How to Rent a Car in Scotland

How to Rent a Car in Scotland

Renting a car in Scotland is one of the best ways to explore beyond the cities. It gives you the freedom to stop at viewpoints, reach remote beaches, visit small villages, and travel at your own pace. But if you’ve never hired a car abroad before, or you’re unsure how it works in the UK, the process can feel confusing.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know: where to book, how old you need to be, how renting in Edinburgh works, what to watch out for, and how to avoid common mistakes.

Is it worth renting a car in Scotland?

For many trips, yes.

A car is especially useful if you want to visit:

• The Isle of Skye
• Glencoe
• The North Coast 500
• The Cairngorms National Park
• Smaller villages and rural areas
• Hidden beaches and scenic viewpoints

If your trip only includes cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, you can manage without a car. But once you want to explore the Highlands or islands, public transport becomes limited and a car becomes the easiest option.

How old do you need to be to rent a car in Scotland?

This is one of the most common questions, and the answer depends on the rental company.

Most car hire companies in Scotland require drivers to be:

• At least 21 years old
• Have held a full driving licence for 1–2 years

Some companies allow drivers aged 20, but availability is limited and fees are higher. Drivers under 25 almost always pay a young driver surcharge, which can be £20–£40 per day on top of the base price.

If you are under 25, always check:

• Minimum age for that specific company
• Young driver fees
• Whether there are restrictions on car size

This applies whether you are looking at how to rent a car in Scotland generally or specifically how to rent a car in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Where should you rent a car in Scotland?

You have three main options:

• Airports
• City centres
• Smaller local branches

Airports (like Edinburgh Airport or Glasgow Airport) are often the easiest place to pick up a car, especially if you’re arriving by plane. They usually have:

• Longer opening hours
• More choice of vehicles
• Easier access to main roads

City centre locations can be convenient but are often:

• More expensive
• Busier
• Harder to drive away from if you’re nervous about traffic

If you’re specifically looking at how to rent a car in Edinburgh, Scotland, many visitors choose Edinburgh Airport because it avoids city centre driving on day one.

How to rent a car in Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is one of the most popular places to start a road trip in Scotland, and renting a car here is straightforward.

You’ll find all the major companies at Edinburgh Airport:

• Enterprise
• Hertz
• Avis
• Europcar
• Sixt
• Budget

Booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially for:

• Summer travel
• School holidays
• Automatic cars
• Larger vehicles

If you want to pick up in the city centre instead, there are locations near Waverley Station and around the New Town, but prices are often higher.

Manual vs automatic cars

This catches many visitors out.

In the UK:

• Manual cars are the default
• Automatics are available but more limited
• Automatics are usually more expensive

If you can only drive automatic, book as early as possible and double-check that your reservation clearly says automatic transmission.

What documents do you need to rent a car?

You’ll typically need:

• Your full driving licence
• A passport or photo ID
• A credit card in the driver’s name
• Your booking confirmation

Some companies may also ask for:

• Proof of address
• An International Driving Permit (if your licence is not in English)

Always check the company’s terms before you travel so there are no surprises at the desk.

Insurance: what’s included and what should you consider?

Most rentals include basic insurance, but the excess (the amount you pay if something goes wrong) can be very high, sometimes £1,000–£2,000.

You’ll usually be offered extra cover at the counter, such as:

• Collision Damage Waiver (reduces excess)
• Super CDW (reduces excess further)
• Tyre and windscreen cover

You have three options:

• Accept the rental company’s extra insurance
• Buy separate excess insurance online before your trip
• Take the risk with the basic cover

Many frequent travellers buy independent excess insurance because it’s usually much cheaper.

What size car should you rent for Scotland?

Bigger is not always better.

Scottish rural roads can be:

• Narrow
• Winding
• Lined with stone walls
• Used by sheep (yes, really!) and cyclists

A small or medium car is usually ideal. Large SUVs can feel stressful on single-track roads, especially if you’re not used to them.

If you’re travelling with:

• Two people: small car is perfect
• Lots of luggage: consider medium size
• A family: estate or compact SUV

Fuel policy and fuel types

Most car hire companies use a “full to full” policy:

• You collect the car with a full tank
• You return it with a full tank

This is usually the fairest option.

In the UK:

• Petrol = unleaded
• Diesel is clearly labelled
• Pumps are self-service

Always check which fuel your car uses before filling up.

Common mistakes to avoid when renting a car in Scotland

• Not booking early enough for automatics
  Assuming you can rent under 21 easily
  Forgetting about young driver fees
  Underestimating how narrow rural roads can be
  Not checking insurance excess
  Booking a car that’s larger than you’re comfortable driving

A little planning avoids most issues.

Can you rent a car in Scotland and drop it off elsewhere?

Yes, most major companies allow one-way rentals. For example:

• Pick up in Edinburgh
• Drop off in Glasgow
• Pick up in Inverness
• Drop off in Edinburgh

This can be very useful for one-way road trips, but it sometimes comes with an extra fee, so check before booking.

Is renting a car in Scotland safe?

Yes. Scotland is very safe for driving and car hire.

The main challenges of driving in Scotland are:

• Unfamiliar roads
• Weather changes
• Driving on the left

But rental cars are well maintained, roads are clearly signed, and help is available if needed.

Final thoughts: renting a car gives you real freedom

If you want to see more than just Scotland’s cities, renting a car is often the key to a more memorable trip. It allows you to travel at your own pace, stop when you want, and reach places that tours and buses simply can’t.

With the right expectations and a bit of preparation, the process of renting a car in Scotland — whether in Edinburgh or elsewhere — is straightforward and well worth it.