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Car hire in Barnstaple - Search, Compare, and Save

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No Hidden Fees

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4.67/5

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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Barnstaple

Barnstaple

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Barnstaple

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Barnstaple

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Barnstaple

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

39

per day

The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.

Why Hire a Car in Barnstaple?

Barnstaple, a historic market town in North Devon, offers a blend of coastal beauty and countryside charm. While local transport is available, hiring a car provides the freedom to explore the region's hidden gems at your own pace.

Explore the North Devon Coast. With a rental car, you can easily access stunning beaches like Woolacombe, Croyde, and Saunton Sands, known for their golden sands and surfing opportunities.

Discover Exmoor National Park. A short drive from Barnstaple, Exmoor offers breathtaking landscapes, hiking trails, and picturesque villages. A car allows you to fully immerse yourself in its natural beauty.

Visit Quaint Villages and Towns. Explore charming towns like Lynton and Lynmouth, or the historic village of Clovelly, all easily accessible with your own vehicle.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Barnstaple

Before booking a rental car in Barnstaple, familiarise yourself with the standard rental terms. Key considerations include age requirements, licence validity, insurance, deposits, and potential extra fees.

Area

Approx. 13.33 square kilometres (5.15 square miles)

Population

Approx. 24,000 residents

Time Zone

GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summertime

Ideal for

Exploring North Devon and Exmoor

Rush Hours

Expect heavier traffic during commute times, especially on the A39

Rating

4.5/5

1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Barnstaple require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.

2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver's licence is essential. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English.

3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is typically included, with options for additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is usually required.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can vary, with some offering unlimited mileage. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank.

5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, GPS, child seats, or out-of-hours pick-up/drop-off.

Car Rental Prices in Barnstaple – How Much Does It Cost?

Estimated Daily Prices

Business:

from £40 / $50 / €45

Electric:

from £25 / $31 / €28

Classic:

from £15 / $19 / €17

Executive:

from £35 / $44 / €40

7 Seater:

from £45 / $56 / €50

Automatic:

from £30 / $38 / €34

SUV:

from £20 / $25 / €22

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (July to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%

Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts

*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.

How to Book a Car in Barnstaple?

To secure the best car rental deal in Barnstaple, compare prices, select the right vehicle for your needs, and carefully review the rental terms. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season. Remember to bring all required documents when collecting your car.

1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the most competitive rates from various rental companies.

2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs, whether it’s a compact car for city driving or an SUV for exploring the countryside.

3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.

4. Book in Advance - Secure better rates and vehicle availability by booking well in advance, especially during the summer months.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Ensure you have your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification ready when collecting your rental car.

General Information About Barnstaple

Barnstaple is a historic market town offering a mix of heritage and modern amenities. Navigating the town and surrounding areas is best done with an understanding of local traffic regulations, parking facilities, and fuel availability.

Barnstaple, located in North Devon, is a gateway to stunning coastal and countryside landscapes. While the town itself is easily walkable, a rental car is ideal for exploring the wider region, including Exmoor National Park and the North Devon coast. Be aware of local traffic patterns and parking regulations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Barnstaple Pannier Market

    A historic indoor market offering a variety of local produce and crafts.

  • Arlington Court

    A National Trust property with a grand house and extensive gardens.

  • Tarka Trail

    A scenic walking and cycling path following the route of Henry Williamson's Tarka the Otter.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Several car parks are located throughout the town centre, offering both short- and long-term parking options.

  • On-Street Parking

    Limited on-street parking is available, often with time restrictions.

  • Park & Ride

    A park-and-ride service operates from the outskirts of town, providing convenient access to the town centre.

Gas Stations in Barnstaple

  • Convenient Locations

    Several fuel stations are located on the outskirts of Barnstaple and along major roads.

  • Major Brands

    Look for brands such as BP, Shell, and Texaco.

  • Opening Hours

    Most stations offer extended hours, with some open 24/7.

Useful Tips for Visiting Barnstaple

  • Plan for Traffic

    Be aware of potential traffic congestion during peak hours, especially on the A39.

  • Check Parking Regulations

    Pay attention to parking restrictions and time limits to avoid fines.

  • Explore Beyond the Town

    Use your rental car to explore the stunning coastline and countryside surrounding Barnstaple.

Key Transportation Hubs in Barnstaple

Major Bus Stations

Barnstaple Bus Station

The primary bus station in Barnstaple, serving local and regional routes.

Railway Stations

Barnstaple Railway Station

Connects Barnstaple to Exeter and other destinations in Devon.

Airports

Exeter Airport (EXT)

The nearest major airport, located approximately 60 kilometres (37 miles) from Barnstaple.

What Do You Need to Hire a Car in Barnstaple?

Hiring a car in the UK is generally straightforward, but you’ll need to meet some essential requirements before you can drive off.

  • A full, valid driver’s licence is required. If your licence is not in English, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

  • Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and some may charge extra for drivers under 25.

  • A credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is necessary for the security deposit.

  • You may need to provide a passport or other form of identification, particularly if you are an international renter.

Our Content Quality

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This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.

Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

This page was edited by experts

This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.

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Our Customer Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Barnstaple as

4.5

To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.

Barnstaple was perfect for my quick business trip! Having a car made exploring so easy. Highly recommend.

AS

Alice Smith

Reviewed: 24.08.2024

Meh. Bit underwhelming.

LO

Liam O'Connell

Reviewed: 31.07.2025

Wonderful spontaneous weekend in Barnstaple! Having a car was brilliant for exploring the area.

CD

Chloe Davies

Reviewed: 07.03.2025

Such a relaxing break in Barnstaple! Getting around was a breeze, and the coastal scenery was stunning. Definitely recommend.

EJ

Eleanor Jones

Reviewed: 29.09.2024

Pretty chilled vibe

IG

Isabelle Garcia

Reviewed: 11.01.2025

Charming Barnstaple! Getting around was effortless, and the coast was breathtaking. Highly recommend.

OB

Oliver Brown

Reviewed: 25.04.2025

Pretty relaxed, really.

AM

Ava Miller

Reviewed: 06.12.2024

Loved exploring Barnstaple! So glad I rented a car; it made getting around a breeze. Beautiful scenery.

NW

Noah Wilson

Reviewed: 30.07.2025

Barnstaple was fine for a family getaway. The town center felt a bit small, but having a car was great for exploring the coast.

MR

Mia Rodriguez

Reviewed: 03.07.2025

Exploring Barnstaple by car was fantastic! Such beautiful scenery and charming towns nearby.

GM

Grace Murphy

Reviewed: 13.08.2025

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