Edinburgh Car Hire

Budget Car Hire in Edinburgh

Exploring Edinburgh by car is arguably the best way to see and truly appreciate everything the city has to offer. Edinburgh’s surrounding countryside and resident ‘mountain’ Arthur’s Seat allows for some of the most picturesque views you’ve ever seen, which you can seamlessly explore with the right vehicle.

Exploring Edinburgh by car is arguably the best way to see and truly appreciate everything the city has to offer. Edinburgh’s surrounding countryside and resident ‘mountain’ Arthur’s Seat allows for some of the most picturesque views you’ve ever seen, which you can seamlessly explore with the right vehicle.

Securing the Best Deals

During peak tourist seasons, car hire can be expensive and more in demand. Peak seasons include August and December/January, thanks to Edinburgh’s annual Fringe Festival and Hogmanay celebrations. Because of this, try to book your vehicle around 1-2 months before you need it.

Understanding Edinburgh’s Driving Regulations

Driving around Edinburgh is generally easy, with signposted roads, excellent road links and easy-to-navigate routes. However, as some Scottish driving rules might be different from England or the rest of the UK, here are some of the main things to consider and know before you drive in Edinburgh:

• You need a valid full driving licence issued in a European Community/European Economic area (EC/EEA)
• You need a valid, full national licence issued in your country
• A provisional (learner's) driving licence issued abroad is not valid for use in the UK
• You must have held a full licence for a minimum of 1 year to drive a hire car.
• You must be 21 years old or above to hire a car, though some rental companies may require the age to be 25.

Rules of the Road for Renters

• Always drive on the left-hand side of the road
• When approaching a roundabout, give priority to traffic approaching from the right, unless otherwise indicated
• All vehicles must give way to emergency services vehicles in a safe way
• You can be fined up to £500 if you don't wear a seatbelt
• The maximum amount of alcohol allowed in the blood is 0.08%. There is a penalty of up to £5,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment and 12 months withdrawal of driving licence if it is a first-time offence

Parking in Edinburgh: A Guide

Edinburgh enjoys widespread parking, with many streets offering on-street parking between certain hours of the day, usually listed on street signage. In most of Edinburgh’s main inner city suburbs and areas, such as Royal Mile, Old Town and West End, you can also find multi-storey car parks or undercover parking. These types of car parks are sometimes the top choice for people who want a little more security for their vehicles.

Parking in non-designated zones or some residential streets can incur fines of up to £150, so bear this in mind before you park. If you do receive a parking ticket, it usually must be paid within 14 days of receiving it.

Finding Convenient Parking in Edinburgh

Free parking is available in areas that don’t have controlled parking zones, which are more common in the city centre and main streets. Many locals park their cars at supermarket car parks or in areas outside of the centre. Edinburgh has several Park & Ride facilities mainly located outside of the main downtown areas. People can enjoy free parking and a cheap bus or tram ride into the centre from one of the many Park & Ride car parks.

Top Attractions in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is rife with attractions, from its medieval castles to its entertainment venues and Old Town. Some attractions are seasonal or annual, such as the Fringe Festival and Hogmanay (New Year), which attract hundreds of tourists each year.

Discovering the City’s Highlights

Some of the city’s best attractions include:

• Arthur’s Seat: The site of an ancient volcano that is now a popular hiking spot and natural attraction, giving visitors 360° views of the city below.
• Edinburgh Castle: Dominating the Edinburgh skyline, this medieval castle is the talk of the town, and the place that most tourists flock to upon their visit to the city.
• Whisky Experience: The story of the Scottish national drink, told through exhibits, talks, whisky tasting and demonstrations.

Transport Options in Edinburgh

Edinburgh has many low-cost and efficient transport options, from buses to trams. The transport that’s right for you depends on the places you want to reach and how much you want to spend. Public transport is great for places where parking is difficult or unavailable, or if you want to avoid long traffic queues. The main modes of transport in Edinburgh include:

Buses: An Extensive Network Across the City

Buses are by far the most common mode of transport across the city. Bus fares can range from £2-£5 for adults, and around £1-£3 for children, depending on the type of ticket you buy. Payments include cash or contactless card payments, and routes include most Edinburgh suburbs.

Trams: Scenic Routes and Historic Charm

Another convenient transport option in Edinburgh includes trams. Tram lines run across the city, with most routes including Edinburgh Airport and surrounding suburbs, as well as the city centre. Tram tickets are around £2 for adults and £1 for child tickets. Payment options include ticket machines at the tram stop, where you can pay contactless or with cash, as well as in advance on the website.

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh

Dunfermline A historic city, with many cultural attractions and parks that are ideal for walking. Dunfermline also hosts numerous entertainment venues, such as the Alhambra Theatre and Vintage Bus Museum.

Distance from Edinburgh: 18.2 miles

Kirkcaldy A small town north of Edinburgh, but with many things to see and do, including parks, historical monuments, castles, a beach and natural attractions like Wemyss Caves.

Distance from Edinburgh: 31.5 miles

Falkirk Although a small town, Falkirk holds numerous interesting attractions, the most notable being the Kelpies monument. The Kelpies is based on a creature from Scottish folklore, and consists of two giant horse heads protruding from the ground– truly a magnificent sight. Falkirk also hosts castles, parks and various entertainment venues.

Distance from Edinburgh: 26.3 miles

Planning your Adventure

Ensure that you have an itinerary or plan in place for when you visit Edinburgh. Knowing what you’re going to do and see can make the trip even more memorable and more convenient, as you won’t be stuck wondering where to go first. Also, ensure that you familiarise yourself with the roads or any public transport routes if you’re going to be taking the bus or tram.

Optimal Driving Times in Edinburgh

Avoid driving on certain dates like Fringe Festival and Hogmanay when roads are likely to be closed or traffic will be excessive. Edinburgh’s peak travel times include rush hour, which is usually 7-9am and 4-6pm on weekdays.

Weighing the Benefits of Car Hire in Edinburgh

While public transport in Edinburgh is abundant, driving is by far the most convenient way to access areas that are a little more off the beaten path or that aren’t served by public transport routes.

Advantages of Personal Mobility

Having a car means you can avoid public transport delays, overcrowding and timings, and can travel according to your own schedule. Public transport timings may not align with your itinerary, which is when having a car comes in handy.

Potential Drawbacks of Hiring a Car

The potential cons of hiring a car in Edinburgh include traffic, especially in the inner city, and unfamiliar roads. You may also struggle to find a place to park if you don’t know the city well.

Variety of Rental Vehicles in Edinburgh

The range of vehicles on offer from Enjoy Travel includes small, economy cars like Fiat, Peugeot and Ford, SUVs and large cars like Tesla, BMW X2, minivans and Mercedes Benz, and luxury cars like BMW 3-series and Mercedes, among many others. You can find cars from some of the most well-known and trusted suppliers in Europe.

Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your Needs

Depending on your personal circumstances, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect car for you. Business travellers may opt for a luxury car, families will enjoy the extra room in SUVs or minivans, and solo travellers or couples will usually opt for economy cars.

Partnering with Edinburgh’s Premier Car Hire Providers

The car hire providers you can rent within Edinburgh include Alamo, Enterprise, Europcar, Sixt, National, Avis and Drivalia. These are common and popular UK car hire companies that are well-trusted and relied upon by many car renters.

Selecting a Reputable Company

Read reviews of car hire companies before renting, to ensure that the services and cars offered by the company align with your personal expectations and circumstances.