Flying to Scotland from North America? Think Twice Before Driving on Your First Day

For many visitors from the USA and Canada, hiring a car is a great way to explore Scotland. It provides freedom, flexibility and the opportunity to discover places that aren't always easily reached by public transport.

But there is one part of the journey that may be worth reconsidering:

Do you really need to collect your hire car immediately after stepping off a transatlantic flight?

The Reality of Your First Morning in Scotland

Many flights from North America to Scotland travel overnight.

You may have left home the previous afternoon, spent several hours at an airport and then flown six, seven or eight hours across the Atlantic — perhaps with very little sleep.

By the time you clear immigration, collect your luggage and leave the terminal, your body may still think it's the middle of the night.

That's not necessarily the ideal time to get behind the wheel of an unfamiliar vehicle.

You're Also Learning a Different Way of Driving

For visitors from North America, tiredness isn't the only consideration.

In Scotland, we drive on the left-hand side of the road, and the driver's position in most vehicles is on the right.

You'll also encounter roundabouts, different road signs and speed limits, and roads that can be considerably narrower than those you may be accustomed to at home.

Once you leave the motorways and major routes, Scottish roads can change considerably. Rural areas may have narrow roads, tight bends and, particularly in the Highlands, single-track sections with passing places.

None of these things should discourage you from driving in Scotland. Thousands of international visitors do so every year and thoroughly enjoy the freedom it provides.

It simply makes sense to tackle them when you're reasonably well rested.

Why Not Collect Your Hire Car the Following Day?

There's an assumption that if you're hiring a car for your Scottish holiday, you need to collect it at the airport.

You don't necessarily have to.

Major car rental companies operate from locations throughout Scotland as well as at the airports. Depending on where you're staying and your itinerary, it may be possible to travel to your first destination, have a proper meal and a good night's sleep, and collect your hire car the following morning.

For example, if you're spending your first couple of nights exploring Edinburgh, you may not need a car at all during that part of your stay.

Edinburgh is a compact city with extensive public transport, and many of its principal attractions are best explored on foot.

Hiring a vehicle only when you're ready to leave the city could also mean avoiding city-centre driving and parking altogether.

Make the Arrival Day Part of the Holiday

Another option is to arrange transportation from the airport to your first destination.

If you're travelling directly to somewhere such as St Andrews, Gleneagles, Perthshire or further into Scotland, the journey doesn't necessarily have to be simply an airport transfer.

After a long flight, stopping for coffee, breakfast or lunch and having an opportunity to stretch your legs can make the journey much more comfortable.

Depending on your route and available time, you could even include a scenic or historic stop along the way.

Instead of concentrating on navigation and unfamiliar roads, you can look out of the window and enjoy your first few hours in Scotland.

When Should You Hire a Car?

A hire car can be an excellent choice once you're rested and ready to explore independently.

It is particularly useful for rural Scotland, the Highlands and areas where public transport is less frequent.

The point isn't that visitors shouldn't drive in Scotland.

It's simply worth considering when you start driving.

If you've just crossed the Atlantic on an overnight flight, collecting a hire car immediately isn't your only option.

Take a transfer, taxi, tram, train or other suitable transport to your first destination. Get some rest. Adjust to the time difference.

Then collect your car and begin your Scottish road trip refreshed.

A More Relaxed Start to Your Scottish Holiday

I've been providing private transport throughout Scotland since 2015 and regularly meet visitors arriving from North America.

If you'd prefer not to drive immediately after your flight, John Mowbray Executive Travel can provide private transfers from Edinburgh Airport to destinations throughout Scotland, including longer-distance journeys and transfers incorporating scenic stops.

Whether you use private transport, public transport or simply postpone collecting your hire car until the following day, the principle is the same:

You've travelled thousands of miles to enjoy Scotland. There will be plenty of time to drive — your first few hours here don't necessarily have to be spent behind the wheel.

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