Edinburgh Castle Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental around Edinburgh Castle

Renting a car around Edinburgh Castle offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the rich history and vibrant culture of the area at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans that suit your needs. Whether you are visiting with family or seeking a friendly, historical experience, having a vehicle allows you to visit various attractions conveniently. Not far from Edinburgh Castle, you can discover Princes Street, which is less than 1 km away and perfect for city experiences. The Grassmarket, also under 1 km away, is a great spot for family and outdoor activities. Additionally, the picturesque Princes Street Gardens is nearby, providing a lovely urban park setting. Exploring the broader Edinburgh area is made simpler with a rental car, allowing you to visit the bustling Edinburgh City Centre and the historic Old Town Edinburgh with ease. This way, you can immerse yourself in the local culture and see all that Edinburgh has to offer without relying on public transport or fixed schedules.

Most popular car rentals near Edinburgh Castle

• Compact: Accommodating up to 5 travellers with space for 3 medium suitcases, the Compact car is an ideal choice for solo travellers, couples, or families. Its smaller size makes it perfect for navigating the streets around Edinburgh Castle, allowing for easier parking and manoeuvring through the historic city.
• Midsize SUV: This option comfortably fits 5 travellers and offers room for 3 large suitcases, making it perfect for families, couples, or small groups. The Midsize SUV provides extra space and comfort, allowing you to explore the attractions surrounding Edinburgh Castle with ease, especially if you have larger luggage or require additional legroom.
• Economy: Ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families, the Economy car accommodates up to 5 travellers and 2 medium suitcases. This vehicle is perfect for those looking to keep rental costs low while still enjoying the flexibility of exploring the area around Edinburgh Castle. Its efficient size allows for easy navigation and parking in the bustling city.

Top rated car suppliers near Edinburgh Castle

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo is a popular choice among travellers looking to rent a car near Edinburgh Castle. With a rental location less than 1 km away, Alamo is known for quick pickup and friendly staff. Their most booked vehicles include Compact SUVs and Midsize SUVs, which are perfect for exploring the attractions around the castle. Customers appreciate the cleanliness of the cars and hassle-free returns, making Alamo a reliable option for your journey.
• National Car Rental: National Car Rental also offers a convenient location less than 1 km from Edinburgh Castle. This supplier is well-regarded for its selection of Midsize SUVs and Compact SUVs, which cater to a variety of travel needs. Travellers highlight the excellent service and the ease of the rental process, ensuring a smooth experience as you embark on your Scottish adventure. National’s commitment to customer satisfaction makes it a solid choice for car rentals.
• Europcar: Europcar is situated 1 km away from Edinburgh Castle and provides a range of vehicle options, with a focus on Compact and Midsize SUVs. Customers frequently commend Europcar for its competitive pricing and the cleanliness of its vehicles. The efficient drop-off process is particularly praised, making it an excellent option for those with tight schedules. Europcar’s commitment to a seamless rental experience ensures you can explore Edinburgh and its surroundings with ease.

Where to stay near Edinburgh Castle

• Edinburgh City Centre: Located less than 1 km from Edinburgh Castle, the City Centre offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for culture-themed and family experiences. Here, you can explore the historic Princes Street, indulge in shopping, and enjoy nearby theaters. With numerous restaurants, distilleries, and breweries in the vicinity, you're well-positioned to experience the culinary delights of the area.
• Old Town Edinburgh: This neighbourhood is home to Edinburgh Castle and is renowned for its rich history and culture. Old Town Edinburgh is ideal for those interested in city-themed, culture-themed, or family experiences. Key attractions such as the Royal Mile and the Grassmarket are nearby, along with various shopping areas and eateries, providing a perfect blend of history and modern conveniences.

10 tips to save on your car rental around Edinburgh Castle

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economical car for budget-friendliness, use Expedia's filters to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you're more likely to secure lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and can be easier to park in crowded 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 can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid extra fees. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in this instance.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides added peace of mind if something unexpected occurs during your trip. It's easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is required to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car around Edinburgh Castle

The best value period to rent a car around Edinburgh Castle is March, when prices are slightly low and demand is also manageable. February is another quiet month, making it an ideal time for those seeking better rates. Following this, April tends to see average prices and demand, offering a nice balance for renters. However, August is the most expensive month, with high demand as tourists flock to the city, making it a busier time for car rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	38.5°F (3.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
February	39.4°F (4.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
March	41.5°F (5.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	45.1°F (7.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	50.0°F (10.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
June	55.2°F (12.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
July	58.1°F (14.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
August	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Slightly High
September	54.3°F (12.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
October	49.5°F (9.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	43.5°F (6.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
December	39.6°F (4.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average