What kind of vehicle do you need? A large SUV for a big family? An eco-friendly compact car to zip around the city? Whatever you’re looking for, Avis car hire in Aberdeen will have you covered. Our vehicles offer practicality, performance and comfort, so you can enjoy your trip as much as possible. Get in touch for more information about the exact models that are available.

Once you’ve made the drive into Aberdeen centre, you can explore the best that this historic coastal city has to offer. Though the capital of Aberdeenshire is technically not part of the Highlands, it’s further north than many tourists will venture into the country, and it will give you an authentic Scottish experience.

One of your first stops in the “Granite City” should be its harbour – one of Scotland's largest fishing ports. Then you can head over to Aberdeen Maritime Museum, which tells the full story of the North Sea. Park up to stroll down Union Street, home to a myriad of shops, restaurants and bars, leading onto the vibrant boutiques of the city’s West End. The Old Town is also well worth a visit, with charming cobbled streets, a large picturesque park, and a number of old houses and other buildings, many of which date back as far as the 12th century. Then there’s Duthie Park, which is one of the most-visited botanical gardens in Scotland.

And if the weather is fine, why not check out Aberdeen Beach? This rugged windswept stretch borders the North Sea, and lets you stroll along the sand or even take a dip, if you’re feeling brave enough.

Which side of the road?
In the United Kingdom, please drive on the left side of the road.

Country driving laws

• Mobile phones may only be used with a headset or hands-free device
• There is a congestion charge payable when driving in London

• Use the outside lane to overtake on motorways and dual carriageways
• Zebra crossings (black and white stripes on the road) give pedestrians right of way to cross the road

Speed Limits

All speed signs will be in mph.

For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers:

• Urban areas: 30 mph (48 km/h)
• Motorways: 70 mph (112 km/h)

• Rural areas: 60 mph (96 km/h)

Unless indicated by road signs.

Child safety / Seatbelt laws

• It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt

• Children aged under 12 or less than 135 cm tall must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size

Please note, it is the child’s parent/guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.

This road rules information is for provided for general guidance only. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk.

UK driving rules
Want a quick guide to the rules of the UK roads? We’ve unlocked them for your journey.

Drive west to discover the ancient pine forests, glassy lochs, lonely moorlands and looming mountains of Cairngorms National Park. Park up at the Glenlivet Estate, for its “Walks, Whisky and Wildlife.” Golfers will find plenty of nine and 18-hole courses to challenge dotted around the park.

Further west, explore the 21-arched Glenfinnan viaduct near Fort William (which plays a starring role in the Harry Potter films). On the jagged west coast from Ullapool, 150 miles from Aberdeen, ferry out to the Outer Hebrides. Arriving in capital Stornoway prepare for a spectacular 150 mile round trip taking in standing stones, lochs and white sand beaches facing sparkling seas.

Find your way
To make your journey even easier, we can include a sat nav with your vehicle so you can relax.

What is Aberdeen known for?

The city is particularly famous for its historical extraction  of granite, which is still evident today in its distinctive grey buildings, giving it a unique character.

Do I need winter tyres to drive in Scotland?

No, there is no legal requirement for passenger cars in Scotland to be equipped with winter tyres. 

Is it expensive to hire a car in Scotland?

Avis has competitively-priced vehicles for all budgets throughout Scotland, and the country is relatively cheap for car hire, compared to some other places in Europe. Check out our available hubs, and contact us to see how easily you can get out on the Scottish roads in the vehicle of your choice.

Van hire

What do you need to shift? Our van rental fleet spans small hire vans, perfect for that weekend DIY project; medium vans, well suited to hauling rolls of carpet, heavy floor tiles, or moving the kids to university; and large vans to accommodate some or all your wordly goods.   

Discover Avis van rentals

Luxury car hire in the UK with Avis Prestige

Treat yourself to an extraordinary drive.

We take pride in offering an excellent selection of luxury cars to meet your needs. Whether you need to hire a top of the range executive saloon for a business function, a convertible supercar for a wedding celebration, or a high performing luxury SUV for a family trip, we have the premium rental car you are looking for.

Visit our Avis Prestige page for more information.