Car Hire at Princes Street, GBR

Reasons to book a car hire around Princes Street

Renting a car near Princes Street offers a convenient way to explore Edinburgh and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can effortlessly manage your luggage while visiting nearby attractions such as Edinburgh Castle and the Grassmarket, both located less than 1 km away. This flexibility is particularly appealing for families seeking outdoor experiences or tourists interested in immersing themselves in the city's rich history. Additionally, you can easily navigate to George Street, another vibrant area within close proximity. Having a car allows you to discover the wider Edinburgh metropolis, including essential destinations like Old Town Edinburgh, which is a short drive away. This makes it easy to visit the Royal Mile and other historical sites without the constraints of public transport schedules. Whether you're travelling solo, with family, or seeking a friendly local experience, a rental car provides the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore Edinburgh's unique charm comfortably.

Most popular car hires near Princes Street

• Compact: This car type accommodates up to 5 travellers and can hold up to 3 medium suitcases, making it an ideal choice for solo adventurers, couples, or families. Its size is perfect for navigating the busy streets around Princes Street, allowing for easy parking and manoeuvrability, while still providing ample space for your luggage.
• Midsize SUV: Accommodating up to 5 travellers with space for 3 large suitcases, this option is great for families, couples, or small groups planning to explore the attractions near Princes Street. Midsize SUVs offer a comfortable ride, extra luggage capacity, and a commanding view of the road, making them well-suited for any journey.
• Economy: This car type comfortably fits up to 5 travellers and can manage up to 2 medium suitcases, making it an excellent choice for solo travellers, couples, or small families. The economy option is particularly advantageous for those looking for a budget-friendly hire while still enjoying the flexibility to explore the area around Princes Street with ease.

Top rated car suppliers near Princes Street

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo is a reliable choice for travellers seeking efficiency and convenience. With a rental location situated 1 km away from Princes Street, it provides easy access to vehicles. Customers particularly favour the Compact SUV and Midsize SUV options, which are well-suited for exploring the beautiful surroundings. Alamo is noted for its quick pickup process and well-maintained cars, making it a popular choice among those looking for a hassle-free experience.
• Budget: With two rental locations near Princes Street, Budget is an excellent option for those who appreciate flexibility and accessibility. The nearest location is less than 1 km away, ensuring a swift pickup experience. Budget offers a range of economical vehicles, with the Economy and Compact cars being the most booked choices. Customers value the competitive pricing and straightforward rental process, making it ideal for budget-conscious travellers eager to explore Edinburgh.
• Hertz: Located less than 1 km from Princes Street, Hertz is another top contender for car hire. Known for its diverse fleet, the Midsize SUV and Economy cars are popular among customers, providing a balance of comfort and efficiency. Hertz is praised for its excellent service and well-maintained vehicles, making it a trusted option for travellers looking to navigate the city and its attractions at their own pace.

Where to stay near Princes Street

• Edinburgh City Centre: Staying in Edinburgh City Centre places you at the heart of vibrant city life. With Princes Street as a central feature, you can enjoy easy access to shopping areas, theatres, and a variety of dining options, including restaurants and breweries. Notable landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile are within reach, making it an ideal location for culture and family-themed experiences.
• Old Town Edinburgh: Located just 1 km away from Princes Street, Old Town Edinburgh offers a rich historical ambiance alongside modern attractions. This neighbourhood is perfect for travellers seeking a blend of city and culture-themed experiences. You can explore nearby highlights like the Royal Mile and Grassmarket, both of which are teeming with shops, eateries, and historic sites, ensuring an engaging stay.

10 tips to save on your car hire around Princes Street

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting the vehicle type and features that suit your needs. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for warm weather, 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 in advance of your trip. By booking early, you’re more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during busy seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically less expensive to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size cars offer a reasonable balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age restrictions prior to making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements stipulate a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is often the most advantageous choice. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are acceptable as well; just ensure you return the car with an empty tank in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for collecting your rental car from airports, yet it may be worthwhile for the added convenience.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Taking out car hire insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unforeseen occur during your trip. It’s straightforward to add car hire insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning lengthy road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra fees.
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 Princes Street

The best time to rent a car around Princes Street is November, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. January and February also offer good value, with slightly low prices and moderately low demand. As the year progresses, May through August tend to see slightly high prices and moderately high demand, peaking in July. August is particularly busy, making it one of the priciest months for rentals. Meanwhile, September through October show average prices and demand levels.