One-Way Car Rental from Edinburgh to Inverness | Compare Prices & Fees

Home One-way Car Rentals Edinburgh to Inverness

Document required for international visitors

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(s).
Form of ID: A valid physical United Kingdom national photo ID.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted cards include Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, and AMEX. XpCard is supported.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80. Young drivers aged 22-26 may incur an additional fee of GBP 39 per day (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(s). Accepted documents include: Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is only a translation, original licence must also be presented), EU Driving Licence, or UK Driving License (with DVLA check code/DVLA endorsement record).

Notes: 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. Accepted cards include Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, and AMEX. XpCard is supported.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80. Young drivers aged 22-26 may incur an additional fee of GBP 39 per day (approximately US$ 53.87 per day).

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

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

Vehicle Types

Vehicle Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 164-287	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 311-438	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 206-242	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 433-507	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 278-309	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 383-484	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 180-278	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 327-570	Large groups, long drivers
Van	US$ 122-534	US$ 0.00-55.26	US$ 199-1224	Large families, groups

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

Key Consideration：

One-Way Fees: Most rental companies charge an additional fee for one-way rentals to cover vehicle return logistics. Confirm the fee amount with your rental provider.
Dropoff Restrictions: Check if your rental agreement allows dropoff in a different city or country. Some rental companies may have limitations or require pre-approval.
Vehicle Availability: Ensure the vehicle type you need is available for one-way rentals. Larger or specialized vehicles may not be permitted.
Fuel Policy: Review the fuel policy specifics for one-way rentals. Most usually require returning the tank full.
Advance Booking: Book early to avoid hefty one-way fees and to ensure vehicle availability, especially during peak travel seasons.

Smart Planning Tips:

Plan Your Route Ahead: Research the attractions and landmarks along your route to make the journey memorable.
Allow Extra Time: Account for scenic stops, breaks, and potential traffic when planning your trip timeline.
Check Fuel Stops: Identify fuel stations along your route to avoid running low on gas in remote areas.
Understand Insurance Options: Make sure you understand the insurance policies, particularly for one-way rentals, as they may differ.
Have Contact Information Handy: Keep the rental company's contact details accessible in case of emergencies or needed assistance.
Know the Dropoff Location Hours: Double-check the dropoff office's operational hours to prevent issues with returning the vehicle late.

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.

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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.

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Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling

Parking

Tolls

Gas Stations near Drop-off Locations

Tesco Petrol Station - Business & Retail Park, 1A Eastfield Way, Inverness IV2 7GD, United Kingdom

Esso - 9 Longman Rd, Inverness IV1 1SD, United Kingdom

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to improve fuel efficiency.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight to reduce fuel consumption.

Ensure tires are properly inflated for optimal performance.

Edinburgh Parking

Arrive early to secure a spot in popular parking areas.

Parking in Edinburgh can be challenging in the city center. Consider using park-and-ride facilities.

Inverness Parking

Check for free parking zones during evenings or weekends.

Inverness offers ample parking options near major attractions and the city center.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like Parkopedia or JustPark can help find and book parking in advance.

Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure to check for any temporary tolls due to construction or events.

Plan your route using online maps to confirm toll-free paths.

There are no toll roads along the route from Edinburgh to Inverness.

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Route Options:

The A9 Scenic Drive

Direct Route Approximately 3.5 hours

This is the most direct route, perfect for travelers looking to reach Inverness quickly while enjoying some splendid Highland views.

Perth , Pitlochry , Aviemore

The Coastal Route via Aberdeen

Scenic Route Approximately 6.5 hours

Opt for this route to encounter dramatic cliffs, seaside towns, and the Granite City of Aberdeen.

St Andrews , Aberdeen , Elgin

The Western Highlands Adventure

Scenic Route Approximately 5.5 hours

Experience the breathtaking landscapes of the Western Highlands, including lochs and mountains.

Fort William , Loch Ness , Urquhart Castle

Popular Trips Along the Way:

Explore Loch Ness

30 minutes from Inverness

Discover the legendary Loch Ness and perhaps catch a glimpse of Nessie while enjoying boat tours or scenic walks.

Visit Cairngorms National Park

1 hour from Aviemore

Engage in outdoor adventures like hiking, skiing, or observing wildlife in this vast national park.

Historic Stirling Castle

1.5 hours from Edinburgh

Explore the rich Scottish history and architecture of Stirling Castle, a significant landmark.

Whisky Tasting in Speyside

3 hours from Inverness

Relax and indulge in the exquisite tastes of locally produced Scotch whisky.

Road Trip Planning Tips:

Choose the Right Vehicle: Pick a car type that suits the number of travelers and the expected luggage size to maximize comfort and economy.

Plan Your Stops: Research and plan for key attractions and rest points along the route to enhance the trip experience.

Fueling Options: Be aware of fuel station locations, especially when traveling through remote areas.

Allow Extra Time: Account for potential delays due to weather, traffic, or spontaneous sightseeing.

Understand Rental Terms: Review the rental agreement thoroughly to avoid unexpected fees or restrictions.

Check Local Information: Stay updated on weather conditions and road closures to ensure a smooth journey.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

When planning a car trip from Edinburgh to Inverness, selecting a rental company offering one-way rental service is key. Evaluate company options based on their fees, fleet, and coverage.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Enterprise Rent-A-Car	$$	Excellent	High	Wide range of vehicles , Exceptional customer service , Multiple pickup/drop-off points
Avis Rent a Car	$$	Good	High	Flexible rental terms , Frequent discounts for loyalty , Well-maintained vehicles
Hertz Car Rental	$$$	Excellent	Medium	Convenient pick-up locations near airports , Free Wi-Fi in select vehicles , Premium car options
Sixt Rent a Car	$$	Good	Medium	User-friendly mobile application , Competitive pricing for long-term rentals , Multiple payment options

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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

Car Rental Centers Information

Operating Hours:

The rental center at Edinburgh Airport operates from 6:00 AM to 11:45 PM daily.

Rental Center Location:

The car rental center is located within the terminal building near the parking garage.

Shuttle Availability:

A complimentary shuttle service operates between the terminal and the rental center every 15 minutes.

Vehicle Return:

Vehicles can be returned to the designated parking area outside Inverness Airport Terminal.

Be sure to verify your booking and understand the fuel policy before starting your journey from Edinburgh to Inverness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental, and how does it work?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up a vehicle at one location and drop it off at another. For instance, you can pick up the car in Edinburgh and return it in Inverness without needing to drive it back to the starting point. The rental company often charges a one-way fee to cover the logistics of returning the vehicle.

Are there additional fees for returning the car in a different location?

Yes, most rental companies charge a one-way fee for this service. The fee covers the cost incurred by the company for relocating the car. The amount varies depending on the rental company and the distance between the pickup and drop-off locations.

Can I choose a car type for my one-way rental?

Yes, rental agencies typically provide a variety of vehicles to choose from, including compact cars, SUVs, and luxury models. It is recommended to reserve your preferred vehicle type in advance as some options might have limited availability for one-way rentals.

Is there a mileage limit on a one-way car rental?

Policies vary by rental company. Some offer unlimited mileage, which is ideal for long-distance routes like Edinburgh to Inverness, while others may have a mileage cap with additional fees for excess distance. Confirm the terms and conditions with your rental provider.

What documents do I need to rent a car for this route?

Drivers typically need a valid driver’s license, a credit card for the deposit, and occasionally an additional ID such as a passport. For international travelers, a translation or International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required.

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