Europcar Car Rental in Edinburgh

Car Rental Edinburgh

 

Discover locations in Edinburgh

Rent a car in Edinburgh with Europcar

Scotland’s buzzing capital, Edinburgh, is an enchanting place to visit and it’s not hard to see why it is the second most popular tourist destination in the UK. With an eclectic food reputation, unrivalled cultural scene and diverse local landscapes, there really is something for everyone.

Edinburgh is a great place to rent a car, whether you are planning to stay in the city or venture further out into the beauty of Scotland. It is an easy drive from Glasgow, and just a short plane journey from London Gatwick.

The Europcar car rental experience in Edinburgh

With five Europcar stations across the city, you’re sure to find a convenient branch for your car rental. Popular pick-up points include Edinburgh Airport and Edinburgh Waverley train station. Choosing car rental in Edinburgh gives you the freedom to explore the whole of the city and the surrounding area, how and when you choose.

Our fleet of cars includes smaller economy and larger family models, with popular choices being the Vauxhall Astra and Volkswagen Passat.

Europcar Edinburgh offers economy cars for both short and long-term rentals, giving you total flexibility.

Driving in Edinburgh

US driver’s licenses are valid for rentals in Scotland.

All Scottish signposts are in miles. The national speed limit is 70 miles per hour for cars on motorways and dual carriageways, 60 miles per hour on single track roads, and 30 miles per hour in built-up areas. It is common for this to be reduced to 20 miles per hour around schools and in some residential areas.

When driving outside of Edinburgh, be aware that more remote areas may have different road conditions and fewer gas stations. Plan your journey carefully and always check the weather before you drive. There are no toll fees to pay when you enter Scotland or on Scottish roads.

Due to its historic nature, parking in the center of Edinburgh is limited. There is some on-street parking as well as off-street lots and parking garages. There is also a park and ride system in place. Many areas of Edinburgh use a mobile payment system called RingGo, where you can pay using a smartphone application.

Edinburgh is popular all year around, but be aware when travelling by car that road traffic coming in and out of the city is heavier during peak hours of the working week, and on Saturday mornings and Sunday evenings. During the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August, access to some of the city is blocked off.

Driving while under the influence of alcohol and driving while using a phone (either calling or texting) is strictly prohibited. Penalties are severe if you are caught.

Discover Edinburgh and surroundings by car

Situated on the east coast of Scotland, Edinburgh has been the country’s capital since the 15th century. The city is divided into the Old Town and the New Town, and both are World Heritage sites. With its colorful streets, panoramic hilltops such as Arthur’s Seat, and inner-city green spaces including the Royal Botanical Garden, the Edinburgh experience is truly unique.

If you fancy driving out of Edinburgh for a day trip, there are numerous places within easy distance to explore. Stirling, the gateway to the Highlands, boasts a gargantuan castle and beautiful dense woodland. St. Andrews is the home of golf and Scotland’s oldest university. Fans of The Da Vinci Code will be keen to head to Roselin, seat of Rosslyn Chapel and supposed burial place of the Holy Grail.

Also within driving distance of Edinburgh are Glasgow (46 miles away) and Dundee (62 miles).

The glowing redstone of Linlithgow is reason alone to travel to this stunning area, around a 40-minute drive from Edinburgh. The birthplace of James V and his daughter Mary Queen of Scots, the lakeside castle, Linlithgow Palace, is a relic of the Stewart dynasty that ruled Scotland during the 1300s. Walk around the grounds, and then into the charming town along the palace towpath.

Things to see in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a festival town, with annual events including the acclaimed Fringe arts festival, the Film Festival, the Jazz & Blues Festival, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and the famous New Year’s Eve Hogmanay celebrations to name just a few.

The city doesn’t sleep outside of festival season, however, with a constant thriving arts scene, foodie culture and countless adrenaline-inducing experiences. The atmospheric Edinburgh Castle, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, and the former Royal Yacht, Britannia, are just some of Edinburgh&rsquos highlights.

We are proud to be European leaders in car rental. To find out more about the Europcar car hire experience, be sure to visit our car rental page!

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