Car hire in Scotland at the best prices

Scotland is one of the most fascinating places in Europe, known for the vibrant city of Glasgow, the imposing Edinburg Castle, the freedom fighter William Wallace, and so much more. Scotland is full of unique traditions, captivating history and breathtaking landscapes. It is also a magnificent country for drivers due to its unparalleled scenery, populated by mountains and glens, countless places to visit and the chance to get immersed in the local culture. Additionally, Scottish people have a worldwide reputation for being friendly and warm, and you might hear some good stories and tales along the way!

A car hire in Scotland allows you to explore at your own pace. With Auto Europe, you are able to choose from a wide range of available vehicles and pick-up locations, such as airports, train stations and downtown offices. It couldn't be easier to discover everything with car rental. Simply dial the number +441233225114 and get in touch with our team of experts, ready to help you with any questions.

What are the most important driving rules in Scotland?

Driving in Scotland is quite similar to driving in the UK. It's still important to have a good grasp of local laws to make your journey smoother once you book your rent a car in Scotland. Besides always driving on the left hand side of the road, keep in mind that on roundabouts you must give way to vehicles from your right. Please find below a list of guidelines for driving in Scotland:

• Motorway signs are blue with white writing. In addition to the English language, some signs have a Gaelic writing version too.
• Speed limits are often signposted. Built-up areas and cities' limit is 30 mph or 48 km/h, while on motorways it is 70 mph or 112 km/h for cars. A maximum of 20 mph or 32 km/h is quite common around residential areas and schools.
• Scottish roads have speed cameras installed.
• Seatbelts are compulsory by law for all drivers and passengers inside a moving vehicle. It is the responsibility of the driver to ensure that children under 12 years old or 135 cm (4 ft 5 in) have an appropriate child seat for their weight.
• It is illegal to talk or text on a mobile phone while driving, unless you have a hands-free accessory.
• Drink driving laws in Scotland are very strict. You must have no more than 22mcg per 100 millilitres of breath or 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.
• Major cities have dedicated bus lanes that can only be used by buses and taxis at certain time periods.
• Be careful and respectful to the local farm animals or wildlife you might encounter on rural roads.
• Snow chains or winter tyres are not compulsory when driving in the winter time, but we highly recommend it.
• The emergency number in Scotland is the UK standard 999 for all emergency services including the coastguard.

Petrol stations are usually located near large supermarkets or main road junctions. Some of the most common brands are Shell, BP and Esso. In addition, supermarkets such as Tesco, Morrison's, Sainsbury's and Asda also offer fueling stations. Fuel is priced by the litre and in the cities, you'll often find 24-hour access at fuel stations. Keep in mind that in the Highlands certain routes have sparse coverage. To learn more about road regulations in Scotland, pay a visit to our driving in the United Kingdom page.

What to do in Scotland

Suggesting just a few must-dos is no easy task, however, with a car rental in Scotland, it's possible to see and do much more. Tourists here will have a great time hearing tales of kings and queens, visiting striking cliff-top castles and discovering the local traditions. Nature lovers can climb over 240 steps up the National Wallace Monument and enjoy views over the National Park or admire the stunning Northern Lights. Those interested in history have a plethora of ancient monuments, famous battlefields and legendary myths to uncover. Here are some of the places you cannot miss while travelling in Scotland:

• Edinburgh Castle: This magnificent castle is the focal point of the city and well worth a visit - we recommend visitors to spend at least two hours here! The Edinburgh Castle is part of Edinburgh's World Heritage Site and it's the number one attraction of Scotland. St Margaret's Chapel is the oldest part of the Castle, dating back from the 12th century. During the following centuries, the Great Hall, the Half Moon Battery, and the Scottish National War Memorial were added to the compound. If possible, attend one of the concerts held inside the beautifully kept interiors of the Castle. Keep in mind that visiting hours are from 9:30am to 5pm on summers and 4pm during winter time. Currently, a single ticket costs £17.00.


• Loch Ness: This iconic lake, located southwest of Inverness, is involved in myths and long-living tales of Scottish people. It spans over 20 miles and its depth reaches 700 feet and makes part of an absolutely gorgeous part of the Highlands. Nearby you will find small villages such as Drumnadrochit and Fort Augustus, several golf courses and the Urquhart Castle. You may also find Nessie, the monster first photographed on April 21, 1934 - over one thousand sightings of Nessie have been recorded so far! In fact, the largest search for the monster happened in 1987, when advanced sonar and camera technology, as well as £1 million, were employed in a non-fruitful exploration.


• Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum: Not only is this located in a spectacular and vast property, but it also offers an extensive collection of paintings, artifacts and statues. It's no wonder that the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is one of Scotland's most visited attractions. In addition, the beautiful gardens surrounding the property are perfect for a relaxing stroll and a quick bite. Opening hours during the week are from 10am to 5pm, while on weekends it opens an hour later.


• Arthur's Seat: This exhilarating hillfort dates back from around 2,000 years. The highest elevation point is 823 feet, and from there, hikers are able to see the most spectacular views of Edinburgh, Colton Hill and the skyline above the ocean. We recommend spending the day exploring the Holyrood Park, where Arthur's Seat is situated within. There is a ranger service on site.


• The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo: Tourists visiting Scotland in August will have a blast at the Military Tattoo. Over 12 million spectators have seen The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo since it first began in 1950! The annual military tattoos are performed by the British Armed Forces and international military bands and artistic performers from over 48 countries around the world. As a result, you will experience a skirl of the pipes, drums and choreographed movements creating magic at the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. Tickets usually go on sale on the first day of December.

Road trips with my car hire in Scotland

Driving is a great way to explore Scotland and its 2,179 miles of road network. Not surprisingly, there are 12 official National Tourist Routes, and dozens of road trip options. Each one offers excellent opportunities to soak up the views at a famous landmark, stop at a nearby whisky distillery or castle, or simply enjoy the raw beauty of nature around you. Perhaps one of the most awe-inspiring scenic drives is the one along the North Coast. 500 miles of coastal route beginning and ending in Inverness and crossing Munros and impressive lochs. You can find even more inspiration and tips by taking a look at our road trips guides: Scottish Highlands and Scottish Sights.

How old do I have to be to rent a car in Scotland?

Drivers must be at least 17 years old to hold a full driving licence. However, it's important to note that you must be at least 21 years old to be able to drive a car hire in Scotland. For those under the age of 25, an additional young driver surcharge may apply, depending on the car rental company. Additionally, most companies impose a maximum age limit of 75 years and may ask for a medical certificate proving the driver's ability to drive. For more information regarding age requirement, we recommend reading terms and conditions carefully before confirming your reservation.

A bit of History

The course of Scotland's over a thousand-year history is very complex, but also fascinating. The birth of Scotland occurred in the Palaeolithic Era, with the settlement of the first hunter-gatherers. However, its recorded history began with the Roman Empire arriving in 124 AD. Centuries later, the arrival of the Vikings and the Picts, who forged the Kingdom of Alba, ruled by the famous Macbeth. In the 12th century, Scotland became a feudal society, lands were turned into plantations and the economy flourished until the Battle of Stirling Bridge between Englishmen and Scots. Turmoil continued into the 14th century culminating to a signed letter by Scottish lords proclaiming the country as an independent sovereign state. A century later, Scotland was swept by the same renaissance wave that took hold around Europe, with advancements made in art, literature and politics.

In 1603, the Union of the Crowns happened thank to James VI, who succeeded Scotland's throne and the English throne as well, as his predecessor, Elizabeth I, died without an heir. A hundred years later, the Act of Union created a single Parliament for both nations. Consequently, a number of laws were introduced in an attempt to assimilate those living in the Highlands and speaking Gaelic. Industrial advances started to shape Scotland's economy in 1800 and the country grew wealthier from the trade of tobacco, sugar and cotton and 1967 the UK has access to oil made at home for the first time. Since then, Scotland has experienced extraordinary developments and is currently a nation built on innovation. The country now has a population of over 5.4 million and an area of 30,414 sq m.

What is the currency in Scotland?

The official currency of Scotland is the pound sterling (GBP), but Scottish banks print their own unique banknotes, which are generally accepted outside of the country. English notes, on the other hand, are accepted everywhere in Scotland. Coins are divided in 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2 denominations. Bank notes are available in £1, £5, £10, £20, £50 amounts and even some rare £100 notes. In case you need to exchange money, just access the nearest bank or exchange bureau. Banks are usually open from 9:30am to 4:30pm on weekdays, although some open on Saturday mornings. There are also a multitude of ATMs available.

What time zone is Scotland in?

Scotland's standard time is the GMT - Greenwich Mean Time Zone (UTC+00:00). During summer, the country adopts British BST - Summer Time (UTC +1), which usually ends in the last week of October.

Which are the most common phrases in Scotland?

English is the most popular language spoken in Scotland. However, Scots and Scottish Gaelic also are officially recognised languages. Scots are spoken in the Lowlands, the Northern Isles and the Island of Aran. Scottish Gaelic is a Celtic language and it's spoken by roughly 1% of the country.

Electricity - Do I need a power adapter in Scotland?

In Scotland the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. All power sockets are type G. We suggest anyone planning a trip to the country to bring appropriate adaptors to safely use electronic devices and appliances with a different voltage, frequency or plug.

Do I need a visa to travel to Scotland?

Even though we hope you don't experience any problems while in Scotland, it's still important to have on hand the contact information and address of your country's representative office, consulate or embassy in Scotland. There are 42 foreign representative offices in Scotland, and a detailed list of their locations can be found on the official government website.

Can I hire a campervan in Scotland?

Travelling around Scotland in style and comfort is now possible with a motorhome from Auto Europe. Our modern and well-equipped campervans are available for rent in several locations throughout the UK. Contact our team of specialists to learn all about our best offers!

Useful Links

Tourism Information