Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Gateshead
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Gateshead
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Gateshead
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Gateshead
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.
Gateshead, a vibrant town on the River Tyne's southern bank, offers a blend of cultural attractions and easy access to the wider North East region. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the Town Centre. With a rental car, you can easily reach attractions like the Angel of the North, explore the scenic countryside, and visit nearby coastal towns.
Flexibility and Convenience. A car gives you the flexibility to set your own itinerary and travel comfortably, especially if you're carrying luggage or travelling with family.
Access to Hidden Gems. Discover local gems and attractions that are not easily accessible by public transportation, allowing you to experience the authentic North East.
Before renting a car in Gateshead, it's important to understand the standard rental terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Key aspects include age requirements, driver's license regulations, insurance coverage, and fuel policies.
Area
55.45 square miles (143.6 km2)
Population
Approximately 200,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT (GMT+1 during British Summer Time)
Ideal for
Exploring the North East region
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Rating
4.0/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Gateshead require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some providers may have a minimum age of 23 or 25 for certain vehicle categories, and young driver surcharges may apply for renters under a certain age.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English. Always carry your license, passport, and rental agreement with you.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals usually include basic insurance, but additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection are available. A security deposit is typically held on the renter’s credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the rental agreement for mileage limits. Fuel policies vary—many require returning the car with a full tank. Be aware of potential refueling charges if you don't return the car with the specified fuel level.
5. Extra FeesAdditional charges may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras such as GPS and child seats. Always clarify these fees before finalising your booking.
Car rental prices in Gateshead vary based on the type of vehicle, rental duration, and time of year.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £30 / $38 / €35 per day
Classic:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
Executive:
from £50 / $63 / €58 per day
7 Seater:
from £60 / $75 / €70 per day
Automatic:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
SUV:
from £45 / $57 / €52 per day
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.
Booking a car in Gateshead involves several steps to ensure you get the best deal and the right vehicle for your needs.
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, considering size, fuel efficiency, and comfort.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.
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 passport when collecting your rental car.
Gateshead is a metropolitan borough in Tyne and Wear, known for its art, architecture, and proximity to Newcastle upon Tyne. Renting a car allows you to explore not only Gateshead but also the wider North East region.
Gateshead offers a unique blend of urban and rural landscapes. While the town centre is easily navigable, having a car opens up opportunities to explore the surrounding areas at your convenience. Be aware of local traffic laws, parking regulations, and fuel station locations for a smooth driving experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Angel of the North
An iconic sculpture by Antony Gormley, visible from the A1 motorway.
Sage Gateshead
A renowned concert venue with a distinctive curved glass and steel design.
BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art
A major contemporary art gallery housed in a converted flour mill.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use services like Q-Park or local council 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 to access the town centre, especially during peak hours.
Gas Stations in Gateshead
Major Brands Available
Find BP, Shell, Esso, and Texaco stations throughout Gateshead.
Refuel Before Returning
Ensure you refuel the car to the level specified in your rental agreement to avoid extra charges.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby fuel stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Gateshead
Check Traffic Conditions
Monitor traffic reports before you travel, especially during rush hour.
Be Aware of Speed Limits
Adhere to posted speed limits to avoid fines.
Use Contactless Payment
Use contactless payment for parking and public transport.
Plan Extra Time
Allow extra time for travel, especially during peak seasons and events.
Major Bus Stations
Gateshead Interchange
A major bus station providing local and regional services.
Railway Stations
Newcastle Central Station
Located just across the River Tyne, offering national rail connections.
Airports
Newcastle International Airport (NCL)
Located approximately 6 miles (10 km) northwest of Gateshead, serving domestic and international flights.
Renting a car in Gateshead is a straightforward process, but it's crucial to ensure you have all the necessary documents and meet the required criteria before you arrive at the rental desk.
A valid driver's license is essential. If your license is not in English, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit and rental payment.
A passport or other form of identification is required, especially for international renters.
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 Gateshead 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.
Exploring Gateshead was a breeze! Having a car made coastal trips so easy, and the area was lovely and relaxing.
Eleanor Davies
Reviewed: 01.12.2024
Pretty decent, really
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 28.10.2024
Pretty relaxed, actually
Chloe Brown
Reviewed: 04.02.2025
Summer holiday in Gateshead was fantastic! Exploring with our rental car was so convenient.
Oliver Wilson
Reviewed: 07.06.2025
Loved my Gateshead getaway! Having a car was perfect for exploring the coast. Such a relaxing trip.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 08.09.2024
Family fun in Gateshead! Having a car was ideal for sightseeing. Beautiful area.
Amelia Lee
Reviewed: 12.07.2025
Pretty relaxed vibe.
Ben Miller
Reviewed: 20.04.2025
Pretty laid-back, really
David Harris
Reviewed: 04.05.2025
Pretty decent, overall
Thomas Young
Reviewed: 11.11.2024
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Pretty chill, really
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 22.01.2025