Edinburgh is a compact and energetic city, full of fascinating museums and galleries, historical sites and cultural attractions. 

Begin by exploring the Old Town area. A warren of cobbled streets and alleys, it’s where you'll find The Royal Mile, St Giles' Cathedral, the old and new Scottish parliament buildings and the Royal Palace of Holyrood. Feeling energetic? Go higher and tramp up the 250-metre-high Arthur’s Seat. This city centre mound can be attempted from any direction and climbers are rewarded with stellar views.

Edinburgh Castle dominates the city’s skyline. Visit early to avoid the crowds and see the Scottish Crown Jewels and Stone of Destiny. It's also home to the National War Museum and the National War Memorial.

Or how about a tour under the city? Blair Street Vaults present an underbelly of Edinburgh, dating back to the 17th century. 

It’s a short drive from the city centre to Leith, now home to the retired Royal Yacht Britannia. Named as one of the UK’s top tourist attractions, step on board for an audio tour that explores the history of its five regal decks. Afterwards, discover the Port of Leith, on the shores of the Firth of Forth. Dating back to the 14th century, it’s jam-packed with delis, chic bars, and top restaurants in one of Edinburgh’s most fashionable neighbourhoods.

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)
• Rural areas: 60 mph (96 km/h)
• Motorways: 70 mph (112 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 135cm 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.

If you want to learn more about driving in Edinburgh, see the full UK Road Rules guide.
 

With an Avis hire car from Edinburgh you can also get out of the city and discover mountains, lochs and sandy beaches waiting to be explored.

The Golf Coast
East Lothian is known as Scotland’s Golf Coast. Just 30-minutes’ drive from Edinburgh on the A1, you can practise your swing at any of the 22 courses along the 30 miles of stunning coastline, including Muirfield, North Berwick & Gullane.

Glasgow
Edinburgh’s lively big brother Glasgow is just over an hour’s drive away via the M8. Hit its Style Mile for designer stores and boutique oddities, or take tea with a side of shortbread at the renowned Willow Tea Rooms. From Glasgow, it’s a short jaunt east to the heritage site of Bannockburn and 16th-century Stirling Castle. 

Other must-go’s: 21-arched Glenfinnan viaduct near Fort William (which plays a starring role in the Harry Potter films); the Grampian Mountains; the Cairngorm massif and the jagged west coast, that stretches all the way from Argyll to Wester Ross. 

From Ullapool in Ross-shire, ferry out to the Outer Hebrides and into the windswept streets of Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. An astonishing 150-mile round trip takes in standing stones, lochs and white sand beaches looking on to sparkling seas.

Can I pay for my rental car in Edinburgh with a debit card?

Yes. You can pay for your Edinburgh car rental using Visa and MasterCard debit cards. However, there are a few exceptions: one credit card and one debit card may be required at the counter for higher-value vehicles in the UK. PREPAID cards are accepted online but not at the counter. Therefore, a non-PREPAID card must be shown at the Edinburgh car rental station (together with a PREPAID card). A PREPAID card may be used to pay for the rental car when you return the vehicle at the end of your trip. Please remember that the name on your card must match the name on your driver’s licence (i.e. someone else cannot pay on your behalf). Don’t forget to bring your payment card when you collect your rental car.

What are the age requirements for hiring a rental car in Edinburgh?

You need to be at least 23 years old to hire and drive most of our vehicles.  All drivers must have held their licences for at least 1 year for cars.  If you – or any of your drivers – are under 25 when you pick up the vehicle, you will each have to pay a young driver surcharge. The cost of a young driver surcharge will be built into the price confirmed at booking stage.  Please refer to the United Kingdom Country specific conditions.  

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

Yes, with the Avis one-way rental that's not a problem. Pick up your one-way rental car at one of our locations throughout the United Kingdom or Europe and return it at another rental location at the end of your trip.

Whether you're moving house, doing a DIY project or getting the kids setup at uni, you'll find small, medium and large vans for hire in Edinburgh. Avis vans are now available from a selection of hub locations across the UK.