Car Hire Edinburgh City Centre

You'll find our Edinburgh city Avis rental station at 24 East London Street right in the heart of the capital close to most of the main attractions. The branch is conveniently located for all the city’s main sights, hotels and restaurants, and is less than a 5-min walk from Haymarket Railway Station and a 15-min walk from Edinburgh’s Waverley Railway Station, the main train station in the capital..

Driving in Edinburgh is an enjoyable experience compared to much larger capital cities, but there are a few things to be aware of to ensure a smooth journey. Be aware that as in the rest of the UK you will be driving on the left hand side of the road and overtaking on the right. Also for those new to the capital, you’ll find the city has its share of narrow lanes and one way streets. Parts of Edinburgh have been designated a Low Emissions Zone (LEZ) and we recommend familiarising yourself with the rules before you set off.

If you have not driven in this part of the world before, you can check the road rules for driving in the UK before you travel.

If you are travelling in Winter you may need winter tyres to be fitted to your car and our team at Avis will be able to advise you on the winter car equipment you need plus local conditions at your destination.

What are the age requirements for renting a car in Edinburgh?

The minimum age to rent an Avis car in the United Kingdom is 23. Age restrictions also vary by vehicle and some selected car groups are not available to drivers under the age of 25.

There is currently no maximum age for hiring a rental car, so long as you have had a full, valid, licence for at least 1 year. Some additional steps may be required for those who are over the age of 75 on the date of the scheduled return.

What documents do I need to hire a car in Scotland?

To hire a car in Edinburgh, Scotland, you just need to bring your:

•           Driving licence

•           The credit card used to make your booking (if it's a high value vehicle two payment cards must be provided, one of which needs to be a credit card),

•           Proof of any discount (such as a frequent flyer or Avis Preferred card),

•           Photo ID for international rentals (such as a passport or driving licence) taken in the last 10 years.

Can I pick up my rental car in Edinburgh and return it to another location?

One-way car rental with Avis makes it easy to go from A to B without driving full circle. That means you can collect your Avis hire car at one of our locations in Edinburgh and then return it to another Avis office whether that’s in Scotland or another part of the United Kingdom. Many of our Avis locations offer a 24-hour drop-off facility, which makes a one-way car hire hassle-free and very user-friendly. Simply check out our many available one-way journeys and start planning your route. When you are ready to book, just specify your destination in the booking panel and we will arrange it for you.

Is it worth hiring a car in Edinburgh

While Edinburgh is a very compact city with many of the main attractions all within a short distance and there is a good public transport network of buses and trams, to enjoy the freedom of travelling independently and to experience all that Edinburgh and the surrounding areas have to offer, it is worth hiring a car to travel around the city. Renting a car from our Edinburgh city location also gives you the chance to explore further afield and even plan a road trip across Scotland.

What is parking like in Edinburgh?

Parking options in central Edinburgh cover a range including on-street spaces and multi-story car parks. There are a number of parking zones in the city [https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/parking-spaces/parking-prices-times]. If you plan to stay outside the city, one option is to use one of the seven park and ride facilities surrounding Edinburgh [https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/parkandride].

Renowned as an atmospheric city steeped in history and with grand architecture spanning several centuries, set against a backdrop of distant mountains and the coast, Edinburgh is the perfect destination for a long weekend break or a base for longer vacation exploring Scotland.

Divided into distinct areas, Edinburgh all with their own character. The Old town is the place to go to see Edinburgh’s iconic medieval sights like Edinburgh Castle, you’ll tread winding alleys and cobbled streets and stroll the Royal Mile. For high-end shopping and fine dining, head to New Town, which is filled with grand granite Georgian houses while for an independent vibe, check out West End for its theatres and green spaces. Seafood lovers should aim for the waterfront in Leith, in the old port area of the city, popular for its cafes, restaurants and creative vibe.

While the city of Edinburgh is full of popular sights, there is no better way to unlock the magic of Scotland than from behind the wheel of your hire car. Travel north out of the city to connect with the A92 and visit the rolling hills and ancient fishing villages of Fife. St. Andrews, with its famous university founded in 1410, is an excellent spot to stretch your legs, just 50 miles north of Edinburgh city centre.

If you are yearning for Scottish wilderness, the majestic Highlands are about three hours north of Edinburgh city centre. Connect with the M90 and then the A9 for Inverness; from there you can go in search of the ever-elusive Loch Ness Monster, or travel west to Fort William.

The M8 west of Edinburgh links directly with Glasgow, while access to the north of England is made easy via the A1 running south out of the city.