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

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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 credit cards include Visa, Master, AMEX, and DinersClub. XpCard is supported.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur additional fees, which will be confirmed at the time of booking. Drivers aged 75-80 may also incur additional fees, subject to confirmation.

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 licences include EU Driving Licence, Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is only a translation and must be presented with the original licence), and 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 credit cards include Visa, Master, AMEX, DinersClub, and Discover. XpCard is supported. Some policies may require two credit cards.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur additional fees, which will be confirmed at the time of booking. Drivers aged 75-80 may also incur additional fees, subject to confirmation.

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$ 153-237	US$ 0.00-115.14	US$ 249-306	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 208-222	US$ 0.01-0.01	US$ 624-666	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 227-417	US$ 0.00-420.05	US$ 284-602	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 194-256	US$ 0.00-115.14	US$ 250-356	Large groups, long drivers
Premium	US$ 290-342	US$ 0.00-115.14	US$ 475-475	Families, comfort seeker
Van	US$ 236-820	US$ 0.00-110.53	US$ 420-1204	Large families, groups

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

Key Consideration：

Additional one-way rental fee: Most rental companies apply an extra fee for one-way rentals to cover the logistical cost of returning the car.
Drop-off location restrictions: Verify with your rental company if you can drop off the car in a specific region, as some areas might not be supported.
Cross-border travel permits: If planning to cross into another country like Scotland, ensure your rental agreement allows for this.
Vehicle suitability: Carefully select a vehicle that suits your travel needs, including space for luggage and required features for comfort.
Driver restrictions: Double-check age limits, insurance coverage, and added driver policies when arranging your rental.

Smart Planning Tips:

Plan your route ahead of time: Determine the best driving route from London to Edinburgh to enjoy scenic views and well-planned stops.
Factor in travel time: Allow ample time for the journey and avoid rushing to return the car at the drop-off point.
Understand refueling policies: Familiarize yourself with the fuel policy—whether full-to-full or pre-purchase options are provided.
Research vehicle insurance: Ensure your rental includes sufficient insurance, or consider buying additional coverage for peace of mind.
Book rentals early: Secure your vehicle well in advance, especially during peak holiday seasons to avoid availability issues.
Compare rental options: Explore different rental providers and compare offers to find the best deal for a one-way 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.

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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

bp - Glasgow Rd, Ingliston, Newbridge EH28 8NA, United Kingdom

Shell - 166 Glasgow Rd, Edinburgh EH12 8LS, United Kingdom

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to improve fuel efficiency.

Ensure tires are properly inflated for optimal performance.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the vehicle.

London Parking

Consider using park-and-ride facilities to avoid high costs.

Parking in London can be expensive, with hourly rates ranging from £2 to £7 in central areas.

Edinburgh Parking

Check for free parking zones outside the city center.

Edinburgh offers on-street parking and parking garages, with hourly rates around £2 to £4.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like JustPark and Parkopedia can help users locate and book parking spaces in advance.

Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure to check for any temporary toll changes or roadworks.

Use navigation apps to identify and avoid toll roads if necessary.

There are no toll roads directly on the route from London to Edinburgh. However, some bridges and tunnels in other parts of the UK may require toll payment.

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes From London to Edinburgh:

The Scenic Route via the M1 and A702

Scenic Drive 8 hours 30 minutes

This route combines motorway efficiency with scenic views as you pass through picturesque countryside along the A702.

Leicester , York , Peebles

The Coastal Route via A1

Coastal Drive 9 hours 15 minutes

Follow the A1 up the eastern coast, enjoying views of the North Sea and stopping by iconic seaside towns.

Cambridge , Norwich , Newcastle

The Direct Route via M6

Fast Track 7 hours

The most direct route utilizes motorways for a faster museum or business trip.

Birmingham , Manchester , Carlisle

Notable Excursions and Detours:

Lake District Detour

2 hours detour from the M6

Enjoy breathtaking natural landscapes and engage in outdoor activities in the Lake District National Park.

Hadrian's Wall Exploration

1 hour diversion near Carlisle

Experience the historical Roman frontier with walking paths along this historic structure.

Cotswolds Relaxation

1 hour diversion from M1

Explore quaint villages and lush countryside in this quintessential English region.

Scottish Borders Scenic Drive

30 minutes from M6

Witness rolling green hills and charming towns of the Scottish Borders.

Road Trip Planning Tips:

Fuel Up Strategically: Plan fuel stops along main motorways where prices tend to be competitive and availability is high.

Consider Vehicle Type: Choose a vehicle suitable for your group size and the distance of the journey, balancing comfort and fuel efficiency.

Plan Breaks Smartly: Schedule stops at service stations to rest and refresh, preventing fatigue during the drive.

Avoid Rush Hours: Minimize travel during peak times to reduce travel duration and enjoy serene driving experiences.

Look Into Scenic Alternatives: Explore alternative routes that offer scenic beauty or interesting landmarks to enhance your journey.

Verify Rental Terms: Clarify one-way rental terms, ensuring there are no hidden fees for dropping off at a different location.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Explore our curated guide to selecting car rental providers offering one-way service from London to Edinburgh. Consider factors such as fees, fleet variety, and convenience.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Enterprise Rent-A-Car	$$	High	Nationwide	Wide range of vehicles , Affordable one-way rates , 24/7 roadside assistance
Hertz	$$$	Very High	Comprehensive	Premium vehicle options , Multiple drop-off points , Membership perks
AVIS	$$	High	Nationwide	Flexible rental terms , Support for international drivers , Frequent promotions
Budget	$	Moderate	Nationwide	Economical pricing , Quick pick-up and drop-off processes , Good range of compact cars

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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 Center at London

Operating Hours:

Rental centers are open 7 days a week, from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Location:

Located inside the terminal at major London airports, follow the car rental signage upon arrival.

Shuttle Frequency:

Complimentary shuttles between terminals and rental centers run every 15 minutes.

Airport Transportation:

Direct connection between airport terminals and the rental center ensures a hassle-free experience.

Reserve your car in advance to secure the best rates and ensure vehicle availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental?

A one-way car rental allows you to rent a car at one location, such as London, and return it at another location, like Edinburgh. This is convenient if you plan to travel long distances without needing to return to the starting point.

Are there any additional fees for one-way rentals?

Yes, most car rental companies charge a one-way fee or drop-off fee. This fee covers the cost of transporting the car back to its original location and varies by company.

What is the most recommended route from London to Edinburgh by car?

The most commonly recommended route is via the M1 and A1(M) motorways. This route is direct, efficient, and connects major cities along the way for refueling or breaks.

What documents do I need to provide when renting a car in the UK?

You need a valid driver's license, a form of identification (such as a passport), a credit card, and proof of booking if applicable. Non-UK residents may also need an International Driving Permit.

Can I refuel the car at the destination?

Yes, there are numerous gas stations near Edinburgh Airport and in the city where you can refuel before returning the car. Ensure you check the rental company's fuel policy, as you might need to refuel to the same level as when you picked it up.

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