Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Grays
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Grays
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Grays
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Grays
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.
Grays is a town with a blend of urban and rural attractions. While local transport is available, a rental car offers the freedom to explore at your own pace. Here's why renting a car in Grays can enhance your visit.
Explore Local Attractions. A rental car makes it easy to visit attractions such as the Thameside Nature Park or the Coalhouse Fort, without relying on public transport schedules.
Convenience for Families. If you're travelling with family or have a lot of luggage, a rental car provides a comfortable and convenient way to get around Grays and its surrounding areas.
Cost-Effective for Day Trips. For those planning day trips to nearby locations, a rental car can be more economical than other forms of transport, especially for groups.
Flexibility to Discover. With a rental car, you can explore Grays and its surrounding areas at your own pace, discovering hidden gems and local favourites.
Before renting a car in Grays, be aware of the standard requirements and local regulations. Here’s what you need to know to ensure a smooth rental experience.
Area
Approx. 26.45 square miles
Population
Approx. 76,886
Time Zone
GMT/BST
Ideal for
Exploring local attractions and nearby areas.
Rush Hours
Expect heavier traffic during peak commuting times.
Rating
4.0/5
1. Age RequirementsTypically, you need to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in Grays, though some companies may have higher age limits or charge extra for young drivers.
2. Driver’s LicenceA valid driver’s licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English.
3. InsuranceBasic insurance is usually included, but you can opt for additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or theft protection.
4. DepositsA security deposit is required, usually held on a credit card and refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.
5. Mileage and FuelCheck the mileage policy; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies vary, but typically you should return the car with the same fuel level as when you picked it up.
6. Additional FeesAdditional charges can apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, or optional extras like GPS or child seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £16 / $20 / €19
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9.50
Executive:
from £25 / $31 / €30
7 Seater:
from £28 / $35 / €34
Automatic:
from £16 / $20 / €19
SUV:
from £8.50 / $10.70 / €10
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.
Low season (November to February): Discounts are often available during these months due to lower demand.
*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 rental car in Grays involves a few straightforward steps. Here’s how to secure the best deal and ensure a smooth rental experience.
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, whether it's a compact car for solo travel or a larger vehicle for a family.
3. Check Rental Terms - Read the rental agreement carefully, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Book your rental car in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure better rates and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and any other required documents when you pick up the vehicle.
Grays is a town in Essex, known for its proximity to London and the River Thames. Renting a car provides the flexibility to explore the area and its surroundings comfortably.
Grays benefits from its strategic location, offering easy access to both urban and rural attractions. Driving in Grays is generally straightforward, but being aware of local traffic regulations can enhance your experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Thameside Nature Park
A nature reserve with scenic views and walking trails.
Coalhouse Fort
A historic fort with guided tours and interesting exhibits.
Intu Lakeside Shopping Centre
A large shopping centre with a variety of stores and restaurants.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Available in the town centre and near major attractions.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display parking bays are available but can be limited.
Park & Ride
Not widely available in Grays, but consider parking at attractions with dedicated lots.
Gas Stations in Grays
Major Brands
Find stations from brands like Shell, BP, and Esso along main roads.
Refuelling Tips
Plan your refuelling stops as stations may not be as frequent in certain areas.
Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps to locate nearby stations in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Grays
Check Traffic Conditions
Use navigation apps to avoid traffic delays, especially during rush hours.
Plan Your Route
Familiarise yourself with local roads and routes to key destinations.
Respect Speed Limits
Adhere to speed limits to avoid fines and ensure safety.
Be Aware of Cyclists and Pedestrians
Exercise caution around cyclists and pedestrians, particularly in town centre areas.
Railway Stations
Grays Railway Station
Provides frequent services to London Fenchurch Street and Southend Central.
Airports
London Southend Airport (SEN)
Located approximately 18 miles from Grays, offering flights to various European destinations.
London Stansted Airport (STN)
Situated about 39 miles from Grays, serving numerous European and international flights.
Renting a car in Grays is a straightforward process, provided you meet certain requirements. Here’s what you’ll need to have ready.
Ensure your licence is valid and, if from outside the UK, check if you need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21, though some may have higher age limits or charge extra for younger drivers.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required for international renters.
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.
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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 Grays 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.
Meh. Chippy shops grim.
Chloe Brown
Reviewed: 03.05.2025
Heard great things, and Grays lived up to the hype! Easy to get around.
David Lee
Reviewed: 23.05.2025
Needed some coastal downtime, and Grays was perfect. Having my rental car was a lifesaver. The local cafes were a bit underwhelming, though the seaside views more than made up for it.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 01.01.2025
Kinda bland, shops meh.
Kevin Garcia
Reviewed: 26.02.2025
Pretty relaxed vibe
James Wilson
Reviewed: 17.08.2024
Quick trip to Grays to see friends. Having a car was useful. The town centre felt a bit dated, though.
Jessica Davis
Reviewed: 16.10.2024
Exploring Grays by car was wonderfully easy and fun!
Olivia Thompson
Reviewed: 20.05.2025
Such a fun, impromptu trip! Grays was easy to navigate with a car; highly recommend.
Eleanor Reed
Reviewed: 18.08.2025
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Grays was a lovely weekend getaway! Having a car made exploring so easy. Definitely recommend a visit.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 25.02.2025