The Ultimate Guide to Renting a Van in Scotland
Embarking on a road trip through Scotland is an incredible adventure, and renting a campervan is one of the best ways to explore the country’s stunning landscapes. Having recently completed a three-week road trip in Scotland using two different types of vans, we’re here to share valuable insights to help you have an unforgettable experience. From choosing the right van to navigating Scotland’s unique driving conditions, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Planning Your Scotland Van Rental
Booking in Advance
One of the first lessons we learned was the importance of booking early. During the high season, van rentals go fast. We initially thought we could book last minute but soon realized that securing a van ahead of time is crucial to getting the one that best suits your needs and budget. We know this because we booked our second van last minute and it cost double the price, ouch, but still worth it.
Choosing the Right Van
The type of van you choose can make or break your trip. Think about how much room you’ll need and what amenities are essential for you. Our first van was a bit too cozy but very easy to drive, while the second one was bigger and had all the space we needed, but it was harder to drive and park. Consider if you need a shower or toilet, heating, or cooking facilities. Having a toilet in the van was a game-changer for us, especially in remote areas. However, we didn’t really feel that a shower was a must-have. Also, decide if you’re comfortable driving a larger van or prefer something smaller, and whether you need an automatic or stick. For us, a toilet was a nonnegotiable but our first van didn’t come with one. We ended up buying one off Ebay and it was the best thing we could have done.
Power
When choosing a campervan, it's crucial to consider how it will keep power, especially if it has a fridge. Some vans require being plugged in every night to keep things running, while others have a leisure battery that recharges as you drive or only needs to be plugged in every few days. For example, our first van’s fridge would only stay cold if we were driving or hooked up to external power. In contrast, our second van had a 12-volt leisure battery that powered everything for 3-4 days without needing a charge. Vans labeled "off-grid capable" often have added batteries or solar panels to keep everything running independently. Think about your needs, budget, and what will make your trip more comfortable before deciding.
Rental Companies
We rented from two companies: GoBoony and Indie Campers. GoBoony is like Airbnb for van rentals. They offered a wide range of options with detailed filters, making it easier to find exactly what we wanted. Indie Campers, a large, reputable company, had many options but their lack of detailed filters made finding us an automatic van challenging. Despite this, they were reliable and had a vast fleet. If you do a quick google search, there will be HUNDREDS of van rental companies and it can be overwhelming. Our advice, do a little price comparison and stick with a reputable company like GoBoony or Indie Campers.
Cost Considerations
Be prepared for additional costs. Our first van came fully equipped thanks to the host, but the second one only had the basics. Items like bedding, propane, and kitchen supplies cost extra and can add up quickly. Always check what’s included to avoid surprises. It’s not uncommon to pay extra for bedding, kitchen and cleaning supplies and more. We booked our first van a month in advance (which is still too late) and paid $1,800 for 12 days. Our second van we booked a week out (VERY last minute) and paid $1,800 for 6 days. The base price of Indie Campers will be appealing, but once you pay for all of the extras like propane, mileage, bedding etc…. It just adds up really quickly so be sure to take this into account.
Mileage Limits
Check the rental agreement for mileage limits. Indie Campers charges extra if you exceed 50 miles a day, which is easy to do on a Scottish road trip. Our rental with GoBooney had a much higher daily milage allowance but this could vary between rentals.
Licensing and Insurance
International Driver’s License
While an international driver’s license can be useful, we found our American licenses worked just fine in Scotland. We never needed the international version, but having it as a backup isn’t a bad idea.
Insurance
Understanding insurance can be tricky. With GoBoony, insurance was included in the price of our van rental. With Indie Campers, it was an extra cost and didn’t cover as much as we expected. We opted for additional insurance just in case. Interestingly, Indie Campers mentioned the most common replacement was side mirrors, which cost £1,000 each! Ensure you know what’s covered and what isn’t. If you have an American credit card that covers car rental insurance, be aware it may not cover a vehicle that’s been converted for sleeping. Do your research and know that the rental companies will require you to purchase insurance from them.
Preparing for Van Life in Scotland
Picking up your van
Whoever you choose to rent from, there are some things you will want to do when you pick it up. One of the most important things is to take photos AND videos of the inside and outside of the car for insurance purposes. With both of our rentals, the hosts walked us through showing us any prior damage which we also took pictures of. They should also walk you through how to use everything. Pay close attention to this and be sure to ask any questions you might have. With Indie Campers, they also send you a PDF guide and have videos on their YouTube channel showing you how to use everything. Make sure to ask how big your tanks are (water, grey and black if applicable). If there is a toilet/shower, ask them to show you how it works. It’s better to be overly prepared before you hit the rode.
