Europe > United Kingdom > Edinburgh (EDI)
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Edinburgh can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Edinburgh ; 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 Edinburgh ?
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 Edinburgh?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.Edinburgh without a car 🚶♂️🚋
Edinburgh’s historic core is famously compact. The Old Town, Royal Mile, Castle, Grassmarket, and Holyrood Palace are all easily explored on foot. Meanwhile, the New Town is laid out on a clear grid and is just as walkable, with wide pavements and excellent bus coverage.
Public transport is a real strength here. Lothian Buses are frequent, reliable, and easy to use, covering almost every part of the city. In addition, the modern tram line links Edinburgh Airport directly with the city centre, New Town, and Leith. Airport transfers are simple without a car ✈️🚋.
Rail connections are another major advantage. Edinburgh Waverley sits right in the heart of the city, and Haymarket sits to the west of the centre. Both offer fast services to Glasgow, Stirling, Perth, Dundee, and Aberdeen. Even longer trips to York, Newcastle, or London are straightforward by train, which strongly reduces the need for driving.
Day trips by train or bus 🚆
Many classic Scottish excursions work perfectly without a car. Stirling Castle, Linlithgow Palace, North Berwick, and even St Andrews can all be reached by train or a combination of train and bus. As a result, Edinburgh functions exceptionally well as a rail-based touring hub.
When a car becomes useful 🚗
However, a rental car does become appealing if you plan to explore more remote areas. The Highlands, Isle of Skye, smaller coastal villages, and national parks are far easier to reach by car. Importantly, many travellers choose to enjoy Edinburgh car-free first, then collect a rental car later for a wider road trip.
Conclusion: should you rent a car in Edinburgh?
For city sightseeing and classic day trips, absolutely not. Edinburgh is one of Europe’s strongest no-car destinations. However, if Scotland’s wilder landscapes are part of your plans, renting a car after leaving the city can be a smart and flexible choice 🌄🚙.
