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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Bristol
Bristol
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Bristol
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Bristol
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Bristol
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.
Why Rent a Car in Bristol?
Bristol is a vibrant city with a rich maritime history, stunning architecture, and a thriving arts scene. While public transportation is available, renting a car offers the freedom to explore Bristol and its surrounding areas at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City Centre. With a rental car, you can easily visit attractions like the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Cheddar Gorge, and the Cotswolds, all within a short drive from Bristol.
Flexibility and Convenience. Enjoy the flexibility to create your own itinerary and visit multiple locations in a single day without being constrained by public transport schedules.
Ideal for Families and Groups. A rental car provides ample space for luggage and passengers, making it a comfortable and cost-effective option for families and groups travelling together.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Bristol
Before renting a car in Bristol, ensure you meet the minimum age requirements, possess a valid driver's license, and understand the rental agreement's terms, including insurance coverage and deposit policies.
Area
110 square kilometres (42 square miles)
Population
Approximately 470,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summer time
Ideal for
Exploring the South West
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Rating
4.9/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Bristol require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver's License & DocumentationA valid driver's license is required, and international visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance, but additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is usually required.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage and others imposing restrictions. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, optional add-ons like GPS, and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Bristol – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $12 / €11 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect 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 Bristol?
To book a car in Bristol, compare prices, choose a suitable vehicle, and review the rental terms. Booking early is crucial, especially during peak seasons. Remember to bring your license, credit card, and ID when picking up the car.
1. Compare Prices - Use car rental comparison sites like rentycars.com to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it's an economy car for city driving or an SUV for exploring the countryside.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About Bristol
Bristol is a city that combines historical charm with modern innovation. Renting a car can greatly enhance your ability to explore the city and its surroundings, provided you're aware of local traffic conditions and parking regulations.
Bristol is a vibrant city known for its maritime history, cultural attractions, and scenic landscapes. While Bristol has a decent public transportation system, renting a car provides the flexibility to explore the city and its surrounding areas at your own pace. However, driving in Bristol requires awareness of local traffic laws, parking regulations, and potential congestion.
Top Attractions to Discover
Clifton Suspension Bridge
An iconic landmark offering breathtaking views of the Avon Gorge.
SS Great Britain
A historic ship designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Showcasing a diverse collection of art, archaeology, and natural history.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use services like NCP or Q-Park for secure parking options throughout the city.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but can be costly and time-limited, especially in central areas.
Park & Ride
Utilise park-and-ride services to leave your car outside the city centre and use public transport to access central Bristol.
Gas Stations in Bristol
Availability
Fuel stations are readily available on the outskirts of the city and along major roads.
Major Brands
Look for BP, Shell, Esso, and Texaco stations.
Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby fuel stations in real time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Bristol
Use Contactless Payment
Pay for buses and other public transport with a contactless bank card for convenience.
Watch for Cyclists
Bristol has a large cycling community, so be mindful of cyclists when driving.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:30–9:30 AM / 4:30–6:30 PM) when roads are often congested.
Key Transportation Hubs in Bristol
Major Bus Stations
Bristol Bus & Coach Station
Located in the city centre, serving local and regional bus routes.
Railway Stations
Bristol Temple Meads
The main railway station in Bristol, providing connections to major cities across the country.
Bristol Parkway
Located on the northern outskirts of the city, serving long-distance routes.
Airports
Bristol Airport (BRS)
Located approximately 13 kilometres (8 miles) south-west of the city centre, serving domestic and international flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Bristol?
Renting a car in the UK is relatively straightforward, but you need to meet some key requirements before you can drive off. Here’s what you'll need
If you’re from the UK, your standard license is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country license for up to 12 months, but some may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters
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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 Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Bristol 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.
Wonderful weekend in Bristol! Getting around was so easy, and I saw so much. Highly recommend!
Jessica Miller
Reviewed: 24.07.2025
Quick business trip, but Bristol charmed me! Getting around with a car was a breeze. Highly recommend.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 28.03.2025
Bristol was a blast! Catching up with friends and exploring easily with my rental car was perfect.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 23.01.2025
I'd heard great things about Bristol, and they were true! Having a car made getting around a doddle. The Clifton Suspension Bridge was breathtaking, but the harbourside felt a bit underwhelming.
Olivia Thompson
Reviewed: 09.03.2025
Pretty chill vibe
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 04.01.2025
Pretty relaxed, really.
Liam Wilson
Reviewed: 10.03.2025
Lovely summer trip to Bristol! Exploring was a breeze. The harbourside was crowded, though.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 12.09.2024
Bristol was fantastic! Having a car made exploring so easy, especially getting to those gorgeous coastal spots for some much-needed relaxation. The city itself is charming, and I'd definitely recommend a visit.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 17.04.2025