Essentials to Purchase or Rent
Our first rental came with many essentials, but our second did not. You might need to buy or rent basic supplies such as bedding, kitchenware, and cleaning supplies. If you’re renting with Indie Campers in Edinburgh, inside their office is a “food bank” filled with items other campers no longer need. 100% recommend stopping by there and grabbing things like olive oil and vinegar. After picking up the van, thoroughly inspect the items they have given you and make a list of things you will need.
Provisioning Locations
We loved shopping at M&S Food Hall and Aldi for van life essentials and groceries. Tesco Superstore was also a good option, though slightly more expensive. Gas stations often offer affordable meal deals for around £4, including sandwiches, a drink and a snack, which were great for quick meals on the go.
Groceries
If you haven’t done van life before, it can be easy to over buy food, drinks and spices. We recommend to be prepared with a list of essentials and know how many meals you will be cooking in your van. If you would like a simple and affordable van life shopping list, we’re sharing ours for FREE!
Navigating Scotland
Driving Conditions
Driving in Scotland is an adventure. They drive on the left side of the road, and many roads are narrow, one-track roads with passing places. It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with these unique driving conditions. In our experience, we found that most, but not all, highways with an “A” were 2 lanes and most with “B” were 1 lane roads with passing places. It’s important to drive slow on those roads, especially in a van, and let other people pass when possible by pulling into the small passing place. Often times you may have to back up to get to the passing place so pay attention to where they are. We often found the travel time was double what Google Maps estimated due to the winding, hilly roads. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the UK road signs, this really helped us during our 3 weeks driving around Scotland. We HIGHLY recommend you study this free guide here. PRO TIP: Download google maps offline mode so you always have access to driving directions.
Parking
Parking in Scotland often comes with its own set of rules and fees. We found that you will have to pay to park almost everywhere. Many parking areas require payment, and while most accept cards or payments via app, it’s wise to keep some coins on hand for those that don’t. Be aware that if you’re in a van or motorhome, there might be different parking areas and fees compared to regular cars. For example, at the Old Man of Storr, we received a £100 ticket (reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days) because our minivan, which was converted for sleeping, was parked in the wrong area. Always check the signs and follow the designated parking guidelines to avoid fines. Street parking is often available in smaller towns but be sure to read the signs in case it’s not free.
Managing Your Van During the Trip
Where to sleep
Finding a good place to park each night is crucial. The Park4Night app was invaluable for finding safe and legal overnight spots. We used it to find stunning places to sleep for free, like this spot on a cliff overlooking the ocean! If you are wanting the full Scotland van life experience, you need this app! You can also use it to find campsites, places to dump your waste and refill your water tanks.
Waste Management
Proper waste disposal is critical. Use designated facilities and never dump waste in nature. Even brushing your teeth should be done over your van’s waste tank. When you need to empty your grey waste, you can easily find places to do so on the Park4night app. Most campsites will also let you dump there for a fee usually around £5.
Weather Preparation
Scotland’s weather is unpredictable. Be sure to close all of your van windows before leaving the van to explore. Waterproof clothing, warm layers, and non-slip shoes are essential.
Water
We recommend to have 2 extra large bottles of water in addition to your water tank being full. When you rent your van, it should come with a full tank of water. To refill your tank, we recommend using the app Park4night to search for water refill areas or you can stop by a gas station as most of them will have a water refill station.
Staying Organized in the Van
Staying organized in a small space is essential for a stress-free trip. When we first got our van, we designated specific spots for everything. Assign a place for everything to avoid misplacing items and keep the van tidy. Spend a few minutes each day tidying up to maintain order, and use storage bins, shopping bags, packing cubes etc. to maximize space.
Preparing Meals on the Road
Cooking in a van can be challenging but fun. Our go-to meals were simple yet delicious. We often cooked pasta, soup, and sandwiches, which were easy to prepare. Keeping a variety of snacks handy for long drives was also a good idea. To minimize clean-up, we used biodegradable baby wipes to clean dishes before washing to save water.
Fuel Management
We recommend to keep your tank above a quarter full. When getting fuel, you’ll pump first, then pay inside, so remember your pump number. During high season, you might have to wait for gas in smaller towns.
