Car Hire at Edinburgh Zoo, GBR

Reasons to book a car hire around Edinburgh Zoo

Renting a car around Edinburgh Zoo offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore the vibrant surroundings at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for those who want to manage luggage easily and have flexible travel plans. With a rental car, you can conveniently visit key attractions such as Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street, both located just 4 km away from the zoo. For a more family-oriented experience, the Grassmarket, situated 5 km from the zoo, provides a delightful outdoor atmosphere perfect for all ages.

Moreover, having a car gives you the opportunity to explore the wider Edinburgh area, including the bustling Edinburgh City Centre and the historic Old Town, both within a 5 km radius of the zoo. This allows you to soak in the rich history and friendly atmosphere of the city without the hassle of public transport. Whether travelling with family or seeking a historical experience, renting a car around Edinburgh Zoo makes your trip more enjoyable and stress-free.

Most popular car hires near Edinburgh Zoo

• Compact: The Compact car is a popular choice for travellers around Edinburgh Zoo, accommodating up to 5 people with space for 3 medium suitcases. This option is ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families seeking an economical and efficient way to explore the area. Its smaller size makes it easy to navigate through the streets of Edinburgh while providing the flexibility to manage luggage comfortably.
• Midsize SUV: For those needing a bit more space, the Midsize SUV is a top pick. It comfortably fits 5 travellers and can handle up to 3 large suitcases, making it perfect for families, couples, or small groups. This vehicle offers added comfort and versatility, allowing you to easily transport both passengers and luggage while enjoying the freedom to explore the attractions near Edinburgh Zoo.
• Economy: The Economy car option is highly sought after, accommodating 5 travellers with room for up to 2 medium suitcases. Ideal for solo visitors, couples, or families on a budget, this vehicle provides a cost-effective solution for navigating around Edinburgh Zoo. Its compact design ensures you can easily manoeuvre through busy areas while maintaining the flexibility to embark on spontaneous outings.

Top rated car suppliers near Edinburgh Zoo

• Alamo Rent A Car: Located 5 km away from Edinburgh Zoo, Alamo Rent A Car is a popular choice among travellers seeking flexibility. With a focus on providing reliable vehicles, the most booked options from this supplier are the Compact SUV and Midsize SUV, ideal for exploring the beautiful surroundings of Edinburgh at your own pace.
• Hertz: Situated only 3 km from Edinburgh Zoo, Hertz is renowned for its range of vehicles and customer service. Travellers frequently opt for the Midsize SUV and Economy cars, making it a convenient choice for those looking to navigate the city and its attractions seamlessly. Enjoy the ease of exploring Edinburgh with Hertz’s dependable fleet.
• Budget: With two rental locations, the nearest being 4 km away from Edinburgh Zoo, Budget stands out for its excellent value. This supplier offers a selection of Economy and Compact cars, catering to those who appreciate affordability without compromising on quality. Budget’s accessible locations make it simple to pick up your rental and embark on your Edinburgh adventure.

Where to stay near Edinburgh Zoo

• Edinburgh City Centre: Located 5 km from Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh City Centre is an ideal area for those seeking a vibrant cultural experience. With its historic places, shopping areas, and theatres, you'll find plenty to explore. Highlights include the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perfect for a culture-themed visit, and the bustling Princes Street, a popular destination for city enthusiasts. The area also features numerous restaurants and distilleries, providing a variety of dining options to suit all tastes.
• Inchmickery: Situated 7 km away from Edinburgh Zoo, Inchmickery offers a unique retreat with its natural island setting. This area allows travellers to appreciate stunning views and explore nearby historical landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle. For those wanting a blend of leisure and culture, the nearby George Street and Princes Street provide excellent shopping and dining experiences, making it a charming spot for a stay.

10 tips to save on your car hire around Edinburgh Zoo

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and specific features. Whether you're in need of an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer outings, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal 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 ahead of your trip. Booking in advance often results in lower rates and greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller vehicles are more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in congested areas. Mid-size cars strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 might encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—may not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others might provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuel arrangements, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in this case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge associated with picking up your rental car at airports, but this may be justified by the added convenience.
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 unnecessary expenses and provides added peace of mind should the unexpected occur during your trip. Adding car hire insurance is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car around Edinburgh Zoo

The best value period to rent a car around Edinburgh Zoo is November, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderate. January and February are also quiet months with similar pricing, making them good choices if you prefer less hustle. As the summer approaches, however, July sees higher prices and increased demand, making it the most expensive month for rentals. August continues this trend with busy demand, while September and October generally return to average 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