Things to know when driving Edinburgh Airport
When you rent a car from Edinburgh Airport, you’ll be pleased to discover the Scottish roads are well maintained, easy to use and simple to navigate. Edinburgh is well connected to the rest of Scotland and traveling can be enjoyable, but there are two daily rush hours to avoid if at all possible - these occur between 7.30-9.30am and 4-6.30pm.
Edinburgh Airport is located around eight miles west of central Edinburgh, which can be reached via the A8 in around 25 minutes, depending on the time of day and the volume of traffic.
As in the whole of the UK, the speed limit on expressways is 70 miles per hour, with a more common 20 to 30 miles per hour in built-up areas. Edinburgh, like other UK cities, has a number of bus lanes, which at certain times of day can only be used by buses or taxis. Those planning to drive to the city center should also note that because of the relatively narrow historical streets, a one-way system is in use.
Out and about driving through the countryside that surrounds Edinburgh, there are other points to remember. Some of the rural roads are single lane and punctuated with passing points. Plus, it’s possible that you may come across wild animals like deer, or farm animals like sheep and cattle, whilst passing through certain areas.
More About Traveling Edinburgh Airport
Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, stands high on hilly terrain overlooking 360 degrees of magnificent rural landscape. Positively steeped in history, this urban Scottish jewel attracts visitors from across the globe, eager to explore a place rich with stories of romance, royalty, and conflict. However, Edinburgh isn’t just about looking back; this city, with its modern parliament buildings, bustling café culture and love of the arts, is also contemporary and cosmopolitan.
Green spaces
Edinburgh is graced with parklands, gardens and walks aplenty. Arthur’s Seat, the tallest peak in the collection hills that comprise Holyrood Park, is perhaps the most well-known. From this vantage point, walkers gain a brilliant vista of the city below. Meanwhile, the Princes Street Gardens in the very center of the city provide a retreat from the surrounding busy streets. These formal gardens, with their well-tended beds and blooms, statues and monuments provide a taste of Edinburgh in days gone by.
If you're looking for a place where the kids can enjoy the sun, head to the Meadows, where a spot of tennis, a laidback game of cricket and a picnic will make a perfect day. If you enjoy the seaside, head to Edinburgh’s north and take a look at the Firth of Forth from Cramond. From there, when the tide is out, you can walk across the causeway to Cramond Island which is home to many seabirds.
The Arts
For many, this city is primarily associated with the vibrant and diverse Edinburgh Festival Fringe. During this annual summertime arts event, hundreds of venues across the city play host to original theater, live music, comedy and more. However, Edinburgh’s art offer extends beyond the few weeks of the festival. The National Museum of Scotland, which holds exhibits on everything from the natural world and scientific endeavor to history and fine art, is a must-see. Edinburgh is also home to three National Galleries of Scotland – the National Gallery, the Portrait Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art.
Journeys through history
Edinburgh Castle sits atop a now extinct volcano, holding its long and bloody history close within. Visitors to this outstanding attraction, as well as enjoying excellent views of the city from the Half Moon Battery, also gain access to St Margaret’s Chapel and the National War Memorial. If you have a taste for fine gems, make the time to view Scotland’s Crown Jewels.
Leading away from the Castle is Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. This is the city’s main road and is part of the Medieval Old Town, with many of the original Reformation buildings still intact. Take time to wander around this area and you’ll come across a number of historically significant buildings including 16th century church Greyfriars Kirk, the Royal Museum of Scotland, Surgeons’ Hall and the University of Edinburgh. For a piece of history with a modern connection, don’t miss the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which was once the home of Mary Queen of Scots. The current Queen still calls this property home.