Staying Connected in Scotland
Cell Phone Service in Scotland
Coming from America, we knew our cell phones wouldn’t work in the UK without paying for roaming fees. We’ve been using Airalo eSim for the past 2 years to stay connected and highly recommend them. With that being said, cell service (with any provider) can be spotty in Scotland, especially in nature. There were many times we were without cell service. PRO TIP: Download Google Maps offline for navigation in remote areas where cell reception is unreliable.
Portable WiFi
HippocketWifi was our lifeline. With spotty cell reception in many areas, having reliable internet access was invaluable for navigation and staying connected. HippocketWifi is super easy to use and affordable and we 10/10 recommend them for your Scotland van life road trip. We used it when our cell phones couldn’t get a connection, to FaceTime family back home, to stream movies and for driving directions.
Honestly, we will 1000% use Hippocket Wifi for our next van life adventure. The way it works is you reserve one online and they will send it to you, even if you’re staying at a hotel/hostel, and it comes with a prepaid return label. You activate it, which is super simple, and start using it! Just mail it back in the prepaid return label. SO EASY! Click the link here to learn more about Hippoket Wifi and use our code EVANANDLEMON for 5% off!
Responsible Van Life
Leave No Trace
We’ve already covered this but it’s very important. Following the principles of leaving no trace is essential. Dispose of waste properly, avoid environmental damage, and be considerate of nature. All water waste, including from brushing your teeth, should go into your van’s waste tank.
Be Courteous
Be mindful of staying only a night or 2 when wild camping overnight. Also consider leaving a donation if parking somewhere that advertises it. The money goes towards the community and keeping the parking areas clean. It’s also important to be respectful and quiet during the hours of 10pm-8am. Van life is a community so don’t be afraid to say hello to your neighbors and offer/ask for help if needed.
Fun Extras for Your Van
We found a few extras that made our trip more memorable. A deck of cards, including traditional ones and Uno, was great for entertainment during downtime. Incense or a citronella candles helped deter midges, Scotland’s infamous mosquitoes. Insulated coffee cups to keep our coffee hot during hikes and road trips. If your van doesn’t come with navigation, purchase a reliable phone mount that suctions to the windshield. The vent clips didn’t work well for us and kept falling off. To see a full list of fun van life extras, click here.
Campsite Booking and Etiquette
Campsite Booking
Booking campsites was sometimes challenging, especially during high season. Prebooking guarantees a spot but can limit spontaneity. We often found ourselves tied to a schedule due to prebooked sites. Sometimes, you can show up without a reservation, but be aware that reception offices often close before 7 PM. Always call ahead if you plan to arrive late. Check if the campsite offers the amenities you need, like electricity, showers, and laundry. Reading recent reviews for up-to-date information was helpful. You can find campsites by a quick google search or using the Park4Night app. Additionally, there are often campsite signs along the streets and highways.
Campsite Etiquette
Respecting campsite rules and other campers ensures a pleasant experience for everyone. Keep noise to a minimum, especially at night. Leave your pitch as clean as you found it, and respect other campers’ space and privacy.
Meeting Locals and Other Travelers
Meeting locals and fellow travelers added richness to our journey. We probably spent close to an hour each day speaking with locals (we actually factored this into our itinerary lol). We’ve traveled to over 30 countries in the last 3 years and we have found Scottish people to be the most friendly and caring- they literally make you feel a part of their family. They can also provide great tips on hidden gems and places to visit. Engaging with other van lifers offered tips and camaraderie, making our experience even more enjoyable!
Handling Emergencies
Being prepared for emergencies is crucial. When renting your van, become familiar with the roadside assistance policies. Both of the vans we rented came with a roadside breakdown kit but neither of then had a spare tire (we were told it’s not common). Ensure you have contact details for roadside assistance and know the locations of nearby hospitals and police stations. 999 is the number for emergencies in Scotland.
Post-Rental Tips
Familiarize yourself with the return policies. Sometimes they will require you to clean the van, empty the grey and black waste, fill up the water etc. Be sure to check for any damage. Follow the company’s return procedures and ensure you have a full tank of fuel if required. Be sure to leave a review of your rental experience to help future travelers and provide feedback to the rental company.
Renting a van in Scotland is, in our humble opinion, the BEST way to explore the country’s beauty and unique landscapes. With careful planning and the right information, you’ll ensure a smooth and enjoyable road trip. From choosing the perfect van to navigating local rules and finding the best provisioning spots, we hope this guide helps you have an amazing Scottish adventure. Happy van life!
