$37 Car Rental Edinburgh

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Edinburgh

Renting a car in Edinburgh offers the freedom to explore this vibrant metropolis at your own pace. Whether you're a scenic explorer, a culture enthusiast, or traveling with family, a rental car provides convenient luggage management and flexible travel plans. You can easily visit key attractions like the iconic Edinburgh Castle, which showcases rich history and stunning views, and the Royal Mile, a bustling street filled with shops and culture. The University of Edinburgh, another cultural gem, is also within reach.

Additionally, having a rental car allows you to navigate popular neighborhoods such as Edinburgh City Centre, where you can experience the charm of Grassmarket, or Old Town Edinburgh, home to St. Giles' Cathedral and the National Museum of Scotland. A drive to Leith offers a unique glimpse of Edinburgh Port and Leith Links. With a rental car, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, making the most of your time in and around Edinburgh, whether you’re sightseeing or soaking up the local culture.

Most popular car rentals in Edinburgh

• Compact: The compact car option is a popular choice for those traveling in and around Edinburgh. With the ability to comfortably fit 5 travelers and accommodate up to 3 medium suitcases, this car type is ideal for solo adventurers, couples, or small families. Its smaller size makes it easy to navigate the city streets while still providing enough space for your luggage. Renting a compact car allows you to explore the beautiful surroundings of Edinburgh at your own pace, making it a practical and convenient option for your trip.
• Midsize SUV: For those seeking a bit more space, the midsize SUV is a top choice among travelers in Edinburgh. This vehicle comfortably fits 5 travelers and can hold up to 3 large suitcases, making it perfect for families, couples, or small groups. The extra room in a midsize SUV ensures that you can pack all the essentials for your journey while enjoying the flexibility to explore various attractions in the area. This option combines comfort with practicality, allowing you to enjoy the scenic drives around Edinburgh effortlessly.
• Economy: The economy car is a fantastic option for budget-conscious travelers visiting Edinburgh. With space for 5 travelers and the capacity to hold up to 2 medium suitcases, this car type is perfect for solo travelers, couples, or families looking for an economical way to get around. The economy option offers a balance of affordability and functionality, allowing you to explore Edinburgh and its surroundings without breaking the bank. Its compact size also makes it easy to maneuver through the city, ensuring a stress-free driving experience.

Top rated car suppliers in Edinburgh

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo is a popular choice among travelers in Edinburgh, offering 3 rental locations throughout the area. Known for their Midsize SUV and Compact SUV options, Alamo provides a reliable and comfortable rental experience. Customers appreciate the quick pickup process, friendly staff, and well-maintained vehicles, making it an excellent option for those looking to explore Edinburgh at their own pace.
• Enterprise: With over 5 rental locations in Edinburgh, Enterprise is favored for its exceptional customer service and flexible rental options. Travelers often choose Midsize SUVs and Compact SUVs from Enterprise, which are well-suited for navigating both the city and surrounding areas. The helpful staff and smooth check-in process enhance the overall rental experience, making it a great choice for families and business travelers alike.
• Budget: Budget operates 4 rental locations in Edinburgh, providing travelers with convenient access to their vehicles. Known for offering Compact and Economy cars, Budget is a cost-effective option for those looking to explore the city without breaking the bank. Customers appreciate the competitive pricing and the ease of pickup and drop-off, making Budget a practical choice for visitors in Edinburgh.

Where to go in Edinburgh

• Edinburgh City Centre: A vibrant neighborhood, Edinburgh City Centre is perfect for those seeking culture and urban experiences. Key attractions include the iconic Edinburgh Castle, a romantic and cultural landmark, located a short distance away, and the bustling Royal Mile, ideal for city vacations. The area also features the Grassmarket, a family-friendly precinct where you can enjoy outdoor activities. The best times to visit are from July to September, when the number of travelers peaks.
• Old Town Edinburgh: Rich in history and culture, Old Town Edinburgh invites visitors to explore its historic streets and educational venues. The Royal Mile runs through this neighborhood, providing a quintessential city experience. Don't miss St. Giles' Cathedral, a stunning architectural marvel suitable for culture enthusiasts, and the National Museum of Scotland, which offers a deep dive into the country's history. Peak visitor numbers occur in April and from June to July.
• Leith: Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and cultural offerings, Leith is a delightful neighborhood to explore. The Royal Mile runs through this area, connecting it to the heart of the city. Edinburgh Port offers picturesque views and is ideal for those interested in maritime experiences, while Leith Links serves as an urban park perfect for outdoor activities. This neighborhood sees an increase in visitors during April, July, and September.

10 tips to save on your Edinburgh car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and specific features. Whether you're looking for an SUV to accommodate extra passengers, a convertible for enjoyable summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize 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 wise to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are more likely to obtain lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically less expensive to rent and easier to maneuver and park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between 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, may not be accessible to them. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to prevent additional charges. This is often the most favorable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling choices, which can also be acceptable—just ensure you return the car with an empty tank in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies primarily accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provide peace of mind in case of unexpected incidents during your trip. It's easy to add insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring additional costs.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is required to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Edinburgh

The best value period to rent a car in and around Edinburgh is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is at a minimum. The months of November and March also offer decent options, with slightly low to average prices and moderate demand. However, July and August are the most expensive months, featuring high demand and slightly high prices. June sees average pricing but can also be busy, making it less ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

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	Average	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	High	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

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Edinburgh

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Edinburgh into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Edinburgh and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Edinburgh

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Edinburgh. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Edinburgh

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $37.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

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Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals