Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Darlington
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Darlington
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Darlington
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Darlington
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.
Darlington offers a blend of history, industry, and scenic countryside, making it an ideal location to explore at your own pace. While public transport is available, renting a car offers flexibility and convenience, especially if you plan to venture beyond the town centre.
Explore the Surrounding Countryside: With a rental car, you can easily visit nearby attractions such as the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Durham Dales, offering stunning landscapes and charming villages.
Visit Historical Sites: Darlington is rich in railway heritage, and a car allows you to explore attractions like the Head of Steam – Darlington Railway Museum and the nearby Locomotion railway museum in Shildon.
Convenience for Business Travellers: If you're visiting Darlington for business, a rental car provides the flexibility to attend meetings and visit industrial areas without relying on public transport schedules.
Before booking a rental car in Darlington, be sure you meet the necessary requirements. Typically, renters must be at least 21, possess a valid driving license, and understand the basics of insurance, deposit amounts, mileage allowances, and fuel policies.
Area
Approximately 19.75 square kilometres (7.63 square miles)
Population
Approximately 106,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT (GMT+1 during British Summer Time)
Ideal for
Weekend getaways and business travel
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic between 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental agencies in Darlington require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some may impose surcharges for drivers under the age of 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's license is mandatory. Visitors from outside the [COUNTRY PLACE] might need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license isn't in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually part of the rental agreement, but additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or theft protection is often offered. A security deposit is usually required and will be held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyRental agreements vary. Some offer unlimited mileage, while others restrict it. Fuel policies typically require you to return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesWatch out for extra costs related to additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or extras like GPS units and child seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20
SUV:
from £9 / $12 / €11
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.
Low season (November to February): Often sees discounts and lower rates available.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
To ensure a smooth car rental experience in Darlington, carefully compare prices, choose the vehicle that best suits your needs, and thoroughly review the rental terms. Booking early can often secure the best rates, especially during peak travel seasons.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites like Rentycars.com to find the best rental deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that accommodates your needs, whether it's a compact car for solo travel or a larger vehicle for family trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement for details on mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better rates and vehicle availability by booking well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Have your driver's license, credit card, and any required identification ready when you pick up the vehicle.
Darlington is a historic market town with growing modern appeal. Known as the birthplace of the modern railway, it's an ideal location for exploring the north-east of [COUNTRY PLACE].
As a historic town in County Durham, Darlington offers a blend of industrial heritage and scenic beauty. The town is well connected, but having a rental car is advantageous for exploring beyond the immediate area, especially to reach the nearby Yorkshire Dales or the Durham Heritage Coast.
Top Attractions to Discover
Head of Steam – Darlington Railway Museum
Explore the history of railways at this fascinating museum, home to pioneering locomotives.
South Park
A Victorian park offering scenic walks, a play area, and regular events.
Darlington Hippodrome
A beautifully restored Edwardian theatre hosting a variety of shows and performances.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use car parks such as the Cornmill or Feethams multi-storey car parks for secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Limited on-street parking is available, usually with payment required. Check signage for restrictions.
Park & Ride
Currently, Darlington does not have a dedicated park-and-ride service, but consider parking on the outskirts and using local buses.
Gas Stations in Darlington
Availability
Petrol stations are readily available throughout Darlington and on the outskirts.
Major Brands
Find brands like BP, Shell, and Esso easily along major roads.
Navigation
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Darlington
Plan for Traffic
Allow extra travel time during peak hours, especially on routes in and out of the town centre.
Use Sat Nav
A GPS navigation system can be beneficial for finding your way around, particularly in rural areas.
Check Local Events
Be aware of local events that may affect traffic and parking.
Respect Local Speed Limits
Adhere to speed limits, which vary from 20 mph in residential areas to 60 mph on rural roads.
Railway Stations
Darlington Railway Station
A major station on the East Coast Main Line, connecting to London, Edinburgh, and other major cities.
Airports
Durham Tees Valley Airport (MME)
Located approximately 10 miles east of Darlington, offering domestic and some European flights.
Major Bus Stations
Darlington Bus Station
Serves local and regional bus services, providing connections to nearby towns and villages.
Renting a car in Darlington is generally a straightforward process, but you'll need to ensure you meet certain requirements before you can drive away. Here's a summary of what you'll typically need:
You'll need a full, valid driving licence. If your licence isn't in English, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and some may charge a surcharge for drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card in the main driver's name is usually required for the security deposit. Some companies may only accept credit cards.
You may need to provide a passport or other form of identification, especially if you're an international renter.
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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 Darlington 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.
Pretty relaxed place
Kevin Brown
Reviewed: 11.02.2025
Darlington exceeded expectations! Exploring with the family was effortless thanks to our rental car. Beautiful.
Michael Davis
Reviewed: 06.06.2025
It was great to revisit Darlington after all these years! Having a car made exploring so much easier, and the town has a lovely charm.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 29.10.2024
Pleasant enough, really
Liam Evans
Reviewed: 20.12.2024
Charming Darlington! Coastal drives were breathtaking; the car made it perfect for a relaxing getaway.
Oliver Peterson
Reviewed: 15.10.2024
Lovely weekend in Darlington! Getting around with a rental car was so easy.
Alice Smith
Reviewed: 13.09.2024
Darlington was a delightful surprise! A quick weekend escape, made even easier by having a car. So much to see.
David Wilson
Reviewed: 31.08.2024
Pretty chilled vibe
Brenda Lee
Reviewed: 28.08.2024
Darlington surprised me! A spur-of-the-moment trip, easily explored by car. Charming town.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 26.06.2025
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Family fun in Darlington! Easy car rental made exploring a breeze.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 21.09.2024