Car Rentals in Inverness, GBR

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Inverness

Renting a car in Inverness is a popular choice for those looking to explore the city and its surrounding attractions at their own pace. With a rental car, you enjoy the freedom and flexibility to visit key sites such as Inverness Castle and Inverness Cathedral, both located conveniently within the city centre. Additionally, the ruins of Urquhart Castle can be reached easily, making it a great stop on your journey around Loch Ness.

For outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers, having a car allows you to access beautiful landscapes and scenic routes without relying on public transport. You can comfortably manage your luggage and create a travel plan that suits your schedule. Exploring nearby areas like Drumnadrochit, which features the Loch Ness 2000 Exhibition Centre and Nessieland Castle Monster Centre, becomes hassle-free. The convenience of a rental car extends to families as well, providing ample space for strollers and luggage while keeping everyone together. Overall, a rental car enhances your experience in and around Inverness, allowing you to fully appreciate the cultural and natural beauty of this enchanting region.

Most popular car hires in Inverness

• Economy: The Economy car is an excellent choice for solo travellers, couples, or families, accommodating up to 5 travellers with space for 2 medium suitcases. Its compact size makes it easy to navigate through Inverness and its surroundings, allowing for a stress-free driving experience. This option is perfect for those looking to explore at their own pace while managing luggage effortlessly.
• Compact SUV: The Compact SUV is well-suited for those travelling with a little more gear, accommodating 5 travellers and up to 3 medium suitcases. This versatile vehicle strikes a balance between spaciousness and manoeuvrability, making it ideal for families or couples. With a higher driving position, it offers better visibility for navigating Inverness and surrounding areas, enhancing your overall travel experience.
• Midsize SUV: If you're planning to travel with larger groups or need extra luggage space, the Midsize SUV is a fantastic option. It comfortably seats up to 5 travellers and can hold up to 3 large suitcases, making it perfect for families or small groups. The added room ensures that everyone can travel comfortably, allowing you to enjoy your journey through Inverness without worrying about space constraints.

Top rated car suppliers in Inverness

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo offers a convenient rental location in Inverness, making it easy for travellers to access their vehicles. With a focus on flexibility, Alamo's most booked options include the Compact SUV and Economy cars, perfect for navigating the scenic routes of Scotland. Enjoy the freedom to explore Inverness and its surroundings at your own pace with a reliable vehicle from Alamo.
• Budget: With two rental locations in the Inverness area, Budget is a popular choice for those seeking value and convenience. Known for their competitive pricing, Budget offers a selection of vehicles that includes the highly sought-after Compact SUV and Economy models. Travellers can enjoy the ease of managing their luggage and adjusting their itineraries while experiencing the beauty of Inverness and beyond.
• Europcar: Europcar features a rental location in Inverness, allowing visitors to pick up their vehicles with ease. Their most popular choices, the Compact SUV and Midsize SUV, provide ample space and comfort for all passengers. With Europcar, you can confidently set off to discover the stunning landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, all while having the flexibility to explore at your leisure.

Where to stay in Inverness

• Inverness City Centre: A vibrant neighbourhood offering a mix of outdoor adventure and cultural experiences, Inverness City Centre is renowned for its stunning scenery. Key attractions include the historic Inverness Castle, the beautiful Inverness Cathedral, and the poignant Culloden Battlefield, all within close proximity. For food and drink enthusiasts, there are various options, including local distilleries and bars, ideal for sampling Scottish whisky. This area is particularly inviting during the summer months, when the weather is milder and perfect for enjoying the local sights.
• Drumnadrochit: Nestled near the famous Loch Ness, Drumnadrochit is a picturesque village perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The area is ideal for hiking and offers captivating views of the national park. Don't miss the Loch Ness 2000 Exhibition Centre and the ruins of Urquhart Castle, which provide insight into local history and lore. With several restaurants and distilleries nearby, visitors can indulge in local cuisine and beverages. Spring and autumn are especially lovely times to visit, showcasing the area's natural beauty.
• Crown: A charming neighbourhood, Crown is known for its cultural experiences and outdoor activities. With attractions such as Inverness Castle and the historic Inverness Cathedral just a stone's throw away, this area is perfect for culture lovers. The local public market and educational venues provide a unique glimpse into the community. Dining options abound, with numerous restaurants serving hearty Scottish fare. Crown is particularly delightful in the warmer months when you can fully appreciate its scenic surroundings.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around Inverness

