Your One-Way Car Hire from London to Edinburgh with SIXT
Driving from London to Edinburgh gives you the unique opportunity to explore the whole length of Britain, stopping wherever you choose and taking as much time as you need - or have! As the respective capitals of England and Scotland, the drive between these two stunning cities showcases the diversity of the counties in between. With hundreds of miles of scenic countryside, innumerable sites of historic interest and a host of culturally and socially important cities to stop at, there is no shortage of things to do along the way. Pick your car up at one of SIXT's car rental branches in London, including at Heathrow, Gatwick, and then drop it off at Edinburgh Airport, or one of our branches in Edinburgh city centre.
How to Reserve a Car Rental One Way
Booking a car rental one-way with SIXT is quick and easy:
1. Start your booking by entering your pick-up and drop-off locations.
2. Choose your rental dates and select the vehicle category that suits your needs.
3. SIXT will automatically show you availability details.
4. Complete your booking online and get ready for a smooth pick-up and drop-off experience.
Why choose a specific car category?
One-way Convertible Hire
Take a memorable drive from London to Edinburgh in a SIXT one-way car hire. Enjoy the journey as you head north through rolling English countryside, pass historic cities, and cross into the dramatic landscapes of Scotland, all while travelling in comfort from capital to capital. You can pick up your car in London and drop it off in Edinburgh with ease, without needing to return to your starting point.
One-way SUV Hire
SIXT has an extensive selection of SUV rentals that are ideal for a one-way journey from London to Edinburgh. Head north with plenty of space for both passengers and luggage, making long stretches on the motorway and scenic detours through the countryside more relaxing. With numerous SUV models to pick from, you can find a hire car that suits your needs.
One-way Luxury Car Hire
Travel from London to Edinburgh in exceptional style with a luxury car hire from SIXT. Choose from an impressive collection of premium and exotic models and enjoy a comfortable, high-end driving experience from start to finish. Whether you opt for a sleek sports car or an elegant luxury saloon, your journey will feel special and refined, and you’ll arrive in Edinburgh with a real VIP touch.
FAQs
No. For a one‑way rental from London to Edinburgh, the one‑way fee is built into the price you see when booking under "Price Details", so the route itself doesn't bring any hidden costs. Most unexpected charges are easy to avoid and only arise if, for example, the car is returned to a different branch than agreed or comes back low on fuel or battery. For a smooth, surprise‑free experience, just review the price breakdown before confirming.
Yes, there are mileage options for one-way car hire from London to Edinburgh.
When booking, you can choose between:
- Included mileage with an extra charge for every additional mile, or
- Unlimited mileage for a fixed rate per day.
The full price breakdown, including any mileage charges, will be shown transparently during the booking process in the Price Details section.
Yes! SIXT offers flexible cancellation options. Select "Stay flexible" to cancel free of charge anytime before pickup time.
One-way car hire from London to Edinburgh is available from all London stations, including major locations such as London Heathrow Airport, London Stansted Airport, and London St. Pancras/King’s Cross. Availability is always subject to demand and fleet, so when you make your booking, simply enter your preferred London pick-up branch, select Edinburgh as your drop-off location, and choose your rental dates and times. You will then see whether a one-way rental for your chosen locations and dates is available.
Driving from London to Edinburgh by car
Experience the best of the UK as you journey between two iconic capital cities, London and Edinburgh. With SIXT one-way car hire, you can enjoy the freedom of the open road without worrying about driving back. Simply pick up your vehicle at any SIXT branch in London and drop it off in Edinburgh.
At just over 400 miles, the drive can be completed in around 7 hours when traffic is light, but it’s far more enjoyable to take your time, stop along the way, and explore more of England and Scotland. With our flexible one-way rental options and multiple convenient locations in both cities, planning your route is simple. Choose from a wide range of SIXT vehicles to suit your travel style: from economy cars ideal for city driving to spacious SUVs for families or groups, and premium sedans for extra comfort on longer stretches. Whether you’re planning a direct dash or a relaxed road trip with multiple stops, SIXT has the right one-way car rental deal to make your trip between London and Edinburgh easy, flexible, and enjoyable.
For additional information about driving in the United Kingdom please visit our UK driving tips page!
From London, take the M1 northbound out of the city. The motorway heads north past Luton and Milton Keynes before gradually curving northwest. As you approach the area around Birmingham, merge onto the M6, which continues north past Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent, and Preston toward the Scottish border.
Near Carlisle, the M6 crosses into Scotland and becomes the A74(M). Continue following this route north until you reach the turnoff for the A702, which provides a direct and scenic approach into Edinburgh. Although this is a straightforward motorway-heavy trip, there are plenty of opportunities along the way to stop, rest, or explore cities such as Birmingham or Manchester with a short detour.
There are no tolls on the M1, M6, A74(M), M74, or A702 themselves, so you can complete this journey without paying motorway tolls. However, be aware of the M6 Toll near Birmingham.
If you are hoping to make the most of your car hire and explore Great Britain to the fullest, then consider making your journey to London from Edinburgh by car along the northeastern coast. Witness the famous beaches that stretch down from the Scottish border, passing major cities such as Newcastle upon Tyne and Middlesbrough. You can take the M1 the whole route north but make sure to stop off at York to see its famous Minster, which is the largest of its kind in Northern Europe.
- Chiltern Hills: Taking the M40 out of London also brings you close to the Chiltern Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Here you can enjoy views of rolling green countryside and charming villages, or stop for a quick walk or pub lunch to break up your drive.
- Oxford: Consider a short detour to Oxford via the M40. Known for its world-famous university, historic colleges, and impressive architecture, Oxford is perfect for a stroll through cobbled streets, riverside walks, and a visit to iconic sights like the Bodleian Library or Radcliffe Camera before continuing your journey north.
- Birmingham: As you continue north, you’ll pass near Birmingham, England’s “second city.” Its extensive canal network—longer in total than Venice’s—is lined with bars, restaurants, and cultural venues, making it a lively place to pause midway through your trip.
Driving from London to Edinburgh, you can easily incorporate Oxford and these other highlights into your road trip. Pick up your vehicle in London, drop it off in Edinburgh, and enjoy the freedom of a flexible, one-way journey without needing to drive back.
*SIXT one-way car hire is subject to availability at participating SIXT locations in the UK. This offer is subject to change without notice and all rentals are subject to SIXT standard terms and conditions. For the complete allowances with your rental car, please reference the rental services information.
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