Renting a car to explore Edinburgh might not be the first thing that comes to mind, especially when you consider how walkable the city is and how efficient its public transport can be. But on my recent trip, I decided to rent a car for a few days to experience Edinburgh and its surrounding areas at my own pace. While driving through the heart of the city and navigating narrow medieval streets wasn’t without its challenges, it also opened up an entirely new perspective of Edinburgh and allowed me to explore the picturesque Scottish countryside with ease. In this guide, I’ll share my personal experiences and essential tips for renting and driving in Edinburgh, helping you decide if getting behind the wheel is the right choice for your visit.
Why Rent a Car in Edinburgh?
Before diving into the practicalities, it’s important to understand why renting a car might make sense during your trip to Edinburgh:
- Freedom to Explore Beyond the City: While Edinburgh itself is easily accessible by foot or public transport, having a car makes it much easier to visit places like the Pentland Hills, Rosslyn Chapel, or even take day trips to Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond, or the Scottish Highlands.
- Flexibility in Your Schedule: A rental car allows you to be more flexible with your time. Instead of relying on bus and tram schedules, you can leave early to catch a sunrise at Arthur’s Seat or return late after a day of exploring the coastlines or nearby castles.
- Great for Families and Groups: If you’re traveling with family or a group, having a car can be more convenient than trying to coordinate public transport or taxis, especially when carrying luggage or bulky items.
For my trip, I decided to rent a car because I had a few day trips planned outside of Edinburgh. I wanted the convenience of coming and going on my own schedule, particularly for my visit to Rosslyn Chapel and a scenic drive through the Pentland Hills.
Renting a Car in Edinburgh: My Experience
I booked my rental car online before arriving in Edinburgh. While there are plenty of rental agencies at Edinburgh Airport, I opted to pick up my car from a rental location closer to the city center, as I spent the first two days exploring Edinburgh on foot. This way, I avoided driving in the city’s more congested areas right away.
Where to Rent a Car
There are several well-known car rental companies operating in Edinburgh, including Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, and Europcar. You can pick up your car from either the airport or one of the various city center locations. If you’re flying into Edinburgh Airport, picking up a car there might be more convenient, as it’s located outside of the city center and allows for an easier first driving experience.
Here are some of the main places to rent a car:
- Edinburgh Airport: Most major rental companies operate here, and it’s only a 25-minute drive into the city center.
- Waverley Station: If you’re already in the city and want to pick up a car after exploring on foot, several companies have rental offices near Waverley Station, which is centrally located.
- West End or New Town: Some rental agencies have offices in the New Town area, which is convenient if you’re staying nearby.
I chose to rent my car from Europcar, which had a location in the West End. I made the booking online, and the process was seamless. Upon arrival, the staff were friendly and helpful, and after a brief walk-through of the vehicle, I was ready to hit the road.
Booking and Rental Process
When booking the car, I found it useful to:
- Book in Advance: Prices tend to be more competitive if you reserve your car ahead of time, and this also ensures availability, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Choose the Right Vehicle: Since Edinburgh has many narrow streets, particularly in the Old Town, I opted for a smaller car. Compact cars are easier to navigate through tight spaces and park in the city center.
- Check for Hidden Fees: Make sure to read the fine print. Some rental agencies may add extra fees for additional drivers, GPS, or insurance coverage. I opted for full insurance coverage for peace of mind, given that I would be driving in an unfamiliar city.
Documents Needed for Rental
To rent a car in Edinburgh, you’ll need:
- A valid driver’s license. If you’re from outside the UK, most countries’ driving licenses are accepted. However, it’s always a good idea to double-check with the rental agency beforehand.
- Passport or ID for identification purposes.
- Credit card for the deposit and payment. Some agencies require a credit card in the primary driver’s name, so be prepared.
Driving in Edinburgh: What You Need to Know
Once I picked up the car, I spent a few minutes familiarizing myself with the controls before heading out. Driving in Edinburgh comes with its own set of challenges, particularly if you’re not used to driving on the left side of the road. But with a little preparation and patience, it’s perfectly manageable.
1. Driving on the Left
As with the rest of the UK, Scotland drives on the left-hand side of the road. This was probably the biggest adjustment for me. If you’re from a country that drives on the right, it can take a little time to get used to.
Here are some tips for driving on the left:
- Take your time at intersections. Make sure to look both ways and remember that oncoming traffic will be approaching from the right.
- Roundabouts: These are common in Edinburgh, and traffic moves clockwise. Yield to traffic coming from the right when entering a roundabout.
- Practice in a quiet area: If you’re feeling nervous, consider driving in a quieter area (like near the airport or outskirts of the city) before venturing into busier streets.
2. Navigating Narrow Streets and Parking
Edinburgh is a historic city, and the roads, especially in the Old Town, can be quite narrow. Streets like the Royal Mile and Grassmarket are lined with centuries-old buildings, making the roads much narrower than you might be used to.
- Drive Slowly: On these narrow streets, I found it helpful to drive slowly and cautiously, especially when there were parked cars or pedestrians nearby.
- Watch for Pedestrians: The Old Town is a popular area for tourists, and people tend to spill onto the streets. Keep an eye out for pedestrians crossing unexpectedly.
Parking in the city center can be tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with the parking rules. There are a few options for parking:
- On-Street Parking: There are many metered parking spaces throughout the city, but these can be expensive and have time limits. Make sure to check the signs for parking restrictions and rates.
- Car Parks: If you’re staying in the city center or planning to spend the day exploring, parking in a multi-storey car park (like the Q-Park at Omni Centre) is a more convenient option.
- Park & Ride: For those who don’t want to drive into the city center, Edinburgh has several Park & Ride facilities. You can park your car outside the city and take public transport into the center. The Ingliston Park & Ride, near the airport, is a good option if you’re coming from the west.
3. Speed Limits and Traffic Rules
Speed limits in Scotland are clearly marked, but they can change frequently depending on the area. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- City streets: Typically 20-30 mph (32-48 km/h).
- Suburban roads: 40-50 mph (64-80 km/h).
- Motorways: 70 mph (112 km/h).
It’s essential to obey the speed limits, as speed cameras are common in Edinburgh, particularly in areas with schools and high pedestrian traffic.
4. GPS and Navigation
Navigating through Edinburgh can be tricky due to the narrow streets and one-way systems, especially in the Old Town. Having a reliable GPS or navigation app is crucial. I used Google Maps throughout my trip, and it was incredibly helpful in guiding me through the city’s maze-like streets.
5. Traffic and Congestion Zones
Edinburgh’s city center can experience traffic, especially during peak hours (8 AM to 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM). If possible, try to avoid driving during these times. The city is also considering introducing a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) to reduce pollution, so keep an eye on any restrictions if you’re driving a diesel or older vehicle.
Exploring Beyond Edinburgh by Car
One of the biggest benefits of having a car was the ability to explore beyond the city itself. Edinburgh is surrounded by stunning landscapes and historical landmarks that are just a short drive away. Here are a few of my favorite day trips:
1. Rosslyn Chapel
Located about 30 minutes south of Edinburgh, Rosslyn Chapel is a must-see for anyone interested in history, architecture, or the mysteries surrounding the Knights Templar. The drive there was straightforward, and I enjoyed the scenic route through the countryside.
2. The Pentland Hills
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Pentland Hills Regional Park offers fantastic hiking opportunities just 20 minutes outside the city. With a car, you can easily access the various trails and spend the day exploring the rolling hills and scenic vistas.
3. Stirling Castle
Just a 45-minute drive from Edinburgh, Stirling Castle
is another historical gem that’s well worth the trip. Driving to Stirling allowed me to visit at my own pace, and I was able to stop at some smaller villages along the way.
Driving in Edinburgh isn’t for everyone, especially if you’re only planning to stay within the city center. But if you’re looking to explore more of Scotland or prefer the flexibility of having your own vehicle, renting a car can be a fantastic option. Just be prepared for narrow streets, lots of roundabouts, and a few challenging parking situations.
