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One-Way Car Rental: Edinburgh to Inverness

Discover scenic routes and efficient travel tips for your one-way journey from Edinburgh to Inverness.

Can I rent a car from Edinburgh to Inverness?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Edinburgh to Inverness. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Documents required for GB residents
Documents required for international visitors
  • Form of ID: A valid physical United Kingdom national photo ID
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Supported credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, and AMEX.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80. For drivers aged 22-26, a young driver surcharge of GBP 39 per day applies (approximately US$ 53.87 per day).
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year. Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (Please note that an IDP is only a translation. You must present your original driving licence with the original IDP at the counter.)
    or
    • EU Driving Licence
    or
    • UK Driving License (with DVLA check code/DVLA endorsement record) (In addition to your licence, either a valid and up-to-date DVLA licence check code or a printed DVLA endorsement record must be provided for all Approved Drivers. These can be obtained from the DVLA website (www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence).)
  • Form of ID: A valid passport
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Supported credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, and AMEX.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80. For drivers aged 22-26, a young driver surcharge of GBP 39 per day applies (approximately US$ 53.87 per day).
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How much does renting a car from Edinburgh to Inverness cost?

One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest Economy Rate

Starting from

US$ 78/day
Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 88/day
Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 102-US$ 237US$ 0US$ 233-US$ 339Solo travelers, couples
LargeUS$ 201-US$ 251US$ 0US$ 341-US$ 426Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 126-US$ 319US$ 0US$ 262-US$ 657Large groups, long drivers
VanUS$ 136-US$ 292US$ 0US$ 245-US$ 548Large families, groups

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration:
  • Understand the One-Way Policy: Many rental companies charge a one-way fee to cover logistics. Ensure to check this fee when booking.
  • Know the Drop-Off Locations: Make sure the rental company has a location at your intended drop-off city.
  • Check for Cross-Border Restrictions: Certain rentals may restrict crossing borders between countries; confirm with your provider if planning such a trip.
  • Refuel Before Returning: Ensure the fuel level matches the terms of your rental agreement to avoid additional charges.
  • Verify Insurance Coverage: Confirm if your travel insurance or credit card provides coverage or opt for the rental company’s insurance.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Plan Your Route in Advance: Research the most efficient yet scenic route to your destination, using maps or navigation apps.
  • Book Early During Peak Seasons: One-way rentals can get booked quickly, especially during holidays or tourist seasons.
  • Consider Vehicle Type: Choose a vehicle suited to your journey, such as an economy car for cost-saving or an SUV for rugged terrain.
  • Inquire About Mileage Limits: Find out if the rental includes unlimited miles or if additional charges apply.
  • Understand Toll Road Policies: Familiarize yourself with the toll road processes and if these fees are included or additional.
  • Check Roadside Assistance Availability: Verify that the rental includes roadside assistance services for emergencies along the route.
Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

QEEQ Online Car Rental Insurance
  • Comprehensive coverage for your rental vehicle
  • Approximately 50% cheaper than counter rates
  • Easy online purchase before your trip
Learn More About QEEQ Insurance
Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

QEEQ One-Dollar Freeze
  • Reserve your vehicle with just $1 upfront
  • Price Drop Protector automatically tracks price changes
  • Automatic rebooking when prices drop
Learn More About One-Dollar Freeze

Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling
Parking
Refuel Policy Basic

Refuel the car before returning it to avoid additional charges from the rental company.

Keep the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling for the rental agency.

Plan refueling stops along the route to avoid running out of fuel in remote areas.

Fuel Cost

The average fuel cost in Inverness is approximately £1.50 per liter.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed on highways to improve fuel efficiency.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated before starting the journey.

Limit the use of air conditioning to conserve fuel.

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Edinburgh Parking

Edinburgh offers various parking options, including on-street parking and multi-story car parks.

Parking fees in central Edinburgh can range from £2 to £4 per hour.

Consider using park-and-ride facilities to save on parking costs.

Inverness Parking

Inverness has several public car parks, such as Rose Street Car Park and Eastgate Shopping Centre Parking.

Parking rates in Inverness typically range from £1 to £3 per hour.

Free parking is available in some residential areas; check signage before parking.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like RingGo and JustPark help locate and book parking spaces in advance.

Parkopedia provides detailed information on parking options and rates.

NCP Parking app is useful for finding spaces in managed car parks.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Scenic and Efficient Routes:
Scenic Highland Coastal Route
Scenic 6 hours 30 minutes

Experience the stunning coastal views along Scotland's northern shores.

Aberdeen , Elgin , Nairn
Direct A9 Highway
Efficient 3 hours 20 minutes

The most direct and efficient route, following the A9.

Perth , Pitlochry , Aviemore
Cairngorm National Park Route
Adventurous 5 hours 15 minutes

Enjoy the natural beauty of the Cairngorms and small villages.

Blairgowrie , Braemar , Grantown-on-Spey
Useful Road Trip Planning Advice

Plan Your Route: Study traffic conditions and route maps for smooth driving.

Check the Car Condition: Inspect rental vehicles for damages and ensure they are properly documented.

Carry a GPS Device: Use GPS or offline maps to navigate remote areas with accuracy.

Fuel Up in Towns: Refill your fuel tank at larger towns to avoid shortages.

Understand Rental Agreements: Thoroughly understand your rental terms to avoid unexpected expenses.

Pack for Weather Changes: Scottish weather fluctuates; bring layers and rainproof gear.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

When selecting a car rental company for a one-way trip from Edinburgh to Inverness, consider important factors such as cost, fleet variety, and convenience. Below are some recommended providers that offer one-way rental services.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Enterprise Rent-A-Car$$HighExcellent Wide variety of vehicles , Convenient locations in Edinburgh and Inverness , Reasonable pricing for one-way trips
Hertz$$$ModerateVery Good Luxurious vehicles available , User-friendly reservation process , Great customer service
AVIS$$HighExcellent Loyalty programs available , Convenient rental stations , Variety of hybrid cars
Budget Car Rental$ModerateGood Affordable rates , Simple booking process , Availability in major locations
QEEQ

Access to 110,000+ locations worldwide with 1,000+ suppliers for the best rates

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Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

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Best Rates

Compare across providers

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24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

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Exclusive Features

One-Dollar Freeze & Price Drop Protector

Explore QEEQ Car Rentals
Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:
Pricing Considerations
  • Base rental rate per day
  • One-way drop-off fees
  • Additional driver charges
  • Insurance costs
  • Fuel policy and potential charges
Vehicle Selection
  • Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
  • Fuel efficiency for long drives
  • Comfort features for highway driving
  • Navigation and entertainment systems
  • Vehicle condition and mileage
Company Reliability
  • Customer service reputation
  • Transparency in fees and policies
  • Roadside assistance coverage
  • Cancellation and modification policies
  • Reviews from other one-way renters

Edinburgh and Inverness Car Rental Centers

Operating Hours:

Generally open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Check specific rental company for exact timings.

Location of Rental Centers:

Located conveniently within the Edinburgh airport and near Inverness airport terminals for easy pick-up and drop-off.

Shuttle Service:

Free shuttle services available from terminals to rental car centers in both cities.

Pro Tips for Edinburgh Airport(EDI) Car Rentals

To save time, consider opting for express check-in services offered by some rental companies. Book in advance during peak seasons to avoid unavailability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to return the rental car to Edinburgh?

No, one-way car rentals allow you to drop off the car at your destination, in this case, Inverness, without needing to return it to Edinburgh.

Are one-way car rentals more expensive?

Typically, a one-way car rental includes an additional fee to cover the logistics of returning the car to its original location. However, this fee varies between rental agencies.

What kinds of cars are available for this route?

Rental agencies generally offer a range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and economy cars, suitable for various comfort and budget preferences.

Do I need a specific type of license to rent a car in Scotland?

A valid driver’s license from your country of residence is acceptable for tourists in Scotland. International travelers might also require an international driving permit.

Are there specific rental companies that operate on this route?

Yes, major rental companies such as Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis often provide services for the Edinburgh to Inverness route. It's advised to check directly with the company for availability.

Ready to Book Your Edinburgh to Inverness Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes