Car rental Edinburgh
Discover the Turo car rental marketplace
- Car rental
- United Kingdom
- Edinburgh
Extraordinary selection
From standard cars to supercars, find the perfect car for any occasion or budget
Liability insurance included
Third-party liability insurance comes standard, and choose from a range of vehicle protection plans
Easy airport pickup
You can skip the rental counter at 11+ airports across the UK
Rental cars in Edinburgh
Average daily prices for a 3-day trip
BMW X2
2021
•5.0
(8)
Volkswagen up!
2016
•New listing
Hyundai IONIQ
2018
•4.93
(98)
Audi S3
2015
•5.0
(26)
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
2019
•5.0
(16)
Toyota Prius
2018
•4.97
(69)
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
2016
•5.0
(11)
Ford Focus
2017
•4.84
(23)
Ford Focus
2016
•5.0
(1)
Rent a car in Edinburgh on Turo
The Scottish capital of Edinburgh is a vibrant city entrenched in history, all contained within a gorgeous, rugged landscape. With car rental in Edinburgh, not only will you be able to explore Edinburgh's bustling city centre with ease, but you'll also have the means to venture out to hotspots like the Scottish Highlands.
Whether you're visiting for a weekend or relocating here long-term, Turo offers a flexible, reliable car hire experience that's all about your freedom. Browse available vehicles, filter for the right fit, then collect your Edinburgh car rental from a location that works for you.
Edinburgh car rental: How it works
On Turo, renting a car in Edinburgh is easy. Browse cars online, choose your preferred pickup location, book your car, and get on the road sooner. With pickup locations all across Edinburgh and beyond, you'll be able to find the perfect car for whatever you have planned.
1. Find the perfect car
Enter a date and location in Edinburgh (or beyond), filter to find the best car for you, and read reviews from previous renters.
2. Select a pickup location
Rent a car nearby or get one delivered to various destinations, including many airports, train stations, hotels, or maybe even your home.
3. Hit the road
Your host sends you pickup details, and you’re all set to hit the roads of Edinburgh! If you have questions, you can easily chat with your host or contact support.
Recent reviews
Great little car for our trip! We had no issues and pick up and drop off was easy. Just ask the host for the pick up address to find the exact house. They were very responsive. I brought a usb to usbc cord to use carplay with my iphone and had no problems. Car was delivered clean with a full tank of gas.
The host was great. Very accommodating. Car is very fuel efficient and worked well for our trip. Everything worked as it should.
Great responsive host, smooth car, and worth trip. Looking forward to book it again
"Excellent trip! The car was clean, comfortable, and drove perfectly. Great experience from start to finish. Highly recommend!" 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Incredible trip. Stephen was so helpful in making sure we had smooth logistics for an extended use of his car. The car itself drove very nicely and had great fuel economy. Thanks for everything, Stephen
Nice car-worked as needed. Host was quick to communicate and was accommodating to my late arrival.
Lovely car pickup and service by Derek. Everything went smooth and well. Would host again with him in the future.
Perfect! Easily the best car rental I've ever had in multiple countries. I'll never rent from the big companies again. Professional and kind.
Car got us from A to B without any issue. Żaneta is very friendly. Would definitely recommend to anyone who wants to explore Scotland.
Communication with host was great. The car got us where we needed to go with no problems!
Host was friendly and kind and car was pretty clean and smooth. I liked driving it in the highlands.
The host was awesome very helpful and communicative. The car was as advertised, clean and ready to go.
Easy pickup and great communication. Would rent this vehicle again without a problem.
Waqas was a great host. He maintained easy communication and was responsive. His car was great. It was clean, well maintained and a joy to drive!
Rent a car and explore Edinburgh
Things to do and places to see in Edinburgh
One of the most culture-forward cities in the world, Edinburgh is packed with activities for travellers of all ages, including museums, historical buildings, restaurants, and pubs. While the weather's not always perfect, your schedule won't suffer — there's lots to do inside, though you'll certainly still find locals in the great outdoors when it rains.
Rent the perfect car
Edinburgh Castle
Take in the grand stone walls at iconic Edinburgh Castle, which perches high above the city atop an extinct volcano. Marvel at the lavish Great Hall, explore the grounds, and once you're done, have a spot of afternoon tea at The Tea Rooms — complete with homemade scones, jam, and cream.
Arthur's Seat
As the highest point in the city, Arthur's Seat offers breathtaking skyline views and the best glimpse of the ancient hill forts believed to date back to King Arthur's days. It's roughly a 1-hour hike up to the summit, but don't be surprised if you get distracted by the scenic vistas along the way.
National Museum of Scotland
Named one of the UK’s top 10 visitor attractions, the National Museum of Scotland offers a fantastic, educational day out for kids and adults alike. Free to the public, it's easy to spend hours getting lost amongst the exhibits, which run the gamut from art, culture, and history to science and technology.
Why choose Turo?
