As you’d expect for a transport hub serving the Scottish capital, Edinburgh Airport boasts comprehensive transport links. It’s a straightforward drive from the airport to the city, less than 10 miles along the A90 or A8.

Edinburgh is also an ideal base for exploring other areas of Scotland, including Loch Ness and the Cairngorms National Park. The park is located a few hours’ drive up the A9, while further north along this route you’ll find Loch Ness, a large freshwater loch with beautiful scenery and untouched natural landscapes.

Edinburgh is also a couple of hours away from Hadrian’s Wall, a historic landmark that can be reached by driving south from Edinburgh on the A702 and the A74 highway. 

The M8 highway connects Edinburgh with another of Scotland’s biggest cities, Glasgow. This former shipbuilding center is now a cultural and entertainment hotspot, with an impressive mix of Victorian and modern architecture that makes it well worth a visit.

The speed limit on Scotland’s motorways is 70 mph, and the maximum speed in rural areas is 60 mph unless there are signs indicating otherwise. In residential areas, the speed limit is usually 30 mph. Throughout the UK you drive on the left and overtake on the right hand side.

If you’re driving in Edinburgh city center, some of the main streets including Princes Street and Shandwick Place are not accessible to cars, while on-street parking is limited in some areas but plentiful in others. There are numerous multi-level parking lots.

If you’re staying outside the city center, there is a park and ride service available which departs from several locations including Ingliston, Newcraighall and Ferrytoll. Simply park up your car and catch a bus right into the center.

When you land at Edinburgh Airport, it’s just the start of your journey into this incredible city. Edinburgh may host the world’s biggest arts festival every August, but there’s plenty more on offer in the Scottish capital. Wander it at your leisure and you’ll soon discover just how deep its charms run.

On top of the rock

Edinburgh has the rare accolade of being able to boast not one but two extinct volcanoes. The origins of Arthur’s Seat and the Castle Rock date back hundreds of millions of years, and today you can hike to the top of the former for impressive views of the city’s skyline.

On top of Castle Rock, you’ll find, as the name suggests, Edinburgh Castle. One of the city’s most popular attractions, you can take a tour and learn all about Edinburgh’s proud heritage and the tumultuous events that took place here over hundreds of years.

If you’re keen to do some shopping on your visit, take a trip to Victoria Street where you’ll find stores selling everything from traditional Scottish foods to vintage clothes. Princes Street has stores along only one side so you can enjoy views of the castle as you stroll along.

If you’re staying in Edinburgh during the summer, you might experience some of the world famous Fringe Festival, when performers descend on the city to show off their talents in comedy, art and dance.

In the winter, the city hosts a huge German market, while the famous Hogmanay celebrations begin from December 30 with a torch lit procession and street party with DJs, bands and fireworks.

Back to nature

Just a few hours’ drive away from Edinburgh is Britain’s largest national park, the Cairngorms. Its location in the heart of the Highlands means this area is home to an incredible range of wildlife, from eagles and red squirrels to reindeer and even wildcats.

There’s plenty of scenery to enjoy as you explore its forests, mountains and rivers, while the colder months also attract winter sports fans thanks to the excellent skiing and snowboarding facilities.

Further north along the A9, just south-west of Inverness, sits Loch Ness, the biggest of a series of lochs dotted along Scotland’s Great Glen. Famous for its beautiful scenery and, of course, the elusive Loch Ness Monster or ‘Nessie’, it’s also situated close to the renowned Urquhart Castle and the picturesque town of Drumnadrochit.

In the footsteps of the Romans

South of Edinburgh, close to the border between Scotland and England, lies one of the UK’s most famous Roman landmarks. Hadrian’s Wall, just a two-hour drive from the city, was built around 50 years after Roman armies invaded much of what is now Scotland around AD70.

The 80-mile-long wall was an impressive feat of engineering and for almost three centuries the wall was a frontier for the Romans’ British empire. Many of the forts along the wall, however, were occupied long after Roman rule ended in Britain. Large sections are still standing today, and you can still explore some of its forts including Housesteads, where you can see the remains of a hospital and army barracks.

Part of the wall also heads into Newcastle, and there are many other key sites and attractions along the route to explore. Renting a car on your visit to Edinburgh makes it possible to visit all these exciting attractions and more – all at your own pace.