Scotland car rentals
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Cheap car rentals in Scotland
Top tips for renting a car in Scotland
- You can enjoy an epic adventure around Scotland in the comfort of your very own hire car, which is one of the best ways to explore the country at your own speed. Whilst the roads are good and most two-wheel drive cars will be sufficient, if you are heading into the Scottish Highlands then you might benefit from having a 4X4 to help you up and down the steep terrain. In the cities like Edinburgh, you won’t need more than a compact car to get around and see the sights though.
- When you are driving your hire car in Scotland it’s important that you stick to the laws of the lanes. Drink-driving is taken very seriously in Scotland and there are large penalties for those that have more than 0.5 mg of alcohol per ml of blood when tested by police. You must also ensure that everyone in the car is wearing their seat belt at all times. Using a mobile phone whilst driving is also considered illegal, so ensure you have a proper hands-free kit. If you are travelling with children under 12 who are less than 135 cm tall, they will need to be in a suitable sized child seat.
- You can help reduce the impact of car hire on the environment by choosing a car that is either hybrid, so it runs on both petrol and electricity, or one that is fully electric. This will help reduce the amount of emissions that are produced during your hire period. If you’re driving around one of the cities then you will find petrol stations and electric charge points a frequent occurrence. There are less stations of both types of fuel in the countryside, so it is best to ensure you are fully charged before departing for your journey and to have an idea of where your next stop is.
- Book your rental car in Scotland at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Economy rental cars in Scotland are around 69% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Scotland
Should I rent a car in Scotland?
You should rent a car in Scotland as it provides you with the ultimate freedom to explore this magnificent country at your own pace. It also means you do not have to rely on other modes of transport, such as buses, trains, or taxis. For example, if you were travelling to Cairngorms National Park in the heart of the country, it would be far more convenient to travel there by car as you can get right to where you want your adventure to begin. Whereas it’s likely a bus would only drop you off at the nearest town.
What is driving like in Scotland?
Driving in Scotland is the same as the rest of the United Kingdom, so you won’t have to worry about driving on the other side of the road or the steering wheel being on the opposite side of the car. Speed limits are also the same, so you’ll need to travel no faster than 20mph in residential areas, 30mph in built-up areas and 60mph in rural areas. Dual carriageways and motorways are also the same as the rest of the UK, being at 70mph. One difference you might find while driving in Scotland is that you will drive for longer periods of time without passing towns or villages, especially the further north you travel. So remember to stock up on food and drink.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Scotland?
When you hire a car in Scotland, the minimum age of a person that is able to do so is determined by each individual company. Many of the car hire companies will also reduce the selection of cars, such as those with the larger engines, that are available to those under a certain age. In addition, you will often have to have held your driving license for a minimum of a one year. Whilst those who are under a certain age, often 25, will also have to pay a surcharge to hire a car.
What is the most popular rental car in Scotland?
Economy (Opel Crossland X or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Scotland.
What is the best rental car company in Scotland?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in Scotland are Alamo (8.5, 51 reviews), Enterprise Rent-A-Car (8.3, 58 reviews), and Budget (7.5, 54 reviews).
How can I find car rentals near me in Scotland?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
Car rental locations in Scotland
Car rental directory
Europcar car rental locations in Scotland
35 Locations
keddy by Europcar car rental locations in Scotland
35 Locations
Enterprise Rent-A-Car car rental locations in Scotland
33 Locations
Arnold Clark car rental locations in Scotland
31 Locations
Sunnycars car rental locations in Scotland
29 Locations
Free2Move car rental locations in Scotland
25 Locations
Avis car rental locations in Scotland
16 Locations
Hertz car rental locations in Scotland
14 Locations
Routes Car & Truck Rentals car rental locations in Scotland
14 Locations
FLIZZR car rental locations in Scotland
13 Locations
Sixt car rental locations in Scotland
12 Locations
Budget car rental locations in Scotland
11 Locations
Good to know
Most popular car type | Economy |
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