I am looking at renting a car from Edinburgh airport to go to Galloway. We loved traveling by bus but this will be a shorter trip and are thinking about a car rental. The traffic in Edinburgh looked daunting. Any advice on your driving experience to and from Edinburgh airport for an American driver is appreciated. The other option is to take the Coach to Dumfries and rent a car from there, and then taking a bus back. Thoughts?

Danna, if you rent a car at Edinburgh airport and do not plan to stay in Edinburgh at all, you can easily drive on the ring road around the city. this road, a dual carriageway, is pretty busy, but more like a freeway. Just remember to keep in the left lane unless passing. According to my map, you take the A8 from the airport towards Edinburgh. Go on to the A720 this is the ring road, and stay on it until you get to the A702 (probably signposted "Biggar") You will probably have to circumnavigate roundabouts to get on to and off the A720. Take the A702 (a two lane highway) to the A74 South (may actually be a motorway here). This will take you to the A701 (another two lane highway), the turn off for Dumfries. It's a very pretty drive and if you go by car, you can stop off for lunch or whatever in Biggar. You might consider buying a road map either here, before you go, or at the airport.I found the car rental people to be very helpful. Be sure to stay within the speed limit. There are speed cameras all over the place. It sounds a lot more daunting than it is, however I would caution against attempting this, or any, drive immediately following a long, transatlantic flight, especially if you will be travelling from the west coast. I think it would be about a one and a half to two hour drive.

In a previous existance, most of the areas you've mentioned Danna, came under my jurisdiction as far as maintenance goes so I know the area very well. <BR> <BR>Barbara gave good instructions but I'll add some. Indeed take A8 from airport, follow signs for edinburgh, it's a two lane road with white on green signs (denoting a primary route). Th biggest probem you may have is about 3 miles down that road at the intersection with the Edinburgh City Bypass (it's not a ring-road as it's only half a ring!). There is a large roundabout called the Gogar which also happens to be signalised, meaning you may have to stop on it at certian points. There are spiral road markings thus you select your lane and stay in it - it will take you off in the right direction. <BR> <BR>A720 is busy at peak periods, otherwise it's a normal two lane each way road. Follow until you see signs (white on green again) for A702 Biggar/Carlisle rather than tyhe next exit (A701 - you dont want that road until you get a lot further south). A702 takes you to A74/M74 a very good road. From there folow A701 Dumfries signs. That's it. <BR> <BR>It's not daunting, it's not problem, the traffic is fine, it's not as bad as SF on a friday afternoon or LA on Oscars sunday etc.

Danna - We picked up a rental van (Avis) at their "in-town" Edinburgh location and drove out of town with it. This was our first time driving there, and we didn't find it terribly difficult. <BR>The traffic out of Edinburgh was a little heavy, but by the time we were out as far as the airport, it was not a problem. You should be fine. I'd recommend getting a good map book BEFORE going - we had our route planned out in advance and "reviewed" it the night before. I thought the roads were exceptionally well marked and the drivers (for the most part) much more courteous than we are used to in the States! Enjoy yourselves.

Danna - We picked up a rental van (Avis) at their "in-town" Edinburgh location and drove out of town with it. This was our first time driving there, and we didn't find it terribly difficult. <BR>The traffic out of Edinburgh was a little heavy, but by the time we were out as far as the airport, it was not a problem. You should be fine. I'd recommend getting a good map book BEFORE going - we had our route planned out in advance and "reviewed" it the night before. I thought the roads were exceptionally well marked and the drivers (for the most part) much more courteous than we are used to in the States! Enjoy yourselves.

Friends, thanks so much for your help. We are staying at least a day or so in Edinburgh, so Pam's experience from in town is helpful. I already have a great map of the Southwest, purchased on our last trip. Thanks again for all your encouragement. I still want reitterate that taking the Coach (bus) is a great way to travel, but we don't have much time.