Edinburgh Airport Car Hire

Find the best deals in Edinburgh Airport

With a massive choice from the biggest brands, Enjoy the best way to find the best prices for car hire in Edinburgh Airport.

  • Huge choice of cars to suit every budget
  • Save up to 70% compared to buying on the day
  • 10 years experience in car hire

3.7/5

Independent service rating based on 129 verified reviews

Cheap Car Hire in Edinburgh Airport: Your Ultimate Guide

Edinburgh Airport is the principal airport serving Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, and is a primary gateway for international and domestic visitors. Situated just 8 miles west of the city centre, it is ideally located for travellers exploring Edinburgh and the surrounding regions. As the busiest airport in Scotland, it plays a critical role in connecting this historical city with numerous global destinations, thereby facilitating a substantial flow of tourists and business travellers alike.

The airport's significance extends beyond just its geographical and operational status; it serves as a vital economic engine for the region. With a wide range of airlines operating flights to and from European cities, North America, and beyond, Edinburgh Airport is pivotal in supporting Scotland's tourism industry, which thrives on its rich cultural heritage and scenic landscapes. The airport's connectivity also attracts business travellers and investors, contributing to Scotland's economic growth and development.

In addition to its robust flight network, Edinburgh Airport offers a comprehensive array of services and amenities designed to enhance the travel experience. From extensive shopping and dining options to efficient public transport links, travellers can enjoy a variety of conveniences. The airport is well-equipped with facilities that reflect its status as a modern international gateway, including advanced security measures, a wide range of passenger services, and accommodations for a seamless travel experience.

Moreover, Edinburgh Airport is continually expanding and upgrading its facilities to accommodate growing passenger numbers and enhance its services. Recent developments include expansions of the terminal building, baggage handling system enhancements, and new routes and airlines. These improvements bolster the airport's capacity to handle more travellers and its commitment to providing a high-quality and efficient service.

Overall, Edinburgh Airport is more than just a transit point; it is a dynamic and crucial hub that connects Scotland's capital to the rest of the world, driving the local economy and playing a key role in the region's cultural and economic vitality. Its ongoing development and strategic importance underscore its role as a critical infrastructure asset in Scotland’s transport landscape.

Through Enjoy Travel, you can effortlessly book a cost-effective car rental at Edinburgh Airport. We offer competitive rates, the freedom to cancel up to 48 hours before your booking starts, and a range of dependable vehicles to suit your itinerary. Our packages come with 24-hour customer support, ensuring that from the moment you land, you’re set to explore Edinburgh and the scenic beauty of Scotland without any hassles.

europcar logo national logo avis logo enterprise logo sixt logo budget logo alamo logo easirent logo greenmotion logo surprice logo interrent logo dollar logo centauro logo

What to know when Booking your Car Hire at Edinburgh Airport

To rent a car at Edinburgh Airport, you should have a valid driving license and a good understanding of the UK’s driving regulations. A credit or debit card will be necessary for booking and security purposes. Ensure you are aware of the rental period, check the operating hours of your rental provider, and understand any specific conditions they may have.

Why Choose Car Hire at Edinburgh Airport?

Opting for car hire at Edinburgh Airport provides you with instant convenience and can often be more economical than other transport alternatives. It enables direct access to several car hire firms located at the airport, facilitating a quick departure to your final destination. Car rental is ideal for individuals, couples, and groups, offering a range of vehicles that cater to different travel needs and preferences.

How to Save Money on Car Hire at Edinburgh Airport: Expert Tips

  • Shop Around for Best Rates: Ensure you compare prices from multiple car rental agencies.
  • Select Smaller Cars for Less: Smaller vehicles typically offer lower rental rates.
  • Book Early to Save: Advance reservations usually secure better rates.
  • Look for Special Deals: Regularly check for promotions and discounts.
  • Explore Local Rental Options: Rentals outside the airport may have cheaper rates.
  • Be Aware of Extra Costs: Keep an eye on additional charges like young driver fees or GPS rentals.
  • Long-term Rentals Reduce Costs: Opting for a weekly rental can be more economical than daily rates.
  • Adjust Pick-up and Drop-off Times: Time of day can affect rental pricing.
  • Choose Reliable Providers: Opt for companies known for excellent customer service.
  • Compare Insurance Plans: Look for cost-effective insurance options outside the rental agency.

How to Navigate the Car Hire Pick-Up and Drop-Off Process at Edinburgh Airport

Navigating the car hire pick-up and drop-off process at Edinburgh Airport is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly, catering to the needs of both domestic and international travellers. The car rental counters are conveniently located near the arrivals area, making them easily accessible when you exit the baggage claim. This setup allows travellers to transition smoothly from their flight to the road, minimising potential stress or confusion. Upon landing, you can head directly to the car rental area, where friendly staff will assist you in completing your rental agreement, which includes selecting your vehicle, understanding the terms of your hire, and addressing any other queries you might have.

