Car Rental Elgin

The town and its scenic surrounding area form an ideal location to drive around. Once you have arranged your rental car in Elgin and collected your vehicle you’ll be ready to explore – just remember to drive on the left-hand side of the road in Scotland, as in the rest of the UK.

If you’re planning to spend a day exploring Elgin Cathedral, the pay and display car parks on both North Port and the Saint Giles Centre are perfectly placed. Alternatively, there is some designated on-street parking where you can leave your vehicle while you discover the area on foot – just check signs for details.

Whether you’re exploring the spectacular countryside, the local streets or heading out on the UK motorways, be sure to take note of the different speed limits, which will be signed in miles per hour as back home.

In built-up areas such as Elgin itself, the limit is usually 30mph, though some residential zones and areas near schools may be 20mph. Many rural routes have a maximum of 60mph, while on motorways and most dual carriageways, the limit is generally 70mph unless otherwise signed. These limits can vary depending on the road and area, however, so it’s always best to pay attention to any changes.

If you’re looking for exciting day trips, you’ve come to the right place. Elgin is perfectly poised for world-famous destinations, being less than an hour’s drive from historic Inverness and just over 50 miles from the iconic shores of Loch Ness, and its legendary monster. Take the A96 westbound via Alves, Forres and Nairn en route to this beautiful area.

To the south meanwhile, the Cairngourms National Park is waiting to be discovered via the A941 and A95, while the major Scottish cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow can be reached in around 4 hours using the A9.

Famous for breathtaking scenery and historic architecture, Elgin is a beautiful gem in the north of Scotland.

Explore the best things in the town and beyond with the help of your rental car.

Visit historic landmarks

Elgin’s majestic medieval cathedral was left in ruins following a series of fires centuries ago – yet it remains a beautiful and striking monument.

Dating back to the 13th century, this building has a colorful history taking in wars, disaster and restoration. Visitors can still climb the two towers of the West Front and Chapter House, as they remain intact. The views of Elgin from the top are a vision to behold.

Spynie Palace meanwhile is the largest medieval bishop’s house in Scotland still standing today, and was home to the bishops of Moray for a staggering 500 years. Wildlife lovers will also enjoy the beauty of the area surrounding the site, also known as Spynie Castle, including the serenade of birdsong audible at many times of year.

Spend the day in Lossiemouth

Around a 15-minute drive north you’ll reach the sea and the town of Lossiemouth, where you can park up using the on-street bays looking onto East Beach.

Sandwiched between the River Lossie and the sea you can access the beach via a bridge. Spend some leisurely time walking on the beautiful golden sands while taking in the stunning coastal views.

Bask in the tranquility of Pluscarden Abbey

Located just over six miles south-west of Elgin is the serene Pluscarden Abbey. Founded in 1230 by King Alexander II of Scotland, Pluscarden became a Benedictine House in 1454 when it merged with Urquhart Priory.

Still home to a community of monks to this day, admire the medieval architecture or simply bask in the calm – you can even hear the monks sing in traditional Gregorian Chant. .

Take a trip to Inverness - and Loch Ness

If you’re looking for the perfect day trip from Elgin then look no further than a drive to the city of Inverness. The cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands is located just over 37 miles south-west of Elgin, where the River Ness joins the Moray Firth.

Boasting a gorgeous castle, a cathedral, a rich culture of art and even an atmospheric Victorian Market, Inverness is a city with a lot of heart.

Around 15 miles further on from the city is the village of Drumnadrochit, where you’ll be able to enjoy the wonders of Loch Ness. To get unrivaled views of the Loch, travel to Urquhart Castle where there are bays to park your rental car. You’ll avoid much of the Nessie tourist traffic here, and learn about the history of this magnificent medieval fortress.

Hike the Cairngorms

On your adventures in Elgin, take the time to visit the biggest national park in the UK – the Cairngorms.

This experience is not to be missed for lovers of the outdoors. An hour and a half drive south from Elgin, you’ll find one of the best hikes stretching from Kingussie to Newtonmore. You’ll be spoilt for views, as a footpath runs between the villages along the foot of the grand Monadhliath mountains, nestled by Loch Gynack.

Car rental in Elgin is your gateway to some of Scotland’s most treasured sights and experiences. Reserve direct today.