Your Complete Guide to Car Rental in Edinburgh
Car rental in Edinburgh gives you the freedom to explore this majestic city in an affordable, and highly convenient way. But it is not always so easy to decide on the best car rental provider, which is where this guide can help. In this post, we will look at the benefits of car rental, the best places to collect your vehicle, and go through some FAQs about car rental in Edinburgh.
The Benefits of Car Rental
There is a comprehensive public transport system in place in Edinburgh, and while this is a well-connected city there are drawbacks to using the buses, trams, trains, and taxis. Drawbacks can include cancellations and delays, limited travel flexibility, overcrowding, and a lack of accessibility for those with mobility limitations.
Car rental comes with a wealth of benefits, such as:
- Flexibility and freedom
- Bespoke travel plans to suit your schedule.
- No transfers, resulting in a smooth trip without delays.
- Access to more rural areas outside of the city
- Luggage convenience
- Comfort and privacy.
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Best Places to Find Car Rental in Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Airport – Travelers to Edinburgh can rent a car as soon as they land at the airport where there is a consolidated car rental centre offering great convenience.
2. Waverley Train Station – For those arriving by train to the main station in Edinburgh, rental cars can be collected from 8:00 am until 18:00, or slightly later Fridays and Saturdays.
3.Online Comparison Sites – Sometimes it pays off financially to search online for a car rental that suits your schedule, finances, and trip duration.
4.Outside of the City – Often city centre locations come with premium rates; looking a little outside of the city for car rental can be hugely cost-effective
FAQs About Car Rental Edinburgh
If you’re looking at car rental for the first time in Edinburgh there are some restrictions that you may not be aware of, which we have covered below along with some handy travel tips.
What Make and Model of Car is Best for Traveling Around Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is a historic city that has preserved many of its small roads, which can be difficult to navigate and park in, in a larger vehicle. For this reason, visitors to the city may benefit from a small-to-midsize car which would also be more economical on fuel.
Where are the Best Places to Park in Edinburgh?
Streetside parking in Edinburgh is limited, so a good option is to look at Park & Ride Centres which offer free parking and public transport connections to the city.
Can all Cars Travel in Edinburgh?
As of June 2024, Edinburgh has a Low Emission Zone in the city centre. This means that your car rental must meet specific standards, or meet the exemption criteria, otherwise you could face a penalty charge.
What is The Speed Limit for Driving in Edinburgh?
Since March 2018, there has been a citywide network of 20mph within the centre, shopping areas, and residential streets in Edinburgh. Larger streets and the main thoroughfares have limits between 30-40mph, and the expressways and highways limit are between 60-70mph.