Car Hire at Edinburgh Castle, GBR

Reasons to book a car hire around Edinburgh Castle

Renting a car around Edinburgh Castle offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the rich history and vibrant culture of the area at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans, which is especially beneficial for families or those looking to enjoy a leisurely experience. Key attractions such as Princes Street, Grassmarket, and Princes Street Gardens are all located less than 1 km away, making it convenient to discover these city highlights without the constraints of public transport.

Exploring the wider Edinburgh area becomes much easier with a car, allowing you to visit notable destinations such as the Old Town Edinburgh, featuring the Royal Mile and Grassmarket, or the bustling Edinburgh City Centre. This convenience is ideal for those who appreciate a friendly atmosphere and wish to immerse themselves in the local culture. Whether you're a family with children or a solo traveller wanting to uncover the historical gems of Edinburgh, renting a car provides a practical solution for a fulfilling sightseeing adventure.

Most popular car hires near Edinburgh Castle

• Compact: The Compact car option is a popular choice for up to 5 travellers, comfortably accommodating up to 3 medium suitcases. This makes it ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families seeking a convenient and efficient way to explore the area around Edinburgh Castle. With its manageable size, navigating the city and parking becomes a breeze, allowing you to enjoy your journey without the hassle of larger vehicles.
• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV is perfect for those needing extra space, as it accommodates 5 travellers along with up to 3 large suitcases. This car type is an excellent option for families, couples, or small groups who wish to travel together while enjoying the flexibility of a spacious interior. Its robust build and comfort make it suitable for longer journeys as you explore the attractions near Edinburgh Castle.
• Economy: The Economy car is a fantastic budget-friendly option for up to 5 travellers, offering space for up to 2 medium suitcases. This type is well-suited for solo adventurers, couples, or small families looking to travel around Edinburgh Castle without breaking the bank. Its compact design ensures easy manoeuvrability in the city, making it an ideal choice for those who value both cost-effectiveness and convenience during their trip.

Top rated car suppliers near Edinburgh Castle

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo is a great choice for those looking to rent a vehicle near Edinburgh Castle, with a location conveniently situated less than 1 km away. Known for their selection of vehicles, Alamo's most popular choices include Compact SUVs and Midsize SUVs, perfect for navigating the city and its surrounding areas with ease. Their commitment to customer satisfaction ensures a smooth rental experience, making it an ideal option for your trip.
• Budget: Budget offers excellent value for money with two rental locations, the nearest being less than 1 km from Edinburgh Castle. Their most sought-after vehicles include Economy and Compact cars, making them a smart choice for budget-conscious travellers. With their competitive pricing and accessible locations, Budget provides a hassle-free rental process, allowing you to enjoy your exploration of Edinburgh at your own pace.
• Europcar: Europcar is another reliable option, featuring a rental location approximately 1 km away from Edinburgh Castle. Their Midsize SUVs and Economy cars are popular among travellers, catering to various needs and preferences. With a focus on providing well-maintained vehicles and efficient service, Europcar ensures that your car hire experience is both enjoyable and convenient as you explore the iconic sights of Edinburgh.

Where to stay near Edinburgh Castle

• Edinburgh City Centre: Located less than 1 km from Edinburgh Castle, the City Centre is a vibrant neighbourhood offering a rich cultural and family-friendly experience. With its proximity to the historic Princes Street and the iconic Grassmarket, visitors can indulge in shopping, dining, and theatre. Numerous restaurants and distilleries are available, making it a convenient base for exploring the local food scene.
• Old Town Edinburgh: Old Town is home to Edinburgh Castle and provides an immersive city-themed and cultural experience. The Royal Mile, a famous street ideal for city exploration, is nearby, along with family-friendly attractions such as Grassmarket. This neighbourhood features an array of restaurants and distilleries, offering travellers a taste of the local cuisine and drink culture.

10 tips to save on your car hire around Edinburgh Castle

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise filters on Expedia to discover the most suitable option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you are likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—may not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age restrictions prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals may require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the best option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure that you return the car empty in these cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but the added convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unforeseen occur during your trip. Adding car hire insurance when booking with Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you are planning long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's licence is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car around Edinburgh Castle

The best time to rent a car around Edinburgh Castle is January, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. February also offers similar benefits, making it a great choice for value seekers. As spring approaches, March and April see average prices and demand, providing a balanced option for visitors. However, July tends to be the most expensive month, with higher demand due to the summer influx of tourists. August follows closely behind with similar pricing and demand levels.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	38.5°F (3.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
February	39.4°F (4.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
March	41.5°F (5.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	45.1°F (7.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	50.0°F (10.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
June	55.2°F (12.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Average
July	58.1°F (14.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	54.3°F (12.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
October	49.5°F (9.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	43.5°F (6.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
December	39.6°F (4.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average