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Car rental in Durham - Search, Compare, and Save

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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Durham

Durham

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Durham

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Durham

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Durham

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 Durham?

Durham is a historic city with stunning architecture and picturesque landscapes. While public transport is available, renting a car offers the freedom and flexibility to explore Durham and its surrounding areas at your own pace.

Explore Beyond the City Centre. With a rental car, you can easily visit nearby attractions such as Durham Dales, Beamish Museum, and the Northumberland coast.

Enjoy Comfort and Convenience. A rental car provides a comfortable and convenient way to travel, especially if you're travelling with family or have a lot of luggage.

Cost-Effective for Groups. Renting a car can be more cost-effective than public transport for groups, allowing you to split the cost and travel together.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Durham

Before renting a car in Durham, ensure you meet the age requirements, have a valid driver's licence, and understand the rental agreement's terms. Be aware of insurance options, deposit policies, mileage restrictions, and fuel policies.

Area

223.0 square kilometres (86.1 square miles)

Population

Approximately 52,000 residents

Time Zone

GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summer time

Ideal for

Exploring the Durham Dales and coastal areas

Rush Hours

Expect heavy traffic 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM

Rating

4.5/5

1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Durham require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.

2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English.

3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is typically required and refunded upon vehicle return.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank.

5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras like GPS and child seats.

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

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 / $11 / €10 per day

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 Durham?

Compare prices, select the right car, and review the rental terms to ensure a smooth experience. Book early to secure the best rates, particularly during peak travel periods. Don't forget to bring your licence, credit card, and ID when you pick up the car.

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 a compact car for city driving or a larger vehicle for exploring the countryside.

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 season.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.

General Information About Durham

Durham is a historic city with a blend of cultural and natural attractions. Ideal for sightseeing and exploring the Durham Dales, it's best to be aware of local traffic regulations, parking options, and fuel availability, especially when venturing outside the city centre.

Durham is famed for its cathedral and castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the city centre is compact and walkable, a car is ideal for exploring the wider Durham county. Driving requires awareness of local traffic laws and parking restrictions.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Durham Cathedral

    A stunning example of Norman architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Durham Castle

    A historic castle that has been home to the bishops of Durham since the Norman Conquest.

  • Beamish, the Living Museum of the North

    An open-air museum showcasing life in North East England in the early 19th and 20th centuries.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Use city-operated garages for secure parking options.

  • On-Street Parking

    Pay-and-display bays are available but often limited, especially in central areas.

  • Park & Ride

    Leave your car outside the city and use the park-and-ride service to access the city centre.

Gas Stations in Durham

  • Major Brands Available

    Find BP, Shell, and Esso stations throughout Durham and its surrounding areas.

  • Plan Ahead

    Ensure you know where fuel stations are located, especially if planning a long journey.

  • Use Navigation Apps

    Apps like Google Maps can help locate nearby fuel stations in real-time.

Useful Tips for Visiting Durham

  • Contactless Payments

    Use contactless payment for parking and public transportation.

  • Pedestrians

    Be mindful of pedestrians, especially in the city centre.

  • Traffic

    Plan for potential traffic delays, particularly during rush hour.

  • Explore

    Explore local attractions and landscapes.

Key Transportation Hubs in Durham

Railway Stations

Durham Railway Station

Main railway station providing connections to major cities in the UK.

Airports

Newcastle International Airport (NCL)

Located approximately 27 miles from Durham city centre.

Teesside International Airport (MME)

Located approximately 20 miles from Durham city centre.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Durham?

Renting a car in the UK is a straightforward process, 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 licence is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country licence 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.

Our Content Quality

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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 Durham as

4.5

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.

Durham weekend: charming, easy to explore by car!

SJ

Sarah Jones

Reviewed: 30.11.2024

Heard great things, and Durham delivered! So easy to get around.

EB

Emily Brown

Reviewed: 30.08.2024

Meh. Cathedral underwhelming.

KM

Kevin Miller

Reviewed: 14.05.2025

Exploring Durham this summer was fantastic! Having a car made sightseeing so convenient and enjoyable.

AJ

Alice Johnson

Reviewed: 24.06.2025

Loved exploring Durham! Getting a car there was a breeze, and it made visiting all the sights so much easier. The cathedral was breathtaking.

CG

Christopher Garcia

Reviewed: 24.03.2025

Durham was delightful! A weekend getaway made easy with a rental car; we saw so much.

AD

Ava Davis

Reviewed: 25.04.2025

Okay, but kinda pricey.

DL

David Lee

Reviewed: 08.05.2025

Such a fun, impromptu Durham trip! Having a car made it perfect for exploring.

OW

Olivia Wilson

Reviewed: 20.06.2025

Pretty relaxed, really

JW

James Wilson

Reviewed: 12.11.2024

Pretty chill, tbh

MS

Mike Smith

Reviewed: 04.06.2025

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