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.
25% of our users found rental cars in Scotland for ₪159 or less
Book your rental car in Scotland at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
Standard rental cars in Scotland are around 85% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting 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.
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.
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.
Standard (Class Commercial Truck or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Scotland.
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in Scotland are Budget (7.7, 64 reviews), Sixt (7.2, 61 reviews), and Hertz (6.7, 83 reviews).
Based on car searches on KAYAK, the most popular cities to rent a car in Scotland are Edinburgh (71% of total searches of users looking to rent a car in Scotland), Glasgow (15%) and Aberdeen (10%).
On average a rental car in Scotland costs ₪2,223 per week (₪318 per day).
On average a rental car in Scotland costs ₪9,525 per month (₪318 per day).