Last Updated: 30th June, 2023
Scotland is an ideal place to rent a car and do some touring so if you are looking for a cheap car hire in Scotland? We will compare the rent a car market for you to get you the cheapest price and above all the best deals in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen airports and most towns and cities.
Scotland has some of the most magnificent scenery in the world; from rugged mountain vistas to glorious lochs and beaches. With something for everyone, Scotland is the ideal location to take a road trip. By far, the easiest way to get around is by rental car. Rather than sitting in a cramped train carriage, your journey dictated by timetables, with a hire car, you are in charge. You can take detours and pit-stops and sing along to the radio to your heart’s content. It is cheaper, more environmentally friendly and easier. There simply isn’t enough time to see everything Scotland has to offer, so here is a list of the Top 5 road trips to help make sure that you don’t miss out.
Based on feedback from our customers who hired a car at in Scotland, Arnold Clare Car & Van Rental have the best customer satisfaction rating in Scotland with a score of 9.0 out of a maximum of 10 points.
Yes you can hire a car at Scotland with a debit card issued by a bank. Conditions of debit card use: card must be in main driver's name. MasterCard or VISA only. Debit cards must be issued by a bank, and numbers must be embossed. Please note, the deposit amount will be charged if using a debit card and associated transactions fees may apply. Maximum rental duration 28 days if using a debit card. Prepaid and electronic cards (Visa Electron) are not accepted. Be sure to check the filter for Both Credit and Debit Cards on the left side under the heading Cards Accepted At Pick-Up. This will display the car hire companies that will accept Debit Cards. Please contact us and we will be glad to explain how rent a car with a debit card
Yes, you can hire a car in Scotland from some car rental companies up to 99 years of age with no extra charges. Contact us we will be glad to assist you by comparing the leading car hire companies to get you the best deal.
You can hire a car in Scotland at 21 years of age, with additional fees. Young driver's age: 21 to 24 years. Charge 36 GBP per day. Young driver's age: 23 to 24 years. Charge 32.5 GBP per day. Maximum 325 GBP. Please contact us directly and we will be glad to explain how to get the best deal for your age group.
Yes some car hire companies will allow you to take a rental car cross border, but you will need to get permission first. Please contact the local branch prior to collection of the vehicle to arrange cross border travel. 48 hours notice is required to take a vehicle cross border. There will be additional fees to cross an International border. Green Motion vehicles can only be used on the UK mainland including Scottish Islands, Isle of Wight and Isle of Man. Permission for use in Ireland* or on the continent and France will attract the following charges: The cost will be calculated as the Standard rental + £125 surcharge + £20 per part calendar day.
Yes some car hire companies will allow one way rentals, however you will need to let them know first. There will be an additional one way rental fee if you leave the car in a different location to the pick location. Cross border travel outside UK Mainland is permitted only into Shetland Islands, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. cross border fee of £125 per rental applies. The vehicle must be returned to the territory where it was rented. One way rentals from UK mainland to the Scottish islands are not allowed by Sixt.
A full licence held for minimum of 1 years with no major endorsements is required by some car rental suppliers. Many car hire suppliers will require a minimum of 2 years. UK licence holders need to present the photo card.
The principle driver will need to have the following documents in his or her name. A full licence, a credit card, the voucher we will send you when you complete your booking, and a passport. A printed version of your voucher must be produced upon arrival at the rental desk. Failure to present the voucher means the car rental agent may charge you at the local rates. With Budget rentals you will also need one original form of proof of address.
This will depend on the car hire supplier you select. The vast majority of cars have a full to full fuel policy, which means your vehicle will be supplied with a full tank of fuel. To avoid incurring fuel charges, you will need to return it with the same amount of fuel as it had when you collected it. You can also choose pick up full return empty. This maybe more convenient if you wish to drop the car back without delays, but it will be more expensive.
