[vaccav]

In Edinburgh: you'd be highly unlikely to use a car to get around whilst staying in Edinburgh. Edinburgh is small enough to walk or use the bus.

You'd maybe consider a car for getting around to see things outside of Edinburgh but tourist buses are also a reasonable option. EG If you're going up to St Andrews or up to Loch Ness then these tend are on the tourist trail and tourist buses are not a bad option. Cars can also be used though and I guess it comes down to personal preference and how many of you are travelling.

Vaccav
(currently in Edinburgh)

[Dave Noble]

Originally Posted by stryker

My advice would be to stick with Avis or Hertz (they are really quite competitive), and under no circumstances should you prepay (if you make a change or cancel it will be a real hassle and will probably cost you quite a bit of money).

I disagree here. In UK/Europe a prepaid rate can sometimes be a lot cheaper than the regular rate and be worth purchasing. If the flexibility isn't so important there can oft be a good saving

Dave

[NM]

Originally Posted by straitman

NM,

Any thoughts about the Edinburgh area

Each time I have been to Edinburgh I have driven. Last time we stayed at a Travel Inn hotel in the eastern suburbs and drove into the Castle and Royal Mile area. Parking was not a problem. I have no experience with public transport in Edinburgh.

Do note that almost everywhere you go in the UK you have pay for parking. Pay-And-Display is the order of the day in even the small towns. So do take that into account when comparing costs. Expect to pay around a pound per hour on average.

[stryker]

Originally Posted by Dave Noble

I disagree here. In UK/Europe a prepaid rate can sometimes be a lot cheaper than the regular rate and be worth purchasing. If the flexibility isn't so important there can oft be a good saving

Dave

Yes, that's fine, but don't ever think of changing your booking. It'll cost you dearly.

I'm presently having a battle with Hertz (yes, I'm a #1 Club Gold), about a pre-paid booking I made for the UK (how stupid of me). If you have a problem, you have to ring Dublin (there is no other way).

Don't believe me? Ring up Hertz Australia and ask them what feedback they have received about prepaids in Europe. Being charged twice, etc, etc.

My advice to everyone is just don't do it, as the non-prepaid rate isn't that much more expensive and you can change it at any time without penalty.

Caveat emptor.

Convenient, Dave? I'd rather pay more and get the flexibility, thanks.

And in future, I will.

[Dave Noble]

Originally Posted by stryker

Convenient, Dave? I'd rather pay more and get the flexibility, thanks.
.

If you don't need the flexibility, then you can save money, just like airline tickets. If you need the flexibility of changing, then the prepay rates are not appropriate

I wouldnt use the prepay since my corporate rate is so low, but I have done in the past

Dave

[IrvYalom]

public transport in London, car outside London.

[acampbel]

Originally Posted by IrvYalom

public transport in London, car outside London.

Yep .... that's a good rule.

The only exception would be if you were just moving between a few major cities with limited excursions, in which case trains/buses can be fine but you will do better to pre-pay or get some sort of pass. I found just rocking up to a station for a ticket can be very expensive.

Also the cheap car rentals are OK but beware of km limits and the plethora of extra charges. I would use reputable firms if your budget can stretch to it, and pick up early-bird specials for free upgrades and other goodies.

And although petrol is expensive, if you multiply all the public transport costs by 2 (or 4 in my case) then you may be surprised how cheap hiring a car can be ... as well as infinitely more flexible. I must have seen every standing stone in mainland UK on our last trip!


Cheers,

Andrew

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