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Search for the best car hire deals in Scotland
Almost every corner of Scotland is road trip country. Hire a car to tour Speyside's whisky distilleries, explore the Dee Valley, hop around the islands, or see the exciting cities of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee – even then you'll only have scratched the surface.
Fast facts about hiring a car in Scotland
There is a good range of cheap car hire options at major Scottish airports such as Edinburgh (EDI), Glasgow (GLA),and Aberdeen (ABZ). Edinburgh Airport is under half an hour from the city centre in good traffic, and in Glasgow the drive takes just 15 minutes. Inverness (INV) also has a good range, and, like Aberdeen, is a good gateway to the Cairngorms.
You can compare and pre-book car hire from most cities and large towns in Scotland in 2020. Major rental companies like Avis, Enterprise, Alamo and Hertz all have widespread coverage, particularly around big stations and ports. You’ll also find local brands that often have good deals.
Driving in Scotland
While you might decide to drive up to Scotland in your own car, it can be much easier and more efficient to travel by train or air and pick up a rental when you arrive. The country has an extensive road and motorway network that links the major cities to the Highlands and beyond. Key roads include the M74, which runs north to Glasgow from the English border; the M8, which connects Edinburgh and Glasgow; and the A9, which runs towards the Cairngorms and Highlands from Perth.
More remote areas often have winding, single lane roads that demand caution, and while driving mountainous areas is unforgettable, you'll often need a head for heights and confidence in windy conditions. In the winter, it's not uncommon for Scotland's high ground – and some of its low ground – to get snow. If it is forecast, check your route, the condition of your hire car and your insurance policy, and defer your journey if necessary. You should also ensure that your tank is full if you’re heading out into the countryside, as petrol stations can be few and far between.
While you can expect traffic at certain times in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow, you’ll often drive for miles on clear roads once you’re out in the countryside. In general, the roads are well maintained and driving laws are exactly the same as the rest of the UK.
Farther flung destinations like the Orkneys and Outer Hebrides are impossible to reach except by plane or ferry. Car ferries leave daily from Aberdeen or Thurso.
Recommended road trips in Scotland
Cairngorms National Park
No visit to Scotland would be complete without seeing the Highlands – and the Cairngorms National Park is where the region begins. Whether you want to visit a whisky distillery, spot wild deer or have a go at skiing down Cairn Gorm Mountain, it’s the ideal destination for a more adventurous road trip. Be wary of snow and ice in the winter months.
Skye
Accessible from the mainland by bridge, the Isle of Skye is the jewel of Scotland’s west coast and famous for its rugged scenery, quaint villages and impressive golden beaches. Spend a morning exploring the shops and cafes of Portree before heading to the Quiraing landslip for a dramatic hike with panoramic sea views (note that the car park here is hugely oversubscribed in the summer months).
The Scottish Borders
The border region of Scotland is an excellent choice for a more laid-back road trip, with gentle scenery, historic attractions and peaceful villages. Highlights of the region include Selkirk, the town where the legendary William Wallace supposedly became the guardian of Scotland, and Abbotsford House, the former home of Sir Walter Scott.