Car Rental is available at Glasgow, Aberdeen, Edinburgh airports and in most towns and cities. The best deals are at the major airports
Starting at Carter Bar, on the England-Scotland border you will be welcomed by the Eildons stretching before you. Hopefully, there might even be a bagpiper around to complete the grand welcome to Scotland! The best route here is the A68. North of Lauder, you’ll climb Soutra Hill, where, on a clear day you will be able to see Edinburgh and in the distance, Fife. There are plenty of things to see along the way; the Jedburgh, Dryburgh and Melrose Abbeys being ideal for satisfying history and culture lovers. Literature fans might also want to stop by Abbotsford, the former home of Sir Walter Scott. If you are more outdoorsy, then you can walk to the top of the Scott’s View for magnificent views across the River Tweed.
If you only manage one road trip; make it this one. If you are heading from Glasgow, the A82 is the best route, taking you through Loch Lamond. From Edinburgh, the A85 is the most popular route to Stirling. The journey itself is relatively short, but with so many wonderful landmarks to see along the way, you might want to make a day of it.
Follow the A82 past Loch Garry as you descent into Glen Shiel, in the midst of a rugged mountain landscape. The road from Stirling winds its way through the mountains making for breath-taking views.
There is plenty to see and do along the way. Stirling Castle is a great place to visit, ranking as high as Edinburgh castle in the list of must-sees. Another highly-recommended pit-stop is Glencoe, where you can take a leisurely stroll around the ‘lost valley’. If you have time, make a slight detour across the steep Ratagan Pass to the lovely village of Glenelg, passing Loch Diuch, Eilan Donan Castle of Lochalsh and the Skye Bridge.
Trossachs Loop is often nicknamed ‘Scotland in Miniature’ thanks to the diverse landscapes you will encounter here. Starting at Callander, follow the A821 along the north shore of Loch Venachar. Travel south and you will drive to the summit of Duke’s Pass.
With so many beautiful vistas to take in, it can be easy to miss some of the landmarks along this loop. Ben A’an is a great small hill to climb, offering more fantastic views and a welcome opportunity to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. Take a trip on Lock Katrine to visit Sir Walter Scott’s refurbished steamship, the SS Sir Walter Scott. You can also get lost in the romanticism of the nineteenth century; Scott’s novel The Lady of the Lake was set at Loch Katrine. At the summit of Duke’s Pass, you can visit the David Marshall Lodge to get up close to the wildlife on the CCTV.
This route along the northwest of Scotland offers the chance to see the wildest and most scenic side of Scotland. Mountains, lochs and villages combine to give a uniquely magnificent experience. Your hire car will come into its own here, as this in one place where you really want to take your time, making plenty of stops so as not to miss anything.
The Assynt hills are some of the most distinctive in Scotland. If you are feeling adventurous, try climbing Suilven, Quinan and Foinaven. If you don’t feel up to the walk, you can drive up. The roads may be long and narrow, but the views from the top are more than worth it. You can also make a short trip to Achiltibuie – with views to the Summer Isles – and Lochinver and Kinlochbervie for a walk out to Sandalwood Bay, one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in the UK.
Ardnamurchum Loop is something of a hidden gem and is often considerably quitter than some of the more popular routes. A few miles south of Fort William, take the Corron Ferry for a short trip detour by following B8807 to Ardnamurchum point – the most westerly point of the UK – or you can follow the A861 back to Fort William.
The views on this trip are second to none and there are countless places to stop along the way. The village of Straontian is well worth a visit, as is Kilchoan Castle. If you are feeling more energetic, you can climb the Corbett Beinn Resipol for stunning views over the Inner and Outer Hebrides. Finally, for refreshments, you will want to stop at Glenuig Inn which offers a vast selection of deliciously home-cooked meals. Scotland really does have something for everyone. Whether you are wanting the culture of the castles, the adventure of the mountains or simply the beauty of the magnificent landscapes, Scotland is the place to visit.
Rent a car using a Debit Card. After doing a search, the available cars will be displayed, please click on the filter at the bottom of left side column to display the companies that will allow Car Hire Edinburgh Airport with Debit Card.
