a more commanding view of the road. The midsize SUV is well-suited for scenic drives around Edinburgh and its surroundings, providing a comfortable ride for longer journeys.
• Economy: Ideal for budget-conscious travellers, the economy car accommodates up to 5 travellers with 2 medium suitcases. This option is perfect for solo adventurers, couples, or families seeking an affordable way to explore Edinburgh. Economy cars are designed for efficiency, making them an excellent choice for navigating the city while keeping rental costs low. They offer the flexibility needed for spontaneous trips around the area.

Top rated car suppliers in Edinburgh

• Alamo Rent A Car: With 3 rental locations throughout Edinburgh, Alamo Rent A Car is a popular choice for tourists seeking flexibility in their travels. They offer a variety of vehicles, with the Midsize SUV and Compact SUV being the most booked options. This supplier is well-regarded for its efficient service, making your car rental experience smooth and enjoyable.
• Europcar: Also featuring 3 rental locations in Edinburgh, Europcar is another excellent option for those looking to explore the city and its surroundings. Their most popular vehicles include the Compact SUV and Midsize SUV, providing you with the comfort and space needed for your adventures. Europcar is known for its reliable service and well-maintained vehicles, ensuring a pleasant journey.
• Hertz: With 2 convenient rental locations in Edinburgh, Hertz is a trusted name in car rentals. Their most sought-after vehicles include the Midsize SUV and Economy car, which cater to a variety of travel needs. Hertz is celebrated for its customer-focused service, making it a great choice for first-time visitors and seasoned travellers alike.

Where to stay in Edinburgh

• Edinburgh City Centre: Ideal for travellers seeking a culture-themed, family-friendly city experience, Edinburgh City Centre offers vibrant shopping areas and theatres. Within proximity, you can explore historic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, which is perfect for a romantic holiday, and the lively Princes Street, ideal for a city holiday. The Grassmarket is also nearby, providing an excellent outdoor experience for families. Numerous restaurants, distilleries, and breweries enrich the culinary scene, making it a central hub for visitors.
• Old Town Edinburgh: Known for its rich history and culture, Old Town Edinburgh is a great choice for those looking for a city-themed experience. The Royal Mile, a bustling street, leads you to the stunning Edinburgh Castle, while the Grassmarket area is perfect for families wanting to enjoy outdoor activities. The neighbourhood features a variety of shopping areas and theatres, alongside numerous dining options, including local distilleries. This area is also steeped in historic significance, making it a captivating spot to stay.
• Leith: For a charming mix of culture, family activities, and city life, Leith is an excellent neighbourhood. Visitors can explore the picturesque Edinburgh Port, which is perfect for outdoor adventures. The Royal Mile and George Street are both easily accessible for those who enjoy city holidays. Leith also boasts a variety of restaurants, pubs, and distilleries, ensuring a delightful culinary experience. Its unique blend of historic and modern attractions makes it a fascinating area for tourists to explore.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for the summer months, or an economical car for budget-friendliness, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary significantly based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you’re likely to obtain more economical rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are less expensive to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded 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 vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. Renters over the age of 70 may also be affected by these policies. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental companies require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Other options may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: A surcharge is often applied for collecting your rental car at airports, though it may be worthwhile for the added convenience.
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 prevent unnecessary expenses and provides added peace of mind should something unforeseen occur during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking with Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extensive road trips, seek out rental options that offer unlimited mileage to avoid incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Edinburgh

The best value period to rent a car in and around Edinburgh is February, as prices are slightly low and demand is low. March also offers similar benefits with slightly low prices and low demand. As spring approaches, April and May see average pricing and demand, making them decent options as well. In contrast, December tends to be the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and average demand, which can make it a less attractive time to rent a vehicle.

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	High	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	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

Looking for wallet-friendly prices? Car hire in Edinburgh begins at around per day in 2026. With your own set of wheels, you can discover the sights in and around the Scottish capital. The total cost comes down to the car model, rental duration and dates. During the summer season, there’s usually a peak in prices from June to August. While this is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities and sunny weather, it does mean you’ll have to battle big crowds too. If you’re a budget-conscious traveller, consider visiting in the low season. Not only can you get better prices on car rentals in Edinburgh, but you’ll also score cheaper rates on accommodation and airfares.

Finding some of the best deals for cheap car rentals in Edinburgh

On the hunt for budget car hire in Edinburgh? Use our search bar to find the best offers, compare our range of suppliers and get ready to roll! Make things simple by selecting the "Great deal" and take a squizz at our handy features. If you’re on a tight budget, we understand that every penny counts. Consider planning your trip in the low season for even bigger savings on Edinburgh rental cars. Plus, you won’t have to barge through big crowds at the tourist attractions. If you have a discount code or coupon, use our filters to find participating Edinburgh car rental deals.

Best car rental companies in Edinburgh

With an abundance of car suppliers available, vehicle hire in Edinburgh is easy. Use Expedia to compare the offers available and start planning your Edinburgh vacation today. Our top picks include big-name brands like Hertz, Avis and Europcar. If that doesn't do it for you, simply browse through our other recommended car rental companies. Then, narrow down the results by location and brand.

Best places to rent a car in Edinburgh

If you plan to fly to Edinburgh, you probably want to hire a car at Edinburgh Airport (EDI). After you touch down in Scotland, make a beeline to the Rental Car Centre and take your pick. Here you can choose from companies like Europcar, Budget, National, Sixt and Avis. Booking one of our rental cars in Edinburgh directly from the airport is ideal for a stress-free travel experience. After all, you just have to get off the plane and collect your keys!

Edinburgh car rental types

Finding car rental deals in Edinburgh is made simple with Expedia, especially when there’s so much on offer. Compact vehicles are generally the most popular choice for those travelling to Scotland’s capital city. Not too small, yet not too big, these are the perfect fit for manoeuvrability. You can easily whip around the city centre and reverse into tight parking spaces. If you prefer something bigger, you can opt for a mid-size or an SUV. Perfect for the whole gang!

Advice on car rental in Edinburgh

To hire a car in Edinburgh, you’ll need a driver's license and credit card. If you’re under 25 years old, just be aware that there may be a young driver surcharge applied. Before you rent a car in Edinburgh, it's important to read about the full terms and conditions of Expedia. Nabbing a deal on Expedia is easy. Select your preferred dates, choose a ride and then add in some extra details. Compare the prices from leading suppliers and then decide what’s right for you. Want to take things one step further and unlock more discounts? Add flights and hotels to your Edinburgh car hire booking and reap the rewards!

Benefits of booking a car rental in Edinburgh with Expedia

Expedia is your one-stop shop. With the world's leading suppliers, you can select from a bunch of sensational deals. Nab big savings with our offers and earn rewards with each booking you make. With Expedia, you can save more by bundling hotels, airfares and tours to your Edinburgh package. Expedia has everything you need in one place, helping you to save both time and money. Whether you’re searching for premium or budget car hire in Edinburgh, there are many benefits when you book with Expedia.

*Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms may apply.