Europe > United Kingdom > Dundee (DND)
The Car or no Car advice for Dundee can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Dundee ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Dundee ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Dundee?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
Dundee without a car 🚶♂️🚆
Dundee city centre is easy to enjoy on foot. The main attractions sit close together. These include the V&A Dundee, Discovery Point with the RSS Discovery, the waterfront, and the city’s compact shopping streets. Walking works well here, and distances are short.
Public transport is also straightforward. Dundee has a busy railway station on the east coast mainline corridor. Trains run frequently to Edinburgh, Glasgow (with a change), Perth, and Aberdeen. This makes Dundee very workable as a rail-based city break 🚆.
Local buses cover the suburbs and nearby towns. They are reliable and affordable. Taxis are also easy to find and reasonably priced for short trips. For visitors staying centrally, there is little pressure to drive.
Day trips by train and bus 🌍
Several good day trips from Dundee work well without a car. St Andrews is the standout example. Buses run frequently, and the journey is short. Perth is also easy by train and opens the door to Highland scenery.
Edinburgh is reachable in around 90 minutes by rail. That makes a long day trip realistic. Even Aberdeen is feasible, although it works better as an overnight stay. For these kinds of trips, public transport is efficient and stress-free.
When a rental car becomes useful 🚗
The equation changes once you want to explore more rural areas. Angus Glens, quiet coastal villages, and inland lochs are harder to reach by bus. A car gives you freedom and saves time.
Driving also makes it easier to explore beyond Fife and Angus. The Cairngorms National Park is within reach. So are lesser-known Highland routes that are impractical by public transport.
Car rental is available in Dundee, although the choice is smaller than at major airports. Some visitors prefer to rent in Edinburgh or Aberdeen instead. That can offer better availability and pricing.
Driving conditions and practical notes ⚠️
Driving around Dundee itself is simple. Traffic levels are moderate, and parking is manageable outside peak times. Roads heading north and west are generally good, although rural routes narrow quickly.
Scottish driving standards are high. Signage is clear. Distances, however, can be deceptive, especially in rural areas.
Conclusion: should you rent a car in Dundee?
For a city-focused visit and classic day trips, you do not need a car. Dundee works well on foot, by bus, and by train. However, if you want to explore rural eastern Scotland or venture further into the Highlands, renting a car adds flexibility and opens up far more possibilities 🚙🏞️.