car rental edinburgh airport If you are planning to visit Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, you might want to rent a car at the airport to explore the city and its surroundings. Edinburgh Airport is the busiest airport in Scotland and the sixth busiest in the UK, serving over 14 million passengers per year. It is located about 8 miles (13 km) west of the city center and offers a variety of car rental options for travelers.
In this blog post, we will provide you with a complete guide on how to rent a car at Edinburgh Airport, including:
- How to compare and book car rental deals online
- How to find and access the car rental desks at the airport
- What documents and requirements you need to rent a car
- What are the best car rental companies and tips to save money
- What are the driving rules and regulations in Scotland
- What are the best places to visit by car from Edinburgh
How to Compare and Book Car Rental Deals Online car rental edinburgh airport
One of the easiest and most convenient ways to rent a car at Edinburgh Airport is to book online in advance. This way, you can compare prices and features of different car rental companies, choose the best deal for your needs and budget, and avoid queues and hassle at the airport.
There are many websites that allow you to compare and book car rental deals online, such as:
These websites allow you to filter your search by car type, size, transmission, fuel policy, mileage limit, insurance coverage, customer rating, and more. You can also see photos and reviews of the cars and the companies. Some websites also offer discounts and free cancellation options. car rental edinburgh airport
To book online, you will need to enter your travel dates, pick-up and drop-off locations, driver’s age, and payment method. You will then receive a confirmation email with your booking details and voucher. You will need to print or show this voucher at the car rental desk when you arrive at the airport.
How to Find and Access the Car Rental Desks at the Airport car rental edinburgh airport
Once you land at Edinburgh Airport, you will need to find and access the car rental desks to collect your car. There are two ways to do this:
- By shuttle bus: Some car rental companies have their desks and cars located off-site, outside the airport premises. To reach them, you will need to take a free shuttle bus that runs every 10 minutes from outside the terminal building. The shuttle bus stop is signposted as “Car Rental” and is located near the domestic arrivals exit. The journey takes about 5 minutes and will drop you off at the car rental center where you can find the following companies:
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Europcar
- National
- Alamo
- By foot: Some car rental companies have their desks and cars located on-site, within walking distance from the terminal building. To reach them, you will need to follow the signs for “Car Rental” inside the terminal and walk across a covered walkway. The walk takes about 2 minutes and will lead you to the multi-storey car park where you can find the following companies:
- Hertz
- Sixt
- Thrifty
- Easirent
What Documents and Requirements You Need to Rent a Car
To rent a car at Edinburgh Airport, you will need to present some documents and meet some requirements at the car rental desk. These include:
- A valid driver’s license: You will need to have a full and valid driver’s license from your country of residence that allows you to drive in the UK. If your license is not in English, you may also need an international driving permit (IDP) or a certified translation. car rental edinburgh airport
- A credit or debit card: You will need to have a credit or debit card in your name that has enough funds to cover the rental cost and deposit. The deposit amount varies depending on the car type and company, but it usually ranges from £100 to £300. The deposit will be blocked or charged on your card until you return the car in good condition.
- A passport or ID card: You may also need to show a passport or ID card as proof of identity and age. The minimum age to rent a car at Edinburgh Airport is usually 21 years old, but some companies may have higher or lower age limits or charge extra fees for young or senior drivers. car rental edinburgh airport
- A booking confirmation or voucher: If you have booked online in advance, you will need to show your booking confirmation or voucher that contains your reservation number and details.
What are the Best Car Rental Companies and Tips to Save Money
There are many car rental companies that operate at Edinburgh Airport, offering a wide range of cars and services for different needs and budgets. Some of the best-rated companies according to customer reviews are:
- Enterprise: Enterprise is known for its friendly and helpful staff, clean and well-maintained cars, fast and easy pick-up and drop-off process, and competitive prices. Enterprise also offers free additional drivers, unlimited mileage, roadside assistance, and loyalty programs. car rental edinburgh airport
- Sixt: Sixt is known for its modern and diverse fleet of cars, including luxury and premium models, spacious vans and SUVs, electric and hybrid vehicles, and more. Sixt also offers flexible rental periods, free cancellation options, online check-in, and excellent customer service. car rental edinburgh airport
- Easirent: Easirent is known for its low-cost and no-frills service, offering basic but reliable cars for budget-conscious travelers. Easirent also offers free shuttle bus service, free amendments options, To save money when renting a car at Edinburgh Airport, here are some tips:
- Book online in advance: Booking online in advance can help you find better deals than booking on arrival. You can also compare prices and features of different companies and choose the best option for your needs.
