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Car rental in Darlington - Search, Compare, and Save

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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Darlington

Darlington

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Darlington

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Darlington

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Darlington

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

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 Darlington?

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.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Darlington

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.

Car Rental Prices in Darlington – How Much Does It Cost?

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

Seasonal Trends

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.

How to Book a Car in Darlington?

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.

General Information About Darlington

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.

Key Transportation Hubs in Darlington

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.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Darlington?

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.

Our Content Quality

This content was written

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 by experts

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.

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Our Customer Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Darlington as

4.9

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.

Family fun in Darlington! Easy car rental made exploring a breeze.

SJ

Sarah Jones

Reviewed: 21.09.2024

Pretty relaxed place

KB

Kevin Brown

Reviewed: 11.02.2025

Darlington exceeded expectations! Exploring with the family was effortless thanks to our rental car. Beautiful.

MD

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.

AG

Amelia Garcia

Reviewed: 29.10.2024

Pleasant enough, really

LE

Liam Evans

Reviewed: 20.12.2024

Charming Darlington! Coastal drives were breathtaking; the car made it perfect for a relaxing getaway.

OP

Oliver Peterson

Reviewed: 15.10.2024

Lovely weekend in Darlington! Getting around with a rental car was so easy.

AS

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.

DW

David Wilson

Reviewed: 31.08.2024

Pretty chilled vibe

BL

Brenda Lee

Reviewed: 28.08.2024

Darlington surprised me! A spur-of-the-moment trip, easily explored by car. Charming town.

CM

Chloe Miller

Reviewed: 26.06.2025

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