The process is equally simple when it comes to returning your rental car. Edinburgh Airport is well-signposted, ensuring that you can effortlessly find your way to the car rental return area. It's important to remember to refuel your vehicle to the level specified in your rental agreement before returning it. This step is crucial as it helps avoid any additional refuelling charges, which can be considerably higher than local fuel rates. The return area is typically equipped to handle quick drop-offs, and staff are on hand to inspect the vehicle, check the fuel level, and finalise your hire. This efficient system ensures that returning your rental car is as hassle-free as picking it up, allowing you to positively conclude your visit to Edinburgh.

How to Drive From Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh

The drive from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre is a direct and straightforward route designed to be easily navigable for both locals and visitors alike. Once you leave the airport, the initial stretch of your journey will begin on Eastfield Road. From there, you’ll take Glasgow Road, which is also designated as the A8, heading eastward towards the city centre. This main artery is well-signed, ensuring drivers can follow the route to Edinburgh’s heart without complications.

As you drive along the A8, you’ll traverse a scenic route that offers a glimpse into the outskirts of Edinburgh before entering the city's more urban areas. The journey is typically quick, taking about 25 minutes under normal traffic conditions. However, travel times can vary depending on the time of day, with peak hours potentially leading to heavier traffic and longer drives. The A8 is equipped with several lanes that help manage the flow of vehicles and maintain steady movement towards the city.

Throughout the drive, you’ll find that the road signs are clear and frequent, providing timely guidance as you approach intersections or need to make lane changes. These signs not only direct you to Edinburgh’s city centre but also inform you of nearby amenities and connecting routes, which can be helpful if you’re planning to explore more of the city or its surrounding areas. By following these signs and staying on the A8, you’ll find your way into the vibrant and historic city centre of Edinburgh, where the journey can transition from driving to discovering the rich cultural tapestry of Scotland's capital.

Who are the Top Car Hire Suppliers at Edinburgh Airport?

Edinburgh Airport features reputable car rental agencies like Europcar, Thrifty, and National. These providers offer a range of vehicle choices, from economical models to family-sized cars and luxury vehicles, ensuring your needs are met regardless of your budget or style preference.

What Type of Cars are Available for Hire at Edinburgh Airport?

The variety of cars available at Edinburgh Airport includes everything from economical compact cars, perfect for city driving, to larger sedans and SUVs, ideal for longer journeys or those needing more space for passengers and gear. Spacious estates and people carriers are also available for larger groups or families to ensure comfortable travel across Scotland.

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Online chat help is open 08:30am to 17:00 weekdays. Email: [email protected]

Car Hire Reviews

NameReviewRating

iain tulloch

Good service but insurance to reduce excess expensive

Trusted Customer

Consegna velocissima, macchina perfetta. Riconsegnata senza alcun problema

Iain Mcintosh

Didn’t get the car i ordered, by got free fuel.

Trusted Customer

Truly horrible; me and my son hired a Seat *Personal details removed by Feefo* or something alike at Edinburgh airport to visit Scotland for a couple of days. Or so we thought, because when we came to the car rental we had to choose between a Mercedes Vito coach with 9 seats or a Fiat 500, they didn’t have anything else. The Mercedes was an ‘upgrade’ they said. It was Christmas Eve and we didn’t feel we had much of a choice so we took the Mercedes, but it was just ridiculous having to manoeuvre a big coach around the countryside. So: Never again, I do not recommend this company.

Juan M

Puntuales en la entrega y larecogida, nos dieron un coche más grande por el mismo precio y en perfectas condiciones, al igual que la silla de la niña.

Trusted Customer

Please do not use, the customer service is terrible. Avoid!

Trusted Customer

No revisaron el coche delante nuestra diciendo que luego lo harían, después nos dijeron que el coche tenía daños cosa que es totalmente falso.

SILVIA FRANCESCA BREVIARIO

Everything ok

Fraser Macdonald

Helpful personnel.

Trusted Customer

I booked a car for 13:30 and paid for it. since I was late, I called them back at 4:00 PM and found out that my booking was canceled, the money was not refundable, and it was not possible to issue a new car. I will never use this company again

Trusted Customer

Soddisfatta dell'esperienza

Alexander Gillespie

Great price, quality of car. Lovely helpful staff and ease of use both internet and when collecting, returning car.

Kayleigh MacKay

Terrible quality of hire car, uninformed staff

Trusted Customer

Amazing

Trusted Customer

Car rental Drivalia was okey. Just I don’t know why I pay full insurance on Enjoytravel and after that I must to pay new insurance in Drivalia company. The are told me You have insurance faith Enjoytravel, not with ass we don’t accept this insurance.