Enjoy a streamlined airport experience
100+ airports across the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and France let Turo hosts bring cars to airport parking lots and garages. Some smaller airports even allow curbside pickup at the terminal.*
Liability insurance included
Choose from three protection plans — Premier, Standard, or Minimum — to get the level of protection that’s right for you. Spring for Premier for peace of mind (eligibility requirements apply), or pay less for lighter protection with higher out-of-pocket costs for vehicle damage or theft.*
Relax with support & damage protection
Customer support is always available to answer your questions, and 24/7 roadside assistance is just a call away.
Edinburgh car rental for any occasion
Holiday car rental
Edinburgh draws millions of tourists each year thanks to its boundless history and rich cultural attractions. Hire a car for your Edinburgh holiday on Turo and select from a broad range of vehicles, including family-friendly SUVs, economical sedans, and much more.
Long-term car rental
Planning on settling in Edinburgh long-term? A hire car will help you see all the city has to offer. Use Turo to find rental cars available for a month or more, like the sturdy Vauxhall Crossland X SUV or the fuel-efficient Hyundai IONIQ sedan.
Event car rental
Edinburgh hosts an array of events every year — most notably, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Navigate the city freely and securely when you rent a car on Turo. If you need something snazzy for your event, you'll even find luxury models on the marketplace, like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class convertible.
Turo vs. traditional car rental
Turo
App-based experience
No waiting in line
1,600+ unique makes & models
Get the exact car you choose
Delivery options & thousands of pickup locations
Cars rented out by local small businesses
Vehicles and hosts rated by guests
Traditional car rental
Standard rental counter experience
Waiting in line
Limited car selection
Get one type of car “or similar”
Pickup at retail locations
Cars owned by large corporations
No vehicle ratings
Rental car pickup locations throughout Edinburgh
Get your car delivered right to you or wherever you’re going in Edinburgh, including Edinburgh airport. Many hosts offer delivery to custom locations or popular points of interest, like airports, train stations, and hotels. Popular Edinburgh pickup locations include:
Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
Make your journey a breeze by securing an Edinburgh Airport car rental with Turo. Simply book at this location, then use the app to find everything you need to know before your trip starts. Once you've landed, skip the airport car rental counter and head to a convenient pickup location nearby to collect your vehicle.
Haymarket railway station
If you're travelling to town via train, opt to collect your Edinburgh car rental from Haymarket railway station. It's conveniently located within the Edinburgh city centre, just a short drive from popular hotels and iconic sights. Chat to your host on the Turo app to confirm where you'll pick up the car or meet them to make the handover.
Edinburgh city centre
Prefer to make your own way to Edinburgh — or perhaps you're already here? On Turo, you'll find a wide range of vehicles across plenty of makes and models, all available for pickup in the downtown Edinburgh area and its surrounding suburbs. Common pickup spots include local landmarks, hotels, and parking lots.
Airport pickup made easy
Next time you fly, don’t wait in line and fill out forms — pick your car up at hundreds of popular airports.
Convenient pickup & return
Rather than hustling at the busy terminal curbside, take your time picking up the car at approved parking lots or garages. Check in, load up your luggage, and get comfortable with the car without a big rush.
No lines, no paperwork
Skip the rental car counter at hundreds of popular airports without waiting in line or filling out paperwork. Find and pick up the car with the app and hit the road in no time.
Free cancellation
Cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before your trip starts, unless you opt to receive a non-refundable trip discount when you book. Because life happens and it helps to be flexible when it does.
Pickup near or at Airports
Car rental locations near Edinburgh
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Top tips for renting a car in Edinburgh
Driving in Edinburgh itself is like any big city, with factors like traffic, parking, and local road rules to discover — but once you venture out into the country, the roads become more relaxed. Learn how to navigate both with ease by following these tips.
What are the road rules and driving conditions in Edinburgh?
Before you lock in a car hire in Edinburgh, it's important to brush up on local road rules. Start with the basics — always drive on the left-hand side of the road, adhere to road signs, wear a seatbelt at all times, and observe local speed limits.
In the city centre of Edinburgh, speed limits are fixed at 20 miles per hour (mph) to protect pedestrian, driver, and cyclist safety. On bigger roads, the limits vary, but expect to be driving around 30 mph in towns and villages, 60 mph on one-lane roads, and 70 mph on multi-lane roads and motorways.
Scotland has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, with significant fines for drivers who disobey these rules. Other rules to note include no parking permitted on pavements anywhere in Edinburgh, and the city centre's Low Emissions Zone, which prohibits vehicles that do not meet the minimum emissions standards from driving within this area.
Edinburgh can be rainy year-round, and in winter, expect snow, sleet, and fog. In snowy conditions, consider a car hire with snow tyres (you can filter by this criteria on Turo), and increase stopping distances. In the rain, use windscreen wipers accordingly and always utilise your headlights.
What is parking like in Edinburgh?
As a major tourist hub, parking in the downtown Edinburgh area can get understandably busy. You'll have a mixture of street spaces, open-air parking lots, and secure garages to choose from, depending on your destination. Popular secure options include the car park underneath the St James Quarter and the Q-Park OMNI along Greenside Row. If you're visiting a peak time (for example, during Fringe), consider leaving your hire car outside of the city centre and taking public transport in.
