I actually have two questions:
1. Suggestions on Rental Companies in Edinburgh at the Airport or other locations? I was looking at Sixt they had a reasonable rate but not sure about reputation. 2. We are planning on being in Edinburgh for two days and then driving up to Ullapool taking the ferry to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. For our budget this seems to be the most affordable for time and money. We thought that when we arrived we would just rent the car even though we won't need it for the first two days. My reasoning is that we would have to get a taxi or take the bus to and from our B & B which would add up to double the cost. I'm not sure on the bus system or the costs on that. Any suggestions on how to find the bus information and cost. I don't have the B & B address I do know its near the Royal Mile area. One of Rick's suggestions.
Posted by
Anna Texas, USA
144 posts
Angel - We went to Edinburgh this last March. I would not get a car until I left there. We had one and the parking is a real pain. Unless your B&B offers free parking, you will have to park on the street or go to a lot. It was about 20 pounds a day to park in a covered area, if I remember right (it could have been 10) - in any event, it was expensive. The street parking is expensive and has rules you have to follow. They have these "parking police" that are very efficient. We were close to the Royal Mile and walked everywhere. Your hosts at the B&B can probably help you with the bus schedules. We rented from National, but picked the car up in Manchester. I think there are National places all over. I know this is the first time I bought the full coverage and it paid off. I damaged a wheel on the vehicle and they were very nice and just swapped cars with me and it didn't cost a penny. It would have cost upwards of $300.00 or more if I had just gotten the regular collision insurance since it was a small Mercedes vehicle. I developed a taste for MacAllan Scotch while I was there. Good luck!! Bill
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
Pick up your car when you are ready to leave Edinburgh. It really will just sit in a parking lot collecting parking fees. If your B&B is near The Royal Mile any taxi fare will be small if you're coming from Waverly which is likely because the airport bus also end there. I remember getting an all day bus pass for 2-3 pounds. I think you may have to get after 9 AM which is normal as you'll want to enjoy breakfast. ; ) Pam
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2450 posts
Yes to previous posters, no need to get the car until you leave the city, it you are staying near the royal mile, you can walk almost anywhere and if not is cheap and easy to use bus. I personally think it would be waste of money to get car when you arrive.
Posted by
Edinburgh, Scotland
8 posts
On your route, you will love Lewis and Harris, but my advice is to make it a round trip and go one way from Ullapool to Stornoway and one way from Tarbert on Harris to Uig on the Isle of Skye. This allows you to see another beautiful island and also lets you take the ferry from Armadale on Skye to the fishing village of Mallaig. This is the most spectacular of all ferry trips in Scotland - The Cuillin Mountains of Skye behind you, the islands of Rhum and Eigg to the West and South West, Ardnamurchan's mountainous peninsula to the South and the awesome empty wilderness of Knoydart to the East. Then from Mallaig, follow the Road to the Isles to Fort William, stopping at the squeaky white sands of Morar and at Glenfinnan to see where Bonnie Prince Charlie (the only prince to be named after three sheepdogs) marshalled the clans in the failed 1745 rebellion and also the Glenfinnan viaduct, used in the Harry Potter movies with the Jacobite steam train crossing it.