Royal Mile Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental around Royal Mile

Renting a car near the Royal Mile in Edinburgh offers the freedom and flexibility to explore this historic area and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and create a travel itinerary that suits your needs. This is particularly appealing for families or those looking to experience the friendly atmosphere of the city. Within a short drive, you can visit key attractions such as the Grassmarket, located 2 km away, which is ideal for outdoor family experiences. The Princes Street Gardens, also 2 km from the Royal Mile, provide a lovely urban park setting for relaxation and family outings. Additionally, St. Andrew Square is just 1 km away, perfect for a quick city experience. A car rental allows you to conveniently explore the broader Edinburgh area, including Old Town Edinburgh, where you’ll find historical sites like Edinburgh Castle. With easy access to various destinations in and around the city centre, having a rental car ensures that you can make the most of your visit while enjoying the rich history and culture of Edinburgh.

Most popular car rentals near Royal Mile

• Compact: This car type accommodates 5 travellers with up to 3 medium suitcases, making it an ideal choice for solo adventurers, couples, or families. Its size is perfect for navigating the narrow streets around Royal Mile, offering both convenience and cost-effectiveness for your travel plans.
• Economy: The Economy car also accommodates 5 travellers, but with space for up to 2 medium suitcases. This option is great for solo travellers, couples, or families looking for budget-friendly choices while enjoying the flexibility to explore the attractions near Royal Mile at their own pace.
• Midsize SUV: Ideal for families, couples, or small groups, the Midsize SUV accommodates 5 travellers and has room for up to 3 large suitcases. This vehicle is perfect if you need extra space for luggage and desire comfort during your travels around Royal Mile and beyond.

Top rated car suppliers near Royal Mile

• Sixt: With a rental location less than 1 km away from Royal Mile, Sixt is a top choice for travellers seeking flexibility. They are known for their friendly service and a diverse fleet. The most booked vehicles with Sixt include Compact and Midsize SUVs, perfect for exploring the scenic attractions around Edinburgh at your own pace.
• Enterprise: Located less than 1 km from Royal Mile, Enterprise is another excellent option for car rentals. They pride themselves on their customer satisfaction and a wide selection of vehicles. Popular choices include Compact and Midsize SUVs, making it easy for you to manage your luggage and adjust your itinerary while discovering the beauty of Edinburgh.
• Greenmotion: Also situated less than 1 km from Royal Mile, Greenmotion stands out for its eco-friendly approach and economical options. Their most booked cars are Economy and Compact vehicles, providing great value for those looking to explore the area without breaking the bank. Renting from Greenmotion allows you to travel comfortably while being mindful of your budget.

Where to stay near Royal Mile

• Edinburgh City Centre: Located only 1 km from the Royal Mile, Edinburgh City Centre offers a vibrant cultural experience. Here, you can explore historic sites like Edinburgh Castle and enjoy shopping along Princes Street. This area is perfect for family and city-themed experiences, with plenty of dining options including restaurants and breweries nearby. Don't miss the Grassmarket, a popular tourist precinct that caters to family and outdoor holiday seekers.
• Edinburgh and Lothian: Approximately 8 km away from the Royal Mile, this region is ideal for those looking for a mix of outdoor and cultural activities. Visitors can discover historic landmarks and enjoy scenic hiking trails. The Royal Mile remains a key attraction, while the National Museum of Scotland provides a deep dive into the area's rich history. With a variety of distilleries, dining spots, and cafes, you’ll find numerous options to satisfy your culinary cravings.

10 tips to save on your car rental around Royal Mile

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer outings, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, filters on Expedia can assist you in finding the perfect match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you are more likely to snag lower rates and enjoy improved availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically less expensive to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded urban areas. Mid-sized rentals offer a good compromise between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and specific types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This could also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements necessitate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Other policies may offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which can also be acceptable. Just remember to return the car empty in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the 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 unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unforeseen occur during your travels. Adding car rental insurance when booking with Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is mandatory for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car around Royal Mile

The best value period for renting a car around the Royal Mile is March, when both prices and demand are relatively low. January and February also offer slightly low prices and low demand, making them quiet options. April tends to see average pricing and demand, while May becomes the busiest month with higher prices. July follows with slightly high prices and average demand, making it one of the most expensive times to rent a vehicle in the area.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	38.5°F (3.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
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	High	Slightly High
June	55.2°F (12.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	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	Average
December	39.6°F (4.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average