Compare cheap car hire at Edinburgh Airport with practical details on rental desk locations, vehicle options, driving routes and seasonal prices.
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is Scotland’s busiest airport and the main international gateway to the country. Located about 13km west of Edinburgh city centre, it is widely used by travellers visiting Scotland’s capital as well as those planning road trips through the Highlands, the east coast and central Scotland.
Hiring a car at the airport allows visitors to travel easily beyond the city. Many of Scotland’s most scenic routes and historic towns are easiest to reach by road.
Direct Flights from Ireland
Edinburgh Airport has frequent direct flights from Ireland throughout the year.
- Dublin → Edinburgh (Aer Lingus, Ryanair)
- Belfast → Edinburgh (easyJet)
- Cork → Edinburgh (seasonal services)
The flight from Dublin to Edinburgh typically takes about 1 hour.
Where to Find the Car Hire Desks
The car hire desks at Edinburgh Airport are located inside the Car Rental Centre next to the main terminal. After leaving the arrivals hall, travellers can follow signs for the car rental building, which is just a short walk from the terminal entrance.
Vehicles are collected from the adjacent car rental parking area beside the Car Rental Centre.
Airport maps and passenger information can be found on the official Edinburgh Airport website.
Car Hire Companies at Edinburgh Airport
A number of international car rental companies operate from the airport.
- Hertz
- Avis
- Budget
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Enterprise / Alamo / National
Vehicles are parked in the rental car park directly beside the Car Rental Centre.
Typical Rental Prices at Edinburgh Airport
| Season | Economy Car | Family / Compact | SUV / Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| January – March | £25 – £45 per day | £45 – £75 per day | £75 – £130 per day |
| April – June | £30 – £60 per day | £60 – £95 per day | £95 – £160 per day |
| July – August | £45 – £90 per day | £90 – £150 per day | £150 – £220 per day |
| September – October | £30 – £65 per day | £65 – £110 per day | £110 – £180 per day |
| November – December | £25 – £50 per day | £50 – £85 per day | £85 – £150 per day |
Popular Cars to Rent in Scotland
Compact Cars
Small cars are ideal for city driving and navigating narrower roads in historic towns.
Family Cars
Mid-size vehicles are comfortable for longer journeys across Scotland.
SUVs
SUVs are popular for travellers planning to explore rural areas or scenic Highland routes.
Driving Routes from Edinburgh Airport
The airport connects directly to Scotland’s motorway network via the M8 and M9 motorways.
- Edinburgh city centre – about 25 minutes
- Glasgow – around 1 hour
- St Andrews – roughly 1 hour 20 minutes
- Inverness – about 3 hours 30 minutes
The M8 motorway connects Edinburgh with Glasgow, while the M9 provides access to central Scotland and the Highlands.
Travellers comparing Scottish arrival airports sometimes also consider Glasgow Airport, Aberdeen Airport or Manchester Airport when planning trips across the UK.
Driving Advice for Scotland
Drivers in Scotland travel on the left-hand side of the road. Motorways and major roads are generally well maintained and clearly signposted.
Many scenic rural roads are narrower, particularly in the Highlands, where passing places may be required.
More travel information can be found on the official VisitScotland tourism website.
Places to Visit by Car from Edinburgh
Hiring a car makes it easy to explore destinations across Scotland.
- St Andrews – historic university town and golf destination
- Loch Lomond – scenic lake and national park
- Scottish Highlands – famous landscapes and mountain scenery
- Stirling – historic city with a well-known castle
Many visitors combine these destinations during a road trip through Scotland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the car hire desks at Edinburgh Airport?
The rental desks are located in the Car Rental Centre next to the terminal building.
Which companies operate car hire at Edinburgh Airport?
Major suppliers include Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Budget, Sixt and Enterprise.
How far is Edinburgh Airport from the city centre?
The airport is about 13km west of Edinburgh city centre.
Is driving in Scotland easy for visitors?
Yes, although drivers should remember that vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Do Scottish motorways have tolls?
No. Motorways in Scotland are generally toll-free.
Do I need a credit card to hire a car at Edinburgh Airport?
Most rental companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name for the security deposit.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, although manual vehicles remain common in the UK.
Should I book Edinburgh Airport car hire in advance?
Booking ahead usually provides better prices and vehicle availability.
How long does it take to drive from Edinburgh Airport to Glasgow?
The journey normally takes around one hour depending on traffic.
Which motorway connects Edinburgh Airport with central Scotland?
The M8 and M9 motorways provide the main road connections from the airport.
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