Hi, ALB2025,
As of now, there are two car hire companies in Oban: Flit and Hazelbank. Both have websites. As both companies are small, you'd need to bring the car back to Oban.
The road to Oban is not bad at all, if you do decide to drive from Edinburgh. It's main roads, two lanes or more, most of the way. There are several routes which you can take. You wouldn't need SatNav (GPS), as long as your navigator is a good map reader.
Where had you planned to travel on the West Highland Line? If you're going back to Glasgow, then you just need to get on the train at Oban. If you are planning to go farther north to Fort William and Mallaig, you'd need to change trains at Crainlarich.
As you'll be driving on Mull, there are many single track roads with passing places. Be sure to check out one of the tutorials on YouTube. If you're at all nervous about driving a stick shift, ask for an automatic. It may cost a bit more, but it will be easier on your nerves.
If you do decide to do the whole thing by car, you'd see a lot more than you would from the train. The downside, however, is that the driver mainly sees the road ahead!
Best wishes,
Mike (Auchterless)
p.s.: None of the major car rental companies have a drop off facility anywhere near Oban. Your closest drop off for the majors would be Glasgow/Stirling or Inverness.
p.p.s.: If you're taking the train from St Andrews to Oban, you'll have already been on the Glasgow to Oban portion of the West Highland Line. So if you're only taking the WHL back to Glasgow, be sure to sit on the side opposite to your outward journey, so that you see the countryside from a different perspective.