Are there toll roads in Edinburgh?
Great news for savvy travellers — as of 2008, when the government abolished them, there are no toll roads in the entire country of Scotland. However, as Edinburgh is quite close to northern England (just a two-hour drive from Manchester), always be sure to check for tolls before you explore.
Are there petrol stations and EV chargers in Edinburgh?
Yes, there are both petrol stations and electric vehicle (EV) chargers in Edinburgh, Scotland. Most petrol stations are located outside of the city centre, in surrounding suburbs like Stockbridge, Marchmont, and Fountainbridge. For a convenient option on your drive out of the city, try the bp at 23 Canonmills, or the JET at Barclay Place.
Electric vehicle charging stations are slightly easier to find close to downtown Edinburgh, but they're scattered throughout the suburbs as well. Need a quick charge? Try the station conveniently located at the Britannia Parking Lot (30 Semple Street), the ChargePlace Scotland at 32 Heriot Row, or the Blink Charging at the Q-Park OMNI on Greenside Row.
Do I need to rent a car in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh's public transport infrastructure is modern and convenient, so it's definitely not mandatory to hire a car here if you're just staying in the city centre. However, if you're keen to journey out to other cities like Glasgow, or beautiful, natural wonders (think Loch Lomond, the Scottish Highlands, and historical Linlithgow village), then having your own car is a huge help. Find the perfect rental car for your needs on Turo, and enjoy flexibility and freedom throughout your visit.
Frequently asked questions about Edinburgh car rental on Turo
What documents and paperwork do you need to rent a car on Turo?
To rent a car on Turo in the UK, you must create a Turo account, have a valid driver’s licence, get approved to drive on Turo, and be 21 years old or older.
When you’re booking your first trip, you’ll go through a quick approval process by entering your driver’s licence and some other information. In most cases, you’ll get approved immediately, and you’ll be set for all future road trips, day trips, and business trips!
What kind of licence do I need to rent a car on Turo?
Turo accepts permanent valid UK or EU licences that allow full driving privileges and show you’ve been a fully licensed driver for at least one year; or a permanent valid licence issued by a country outside of the UK or EU that allows full driving privileges and shows you’ve been a fully licensed driver for more than 2 years Note: A valid licence is a full one that’s not expired, suspended, or revoked.
How does car rental insurance work on Turo?
You don’t need personal insurance coverage to rent a car on Turo.
When booking a car on Turo, you’ll choose between three protection plans — Premier, Standard, or Minimum — to get the level of protection that’s right for you.
Turo has arranged for third-party auto liability policy to be provided by ERS (Syndicate 218 at Lloyd’s) managed by IQUW Syndicate Management Limited, arranged via Turo’s broker, Lockton Companies LLP — you get unlimited coverage for bodily injury or death to others while coverage for motor third-party property damage is up to £20,000,000.*
Can I get car rental discounts on Turo?
You can get discounts and low cost car rental on Turo.
On your Account page, make sure you’ve checked the box to receive email notifications, and enable push notifications from the Turo app in your phone settings — we’ll send you occasional promo codes, discounts, and deals.
Is there long term car rental on Turo?
Yes there is — whether you want to rent a car for three days, three months, or even longer, you can on Turo. You’ll find discounted prices on bookings lasting 3+, 7+, or 30+ days, so you can get the best deals and lowest rates possible by booking longer trips.
Is there unlimited mileage car rental on Turo?
Some hosts offer unlimited distance for a trip; others set a daily distance limit — you’ll need to check on each rental car individually to see if this service is provided. On the vehicle pages, you’ll see the total miles or kilometres you’re allowed to drive under the heading “Distance included.” You can find cars offering unlimited mileage with every trip by using the “Unlimited distance” filter.
Can other people drive the car that I rented?
Yes, multiple guests can drive the car you rent on Turo, as long as they are all approved to drive. There is no fee or additional charge for adding a driver to your trip on Turo. Only the guest who booked the trip can request to add drivers; Turo hosts cannot do it for you. We encourage you to request to add additional drivers before your trip starts.
To speed up the process, have your additional driver create a Turo account and get approved to drive before you request to add them. All drivers must have a valid driver’s licence and meet the age requirements for the car you’ve booked. You can request to add drivers via the “Trips” tab in the Turo app without additional driver charges or extra costs.
What rental car types are there in Edinburgh?
There are abundant hire cars to choose from in Edinburgh when you book on the Turo marketplace. Take your pick of everything from traditional SUVs and sedans to transporter vans, small cars, luxury vehicles, and more. If you've got kids to cart around, you might opt for a van hire that'll fit everyone (and the child seats!) with room to spare. Here for a quick getaway? You'll find sports cars, convertibles and electric vehicles, all ideal for exploring Edinburgh in.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Edinburgh?
The cost of car rental in Edinburgh can vary depending on car type, booking length, extras, and delivery. For cheap car rentals in Edinburgh, look out for discounts on longer-duration bookings and early bookings.
* Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply.