Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Braintree
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Braintree
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Braintree
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Braintree
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 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.
Braintree is a charming town with a blend of historical landmarks and modern attractions. Renting a car here offers the freedom to explore not only the town but also the surrounding Essex countryside.
Explore Local Attractions: Visit landmarks like Braintree Village, explore the Warner Textile Archive, and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding areas at your own pace.
Day Trips to Nearby Towns: With a rental car, it's easy to take day trips to nearby towns and villages such as Great Dunmow or Chelmsford, each offering unique experiences and attractions.
Convenience for Families: If you're travelling with family or a group, a rental car offers the comfort and convenience of travelling together, making it easier to manage luggage and travel schedules.
Before renting a car in Braintree, it's important to understand the standard terms and conditions. This includes age requirements, licensing, insurance, and potential fees.
Area
Approx. 122 square kilometres (47 square miles)
Population
Approx. 150,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summer time
Ideal for
Exploring Essex and surrounding areas
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic during peak commuting times
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is typically required and refunded upon vehicle return.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary. Some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies usually require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional charges may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras like GPS and child seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €24
Classic:
from £10 / $12.50 / €12
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €36
7 Seater:
from £40 / $50 / €48
Automatic:
from £25 / $31 / €30
SUV:
from £15 / $19 / €18
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.
Low season (November to February): Often offers discounts and lower rates due to decreased tourism.
Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Follow these steps to book your rental car in Braintree:
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it's a compact car or a larger SUV.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental terms, including mileage limits, insurance, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Book your car in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure better rates and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's licence, credit card, and any other required documents when collecting your rental vehicle.
Braintree is a market town known for its rich history and shopping opportunities. A car provides the best means to explore Braintree and the surrounding Essex countryside.
Braintree is located in Essex, England, offering a blend of historical sites and modern amenities. While Braintree itself is relatively easy to navigate, having a car allows you to explore further afield. Consider local traffic laws, parking availability, and nearby attractions when planning your trip.
Top Attractions to Discover
Braintree Village
A popular outlet shopping destination with a variety of brands.
Warner Textile Archive
Showcasing a vast collection of textiles and designs.
Marks Hall Estate
A beautiful landscape with gardens, woodlands, and a lake.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several car parks are available in the town centre, including those at Braintree Village and George Yard Shopping Centre.
On-Street Parking
Limited on-street parking is available, but be aware of time restrictions and payment requirements.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride services if available, especially during busy periods.
Gas Stations in Braintree
Convenient Locations
Gas stations are located on the outskirts of Braintree and along major roads.
Major Brands
Find stations from major brands like BP, Shell, and Esso in and around Braintree.
Use Navigation Apps
Utilise navigation apps such as Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby gas stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Braintree
Plan for Traffic
Be aware of potential traffic during peak hours, especially around Braintree Village.
Check Event Schedules
Check for local events and festivals that may affect traffic and parking.
Use Sat Nav
Use a satellite navigation system to help you navigate the town and surrounding areas.
Major Bus Stations
Braintree Bus Interchange
Serves local and regional bus routes.
Railway Stations
Braintree Railway Station
Provides direct train services to London Liverpool Street and other destinations.
Airports
Stansted Airport (STN)
Located approximately 30 kilometres (19 miles) from Braintree, offering domestic and international flights.
To rent a car in Braintree, ensure you meet the following requirements:
You need a valid driver's licence. International visitors may require an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and drivers under 25 may face additional charges.
A credit or debit card in the main driver's name is necessary for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required, especially for international renters.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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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.
Our clients rate such place as Braintree as
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.
Meh. Town's kinda dead.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 14.01.2025
Braintree was okay; a bit quiet, but exploring was easy.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 20.04.2025
Needed a quick weekend escape, and Braintree was perfect! Having a rental car made exploring so easy. Charming town, beautiful scenery. Highly recommend!
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 06.03.2025
Pretty chill, really
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 19.05.2025
Braintree was a delightful surprise! So easy to get around with my rental, and I found some charming spots.
David Lee
Reviewed: 21.11.2024
Loved exploring Braintree! So convenient having a car; I saw so much.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 10.08.2025
Pretty relaxed, overall
Kevin Brown
Reviewed: 11.07.2025
Exploring Braintree was a breeze! Having a car made everything so accessible and enjoyable.
Ashley Garcia
Reviewed: 10.08.2025
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Braintree's charm rediscovered! So much easier with a car.
Jessica Miller
Reviewed: 16.04.2025