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
Volkswagen up!
2016
•5.0
(8)
Citroen C1
2017
•5.0
(1)
Dacia Sandero
2019
•New listing
Citroen C3
2018
•5.0
(33)
Dacia Sandero Stepway
2020
•5.0
(13)
Dacia Sandero
2017
•New listing
Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport
2019
•4.78
(9)
Dacia Sandero
2018
•New listing
BMW X4
2018
•5.0
(2)
Rent a car in Edinburgh on Turo
A rich history, beautiful neoclassical architecture, and a wealth of cultural attractions have earned Edinburgh the nickname "Athens of the North." If you're traveling from the US or another country, you'll want to experience everything the city has to offer in an Edinburgh car rental.
Watched over by a striking medieval castle and filled with boisterous pubs, gourmet restaurants, and exclusive stores, Edinburgh is a charming city with an air of mystery. Whether you want to admire stunning Queen Anne buildings as you cruise down York Place or head out to St. Andrews to visit the home of golf, you'll find a car on Turo that will make your Edinburgh experience more exciting and enjoyable. All you have to do is pick a vehicle and plan your adventure.
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, Scotland 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
We had a wonderful day exploring the highlands because we were able to rent a car from Shahzad! He was wonderful to communicate with. We had some difficulty working the hybrid style, as it is different than what we were used to, and he called within minutes to help us. I would absolutely rent from him again!
We had a good experience with this car! It was in great condition, with clean interior. Android Auto and the speakers worked well, which made our road trip comfortable. The host was friendly, communicative, and quick to respond throughout the rental, making everything hassle-free. Overall, the car was comfortable, reliable, and good to drive. We’d definitely recommend it and would happily rent it again!
Shazad was very good and nice person to deal with. All went perfectly for the day. Thanks to Shahzad. Car was very good and well maintained. Best wishes!
Great rental experience the car was clean and comfortable enjoyed the whole trip.
The car is great and the host is also good, have a lovely time with this car, made our trip easy
Very helpful host, car was great for 200-mile round trip. No complaints.
Sheik is very responsive and helpful, and the car was easy and pleasant to drive. I would highly recommend to rent it for a roadtrip in Scotland !
Great gas mileage, perfect car for droving around the Highlands and Stephen was a great host! Would definitely rent again!
Great car, clean and easy to drive. Waqas dropped it at our accomodation. Perfect for our trip outside the city.
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.
Thank you, we had a great trip with your car. Confy, effective, great interior space. Perfect 👌
Awsome car ! Lovely sounds system for long road trips. Six gears and very fuel efficient. Host was great and helped me through the process. Great for a trip around Scotland. 🏴
Super little car. Straightforward and in great condition all round. Irynia is a friendly and professional, thoughtful renter. Great communication. I'm an Edinburgh resident and will happily hire from her again! 😊
Great experience. Host was very helpful/accommodating. Car was in great shape. No issues. Would highly recommend.
Car was great! Clean, smooth ride, loved that it was a hybrid great on gas . Pickup and drop off was so easy as well. Had everything we needed Bluetooth , charger ports etc etc . Would def book again!
Great car and smooth ride. Shaz was kind enough to wait for us to receive the car at the end of the day despite some delays at our end. Highly recommend
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.
Rent a car and explore Edinburgh
Things to do and places to see in Edinburgh
Edinburgh offers something for every kind of traveler. There are museums, galleries, theaters, an opera house, castles, Roman ruins, and famous sights for history buffs, and lively pubs, festivals, and endless entertainment options for those who just want to have a good time. Close proximity to the breathtaking Scottish Highlands and some of the world's best golf courses also make Edinburgh a popular vacation destination. Here are some of the city's most popular attractions.
