Top tips for renting a van in Edinburgh

Edinburgh's regal, historic streets are full of charm, but they're not always the easiest to navigate, especially if you're unfamiliar with the area. To help you move around with confidence, take in these top tips for hiring and driving a van in Edinburgh, Scotland.

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Tips for driving a van in Edinburgh

Driving a van is easy work once you've got the hang of it, but there are a few key differences from traditional car hire to note. First up, always take your van of choice for a test-run, whether it's in your local area or on a bigger stretch of road leading into the Edinburgh town centre. Just a few minutes behind the wheel will give you a good sense of the vehicle's height and length, both factors that will impact the way you drive, manoeuvre, and park. Many Edinburgh streets are tight or one-way, so you'll need a good handle on your steering.

Size can often be a problem in central Edinburgh, where many parking garages and some underpasses have a 2-metre height limit, so understanding your limits is the key to staying safe. Don't forget to check you've got good visibility through your rear and side mirrors, too, especially if you're transporting goods like furniture or boxes.

And, just like you would when driving a compact car or an SUV, always adhere to Edinburgh's local laws in your van rental. Drive on the left-hand side of the road, obey signage, and stick to speed limits.

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What is parking a van like in Edinburgh?

Like most cities of its size and density, Edinburgh isn't always the easiest place to park, especially with the careful considerations that come with driving a van, like height and length. So, it pays to plan ahead and research the best spots to leave your vehicle to avoid stress. If you're at the helm of a smaller van like a minivan, you may be able to utilise Edinburgh's paid parking garages, such as the NCP Holyrood Road (2 Viewcraig Gardens), the Edinburgh Waverley Station car park (New Street), or the Princes Exchange Car Park (9/2 Riego Street). While these can get pricey, they're your best bet for secure, long-term parking amidst the hustle and bustle.

For larger vans like cargo vans, consider street parking in quieter parts of the city. Popular areas include East Market Street and Jeffrey Street, both of which are close to the centre of Edinburgh. It's recommended to head in early to secure a space, as Edinburgh's parking is competitive, especially during the work week. Alternatively, many commuters living or staying outside of the CBD choose to leave their vehicles at train station car parks and take public transport into the city, which may be an option if you don't need your van rental while exploring or working.

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How to choose the right type of van for your Edinburgh trip

Never hired a van before? We're here to help. There are a few distinct types of vans to choose from before you hit 'book' on the Turo marketplace, including minivans, passenger vans, cargo vans, and full-scale moving vans (box trucks). Smaller options like minivans and passenger vans tend to drive similarly to regular cars, just with added height, length, and seating capacity. Opt for these if you're travelling with a large group and need the extra space for people and luggage.

Meanwhile, if your reason for hiring a van is to haul around furniture, boxes, or equipment, you'll want to select a cargo van or box truck. Cargo vans are the smaller option, but they're still pretty stocky, with lots of room in the back and boot for loading items. Depending on the model, they seat between two and five people. Box trucks, or moving vans, have a much greater storage capacity, but often only two or three seats in the front. These are ideal for big moving jobs and packing in furniture, not people.

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Loading a cargo van

There are a few things to know about loading a cargo van or moving van. Start with the heaviest items, placing these towards the front of the vehicle to maintain its centre of gravity while you drive. Follow with smaller, lighter items towards the rear, as well as anything you need readily accessible. If you've got lots of loose pieces, consider grabbing some ties or straps to secure them in place, especially if you're driving long distances.

With these tips in mind, you're almost ready to load — just be sure to keep in mind the van's overall maximum load capacity. Cargo van weight limits can range from roughly 700 kg to 3,000 kg depending on the make and model, so many everyday moving or hauling tasks are well within range. Still, it’s important to check the vehicle’s payload capacity before loading up to help keep the van balanced and easier to handle, especially on narrower or winding rural roads.

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Petrol stations and EV chargers in Edinburgh

Both petrol stations and electric vehicle (EV) chargers are convenient and accessible throughout Edinburgh, despite its busy city centre and penchant for public transport. To fill up a fuel-based van, remembering that most makes and models will take diesel rather than unleaded, you'll need to drive a few miles out of the Old Town to suburbs like Fountainbridge, Stockbridge, and Ravelston. Reliable options within a reasonable drive of the town centre include the JET at Barclay Place, the BP at 23 Canonmills, and the Sainsbury's Petrol Station at 39 Westfield Road. In Edinburgh's outskirts, petrol stations become increasingly more abundant.

If your van rental from Turo is electric, you're in luck. Edinburgh is flush with EV chargers compared to a few years ago. Most options are housed in parking garages, hotels, shopping centres, and city buildings, though on-street chargers are also an increasingly common sight. Convenient places to stop and charge include the Tesco Superstore at 7 Broughton Road, St James Quarter, and the University of Edinburgh. Be sure to check overhead height limits before charging your van in an underground car park.