Trusted Customer

Great service, good clean low mileage car

Michele Di Ninno

Unico aspetto negativo non accettare American Express

Anthony Patton

Easy pick up and very easy drop off. A very polite young man at drop off point.

Trusted Customer

I have used Green Motion several times and the service has always been very good, efficient and helpful.

Leo Cafolla

Very plesent and helpful,at pick up and return,

Alistair Taylor

Excellent service. Everything was stress free. Car was excellent. And return was very easy. Definitely use Alamo again

Trusted Customer

I had made the mistake of not reading the T&C's and had not bought my passport for identification (I'm British travelling in the UK), I had however a copy of my passport. The receptionist was less than helpful, had I done the work online he would have had exactly the same information. My impression was the the person went out of his way to prevent me from hiring the car as the copy of the passport was the same as he would have had if I had done the online submission. He then asked for the Driving Licence DVLA data (which I was unaware of) however it was available online. Yes, it was my mistake however with a little bit of help and cooperation I believe we could have gotten around the issues. So beware, read the T&Cs just before you go on holiday and ensure you have all the data as Drivalia are looking for ways to prevent you from taking the car and pocketing your money.

Chris Peak

Excellent service both at collection by Michael and drop off. It couldn't have been easier. I was provided with a great car, easy to locate and drop off at the end of the hire. I will use them again.

Terry OMalley

The car hire experience was first class - both check in and return were very smooth. The car itself was the only let down as I was given a Ford Puma (not my favourite) but my fault for trying to do things on the cheap.

Trusted Customer

They delivered me a car full of dents and damage to the wheel rims, all duly noted in the delivery report and although the damage was already noted they charged me about €300 for a ruined tyre. A truly arbitrary action.

Steven Carr

Pickup process was very slow. Waited 1/2 hour before our turn to complete delivery process. Drop off process was very fast and efficient.

FLORIO

Servizio veloce sia al ritiro che alla consegna all' aeroporto di Edimburgo

Trusted Customer

Excellent service at both pick up and drop off. Staff very helpful, car was clean and no issues

Ivan Viktora

I didnt received my car not even money back.

MARTIN

Hasselfree renting experience. Little wait to get the car. Drop off took less than 5 minutes. Would rent again

Adrian Smith

We reserved a Nissan Quasqai "or similar" and received a Ford Tourneo Connect, this is a workmans small van not an Mid-sized SUV. I emailed Alamo to express my disappointment and after a week they have still not responded. Poor.

Martin Chmelar

The car functioned well, although already at the pickup it displayed that the oil has to be changed. The services provided by staff are good and they are friendly.

David Lawrie

Staff very pleasant and good at there jod and every thing is explained.

Trusted Customer

Na

David

Pickup from Edinburgh airport had to wait 50mins, despite multiple calls to pickup line/office, then had to walk from drop off facility at another location to Drivalia office. Drivalia staffed blamed third party, car old and engine probably in need of a tune. Have used Drivalia many times but on this occasion staff disinterested and overall disappointed with my experience.

Trusted Customer

All was ok. Good price and beautiful car

Brian O'Ruairc

We received excellent service from your staff at Edinburgh Airport when we arrived. Scott could not be more helpful and Bill, all made everything very easy and wished us safe travels on our holiday

Trusted Customer

Lovely car. Good customer service

Valentin Prieto DOCOBO

People in check-in and check out very friendly and helpful

Francis Stewart

Good price, prompt service. Some scratches on the car were not listed on the damage report, but they quickly accepted that.

Trusted Customer

Die Mitarbeiter sind sehr nett und freundlich hilfsbereit der Service ist super

Daniele Barbera

A very good car for travelling in the Scottish Highlands. A used car (soma commands are very used) but positive experience in the end

Kwok Fung Donald Chan

It was a terrible experience. We have a flight delay until after 2230hr. we tried to call and email the car rental company and yourself to arrange to defer the car pick up. But the car rental company need the agent to inform, but then your firm said it is not possible, as they are closed. We thought the car was paid for the period, and went to pick pick up the car in the next morning, the rental company said the car is not available anymore, and the money paid will be forfeited. If we wanted to rent the same car we need to paid another two thousand something for the period. It was totally unacceptable that we have well informed for the delay and result was not helping us to rearrange the pick up, but to cancel our booking and took our money. What service is that? Please arrange for the refund and I will log a formal complaint later.

Leslie Robertson

Link from airport to car hire was good. Collecting car was quick and straightforward. Return of vehicle was easy. Al staff courteous and friendly. Would use Green Motion again.

Trusted Customer

Great response, and good staff that look after you.

M S

Never got my car. They don’t ask you in the forms anything about your driving experience. It’s not very clear before you book a rental that there is a minimum driving experience on your license required to be able to rent a vehicle. The terms and conditions document where it specifies these conditions was sent after the payment was made. But it was too late, then it was an absolute nightmare to try and work out possible solutions as I’ve had my license for just over 8 months but the company requires at least 12 months! It’s really not easy to get a license in the UK & then rental companies have these hidden clauses - that came as a surprise as this was a first experience. The company’s (green motion) customer service assistant at the desk couldn’t even refund the money as they said the money was with the third party and will need to be sorted out by the 3rd party. I will never again go through 3rd parties to book a rental car. Never got the car, ruined my plans and don’t know if I’ll get the refund.

Edny Van den broek

Good option

Trusted Customer

Make sure you read everything twice. It's like making a deal with the devil. We rented because It was cheap but for not having a credit card we had to hire a top premium insurance that doubbled the car price or cancel our reservation and look for another one.

Sumanth Akiti

You need your debit card or credit card with you for the payment transactions . They don’t accept google pay or Apple Pay . They even don’t accept cash .on whose name the car has been booked they have to make the transactions and card should be on his name .

Trusted Customer

Tutto bene mi raccomando scattare foto prima e dopo il noleggio

Carsten Thies

Waiting Time at EDI to get the car about 1 h. Reason: all customers have to enter all their personal data they had already entered on the portal again at the desk. That produces extensive waiting times. Stupid! Everything else ok.

Morag Brown

Price was good. Staff pleasant and helpful, particularly the man who showed me the various features of the car. Not the car I chose but was offered alternative cars. There was a slight wait for the car which I’d not expected after pre-booking &pre-payment. Was disappointed when a message re tyre adjustment flashed up during my 2-day rental period.

Trusted Customer

It was a decent price, but the staff were really pushy and intimidating. From my own experience and seeing others as I had long queues for both pickup and drop off, they made customers feel unprepared and aggressively upsold to them.

Trusted Customer

Just perfect. Nissan Juke premium in auto was perfect for my road trip in Scotland with my family. Check in and check out was really easy. Thank you to the team

Trusted Customer

Taking into account the price ...... good service and a good car

Trusted Customer

Absolutely bad experience as they refuse to give us the car and we lost time and money. To be avoided!

Trusted Customer

New cars, quick delivery. Less fussy on car return.

Trusted Customer

From the salesman, to the great car and to the quick return of my vehicle, everything was A1.Great job.

Robert Nowak

On pickup, staff were very helpful and we had car we make and model we had ordered, and we left within 20 minutes Easy and very good service On return, staff again very helpful and though very busy we were out of there and onto departures in 30 minutes My one criticism is that Ediburgh Airport Management do not have trolleys in car rental area and it is alo g way to departure checkin, especially qith kids in tow. But Enrerprise staff were Great

Trusted Customer

οκ

Trusted Customer

Bad

Salvatore Viscuso

Tutto bene

Trusted Customer

Excellent staff and very happy with the service. 100% coming back, especially my first service customer who attended when I picked up the car 😊

Trusted Customer

The worst car hire company

Sven-Gunnar Nilsson

Har fortfarande inte fått tillbaka Deposition trots att jag lämnade tillbaka hyrbilen 4/7 utan anmärkning. Inte Ok!

Trusted Customer

Good Service, fair Price and awesome car. Everything works 👍

Trusted Customer

Greenmotion Edinburgh Airport provided awful customer service. Didn't have the car we'd reserved so tried to make us pay to upgrade to a larger car. We spent an hour waiting for them to sort their stuff out. They were awful to us. Rude and Unhelpful and tried to con extra money at every turn. Do not recommend. Save yourself the aggravation, use another car rental company.

Bertina Manders

They were flexible about our changes, extremely helpful about tips for driving in a different country. They did their best to make the entire process simple and enjoyable. Great value as well

Simon Michelt

Fast Friendly Good

Trusted Customer

they make you pay absurd extra amount of money if you don't have a credit card but a debit card (which is the default in many european country). this is obviously not stated when you book through a third party.

From our Big 7 Travel blog

FAQs about car hire in Edinburgh Airport

Most frequently asked questions about hiring a car in Edinburgh Airport

Prices start at around £20 per day for a mini/economy car if you book well in advance and depending on the time of year.
Yes, you can return your car to a different location.
All of the main brands are available at Edinburgh Airport including Hertz, Enterprise, Alamo and Europcar.
Edinburgh Airport is 21 minutes away from the city via A8 and Glasgow Rd/A8. It is very easy to drive to, just avoid the rush hour!

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