Rent the perfect car
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle stands on ground that has been inhabited since the Iron Age. King Malcolm III built a royal palace on Castle Rock in the 11th century, and it has been added to and expanded ever since. The imposing castle visitors see today was once the home of Mary Queen of Scots, James VI, and Oliver Cromwell, and some of the rooms that once witnessed palace intrigue are now restaurants, cafes, and shops. If you plan to visit Scotland in August, you'll be able to witness the pomp and spectacle of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
The spectacular natural beauty of the Scottish countryside has been inspiring poets and painters since Roman times. Loch Lomond is considered the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, and it's less than 100 miles from the Edinburgh city center. The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park covers 720 square miles, and almost every square inch of it is breathtaking. There are trails to walk, hills to climb, and jaw-dropping views to marvel at, and you can even rent a boat to explore the loch.
The Royal Yacht Britannia
Queen Elizabeth II christened the Royal Yacht Britannia just 14 months after she ascended to the British throne, and the ship quickly became one of her favorite royal residences. The floating palace has hosted international conferences, taken part in disaster relief efforts, and served as a honeymoon hotel for four royal couples, but most American visitors will know it best for its starring role on the TV show "The Crown." All of Britannia's five decks are open to the public, and there's history around every corner.
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
City vacation rental car
If you want to discover everything Edinburgh has to offer in style and comfort, a mid-size sedan would be a great choice. You and your passengers will have plenty of room to stretch out and relax, and navigating the historic city's narrow cobbled streets won't be a problem. You could cruise the Royal Mile or tour Old Town, and you won't want to miss the Arch Bridge.
Highland tour rental car
You'll look for road signs that point north if you want to experience the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands. A roomy SUV or minivan would be ideal for a trip to Loch Ness and the Great Glen, or you could choose a performance sedan or coupe to enjoy 750 miles of driving nirvana on the North Coast 500 and North East 250. You could visit Ben Nevis, Culloden, and Fort George, and you won't want to miss Balmoral Castle.
Golf experience rental car
You'll need a car with enough room for your clubs and all of your gear if you want to play a few rounds in golf's birthplace. Muirfield and St. Andrews have hosted the Open Championship 46 times, and they are both a short drive from Edinburgh city center. Playing a classic links course is a golfing experience like no other, and you'll be walking in the footsteps of legends on every hole.
Turo car rental vs. traditional rental
Turo Car rental
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 rental
Standard rental counter experience
Waiting in line
Limited selection
Get a type of vehicle “or similar”
Pickup at retail locations
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)
Edinburgh Airport is just eight miles from the center of the city, so you won't have far to drive after you pick up your car. You'll be unpacking and enjoying Scotland even sooner if you find your Edinburgh car rental on Turo. Instead of enduring long lines at the airport car rental counter, you'll be able to head to a designated parking garage or lot to grab your keys and hit the road. Just remember that people drive on the left in Scotland.
Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station
If you travel to Edinburgh by rail, your train will probably arrive at Waverley Station. Nestled in the city's historic Old Town neighborhood and surrounded by beautiful Georgian and Victorian buildings, Waverly Train Station would be a great starting point for an Edinburgh adventure. It's easy to get lost in medieval Old Town's labyrinth of streets, lanes, and alleyways, but you won't have to ask for walking directions because the Turo app will tell you exactly where your rental car will be waiting.
Edinburgh Bus Station
Bus stations are often located in the parts of cities that visitors avoid, but Edinburgh's road transit hub is located on historic York Place. Some of the unspoiled 18th-century buildings that line York Place are still private residences, but many others have been converted into boutique hotels, upscale stores, and gourmet restaurants. If you want to get a taste of Edinburgh before you grab the keys to your rental car, York Place would be a great pickup location.
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 on unfamiliar streets in a foreign country can be a bit overwhelming at first, but Edinburgh's welcoming people will make you feel right at home. You'll be able to enjoy Edinburgh and visit nearby attractions like Arthur's Seat and Stirling Castle in a rental vehicle, and getting around the city will be a breeze. Here are some tips that could help you get the most out of your rental and time in Edinburgh.
What are the road rules and driving conditions in Edinburgh?