- Avoid peak seasons: Renting a car during peak seasons such as summer holidays or festivals can be more expensive than renting during off-seasons. You can also avoid surcharges for high demand or limited availability. car rental edinburgh airport
- Choose a smaller car: Choosing a smaller car can help you save money on rental fees as well as fuel costs. Smaller cars are usually cheaper than larger cars and consume less gas. However, make sure that the car has enough space for your luggage and passengers. car rental edinburgh airport
- Check the fuel policy: Checking the fuel policy before booking can help you avoid extra charges for refueling or returning the car with less fuel than when you picked it up. The most common fuel policies are:
- Full-to-full: You pick up the car with a full tank of gas and return it with a full tank of gas. This is usually the cheapest option as you only pay for what you use. car rental edinburgh airport
- Full-to-empty: You pick up the car with a full tank of gas and return it with an empty tank of gas. You pay for a full tank of gas upfront regardless of how much you use. This can be more expensive as you may not use all the gas or get refunded for unused gas. car rental edinburgh airport
- Pre-purchase: You pay for a certain amount of gas upfront at a discounted rate and return the car with any amount of gas left. This can be convenient as you don’t have to worry about refueling before returning but it can also be wasteful if you don’t use all the gas. car rental edinburgh airport
What are Driving Rules And Regulations In Scotland
Driving in Scotland can be an enjoyable experience as you can explore scenic routes, historic landmarks, and charming villages by car. However, you should also be aware of the driving rules and regulations in Scotland to ensure a safe and smooth journey. Some of the main rules and regulations are:
- Drive on the left: In Scotland, as in the rest of the UK, you must drive on the left side of the road and overtake on the right. You should also keep to the left lane on dual carriageways and motorways unless you are overtaking or turning right. car rental edinburgh airport
- Follow the speed limits: The speed limits in Scotland are measured in miles per hour (mph) and vary depending on the type of road and vehicle. The general speed limits are:
- 30 mph (48 km/h) in built-up areas
- 60 mph (96 km/h) on single carriageways
- 70 mph (112 km/h) on dual carriageways and motorways
However, some roads may have lower or higher speed limits indicated by signs. You should always check the signs and adjust your speed accordingly. You should also reduce your speed in bad weather conditions or when approaching hazards such as bends, junctions, or pedestrians. car rental edinburgh airport
- Obey the traffic signs and signals: You should always obey the traffic signs and signals that regulate the flow of traffic and provide information and warnings. Some of the common traffic signs and signals are:
- Red light: You must stop before the stop line and wait until the light turns green. car rental edinburgh airport
- Green light: You may go if the way is clear but you must give way to pedestrians or vehicles that have already started crossing.
- Amber light: You must stop unless you are so close to the stop line that stopping would cause an accident.
- Flashing amber light: You may go but you must give way to pedestrians or vehicles that have priority.
- Red and amber light: You must stop and wait for the green light. car rental edinburgh airport
- Green arrow: You may go in the direction indicated by the arrow if the way is clear but you must give way to pedestrians or vehicles that have priority.
- Red cross: You must not enter or use the lane indicated by the cross.
- Speed limit sign: You must not exceed the speed limit indicated by the sign.
- Stop sign: You must stop before the stop line and give way to traffic on the main road.
- Give way sign: You must slow down and give way to traffic on the main road. car rental edinburgh airport
- No entry sign: You must not enter the road or area indicated by the sign. car rental edinburgh airport
- One way sign: You must only drive in the direction indicated by the sign.
- Wear a seat belt: You must wear a seat belt at all times when driving or riding in a car in Scotland. The driver is responsible for ensuring that all passengers under 14 years old wear a seat belt or an appropriate child restraint. The penalty for not wearing a seat belt is a fine of up to £500. car rental edinburgh airport
- Do not drink and drive: You must not drink and drive in Scotland as it is illegal and dangerous. The legal blood alcohol limit in Scotland is lower than in other parts of the UK and is set at:
- 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100 milliliters of breath
- 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood
- 67 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of urine
If you are caught driving over the limit, you could face a fine, a driving ban, or even imprisonment. The best advice is to avoid drinking any alcohol if you are planning to drive.
What are The Best Places To Visit By Car From Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a beautiful city with many attractions to see and enjoy, such as Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, Arthur’s Seat, and more. However, if you want to explore more of Scotland’s stunning scenery and culture, renting a car can give you access to some of the best places to visit by car from Edinburgh. Some of these places are: car rental edinburgh airport
- Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park: Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is one of Scotland’s most popular destinations, offering spectacular views of mountains, lakes, forests, and wildlife. You can drive around Loch Lomond, the largest lake in Britain, enjoy hiking, cycling, boating, fishing, or golfing activities, or visit charming towns and villages such as Balloch, Luss, Callander, or Aberfoyle. The park is about an hour and a half drive from Edinburgh via M9 and A811. car rental edinburgh airport
- Stirling Castle: Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most historic and impressive castles, situated on a rocky hill overlooking the city of Stirling and the surrounding countryside. The castle was the site of many important events in Scottish history, such as the battles of Stirling Bridge and Bannockburn, and the coronations of Mary Queen of Scots and James VI. You can explore the castle’s magnificent architecture, gardens, museums, and exhibitions, and learn more about its royal and military history. The castle is about an hour drive from Edinburgh via M9. car rental edinburgh airport
- North Berwick: North Berwick is a seaside town on the east coast of Scotland, famous for its sandy beaches, golf courses, wildlife center, and boat trips. You can relax on the beach, enjoy water sports, visit the Scottish Seabird Centre, or take a boat to the nearby islands of Bass Rock and Craigleith, where you can see thousands of seabirds such as gannets, puffins, and terns. You can also explore the town’s shops, cafes, pubs, and restaurants, or visit the ruins of Tantallon Castle and Dirleton Castle. North Berwick is about 40 minutes drive from Edinburgh via A1. car rental edinburgh airport
- Rosslyn Chapel: Rosslyn Chapel is a 15th-century Gothic chapel located in the village of Roslin, south of Edinburgh. The chapel is famous for its intricate carvings, mysterious symbols, and legends, and was featured in the novel and film The Da Vinci Code. You can admire the chapel’s stunning architecture and artistry, learn about its history and secrets from a guided tour or an audio guide, or explore the surrounding woodland and gardens. Rosslyn Chapel is about 30 minutes drive from Edinburgh via A701. car rental edinburgh airport
- Glen Coe: Glen Coe is one of Scotland’s most scenic and dramatic glens, formed by an ancient volcanic eruption and a massive ice age glacier. The glen is surrounded by towering mountains, waterfalls, rivers, and lochs, and offers breathtaking views and opportunities for hiking, climbing, skiing, or cycling. The glen is also rich in history and culture, as it was the site of the infamous Massacre of Glencoe in 1692, where members of the MacDonald clan were killed by government troops. You can visit the Glencoe Visitor Centre to learn more about the glen’s natural and human history or stay at one of the nearby hotels or campsites. Glen Coe is about two and a half hours drive from Edinburgh via M9 and A82. car rental edinburgh airport
These are just some of the best places to visit by car from Edinburgh. There are many more places to discover in Scotland that will make your trip unforgettable.
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Conclusion
Renting a car at Edinburgh Airport can be a great way to enjoy your visit to Scotland. You can compare and book car rental deals online in advance to save time and money. You can find and access the car rental desks at the airport by shuttle bus or by foot. You will need to present some documents and meet some requirements to rent a car. You should also follow the driving rules and regulations in Scotland to ensure a safe and smooth journey. And you can explore some of the best places to visit by car from Edinburgh that will amaze you with their beauty and history. car rental edinburgh airport
We hope this blog post has been helpful for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us. We wish you a wonderful trip to Scotland!
