Car Rental Scotland

Scotland has an excellent and well-maintained road network, with several motorways connecting its biggest towns and cities. Among the country’s busiest routes is the M8, which connects Glasgow with Edinburgh just 50 miles to the east.

This road links to other key destinations including the town of Livingston, just a few miles west of Edinburgh. Unlike most UK motorways, the M8 runs right into the heart of a city. Follow it through the centre of Glasgow or continue out over the Erskine Bridge towards Greenock and Paisley.

Renting a car in Glasgow means you can follow the M8 north to join the M898 and A82, heading towards Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Go south and the M8 links up with the M74 towards Gretna Green on the border with England.

Another of Scotland’s main routes is the M90, running north-east of Edinburgh towards Perth, Dundee and Aberdeen. If you’re visiting this part of the country, enjoy the scenic drive through the Cairngorms National Park, around 100 miles from Aberdeen via the A96 and A95.

From Aberdeen, you can explore the beautiful Banffshire coast or take the A96 inland towards Elgin and Inverness. Alternatively, you can join the A82 from Inverness to Loch Ness.

Like the rest of the UK, drivers in Scotland use the left side of the road and overtake on the right. Speed limits are usually signposted, but generally you will find the speed limit is set to 70mph on motorways and dual carriageways and to 30mph in towns and built-up areas.

From rugged, untouched beaches to ancient castles and windswept moors, Scotland offers you the chance to explore some unforgettable scenery from the comfort of your rental car. Here’s our quick guide to just a few highlights you shouldn’t miss.

Historic capital

It’s easy to see why Edinburgh tops the list of attractions for many first-time visitors to Scotland. This beautiful city is home to Edinburgh Castle, an ancient fortress that looms high over the city. Head inside to see the Crown Jewels of Scotland, eerie dungeons and the Stone of Destiny, used for centuries in the coronation of Scottish kings.

Edinburgh is packed with too many highlights to see in a day. If you have limited time in the city make sure you visit Princes Street. This unique thoroughfare is completely without buildings on one side, allowing you to enjoy spectacular views of the Castle and Old Town.

Princes Street is also home to the city’s main shopping area, as well as landmarks including Princes Street Gardens and the neo-gothic monument dedicated to Edinburgh-born novelist Sir Walter Scott.

Highland adventures

Follow the A9 north from Edinburgh in your rental car to explore the Scottish Highlands, home to majestic scenery and some of the country’s most famous natural attractions.

Just a short drive from the city of Inverness you’ll find Loch Ness, a freshwater lake that’s home to the mythical Loch Ness Monster and the historic ruins of Urquhart Castle. Even if you don’t spot Nessy, it’s an amazingly atmospheric spot that’s well worth a stop on your journey.  

From here it’s easy to drive through Glen Coe, a national nature reserve that attracts visitors from all over the world due to its scenic mountain hikes. But you don’t need to get out of your rental car to enjoy the views of valleys, waterfalls and lochs from the A82 highway that runs through the park. Highlights include the dramatic ridges of the Three Sisters and the Meeting of the Three Waters Waterfall.

City highlights

Hop back in your car and head down the A82 towards Glasgow to explore the cultural attractions on offer in Scotland’s biggest city. Start in the West End with a trip to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, home to iconic artworks including Salvador Dali’s captivating painting Christ of St John of the Cross. You’ll find it housed within its own gallery on the first floor of the museum.

Glasgow is also home to one of the most famous medieval buildings in Scotland, its cathedral. Built between the 13^th and 15^th centuries, this magnificent structure houses the tomb of the city’s patron saint, St Mungo, along with a stunning collection of stained-glass windows.

Glasgow’s food scene is fast becoming world-famous, mixing influences from across Europe, Asia and beyond. There’s so much to see and do in the city that it’s worth spending a few days here. Rent a car in Scotland and you’ll enjoy the freedom of planning your own itinerary and exploring all its attractions at your own pace.