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by specifying vehicle type and desired features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer adventures, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to identify the perfect vehicle 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 before your trip. By booking early, you're likely to obtain more competitive 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 manoeuvre in busy 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 vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This could also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements before finalising your booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Others might offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are acceptable as well, provided you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car from airports; however, this might be justified by the added convenience.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire providers exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides additional peace of mind should anything unexpected occur during your trip. Adding car hire insurance is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent any unforeseen charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Inverness

The best value period for renting a car in and around Inverness is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. January and November also offer good value with lower demand and prices. March sees average demand and pricing, while April and May become more expensive, with May being the priciest month overall. June through August maintain average rates but experience moderately high demand, making them less ideal for budget-conscious travellers.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	37.8°F (3.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
February	38.8°F (3.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
March	41.4°F (5.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	45.3°F (7.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
May	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Slightly High
June	55.2°F (12.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
July	58.1°F (14.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
August	57.0°F (13.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	54.0°F (12.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Average
October	48.4°F (9.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	42.4°F (5.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
December	38.5°F (3.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average

Car hire prices in Inverness

Car hire in Inverness starts from as low as £47* for a smaller set of wheels, such as an economy or compact car. Keep in mind that bigger vehicles tend to cost more, as do luxury cars. The time of year can also affect the price, with rates typically higher during the summer holidays and around long weekends when more people travel. If you're booking last minute, you may see higher than normal prices for car hires in Inverness. The fuel policy is another factor that affects the price of Inverness car hire.

Finding some of the best deals for cheap car hire in Inverness

It's a good idea to book early and take advantage of any special offers if you're keen to bag a deal on car hire in Inverness. Be sure to check different pick-up locations across the city too, as these can often be cheaper than airport vehicle hire. Expedia's search wizard makes finding some of the best car hire deals in Inverness a breeze, especially with the 'Great Deal' and 'Exclusive offers' filters. It also lets you organise the search results by price and set a maximum budget, making it easier than ever to home in on the right deals for you.

Some of the best car hire companies in Inverness

Expedia is a trusted partner of some of the world's biggest vehicle rental companies, giving you a wide choice of options when you hire a car in Inverness. You'll be able to compare and book deals from big names such as Hertz, Avis and Alamo, as well as many local providers. In the search results, look for the rating next to the company's logo, as that'll give you a feel for the top-rated companies for vehicle hire in Inverness.

Some of the best places to hire a car in Inverness

If you're arriving by plane, the airport is one of the most convenient places to hire a car in Inverness. You'll encounter many rental companies in the terminal when you land, although you'll often nab better deals at other locations, like the city centre. When searching for rental cars in Inverness, be sure to use the handy map to find the closest place to get your set of wheels. The 'pick-up and drop off' field also displays a drop-down list of available locations.

Inverness car rental types

When booking with Expedia, you'll have many different types of Inverness rental cars to choose from, including mini-vehicles and large vans. When deciding the most suitable size for you, take into account factors like how much luggage you have and how many passengers are in your group. How long you'll spend driving is another point to consider when weighing up options for compact Inverness car hires

Advice on car hire in Inverness

Make sure you carry your valid UK driving licence with you, as you'll need this to pick up your vehicle hire in Inverness. Car hire companies will always ask for a credit card deposit, and some may even ask for additional ID and proof of address. A DVLA code, detailing any penalty points you may have, could also be required. You can generate yours through the UK Government website and it's valid for 21 days. As policies differ between providers, it's wise to scan over the T&Cs before you travel. You can easily find this information by logging in to Expedia and going to 'Trips'.

One-way and long-term car hire in Inverness

If you're embarking on a road trip around the Scottish Highlands, one-way car hire in Inverness could be your best bet. This sort of vehicle rental lets you pick your set of wheels in one location and drop it off in another, giving you greater flexibility. Select 'Add a different drop-off location' in the search wizard to compare the best one-way Inverness car hire deals. If you're going to be in town for several weeks or months, enter your approximate dates and you'll be able to instantly compare the best deals for long-term car hire in Inverness.

Benefits of booking an Inverness car hire with Expedia

Many of Expedia's car hire deals in Inverness allow for free cancellation and only need a small upfront payment to reserve, with the remainder due when you pick up your ride. As well as gaining access to a vast range of car hire providers and vehicle types, you'll also have Expedia's versatile search engine on hand to help you score the best car hire deals in Inverness. Consider Expedia's convenient package offers, bundling flights and accommodation, to save even more on your trip to Scotland.

*Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms may apply.