Unlike the wide, open roads of some major US cities, Edinburgh is known for its narrow cobbled streets and steep hills, so you may want to choose a rental car that's maneuverable and has a good suspension if you'll be spending most of your time in the city. If you plan to venture out into the Scottish countryside, you'll find the roads well signposted and easy to navigate. Another change from driving in the US is that you'll have to get used to sitting on the right side of the car and driving on the left side of the street. There are almost as many roundabouts as traffic lights in Edinburgh, so be prepared to yield to cars and buses approaching from the right.
What is parking like in Edinburgh?
Parking on the street or in a garage during weekdays is expensive in Edinburgh, but you may be able to find places where you can leave your rental car for free at night and on weekends. It'll cost you about $11 to park at a meter for two hours, and you'll be able to pay with cash, a credit or debit card, or the RingGo smartphone app. You'll find parking garages on main thoroughfares like Waterloo Place, Greenside Row, and Broughton Street, and many of them are open 24 hours a day. Most of Edinburgh's popular attractions have parking garages or lots, and many of its hotels offer valet parking.
Are there toll roads in Edinburgh?
The Scottish government wants visitors to feel welcome and appreciated, so it's taken steps to make spending time in the Auld Country a bit more affordable. One of those steps was abolishing toll roads and bridges in 2008. You can explore Edinburgh, tour the Scottish Highlands, and visit legendary golf courses and whisky distilleries, and you'll never have to reach for your wallet or purse to pay a toll.
Are there gas stations and EV chargers in Edinburgh?
Most of Edinburgh's gas stations are located on major roads like the A7, A199, and B7, and you'll also find plenty of places to fill your car's gas tank off the City of Edinburgh Bypass. Gasoline is called petrol in Scotland, and it's sold in liters. If you decide to rent an EV to explore Edinburgh, you'll be able to recharge its batteries at facilities operated by BP Pulse, ChargePlace Scotland, Evyve, and Tesla. There are charging stations at popular attractions and in shopping centers, and Tesla has Destination Chargers at the Radisson Blu Hotel, the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, and the Pollock Estate.
Do I need to rent a car in Edinburgh?
Renting a car will allow you to explore Edinburgh on your own terms and at your own pace. Public transportation in Edinburgh runs around the clock, but buses are expensive at night, and you'll wait up to an hour to catch one. Taxi and ride share fares will add up quickly if you plan to visit a lot of the city's popular attractions, and you'll need a rental car if you want to head out of the city to experience the Scottish Highlands, tour some whisky distilleries, or play a few rounds of golf.
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?
Some of the cars, minivans, and SUVs in Scotland have names and badges that you may not be familiar with, but they are just as capable and comfortable as the vehicles you see in the USA. You'll find everything from compact cars to luxury sedans on Turo, and the booking process is easy. Just choose a car, select a pickup location, and plan your adventure. The most popular rental car types in Edinburgh include:
- Mid-size sedans: Many people check Turo for medium-sized sedans when they plan visits to Edinburgh. Cars like the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C Class, and Audi A4 would be great choices if you want to travel in luxury, or you could select from more affordable options like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Vauxhall Astra.
- Small cars: Gas is expensive and the roads are narrow in Edinburgh, so small cars are a popular rental option. The Fiat 500, Renault Clio, and Peugeot 208 all get more than 40 miles to the gallon, and they can fit into the tightest spaces.
- Minivans: The Scottish call minivans people movers or MPVs. If you want the space of an SUV and the driving characteristics of a car, you could choose from vehicles like the Dacia Jogger, Citroen Berlingo. If you want a bit more luxury, you could opt for a Mercedes-Benz B Class or Lexus LM.
- Sports cars: Traveling along Scottish Highland roads in a sleek convertible or powerful sports car would be an incredible driving experience. Popular sports cars on Turo include the Mazda Miata, Toyota Supra, Jaguar F Type, and Porsche 911.
- SUVs: SUVs aren't as popular in the UK as they are in America, but you'll still find plenty of them on Turo. Range Rovers are great vehicles for highland tours and golfing trips, and so are more affordable choices like the Hyundai Santa Fe, Volvo EX30, and Kia Sportage.
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 rental in Edinburgh look for discounts on longer-duration and early bookings.
* Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply.