Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Chatham
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Chatham
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Chatham
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Chatham
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.
Chatham is a vibrant town with historical significance and plenty to explore in and around the Medway area. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the ultimate freedom and flexibility to discover everything Chatham has to offer.
Explore Historic Sites: Easily visit attractions like the Chatham Historic Dockyard, Fort Amherst, and Upnor Castle without relying on public transport schedules.
Discover the Kent Countryside: With a rental car, you can effortlessly venture beyond Chatham and explore the picturesque Kent countryside, including charming villages and scenic coastal routes.
Convenience for Families: If you're travelling with family or a group, a rental car offers the space and convenience you need to transport luggage, prams, and everyone comfortably.
Before booking a rental car in Chatham, ensure you're aware of the standard rental terms and conditions. This includes age requirements, necessary documentation, insurance, and any potential extra fees.
Area
24.27 square kilometres (9.37 square miles)
Population
Approximately 80,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summer time
Ideal for
Weekend getaways
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM –9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Chatham 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 license is essential. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance. Additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are usually available. A security deposit is typically required.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies usually require you to return the car with the same fuel level as when you picked it up.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras like GPS navigation systems and child seats.
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 £9.50 / $12 / €11 per day
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.
Low season (November to February): Often comes with discounts, making it a budget-friendly time to rent.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Booking a car in Chatham involves several steps to ensure a smooth and cost-effective experience. Consider these points.
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 for city driving or a larger vehicle for family trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's license, credit card, and proof of identification when collecting your rental vehicle.
Chatham is a historical town with a blend of cultural attractions and modern amenities. Understanding local traffic and parking regulations is essential for a smooth driving experience.
Chatham, located in the Medway area of Kent, offers a mix of historical sites and contemporary attractions. Renting a car is advantageous for exploring beyond the town centre, though awareness of local driving conditions is key.
Top Attractions to Discover
Chatham Historic Dockyard
Explore the historic naval dockyard with ships, museums, and maritime history.
Fort Amherst
Visit the Napoleonic fortress offering tunnels, ramparts, and historical reenactments.
Upnor Castle
Discover the Elizabethan artillery fortress on the banks of the River Medway.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use local car parks for secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available, but check time limits and restrictions.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities for easier access to the town centre.
Gas Stations in Chatham
Major Brands Available
Find BP, Shell, and other fuel stations along main roads.
Plan Ahead
Refuel before venturing into more remote areas.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby fuel stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Chatham
Be Aware of Speed Limits
Adhere to posted speed limits, especially in residential areas.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists, particularly in the town centre.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Allow extra time for travel during rush hours.
Check Local Events
Be aware of local events that may impact traffic and parking.
Railway Stations
Chatham Railway Station
The primary railway station, providing regular services to London and other destinations.
Airports
London Southend Airport (SEN)
Located approximately 40 miles from Chatham, offering domestic and European flights.
London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Situated approximately 50 miles from Chatham, serving numerous international and domestic flights.
Renting a car in Chatham is a straightforward process, but it’s important to have the necessary documents and meet the key requirements.
A current and valid driver's license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country license.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and some may have a higher minimum age or charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is necessary for the security deposit. Some companies may only accept credit cards.
A passport or other form of official identification is typically required.
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 Chatham 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.
Chatham was great for a quick visit with friends. Having a car made getting around easy, although the local seafood restaurant was a bit overpriced.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 17.10.2024
Meh, kinda pricey.
Chloe Wilson
Reviewed: 20.02.2025
Pretty chill, tbh
Mike Jones
Reviewed: 03.05.2025
Loved my Chatham weekend! Exploring the area with a rental car was so convenient and easy.
Emily Davis
Reviewed: 03.07.2025
Charming Chatham! My weekend getaway was perfect; having a car made exploring so easy.
Jessica Miller
Reviewed: 08.11.2024
First time in Chatham, and I loved it! Having a car let me explore the coastline and charming towns nearby. Such a beautiful area.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 04.11.2024
Such a lovely spontaneous trip! Getting around Chatham with a car was effortless; highly recommend.
Amelia Hernandez
Reviewed: 20.02.2025
Exploring Chatham was fun; I especially enjoyed the coastline. The local museum was a bit underwhelming, though.
Brian Lee
Reviewed: 09.03.2025
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Chatham was efficient for my business trip, though the hotel breakfast was bland.
Sarah Chen
Reviewed: 29.03.2025