Scotland Car Hire

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Top destinations to hire a car in Scotland

A historic cityscape with a prominent castle and a tall church spire.
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Edinburgh

Edinburgh

What you need to know for your Scotland car rental

Reasons to book a car hire in Scotland

Renting a car in Scotland is an excellent choice for tourists who wish to explore the stunning landscapes and rich heritage at their own pace. With a rental vehicle, you have the freedom to visit iconic attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, which offers a glimpse into Scotland's cultural history, and the picturesque Loch Lomond, perfect for outdoor and romantic experiences. The flexibility of a car hire allows you to traverse the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, with its vibrant street life and historical significance. Moreover, you can easily access popular cities like Glasgow, known for its vibrant shopping areas and parks, and Inverness, where you can discover Inverness Castle and the famous Urquhart Castle nearby. With a car, managing your luggage becomes hassle-free, enabling you to stop spontaneously to enjoy the scenic views or explore hidden gems along the way. Whether you are seeking adventure, stunning scenery, or cultural experiences, renting a car provides a convenient way to experience the diverse offerings of Scotland, making your trip both enjoyable and memorable.

Most popular car hires in Scotland

  • Compact: Ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families, compact cars comfortably accommodate up to 5 passengers and can hold up to 3 medium suitcases. Their smaller size makes them a fantastic choice for navigating Scotland's picturesque yet often narrow roads and city streets, allowing for easier parking and greater fuel efficiency during your journey.
  • Midsize SUV: Perfect for families, couples, or small groups, midsize SUVs offer ample space for up to 5 travellers and can carry up to 3 large suitcases. This option is particularly beneficial if you require extra legroom or plan to travel with larger bags, ensuring a comfortable ride while exploring Scotland's stunning landscapes.
  • Economy: A practical choice for solo travellers, couples, or families, economy cars can seat up to 5 passengers and accommodate up to 2 medium suitcases. Their affordability and fuel efficiency make them an excellent option for budget-conscious travellers looking to explore Scotland without compromising on comfort.

Where to stay in Scotland

  • Edinburgh: A vibrant metropolis, Edinburgh offers a rich cultural experience for travellers. Stay near the iconic Edinburgh Castle, a historic landmark that is perfect for both culture and romance. The Royal Mile and Princes Street are nearby, providing excellent shopping and dining options. This area is particularly lively in the summer months, making it an ideal time to explore the city's festivals and events.
  • Glasgow: Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and entertainment options, Glasgow is a fantastic choice for those seeking a lively city experience. Buchanan Street is a bustling precinct with shops and eateries, while Glasgow Green offers a lovely urban park for outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy George Square, a cultural hub, especially during spring and summer when events are often held.
  • Inverness: For outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking adventure, Inverness is the place to be. Its proximity to Inverness Castle and Urquhart Castle makes it a culturally rich destination. The area is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including national parks, perfect for hiking and exploration during the warmer months. The scenery is particularly breathtaking in autumn, providing a picturesque backdrop for your stay.

10 tips to save on your car hire in Scotland

  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 the summer, or an economical car for budget-friendliness, utilise filters on Expedia to assist you in finding the perfect fit 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. By booking in advance, you’re more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy greater availability, 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 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This may 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 car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most beneficial option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure the car is returned empty in such cases.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for collecting your rental car from airports, but this may be worthwhile for 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 added peace of mind should anything unexpected occur during your trip. It’s easy to add car hire insurance when booking with Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning long 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 car.

Best time to rent a car in Scotland

The best value period to rent a car in Scotland is February, when both prices and demand are slightly low. January is also a quiet month, making it another good option for value seekers. As spring approaches, March and April see average prices and demand, providing a balanced choice for those looking to travel. However, August tends to be the most expensive month, along with July, when both demand and prices rise due to holiday traffic.

Car Hire in Scotland

Within a very small space Scotland manages to fit in a wealth of natural and cultural attractions. And that’s what makes it so ideal to arrange car hire in Scotland when you visit.

Here’s just a wee taste of what’s on offer when you hire a car in Scotland.


Car Rental in Scotland for the Great Outdoors

There are vast tracts of wilderness left to explore in Scotland. Park up to see eagles gliding effortlessly over the lochs and mountains of the Highlands. Hop on a boat to see otters weaving in and out of the kelp in the Outer Hebrides. Gasp as a minke whale breaches in the distant waters or get down and dirty hiking through the Cairngorms.


Car Rental in Scotland for a dram and a Clam

Scotland’s new-found love of top-quality local produce means that you are never far away from an opportunity to savour the flavour of fresh seafood, often within just a few hours of it being hauled from the sea. Wash it all down with a dram of single malt whisky for the authentic Scottish experience.


Car Rental in Scotland for History

Visit the cave that once sheltered Bonnie Prince Charlie or relive the charged atmosphere at the battlefields of as Bannockburn and Culloden. Castles pepper the landscape, from the ominous tower houses of Hermitage and Smailholm to the intricate battlements Caerlaverock.


Car Rental in Scotland for a Spot of Culture

It’s not just at the Edinburgh Fringe that the arts shout loud in Scotland. Pay homage at the birthplace of Robert Burns in the village of Alloway, two miles south of Ayr, or pretend you are Inspector Rebus as you wander the streets of Edinburgh. There is no end of excellent museums to head for, including Glasgow's Kelvingrove, Dundee's Discovery Point and Aberdeen's Maritime Museum.

Ready to hire a car and take a drive through Scotland?

Here’s how to do it.


Cheap Car Hire in Scotland

Book your car hire in advance with Expedia and we’ll arrange for your vehicle to be waiting for you at any city, town or airport in Scotland when you arrive.

It’s an easy drive from Edinburgh Airport, Glasgow Airport, Aberdeen Airport and Inverness Airport to their respective cities – and your car will be waiting for you as you stroll through the arrivals hall.

If you are not arriving by plane there are many locations all over Scotland where you can arrange to pick up your car from.

Expedia offers you a vast network of car hire providers to ensure that you’ll always have a great choice of vehicles and access to all the best car hire deals available.

Simply plug in the dates you need a car for, choose where you’d like to start your car hire and select the type of vehicle you need for your trip. There’s everything from economical mini-class cars to spacious SUVs available.

It takes just one search to compare prices for car hire – and you can arrive in Scotland with the peace of mind that your holiday travel is already arranged.

Let’s take a look at four of Scotland’s major cities that you may wish to visit.


Car Rental to Explore Aberdeen

Aberdeen is the dynamic economy that powers northeast Scotland, running on fuel from the North Sea. Oil money has seen some very swanky shop, restaurants, bars and hotels spring up in Granite City. Explore the attractive centre, built largely with silver stone hewn from the now abandoned Rubislaw Quarry, before you drive out south to Dunnottar Castle, west to Royal Deeside, north to a clutch of sandy beaches or follow the inevitable trail that leads to whisky country in the northwest.


Car Rental to Explore Inverness

Make sure the binoculars are in the car as you go in search of the famous monster of the loch. You may have more luck fishing for salmon, however, as the shallow River Ness is famed for its stocks.


Car Rental to Explore Edinburgh

One of Europe’s most beautiful cities, with historic buildings perching from every crag and dramatic cliffs providing the backdrop. Stroll through the Old Town’s picturesque lanes and medieval tenements and then admire the New Town’s orderly grid of Neoclassical elegance.


Car Rental to Explore Glasgow

Scotland’s biggest city offers handsome Victorian buildings packed among stylish bars, award-winning restaurants and venues that host one of Britain's best live-music scenes. Whether it’s the chance to shop till you drop or a more considered appreciation of Charles Rennie Mackintosh's sublime designs that you are after, Glasgow will oblige.


Where Will Your Car Hire in Scotland Take You?

Castles or culture? Wildlife or whisky? Monsters or mountains? Scotland opens out to you when you hire a car with Expedia.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I need to cancel my Scotland car reservation?
Our Customer Service Portal has all the details about this. In the majority of situations, total refunds are available if a booking is cancelled more than six hours before collecting the car. Be sure to read your rental agreement to double-check if there are any exclusions.
What types of cars can I rent in Scotland?
Affordability, ease of parking and great mileage are some of the reasons compact vehicles are the number once choice in Scotland. Their smaller size makes them perfect for city driving. They're a good match for couples, solo travellers or budget-conscious motorists. Of course, how you cruise around is your call! Go even smaller with a mini or economy, or give yourself more space with a full-size or an intermediate. Need a little luxury? You'll love our premium options.
How do I find the best car hire deals in Scotland with Expedia?
Browse our fantastic selection of hire cars, check out customer ratings and compare offers from major suppliers. In a few easy clicks, Expedia will help you nab the best deal on your wheels. Got a hotel or flight booking? Add on your Scotland car hire to save even more.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Scotland?
If you're 21 and over, you can hire a vehicle in Scotland. Be mindful that most rental companies will charge young drivers an extra fee, which helps cover the higher accident risk involved. Also, young motorists are often restricted from hiring specialty or luxury vehicles. Thoroughly read the fine print before you book to avoid any problems at the hire counter.
What do you need to rent a car in Scotland?
You'll need to present a valid driver's license and a credit card at the hire counter. Prior to pick-up, check with your chosen rental company whether anything else is needed. For example, you may also need to provide proof of auto insurance.
Can I hire a car for a month or longer in Scotland?
You can rent a vehicle for a month or longer in Scotland, so go on and extend your getaway! Just enter your trip information into our long-term car rental deals page and reserve your perfect ride.
Where can I find a Scotland hire car if I am younger than 25?
Age policies differ between rental suppliers, so be prepared to do a little research. Managed to find a Scotland outlet that does rent to drivers under 25? Terrific news! Just take note that extra charges often apply to drivers aged between 21 and 24. The terms and conditions of each rental car you're interested in will have all the details you need.
Why should I rent a Scotland car with Expedia?
With years of experience finding the lowest prices for travellers across the globe, Expedia is a great place to rent your vehicle. We have multiple suppliers in Scotland to take your pick of, offering everything from compact rides to large and comfy SUVs. Why not bundle your car with your flights and hotel and save even more? From our holiday packages to our member prices and exclusive offers, Expedia will get you on your way for less. Plus, when you join our One Key™ loyalty programme, you can earn OneKeyCash™* and spend it on eligible hotels, flights, activities and more. *OneKeyCash disclaimer - OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia.

Car Hire Information

Popular car types:
SUV, Full Size, Economy
From the airport to your hotel:
Airport Transportation