Edinburgh Airport car hire

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Find cheap car hire at Edinburgh Airport

These are the lowest Edinburgh Airport car hire prices we found across the internet over the next 30 days, and are subject to change.

Car hire near Edinburgh Airport

If it's easier for you, there are lots of car hire pickup locations in Edinburgh from R 456.

The most popular car rental companies in Edinburgh Airport

Edinburgh Airport car hire: Facts on the fly

Average daily priceR 1,960
Most popular carEconomy, 4-5 doors
Cheapest price foundR 466
Cheapest month to rentDecember
Providers at Edinburgh Airport20
Most popular providerDrivalia
Best time to book2 weeks before

Choose from the best car hire companies near Edinburgh Airport

Driving in Edinburgh: What to expect on the road

Documents you'll need
You’ll need a full licence and a credit card.
To rent a car in Edinburgh, bring your driving licence, passport and credit card. No International Driving Permit (IDP) is needed for UK or most EU visitors. Most rental companies require drivers to be over 21.
Navigating city driving
City centre traffic and trams need attention.
Driving in Edinburgh means narrow streets, bus lanes and tram crossings. Navigation apps are useful to avoid restricted zones and road closures, especially during festivals or events.
Tolls, emissions zones and charges
A low-emission zone is in place.
Edinburgh has a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) affecting older vehicles. Toll roads are not used locally, but charges apply on some bridges and longer routes. Check your hire car’s compliance in advance.
Parking your car in Edinburgh
Street parking is restricted and expensive.
Parking in Edinburgh is mostly pay-and-display, with many resident-only areas. Use multi-storey car parks or park-and-ride services on the city outskirts to avoid central congestion.
Finding fuel or charging points
Fuel is easy to find, and EV charging is well supported.
Petrol stations are common across Edinburgh. EV charging stations in Edinburgh are widely available — use apps like Zap-Map or ChargePlace Scotland to find one near your route or hotel.
Local driving style and tips
Drivers are courteous, but the roads are tight.
Local driving rules in Edinburgh are well enforced. Expect slow-moving traffic, speed cameras, and tricky hill starts. Stay alert in the city centre, and watch for cyclists and trams.
Find Edinburgh Airport car hire deals

How to get the best car hire deal in Edinburgh Airport

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy after you've touched down in Edinburgh Airport. 

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Edinburgh Airport (EDI)

  • Searching for a cheap Edinburgh Airport rental car? You're right where you need to be. With prices averaging R 1,960 a day, we compare the best offers so you can choose fast, spend less, and hit the road happy.

  • The cheapest daily rental price at Edinburgh Airport is R 466.

  • Planning to spend longer in Edinburgh? Grab a weekly rental from R 1,192 and squeeze in some detours or road trips.

  • Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding a cheap EDI car hire. Book about one week before you travel to score the best price.

  • Line up your ride with Green Motion, Drivalia or Hertz, some of the most popular providers at Edinburgh Airport.

  • Whether you book with Green Motion or a different supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Edinburgh Airport car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others charge extra for it.

  • Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a bargain if the provider needs to move cars between branches. Find the best available rates for a car for hire in EDI by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'

  • Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Edinburgh Airport with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise refueling fees tacked on at the end either.

  • Pack more into your journey by searching for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you go as far as you like with no extra cost.

Compare car hire types from Edinburgh Airport (EDI)

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap Edinburgh Airport rental car puts you on the road for less. These zippy, fuel-efficient cars are good for city driving and short trips.

  • Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, space and fuel efficiency. Easy to handle in cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they make sense for just about any journey.

  • Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and advanced tech features, this EDI car hire category includes full-size cars. With bigger back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.

  • SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a wide-angle view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're winding through tough terrain or cruising along uninterrupted highways, many come with all-wheel drive to help you tackle any road.

  • Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Edinburgh Airport takes heavy loads and larger groups in its stride. They're tough, dependable, and ready for whatever your trip demands.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Adding excess insurance to your EDI car hire offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or damage. Insurance policies can differ between rental providers, so compare before you commit.

  • Travel smarter when you rent a car in Edinburgh Airport by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to make wrong turns a thing of the past, or reverse cameras that give you confidence when parking.

Good to know

  • The minimum age to rent a vehicle in the United Kingdom is typically 21 years old. However providers may have their own rules, so always read your rental company's policy to find out what applies to you.

  • If you're going away with the kids, find out if you need to add a child car seat to your EDI car hire reservation. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to ride.

  • You'll likely be asked for these three things when picking up your rental car: a current driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card to cover the deposit amount. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. The full set of requirements will be laid out in your booking.

  • If you're unfamiliar with driving in the United Kingdom, don't forget that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.

  • Make sure you stay within the local speed limits. In general that's around 40kph in built-up areas and 100kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.

  • The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United Kingdom is 0.08%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, the only way to be certain you're safe to drive is to skip the drinks.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Edinburgh Airport (EDI)

  • Before leaving town, sightsee around Edinburgh first. Top attractions like Edinburgh Castle and Castle Rock are a perfect start to your adventure.

  • Glasgow should be on your itinerary if you're eager to see Glasgow West End and Glasgow Cathedral. This city is about 56 kilometres west of EDI.

  • Add Dundee to your list of stops. Around 64 kilometres northeast of the airport, head there in your Edinburgh Airport car hire to see top attractions like V&A Dundee and The McManus Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum.

  • Still got fuel in the tank? Set out for Bradford, around 257 kilometres southeast of EDI. From Bradford Cathedral to St Paul's Church, it's the perfect finale to your trip.

Hiring a car at Edinburgh Airport: FAQs

On average, car hire from Edinburgh Airport is around R 1,960 per day.
No. It's a little higher than United Kingdom's average daily car rental price, which is around R 568.
There are lots of car hire companies to choose from at Edinburgh Airport - including Avis, Green Motion, Hertz, Budget, Europcar, Sixt, Easirent, Arnold Clark, and EuroHireDrive.
Currently, the lowest price for car hire at Edinburgh Airport we found is R 466. And the cheapest rate for car hire nearby is from R 456. It can often be cheaper to hire a car from somewhere near to Edinburgh Airport, especially if there's an extra airport pick-up fee. But when you consider the cost of travelling from Edinburgh Airport to the pick-up location, and back again at the end of your stay, collecting your wheels as soon as you touch down might still work out more economic, faster and easier.
Yes – you can hire a car when you touch down in Edinburgh Airport and drop it off in another location, which can save you time and money.
The most popular according to travellers is Arnold Clark, with a 4.7 rating for things like cleanliness, customer service and value. The cheapest company is currently Drivalia.
Currently, it looks like Drivalia has the cheapest car hire deal in Edinburgh Airport – for R 646 per day. Dollar also has car hire deals from R 648 per day.
Although you can often find a cheaper car hire deal away from Edinburgh Airport, remember to consider: extra cost of public transport, a taxi to your hotel, or on to that pickup location on top of that price.
Yes. We understand that plans can change last minute, or you might even find a better car rental deal from Edinburgh Airport. That's why we highlight the rental cars you can book now and cancel later when you search.
Yes, van hire is available at Edinburgh Airport from R 1,060 per day.
When you rent a car near Edinburgh Airport, most major providers require you to be at least 21 years old. Some companies charge an extra fee if you're under 25, so make sure you check before booking.
You can book car hire at Edinburgh Airport in three simple steps. First, explore the range of available cars, from family-friendly SUVs to small compact cars. Next, narrow down your choices by comparing features like fuel policy, mileage and customer reviews to find the best deal. Then, once you’ve found the perfect car, you’ll be redirected to the provider’s website to book, with no extra fees.
The documents you need to rent a car at Edinburgh Airport vary depending on the car hire provider. In most cases, you’ll need a valid driving licence, photo ID and a credit card. You can check with the car hire provider when you book.
Finding the best car hire deal at Edinburgh Airport is quick and easy with Skyscanner. First, explore the range of available cars, from family-friendly SUVs to small compact cars. Next, narrow down your choices by comparing features like fuel policy, mileage, and customer reviews to find the best deal. Then, once you’ve found the perfect car, you’ll be redirected to the provider’s website to book, with no extra fees.