Renting a Car at Edinburgh Airport
Last updated: April 2026
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is Scotland's busiest airport, handling flights from across Europe and North America. The rental car village is a 5-minute walk from the terminal on Ingliston Road — follow the covered walkway from the arrivals hall. Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Enterprise, and Arnold Clark (Scotland's largest dealer group) all operate from the purpose-built rental center.
🎯 Quick Tip
For Highland road trips, seriously consider an SUV or crossover. Single-track roads with passing places are the norm in the Scottish Highlands — a higher seating position helps you spot oncoming traffic on blind corners. Also, in winter (November–March), roads above 300m elevation may require winter tires.
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Airport Pickup Tips
From EDI arrivals, follow the purple 'Car Rental' signs through the covered walkway to Rental Village — a dedicated building 5 minutes on foot. Present your passport, full driving license (UK or international), and credit card. Arnold Clark is Scotland's own operator and often has the best rates for weekly bookings. Pickup typically takes 15 minutes.
Scottish roads are rough — potholes, gravel edges, and narrow passing places take their toll on rental cars. Check all four tires for sidewall damage, test the windscreen wipers (essential in Scotland), and verify the heating system works. Look carefully at the roof — low branches on Highland roads scratch the top of taller vehicles like SUVs.
For detailed guidance, see our pre-drive checklist.
Explore Edinburgh by Car
Edinburgh is the gateway to the Scottish Highlands — one of Europe's most dramatic driving destinations. Rent a car and head north through Glencoe, along the shores of Loch Ness, and up to the wild northwest coast.
Top drive from Edinburgh: North Coast 500 — Scotland's answer to Route 66
Full Edinburgh Car Hire Guide →
Getting from Edinburgh Airport to the City
EDI is 13 km west of Edinburgh city center. Take the M8/A8 east — 20 minutes in clear traffic, 40+ during the Festival in August. For Glasgow, take the M8 west (1 hour). For the Highlands (Stirling/Perth), take the M9 north (45 min to Stirling). For St Andrews, take the M90 across the Queensferry Crossing (75 min). For the Borders and England, take the A720 bypass to the A1 south.
Arnold Clark and Green Motion have depots on Ingliston Road and Glasgow Road near EDI. Arnold Clark often includes free additional drivers and has no young driver surcharge for ages 21–24 — unusual in the UK market. Green Motion specializes in hybrid and electric vehicles.
What to Know Before Driving from EDI
UK drives on the left. Motorway speed limit is 70 mph, A-roads 60 mph, and urban areas 30 mph (20 mph in some Edinburgh zones). The Queensferry Crossing (Forth Bridge) is toll-free. Scottish Highland single-track roads have passing places marked with white diamond signs — pull into the nearest one to let oncoming traffic pass. Never park in a passing place.
Scotland drives on the LEFT. Edinburgh's roundabout-heavy road system requires giving way to traffic from the RIGHT. Check that the car has a USB or Bluetooth connection for your phone — hands-free calling is legally required. Set your GPS for the M8, M9, or A720 depending on your destination; the airport exit joins a complex interchange.
Fuel Stations Near EDI
Shell and BP stations are on Glasgow Road (A8) near EDI. Fuel prices: unleaded approximately £1.52/L, diesel £1.57/L. The Morrisons supermarket in Livingston (15 min east on the M8) typically offers fuel 4–5p/L cheaper than airport-area stations. Fill up there on your return to EDI.
Local Driving Tip
Edinburgh's city centre streets are steep, cobbled, and confusing — George Street and the Royal Mile are largely restricted. Park-and-ride at Ingliston (next to the airport) is free and the tram takes 30 minutes to Princes Street.