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Top destinations to rent a car in Scotland

A historic cityscape with a prominent castle and a tall church spire.
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Edinburgh

Edinburgh

What you need to know for your Scotland car rental

These Scotland insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: .

Reasons to book a car rental in Scotland

Renting a car in Scotland is a popular choice for travelers seeking freedom and flexibility while exploring the stunning landscapes and rich history of the region. With a rental car, you can visit attractions like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture at your own pace. Additionally, a scenic drive to Loch Lomond offers opportunities for outdoor adventures and breathtaking views, making it perfect for nature lovers and romantics alike.

The convenience of a rental car also makes it easier to explore popular cities such as Glasgow, known for Buchanan Street and Glasgow Green, or Inverness, home to Inverness Castle and Urquhart Castle. Having your own vehicle allows you to manage your luggage effortlessly and adjust your travel plans as needed, ensuring a comfortable experience for families or groups. Whether you are an adventurer seeking outdoor experiences or a culture enthusiast visiting historic sites, renting a car in Scotland offers the flexibility to create your own itinerary and discover the beauty of this remarkable destination.

Most popular car rentals in Scotland

  • Compact: The Compact car is a popular choice among travelers, accommodating up to 5 people with space for 3 medium suitcases. This option is ideal for solo travelers, couples, or small families. Its fuel efficiency and smaller size make it easier to navigate through Scotland's narrow roads and urban areas, providing a comfortable and convenient way to explore at your own pace.
  • Midsize SUV: If you need more space, the Midsize SUV is an excellent option. With room for 5 travelers and up to 3 large suitcases, this vehicle is perfect for families, couples, or small groups. The added height and space make it a comfortable choice for longer journeys across Scotland, ensuring everyone has ample legroom and luggage capacity for your adventures.
  • Economy: The Economy car is a practical choice for travelers looking to save on rental costs while still accommodating up to 5 people and 2 medium suitcases. This option is suitable for solo travelers, couples, and families, providing a balance of comfort and affordability. Its compact size makes it easy to park and maneuver in various locations throughout Scotland, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip.

Where to stay in Scotland

  • Edinburgh: A vibrant metropolis, Edinburgh is perfect for culture-themed and family experiences. Explore iconic landmarks like the historic Edinburgh Castle, located near the Royal Mile and Princes Street, both ideal for city vacations. The area offers a variety of restaurants and breweries, allowing visitors to enjoy local food and drinks. With its rich cultural scene, Edinburgh is best visited during the summer months when festivals abound, creating a lively atmosphere.
  • Glasgow: Known for its entertainment and romantic vibes, Glasgow features attractions such as Buchanan Street, a bustling shopping precinct suitable for family outings. The beautiful Glasgow Green offers an urban park setting for outdoor activities, while George Square provides a cultural hub for visitors. The city is home to numerous dining options and distilleries. Spring and autumn are excellent times to visit Glasgow, offering mild weather and vibrant local events.
  • Inverness: Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, Inverness is surrounded by stunning scenery and adventure opportunities. Key attractions include the historic Inverness Castle and the ruins of Urquhart Castle, both showcasing the region's rich heritage. The area is also near national parks, perfect for hiking and exploring nature. With various distilleries and restaurants nearby, visitors can indulge in local flavors. Late spring to early autumn is considered the best time to enjoy the outdoor adventures Inverness has to offer.

10 tips to save on your car rental in Scotland

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal match for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, making it wise to reserve your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re likely to secure lower rates and enjoy better availability, especially during peak seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller cars are typically less expensive to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always confirm the age requirements prior to 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 typically the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may often incur a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but the added convenience may justify the extra cost.
  7. Know your payment options: Most 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 if unexpected issues arise during your trip. It’s easy to add rental 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 additional charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in Scotland

The best time to rent a car in Scotland is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is at its lowest. March follows closely, offering similar price levels with average demand. April and May see average prices with moderate demand, making them decent options as well. However, July and August are the most expensive months, with high demand and slightly high prices that can put a strain on your budget.

Find Scotland Car Rentals

Expedia.com makes it easy for you to book your next Scotland car rental. We work with the best car rental companies in Scotland, bringing you discount car rental rates and a wide variety of car rental classes including economy, compact, midsize, full-size, convertible, van, luxury and SUV rentals. Our partner car rental companies in Scotland offer different pick-up and drop-off options. If you are ready to book your Scotland car rental, follow the links on this page to view more information and details on your next short or long term car rental.

Expedia.com offers a wide selection of rental cars in Scotland to meet nearly every need. If you need any special equipment, like a child seat or ski rack, let us know and we will forward your request on to the rental car company. And what's more, when you choose to rent a car from one of our Scotland airport car rental partners you'll be dealing with a rental car company that has made a special commitment to provide Expedia customers with great customer service, a wide choice of top quality cars, and competitive total pricing.

Expedia.com offers many Scotland rental cars pick up locations

Find the best place to get your Scotland airport rental cars by searching tons of pickup locations with Expedia.com

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I need to cancel my Scotland car reservation?
If you need to switch your plans around, most bookings are eligible for a total refund. Cancellations will need to be made at least six hours prior to the pickup time. Read through your cancellation policy for any exceptions. Your booking details will have more details, or jump onto our Customer Service Portal for more information.
How do I find the best car rental deals in Scotland with Expedia?
Check customer reviews, choose your car class and compare offers from leading brands. Expedia makes it a cinch to get the best deal on your rental wheels. Combine your Scotland car rental with flight or hotel bookings and hit the road with extra savings.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Scotland?
The minimum age is 21. But there are a few age-related rules to bear in mind before reserving your wheels in Scotland. If you're a young motorist, most rental suppliers will charge an extra fee and limit the kinds of cars you're able to rent. The precise surcharge, and which ages it applies to, varies between companies. Be sure to compare the requirements.
What do you need to rent a car in Scotland?
A valid driver's license and a credit card in the same name. Don't want to take out the company's insurance plan? In that case, you may also require proof of other coverage. Rules can differ between providers, so have a thorough read of your policy.
Can I rent a car for a month or longer in Scotland?
Yes, and you'll find your perfect set of wheels on our long-term car rental deals page. Simply enter your trip dates and we'll show you fantastic offers from various trustworthy companies.
Where can I find a Scotland car rental if I am younger than 25?
This depends on the rental companies that operate in Scotland. They often have different age policies. If you've found an outlet that does cater to drivers under the age of 25, keep in mind that additional costs may apply. Conduct some research into what those charges could be before booking your rental car.
What insurance should I choose for my car rental in Scotland?
It's a good idea to add collision damage protection while reserving your Scotland rental car with Expedia. This protects your ride against collision damage, theft and vandalism throughout your vacation. Offering up to $35,000 in primary coverage and 24-hour emergency support, you can relax knowing you'll be covered if the unexpected occurs. It's easy to opt in to this insurance while making your booking.

Car Rental Information

Popular car types:
SUV, Full Size, Economy
From the airport to your hotel:
Airport Transportation