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

Home One-way Car Rentals London to Edinburgh

Can I rent a car from London to Edinburgh?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from London to Edinburgh. 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, AMEX, and DinersClub. XpCard is supported.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80 years. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur additional fees, which are to be confirmed. Drivers aged 75-80 may also have fees to be confirmed.

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:
• EU Driving Licence
• 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.
• 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. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, AMEX, and DinersClub. XpCard is supported.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80 years. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur additional fees, which are to be confirmed. Drivers aged 75-80 may also have fees to be confirmed.

How much does renting a car from London to Edinburgh 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$ 65/day

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 67/day

Vehicle Types

Vehicle Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 130-US$ 213	US$ 0-US$ 177	US$ 194-US$ 251	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 216-US$ 335	US$ 1-US$ 177	US$ 372-US$ 646	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 190-US$ 443	US$ 0-US$ 413	US$ 235-US$ 556	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 120-US$ 211	US$ 0-US$ 177	US$ 201-US$ 274	Large groups, long drivers
Van	US$ 186-US$ 734	US$ 0-US$ 204	US$ 287-US$ 882	Large families, groups

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

Key Consideration：

Understand One-way Fees: Most car rental providers charge an additional fee for one-way rentals to cover the return of the vehicle to its original location. Check the fee in advance to avoid surprises.
Vehicle Availability: Ensure the specific vehicle type you prefer is available at your intended pick-up and drop-off locations.
Cross-border Rentals: Consult the rental company about restrictions or additional requirements for driving across regions or countries.
Booking Timing: Book in advance to secure your vehicle and possibly reduce costs, especially during peak travel seasons.
Fuel Policies: Understand the fuel policy (e.g., full-to-full or pre-purchase option) to avoid unexpected extra charges.

Smart Planning Tips:

Plan Your Route Carefully: Familiarize yourself with the journey from London to Edinburgh to identify scenic stops and manage your time effectively.
Consider Insurance Options: Evaluate your insurance requirements for potential damage or theft for peace of mind during the trip.
Maintain Contact Numbers: Keep your rental company's support numbers handy for immediate assistance if needed.
Confirm Drop-off Details: Ensure you know the precise address and operating hours of the Edinburgh drop-off location to avoid inconvenience.
Inspect the Vehicle: Thoroughly check the car for any existing damage during pick-up and document it to avoid disputes at drop-off.

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 to avoid additional charges.

Use the same type of fuel as recommended by the rental company.

Keep the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling.

Fuel Cost

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

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to optimize fuel consumption.

Ensure tires are inflated to the recommended pressure.

Avoid excessive use of air conditioning.

London Parking

Parking in central London can be expensive; consider using park-and-ride options.

Street parking is limited; check for restrictions and permits.

Parking garages near major train stations offer secure options.

Edinburgh Parking

Edinburgh offers several parking garages in the city center.

Street parking may require permits; check signage for details.

Consider using mobile apps to find and reserve parking spots.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like Parkopedia and JustPark can help locate parking spaces.

RingGo allows for easy payment of parking fees.

Some apps provide real-time availability updates.

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes from London to Edinburgh:

Scenic Eastern Route

Scenic 8-10 hours

A picturesque journey through historic towns and scenic landscapes.

Cambridge , York , Newcastle

Direct Motorway Route

Fast 7-8 hours

A quick route via motorways for a time-efficient journey.

Milton Keynes , Leeds

Coastal Adventure Route

Recreational 10-12 hours

A leisurely coastal drive with beautiful sea views.

Norwich , Scarborough , Berwick-upon-Tweed

Recommended Day Trips Along the Way:

Historic Cambridge

1.5-2 hours from London

Explore the renowned university city and its stunning architecture.

Medieval York

4-5 hours from London

Visit York Minster and the ancient city walls.

Charming Newcastle

6-7 hours from London

Walk along the River Tyne and enjoy vibrant city life.

Beautiful Edinburgh

8-10 hours from London

Discover Scotland's capital, filled with history and culture.

Road Trip Planning Tips

Plan Your Stops: Map out fuel stops and rest areas along the route for a smooth trip.

Choose the Right Vehicle: Consider comfort and fuel efficiency when selecting your car.

Pack Essentials: Bring along necessary items such as chargers, snacks, and water.

Know Your Route: Familiarize yourself with the general outline of your journey.

Refuel Strategically: Research cheaper fuel stations beforehand to save costs.

Take Breaks: Rest during long drives to stay alert and enjoy the scenery.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

When traveling between London and Edinburgh via car rental, it's essential to select companies that provide flexible one-way rental services.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Enterprise Rent-A-Car	$$	High	Extensive	Wide range of vehicle options , Numerous branch locations in both cities , Excellent customer service
Hertz	$$$	High	Wide	Easy drop-off process , High-quality vehicle maintenance , Strong airport presence
Avis	$$	Moderate	Moderate	Fast vehicle pick-up and drop-off , Global name recognition , Flexible rental options
Sixt	$	Moderate	Moderate	Affordable rates , Reliable vehicle conditions , Easy online booking

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

Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

Best Rates

Compare across providers

24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

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

Car Rental Centers in London and Edinburgh

Rental center operating hours:

Most locations are open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Check specific center details.

Location of rental centers:

Rental centers are conveniently located at major train stations and airports in both cities.

Shuttle services:

Complimentary shuttles are available from airports to designated rental centers.

Traveling tips:

Book in advance during peak seasons to ensure availability and better rates.

Pro Tips for Heathrow Airport T4(LHR) Car Rentals

Always confirm operating times and one-way fee policies when booking your car.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A one-way car rental allows you to rent a vehicle from one location (London) and return it to another (Edinburgh). This is convenient for travelers who do not want to return to the starting point. Rental companies typically include provisions for this in their services.

Are there extra fees for one-way car rentals?

Yes, most rental companies include a drop-off fee for one-way rentals. This fee compensates for the cost associated with returning the car to its original location or repositioning it.

How do I book a one-way car rental from London to Edinburgh?

Bookings can usually be made online or via a rental company's mobile app. Specify your pickup location (London) and drop-off location (Edinburgh) while selecting the rental dates. Ensure that you check the one-way fee before confirming the reservation.

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

To rent a car, you need a valid driver's license, a credit card for payment, and identification (such as a passport for international drivers). Some companies may also require proof of insurance or additional legal documentation.

What are the road conditions and distances like from London to Edinburgh?

The distance from London to Edinburgh is approximately 400 miles (643 kilometers), and the route is well-maintained with motorways and highways. Drive cautiously and always obey speed limits and local traffic laws during your journey.

Ready to Book Your London to Edinburgh Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Search Rental Cars Try $1 Booking

Explore Scotland with a Hassle-free One-way Rental