Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Cirencester
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Cirencester
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Cirencester
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Cirencester
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.
Cirencester, the 'Capital of the Cotswolds', is a charming market town surrounded by stunning countryside. While local transport options exist, renting a car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace, uncovering hidden gems and picturesque villages inaccessible by public transport.
Explore the Cotswolds Freely. With a rental car, you can easily visit iconic Cotswold villages like Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold, enjoying the scenic drives and local attractions without the constraints of bus or train schedules.
Visit Historical Sites with Ease. Access historical sites like Chedworth Roman Villa, Sudeley Castle, and nearby Roman ruins conveniently. A car allows you to maximise your time and visit multiple locations in a single day.
Enjoy Outdoor Activities. Cirencester is a gateway to outdoor adventures, including hiking, cycling, and exploring nature reserves. A rental car provides the space for equipment and makes reaching trailheads and remote spots simple.
When renting a car in Cirencester, it's essential to understand the terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Here are some key aspects to consider before booking your rental.
Area
Approximately 19.33 square kilometres (7.46 square miles)
Population
Approximately 20,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during winter time
Ideal for
Weekend getaways
Rush Hours
Expect heavier traffic during school hours
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Cirencester require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur additional young driver surcharges. Confirm the specific age policy with your chosen rental provider.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license isn't in English. Always carry your passport or ID for verification.
3. Insurance & DepositsCar rentals typically include basic insurance. Consider additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) for peace of mind. A security deposit is usually held on your credit card and refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the rental agreement for mileage restrictions. Most rentals offer unlimited mileage, but some may have limits. Understand the fuel policy – usually, you're expected to return the car with the same fuel level as when you picked it up.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or add-ons like GPS navigation or child seats. Clarify these costs beforehand.
Car rental prices in Cirencester vary depending on the time of year, vehicle type, and rental duration. Here’s a general guide to what you can expect to pay.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €34
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40
Automatic:
from £22 / $28 / €25
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14
Peak season (June to August): Experiences high demand, leading to price increases of 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Offers discounts and lower rates on car rentals
*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 Cirencester involves a few straightforward steps to ensure you get the best deal and the right vehicle for your needs.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to check prices from various rental companies in Cirencester. This helps you find the most competitive rates.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs, whether it’s a compact car for solo travel or a larger vehicle for a family trip.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better prices and vehicle availability by booking your car rental well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - When collecting your vehicle, bring your driver’s license, credit card, and any other required identification.
Cirencester is a historic market town known as the 'Capital of the Cotswolds'. Exploring the town and surrounding areas is best done with a car, especially given the limited public transport options to reach smaller villages and attractions.
Driving in and around Cirencester is generally straightforward, but understanding local traffic nuances can enhance your experience. Be mindful of narrow country lanes and seasonal traffic variations.
Top Attractions to Discover
Cirencester Roman Amphitheatre
Explore the remains of one of the largest Roman amphitheatres in Britain.
Cotswold Water Park
Enjoy a range of water sports and outdoor activities at this extensive network of lakes.
Corinium Museum
Discover Roman history and artefacts from the local area.
Where to Find Parking
Town Centre Car Parks
Use public car parks in the town centre for convenient access to shops and attractions.
On-Street Parking
Some on-street parking is available but may be limited and subject to time restrictions.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride services during peak times to avoid congestion in the town centre.
Gas Stations in Cirencester
Convenient Locations
Find petrol stations on the outskirts of Cirencester and along major routes.
Major Brands
Look for well-known brands like Shell, BP, and Esso.
24-Hour Availability
Some stations offer 24-hour service for refuelling at any time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Cirencester
Plan for Narrow Roads
Be prepared for narrow country lanes when driving outside Cirencester.
Check Local Events
Check local event calendars for road closures and increased traffic.
Allow Extra Travel Time
Factor in extra time for travel, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Major Bus Stations
Cirencester Bus Station
The main bus station in Cirencester connects the town with surrounding villages and larger cities.
Railway Stations
Kemble Railway Station
Located approximately 6.4 kilometres (4 miles) from Cirencester, providing train services to London and other major destinations.
Airports
Bristol Airport (BRS)
Located approximately 77 kilometres (48 miles) from Cirencester, offering domestic and international flights.
Birmingham Airport (BHX)
Situated about 130 kilometres (81 miles) from Cirencester, providing a wide range of flight options.
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Located approximately 140 kilometres (87 miles) from Cirencester, offering extensive international connections.
Renting a car in Cirencester is a straightforward process, provided you have the necessary documents and meet the rental company’s requirements.
You need a valid driver’s license. International visitors might need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
A credit or debit card in the primary driver's name is required for the security deposit and rental payment.
A passport or other government-issued photo ID may be required for verification.
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, 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 Cirencester 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.
Absolutely loved Cirencester! Having a car made exploring so easy; it was my first visit and I'll be back.
Jessica Jones
Reviewed: 19.05.2025
Back in Cirencester after years, and it's even lovelier! Exploring the area by car was perfect.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 18.02.2025
Efficient business trip to Cirencester. Loved the town's charm and easy access to explore the surrounding area by car.
David Lee
Reviewed: 17.02.2025
Meh. Bit pricey.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 10.03.2025
Cirencester was a pleasant stop on our road trip. Having a car made getting around so much easier. The museum was a bit underwhelming, though.
Olivia Brown
Reviewed: 15.02.2025
Charming Cirencester! A spontaneous weekend getaway, made easy by having a car. The local museum was a bit underwhelming, though.
Isabelle Wilson
Reviewed: 14.10.2024
Cirencester exceeded expectations! Getting around with a car was so convenient, and the town itself is delightful.
Eleanor Hart
Reviewed: 29.04.2025
© 2025 RentyCars. All rights reserved.
Cirencester was charming! Exploring the Cotswolds during the summer holidays was a dream, and having a car made getting around so easy. Beautiful town, lovely pubs, and picturesque countryside. Highly recommend!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 31.07.2025