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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Canterbury
Canterbury
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Canterbury
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Canterbury
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Canterbury
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 Canterbury?
Canterbury is a historic city with stunning architecture and beautiful surrounding countryside. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace, discover hidden gems, and venture beyond the city limits.
Explore Historic Sites. Canterbury Cathedral and other historical landmarks are easily accessible by car. Enjoy the flexibility to visit sites that might be difficult to reach by public transport.
Discover the Countryside. Kent's scenic routes and charming villages are a short drive from Canterbury. A rental car lets you explore the beauty of the Garden of England without relying on public transport schedules.
Convenience and Comfort. Whether you're travelling with family, luggage, or on a business trip, having your own car makes getting around Canterbury and its surroundings much easier and more comfortable.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Canterbury
Before renting a car in Canterbury, familiarise yourself with the standard terms and conditions. Key aspects include age requirements, driver's license regulations, insurance coverage, and fuel policies. Understanding these details will help ensure a smooth and hassle-free rental experience.
Area
Approximately 23.54 square kilometres (9.09 square miles)
Population
Approximately 55,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summer time
Ideal for
Exploring the city and surrounding areas
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Canterbury require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some providers may have a minimum age of 25 for certain vehicle categories, and young driver surcharges may apply for renters under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English. A passport and a credit or debit card in the driver’s name are typically required.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and theft protection are available. A security deposit is usually held on the renter’s credit card and is refunded upon the vehicle's return, provided there's no damage.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals come with unlimited mileage, while others may have restrictions. Fuel policies vary, but many require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Canterbury – How Much Does It Cost?
Average economy-class daily rate: from £30 / $37.50 / €36 per day.
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €24
Classic:
from £10 / $12.50 / €12
Executive:
from £30 / $37.50 / €36
7 Seater:
from £40 / $50 / €48
Automatic:
from £25 / $31 / €30
SUV:
from £15 / $19 / €18
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often comes 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 Canterbury?
To book a car in Canterbury, compare prices, choose a suitable vehicle, and review rental terms to avoid surprises. Booking early is recommended for the best rates, especially during peak seasons. Don’t forget your license, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site 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 a larger vehicle for family trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid unexpected charges.
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 Canterbury
Canterbury is a historic city known for its cathedral and charming streets. Renting a car allows you to explore the surrounding Kent countryside easily.
Canterbury, a cathedral city in Kent, South East England, boasts a rich history and is a popular tourist destination. While the city centre is walkable, a car is useful for exploring the wider region. Before setting off, review local traffic laws, fuel station availability, and parking regulations for a smooth and stress-free experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Canterbury Cathedral
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
St. Augustine's Abbey
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering insights into early English Christianity.
Canterbury Tales
An interactive attraction based on Chaucer's famous stories.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use car parks like the Canterbury City Council car parks for secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available, but they can be limited and costly, especially in central areas.
Park & Ride
Use the Park & Ride services located on the outskirts of the city for convenient access to the centre.
Gas Stations in Canterbury
Major Brands Available
Look for petrol stations from brands like BP, Shell, and Esso along the main roads.
Availability
Gas stations are generally available, but it's wise to fill up before venturing into more rural areas.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby stations in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Canterbury
Watch for Pedestrians
Be aware of pedestrians, especially in the city centre, which has many pedestrianised zones.
Allow Extra Time
Traffic can be heavy, especially during peak tourist seasons, so allow extra travel time.
Congestion Charge
There is no congestion charge in Canterbury, but parking can be expensive.
Use Contactless Payments
Most places accept contactless payments for convenience.
Key Transportation Hubs in Canterbury
Major Bus Stations
Canterbury Bus Station
Located in the city centre, serving local and regional bus routes.
Railway Stations
Canterbury East Station
Provides Southeastern services to London and other destinations.
Canterbury West Station
Offers high-speed services to London St Pancras.
Airports
London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Located approximately 75 miles from Canterbury.
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Located approximately 80 miles from Canterbury.
London Stansted Airport (STN)
Located approximately 70 miles from Canterbury.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Canterbury?
Renting a car in the UK is straightforward, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. 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 Canterbury 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.
Canterbury was even better than I remembered! Getting around with a car was a breeze. So glad I returned after all these years.
Eleanor Jones
Reviewed: 06.04.2025
Canterbury's charm exceeded expectations; the cathedral was underwhelming, but seeing friends made it perfect. Having a car was a plus.
Susan Miller
Reviewed: 13.04.2025
Such a pleasant stop on our road trip! Canterbury was delightful; easy to navigate with a car, and the cathedral is breathtaking. We'll definitely return!
Brenda Garcia
Reviewed: 05.03.2025
Canterbury's a gem! Seeing friends was great, though the shops felt a bit touristy.
Megan Brown
Reviewed: 23.01.2025
Pretty chill vibe
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 27.08.2024
Fantastic spontaneous trip! Canterbury was beautiful, easy to explore by car. Loved it!
Olivia Wilson
Reviewed: 05.05.2025
Pretty decent, really.
Grace Taylor
Reviewed: 18.11.2024
Canterbury surprised me! It was my first visit, and having a car made exploring so easy. The city is charming, and I loved discovering its hidden gems.
Katherine Hill
Reviewed: 21.02.2025
Quiet, quite nice.
Sarah Lee
Reviewed: 14.06.2025
Charming Canterbury! Exploring was easy with my rental, though the museum cafe was a bit pricey.
Isabelle Davis
Reviewed: 29.01.2025
Lovely weekend in Canterbury catching up with friends! Exploring the city with a rental car was so convenient.
Alice Smith
Reviewed: 16.02.2025