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Discover The Scenic Route: Edinburgh to London

Enjoy worry-free travel with a one-way car rental

Can I rent a car from Edinburgh to London?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Edinburgh to London. 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(s).
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, and AMEX.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80. Young drivers aged 21-22 may incur an additional fee of US$ 55.25 per day. Drivers aged 23-24 may incur an additional fee of US$ 55.25 per day. Some rentals may have a maximum fee cap of US$ 552.52 for young drivers.
  • 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 driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (Please note that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is only a translation. You must present your original driving licence with the original IDP at the counter.)
    • EU Driving Licence
    • 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)).

    Notes: Drivers from outside the EU must possess a valid domestic driving licence with an English translation. If the English translation is not available, additional documentation may be required. International renters must present proof of inbound travel, proof of return, two proofs of address (dated within three months, electronic copies acceptable), and a DVLA check code or a copy of the driving license (if applicable) when picking up.

  • Form of ID: A valid passport
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, Discover, and AMEX. A second credit card may be required for some rentals.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80. Young drivers aged 21-22 may incur an additional fee of US$ 55.25 per day. Drivers aged 23-24 may incur an additional fee of US$ 55.25 per day. Some rentals may have a maximum fee cap of US$ 552.52 for young drivers.
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How much does renting a car from Edinburgh to London 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$ 70/day
Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 86/day
Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 63-US$ 224US$ 0-US$ 227US$ 210-US$ 373Solo travelers, couples
LargeUS$ 68-US$ 450US$ 0-US$ 483US$ 299-US$ 773Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 67-US$ 240US$ 0-US$ 483US$ 256-US$ 400Large groups, long drivers
PremiumUS$ 450US$ 227US$ 547Families, comfort seeker
VanUS$ 93-US$ 856US$ 0-US$ 483US$ 379-US$ 1,085Large families, groups

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

Key Consideration:
  • One-Way Fee: Check if a one-way fee is charged for returning the car to a different location and consider its impact on the total cost.
  • Cross-Border Restrictions: Verify if your rental allows driving across international borders, especially if the route extends beyond UK boundaries.
  • Fuel Policy: Understand the fuel policy—whether you're responsible for returning the car with a full tank or as provided.
  • Mileage Limitations: Ensure there's adequate mileage allowance for your trip to avoid additional charges.
  • Insurance Coverage: Review the insurance inclusions and consider purchasing additional coverage for better protection.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Plan Ahead: Book your one-way rental in advance to secure better rates and availability.
  • Route Optimization: Plan your stopping points and attractions wisely to maximize the journey experience.
  • Choose The Right Car: Pick a car size and type appropriate for your travel party and luggage.
  • Account For Time: Allow sufficient time for returns, including potential traffic and any travel delays.
  • Budget Accordingly: Factor in additional costs like fuel, tolls, parking, and potential one-way fees.
  • Emergency Plan: Keep rental company contact information at hand for assistance during the trip.
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

Refueling before returning the car is normally cheaper than purchasing a full tank from the rental company.

Always save the last receipt as proof of refueling to avoid extra charges.

Ensure the fuel type matches the car's requirement to avoid engine issues.

Fuel Cost

The estimated average fuel cost along the route is approximately £1.60 per liter.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed of around 55-65 mph for optimal fuel efficiency.

Check tire pressure regularly to ensure it is at the recommended level.

Minimize air conditioning usage and keep windows closed at high speeds.

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Edinburgh Parking

Parking in central Edinburgh can range from £3 to £5 per hour.

Park and Ride services are available at the outskirts for cost-effective parking.

Avoid parking in restricted zones to prevent fines.

London Parking

London parking rates can range from £5 to £10 per hour depending on the area.

Consider using parking garages for secure and long-term parking.

Street parking is limited and often requires a permit.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like JustPark and Parkopedia can help locate and reserve parking spots.

RingGo offers cashless parking payments and reminders.

Use PayByPhone for convenient payment options and parking history.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes Between Edinburgh and London:
Scenic M1 Adventure
Highway Route 8 hours 30 minutes

Traverse the M1 highway offering a direct and smooth journey with multiple rest stops for refreshments.

Leeds , Nottingham , Milton Keynes
Coastal Delight
Scenic Route 10 hours

Experience the beauty of the British coastline with stops at picturesque beaches and seaside towns.

Newcastle , Scarborough , Cambridge
Historic Sites Journey
Cultural Experience 9 hours

Explore the historical landmarks along the route, immersing yourself in Britain's rich past.

York , Lincoln , Stamford
Road Trip Planning Tips

Choose the Right Vehicle: Select a car suitable for long distances and the luggage you plan to carry.

Plan Your Route: Research your route in advance, including rest stops and alternate paths in case of road closures.

Check Fuel Options: Be aware of fuel stations along your route to avoid running low on fuel in remote areas.

Allocate Extra Time: Allow for delays, especially during peak traffic hours or if you plan to stop for sightseeing.

Inspect the Rental Car: Ensure the car is in good condition before departure, checking tires, brakes, and other essentials.

Understand Rental Policies: Review the rental agreement for one-way fees and mileage limits to avoid unexpected costs.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Choosing the right car rental company for a one-way trip involves evaluating options that provide services between Edinburgh and London. Here, we list reliable companies offering such services.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Enterprise Rent-A-Car$$★★★★☆★★★★☆ Excellent customer service , Wide variety of vehicles , Frequent promotions
Hertz$$$★★★★☆★★★☆☆ Flexible rental plans , Convenient pickup locations , Fast checkout process
Sixt Rent-a-Car$$$★★★★★★★★★☆ Luxury vehicle options , High mileage limits , Excellent app interface
Avis$$★★★☆☆★★★☆☆ Great deals on long-term rentals , Comprehensive insurance options , Simple online booking
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

Important Information About Rental Centers

Operating Hours:

Most rental centers operate from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with variations at specific locations.

Location of Rental Centers:

Rental offices can be found in both city centers and major transport hubs, like airports or train stations, offering convenient access for travelers.

Shuttle Services:

Free shuttle buses are available at airport rental locations ensuring easy transfer to and from terminals.

Payment Options:

Rental centers accept major credit cards, and some might allow debit card payments with additional verification.

Pro Tips for Edinburgh Airport(EDI) Car Rentals

Book your rental well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure the best vehicle availability and rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drop off my rental car in London if I picked it up in Edinburgh?

Yes, many car rental companies offer the flexibility of one-way rentals, allowing you to pick up your vehicle in Edinburgh and drop it off in London.

Are there additional charges for a one-way rental from Edinburgh to London?

Generally, there is an additional fee for one-way rentals, known as a 'drop fee'. The specific cost depends on the rental company and the distance between the locations.

What documents do I need to rent a car for travel between Edinburgh and London?

You will need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name for the booking, and, in some cases, an international driving permit if your license is not in English.

How long does the drive from Edinburgh to London typically take?

The drive between Edinburgh and London covers approximately 400 miles, taking around 8 to 9 hours without significant stops or traffic delays.

Are there specific insurance requirements for renting a car for this route?

Most rental agreements include mandatory insurance. However, you may consider purchasing additional coverage for better protection during your trip.

Ready to Book Your Edinburgh to London Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes