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 offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore this historic area and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and create travel plans that suit your needs. This is particularly beneficial for families and those seeking a friendly, historical experience. You can visit key attractions such as Grassmarket, located 2 km away, which is perfect for outdoor experiences, or Princes Street Gardens, also 2 km away, ideal for family outings. St. Andrew Square, just 1 km from the Royal Mile, provides a great spot for enjoying the city atmosphere. Additionally, having a car allows you to venture into the wider Edinburgh area, including the vibrant Old Town and the bustling Edinburgh City Centre, both within a short distance. Whether you are visiting iconic sights like Edinburgh Castle or exploring local parks, a rental car enhances your sightseeing experience, making it convenient and enjoyable for everyone in your group.

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: Located less than 1 km from Royal Mile, Enterprise is an excellent choice for travellers seeking convenience. This supplier offers a range of vehicles, with the Midsize SUV and Premium SUV being the most popular options. With a focus on customer satisfaction and a commitment to providing diverse vehicle choices, renting from Enterprise allows you to explore Edinburgh and its surroundings at your own pace.
• Sixt: Sixt is another top choice, also situated less than 1 km from Royal Mile. Known for its welcoming service, Sixt features a selection of vehicles popular among travellers, including Compact and Midsize SUVs. Their rental process is designed to be straightforward, making it easy for you to pick up your vehicle and embark on your Scottish adventure with flexibility and ease.
• Greenmotion: If you’re looking for an economical option, Greenmotion is located less than 1 km away from Royal Mile and offers great value for money. Their most booked vehicles include Economy and Mini cars, perfect for navigating the city and surrounding areas. Greenmotion's focus on affordability and efficient service makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious travellers wanting to enjoy their trip to Edinburgh.

Where to stay near Royal Mile

• Edinburgh City Centre: Located 1 km from Royal Mile, Edinburgh City Centre is an excellent choice for those seeking a vibrant atmosphere filled with culture and family-friendly activities. This neighbourhood is home to attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, perfect for a romantic getaway, and the popular shopping area of Princes Street. Visitors can also explore the Grassmarket, which offers a mix of dining options and local breweries, making it a lively area for food lovers.
• Edinburgh and Lothian: Situated 8 km from Royal Mile, the Edinburgh and Lothian area is ideal for tourists looking for a blend of outdoor adventure and cultural experiences. Key highlights include the historic Royal Mile and the Grassmarket, which is great for families. The National Museum of Scotland is also nearby, offering a deep dive into the region's rich history. With various distilleries and cafes, this area provides ample dining options to unwind after a day of exploring.

10 tips to save on your car rental around Royal Mile

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for the summer months, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary depending on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your vehicle well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you are likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy improved availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in congested areas. Mid-size rentals offer a balanced option 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 may also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to making a booking.
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 charges. This is often the most advantageous option. Other agreements may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuelling alternatives, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports; however, the convenience may justify the extra 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 peace of mind should anything unexpected occur during your trip. It’s straightforward to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extensive road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s licence is required to hire a car.

Best time to rent a car around Royal Mile

The best value period to rent a car around the Royal Mile is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is low. January also offers good value, as it tends to be quiet. March sees a slight increase in demand, making it another reasonable choice. However, by May, demand spikes, resulting in higher rental costs. December is typically the most expensive month, although it experiences lower demand compared to other peak times.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	38.5°F (3.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
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	Average
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	Average
December	39.6°F (4.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly High