Royal Mile Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental around Royal Mile

Renting a car around the Royal Mile in Edinburgh provides a fantastic opportunity for exploration and sightseeing at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and enjoy flexible travel plans, making it ideal for families and those interested in the rich history of the area. You can visit nearby attractions such as the Grassmarket, located 2 km away, which offers a vibrant tourist precinct perfect for outdoor family experiences. The Princes Street Gardens, also 2 km from the Royal Mile, serves as an excellent urban park for city exploration. St. Andrew Square, situated just 1 km away, is another delightful spot to experience. The convenience of a rental car allows you to navigate around popular destinations like Edinburgh, where the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle are located, as well as the historic Old Town Edinburgh and the bustling Edinburgh City Centre, just 1 km from your base. This flexibility caters to various traveller types, ensuring everyone can enjoy their visit without the constraints of public transport.

Most popular car rentals near Royal Mile

• Compact: The Compact car is a popular choice among travellers, accommodating up to 5 individuals and up to 3 medium suitcases. This option is ideal for solo travellers, couples, or small families, providing a balance of space and easy manoeuvrability, especially in the bustling areas around Royal Mile.
• Economy: The Economy car is another frequently booked option, comfortably seating 5 passengers and allowing for 2 medium suitcases. This type is perfect for those looking for an economical way to navigate the city, making it suitable for solo adventurers, couples, or families who value both convenience and efficiency during their stay near Royal Mile.
• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV caters to families, couples, or small groups, accommodating up to 5 travellers and providing space for up to 3 large suitcases. This option is excellent for those who appreciate additional comfort and versatility, allowing for a more spacious interior and the ability to manage larger luggage loads while exploring the attractions around Royal Mile.

Top rated car suppliers near Royal Mile

• Enterprise: Enterprise is a popular choice for many travellers seeking flexibility around Royal Mile, with a rental location situated less than 1 km away. Customers frequently book Midsize SUVs and Premium SUVs, reflecting the demand for spacious and comfortable vehicles. Enterprise is known for its exceptional customer service, making the car rental experience smooth and enjoyable.
• Sixt: Sixt also boasts a rental location within easy reach of Royal Mile, located less than 1 km away. This supplier is often preferred for its selection of Compact and Midsize SUVs, ideal for navigating the city and beyond. Sixt is recognised for its efficient service and modern fleet, ensuring that customers can find a vehicle that suits their needs perfectly.
• Greenmotion: Greenmotion, situated less than 1 km from Royal Mile, is an excellent option for budget-conscious travellers. This supplier primarily offers Economy and Mini cars, making it a perfect choice for those looking to explore the city with ease. Customers appreciate Greenmotion for its friendly service and well-maintained vehicles, allowing for a hassle-free rental experience.

Where to stay near Royal Mile

• Edinburgh City Centre: Located 1 km from the Royal Mile, Edinburgh City Centre is ideal for those seeking culture, family-friendly activities, and urban experiences. This vibrant neighbourhood features shopping areas, theatres, and a variety of restaurants. Key attractions include Princes Street, which is perfect for city exploration, and the historic Edinburgh Castle, renowned for its romantic atmosphere. The Grassmarket area also offers a lively setting suitable for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
• Edinburgh and Lothian: Situated 8 km from the Royal Mile, this area is perfect for outdoor lovers and culture enthusiasts alike. In addition to its scenic hiking trails and shopping areas, Edinburgh and Lothian is home to the iconic Royal Mile and the Grassmarket, which provides a family-friendly environment. Visitors can also explore the National Museum of Scotland for a deeper historical insight. This neighbourhood is well-known for its distilleries and cafes, making it a delightful spot for food and drink lovers.

10 tips to save on your car rental around Royal Mile

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by specifying vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover 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 reserve your vehicle well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you’re likely to secure more favourable rates and gain access to a wider selection, especially during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more economical to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size options strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This limitation can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age restrictions prior to making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is generally the most advantageous option. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which can also be acceptable. Just ensure you return the car with an empty tank in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, 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 unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unforeseen occur during your trip. It’s simple to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you intend to embark on long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional 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 around Royal Mile

The best value period to rent a car around the Royal Mile is March, when both prices and demand are low. Following this, November also offers slightly low prices with minimal demand. However, things start to pick up during the summer months, particularly in July, which tends to be the most expensive time for rentals, accompanied by average demand. September follows closely behind with high demand, making it another busy period for car rentals.

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	Average
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	Slightly High
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	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	High	Slightly Low
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	Average