Car Hire at Heriot-Watt University, GBR

Reasons to book a car hire around Heriot-Watt University

Renting a car around Heriot-Watt University offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the rich attractions of Edinburgh and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage while visiting key sites like Edinburgh Castle, located 8 km away, or enjoy a day of shopping and dining on Princes Street, also just 8 km from the university. Families can take a short drive to the Grassmarket, situated 9 km away, for a fun outdoor experience. The convenience of having a car allows you to navigate the charming neighbourhoods nearby, such as Riccarton, less than 1 km away, or Currie, 2 km away, both featuring key attractions. This flexibility is particularly appealing for those seeking a historical experience or looking to connect with friendly locals. Whether you are visiting for leisure or educational purposes, a rental car enhances your journey, making it easy to explore Edinburgh’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes without the constraints of public transport.

Most popular car hires near Heriot-Watt University

• Midsize SUV: This car type is perfect for those travelling with family, couples, or small groups, accommodating up to 5 travellers and allowing for up to 3 large suitcases. The Midsize SUV offers ample space and comfort for your journeys around Heriot-Watt University, making it an excellent choice for those looking to explore the surrounding attractions while managing luggage with ease.
• Compact: An ideal option for solo travellers, couples, or families, the Compact car can comfortably seat 5 passengers and hold up to 3 medium suitcases. This option balances size and efficiency, making it suitable for navigating the local area around Heriot-Watt University. Its manageable dimensions help in urban settings, ensuring ease of parking and maneuverability.
• Economy: Great for solo travellers or couples, as well as small families, the Economy car accommodates 5 passengers and offers space for up to 2 medium suitcases. This option provides a cost-effective solution for those looking to hire a car near Heriot-Watt University, allowing you to explore at your own pace without compromising on comfort or convenience.

Top rated car suppliers near Heriot-Watt University

• Hertz: With a rental location situated 5 km away from Heriot-Watt University, Hertz is a popular choice among travellers. This supplier has an overall rating of 7.8 out of 10 and is highly regarded for its efficient service, minimal waiting times, and clean vehicles. The most frequently booked cars from Hertz include Midsize SUVs and Economy models, making it a versatile option for various travel needs.
• Alamo Rent A Car: Also located 5 km from Heriot-Watt University, Alamo Rent A Car is known for its friendly service, ensuring a pleasant rental experience. This supplier is a favourite for many who prefer a personable touch during their car hire. The most popular vehicles booked through Alamo include Midsize SUVs and Compact cars, catering to both comfort and efficiency for your journeys around Edinburgh.
• Budget: With its rental location just 5 km away from Heriot-Watt University, Budget is well-known for offering great value for money. This supplier provides a range of vehicles, with Compact SUVs and Economy cars being the most booked options. Budget's reputation for competitive rates makes it an excellent choice for travellers looking to explore the area without breaking the bank.

Where to stay near Heriot-Watt University

• Edinburgh City Centre: Located 9 km from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh City Centre is ideal for those seeking a vibrant atmosphere filled with culture and shopping. Here, you can explore attractions like Princes Street, known for its bustling shopping district, and the historic Edinburgh Castle, perfect for a romantic or cultural holiday. The area also offers numerous restaurants and breweries, making it a great choice for dining and entertainment.
• Old Town Edinburgh: Also 9 km from Heriot-Watt University, Old Town Edinburgh is rich in history and charm. Visitors can enjoy landmarks such as the Royal Mile, a bustling street filled with shops and street performers, and the iconic Edinburgh Castle. This neighbourhood is perfect for families and culture enthusiasts alike, with various educational venues and theatres nearby, along with enticing dining options including distilleries and breweries.

10 tips to save on your car hire around Heriot-Watt University

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to identify the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary significantly based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are more 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 less expensive to hire and easier to manoeuvre in busy areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good balance of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling alternatives, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but this could be worthwhile for the added convenience it offers.
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 any unforeseen issues arise during your trip. Adding car hire insurance when booking through Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan to embark on long road trips, look for rentals offering unlimited mileage to prevent incurring additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's licence is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car around Heriot-Watt University

The best value period to rent a car around Heriot-Watt University is November, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. January and February also offer lower prices and quieter demand, making them good options for budget-conscious renters. On the other hand, May tends to be the most expensive month, with high demand and slightly high prices, while the preceding months of April and June also see elevated costs and demand levels. July, in particular, is the busiest month for car hires in the area.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	38.5°F (3.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	39.4°F (4.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	41.5°F (5.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
April	45.1°F (7.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
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	Slightly High	Average
July	58.1°F (14.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
August	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly 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	Average	Average