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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Kendal
Kendal
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Kendal
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Kendal
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Kendal
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.
Why Rent a Car in Kendal?
Kendal, the southern gateway to the Lake District, offers a blend of historic charm and stunning natural beauty. While Kendal itself is easily walkable, a rental car provides the freedom to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.
Explore the Lake District: Kendal is the perfect base for exploring the Lake District National Park. With a rental car, you can easily reach popular destinations like Windermere, Ambleside, and Grasmere.
Visit Historic Sites: Discover the area's rich history by visiting sites such as Kendal Castle, Sizergh Castle, and the ruins of Shap Abbey, all easily accessible by car.
Enjoy Scenic Drives: Take advantage of the stunning scenery by embarking on scenic drives through the Lake District, stopping at viewpoints and picturesque villages along the way.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Kendal
Before renting a car in Kendal, it's important to understand the rental terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Area
25.94 square kilometres (10.02 square miles)
Population
Approximately 30,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summer time
Ideal for
Exploring the Lake District
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic during peak hours, especially around school times.
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Kendal require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may have a minimum age of 23 or 25 for certain vehicle types, and young driver surcharges may apply for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's license is required. If your license is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required. You will also need a passport or other form of identification.
3. Insurance & DepositsCar rentals typically include basic insurance, but you may want to consider additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Theft Protection. A security deposit will be required, usually held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy, as some rentals may have limited mileage. Fuel policies vary, so clarify whether you need to return the car with a full tank or not.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras like GPS navigation systems or child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Kendal – How Much Does It Cost?
The average daily rate for an economy-class rental car in Kendal is from £25 / $31.50 / €30. Prices vary depending on the time of year and availability.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €48 per day
Electric:
from £30 / $38 / €36 per day
Classic:
from £20 / $25 / €24 per day
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
7 Seater:
from £45 / $57 / €54 per day
Automatic:
from £30 / $38 / €36 per day
SUV:
from £28 / $35 / €34 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to high demand.
Low season (November to February): Often comes with discounts and lower rates.
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 Kendal?
Booking a car in Kendal is simple. Follow these steps to secure the best deal and ensure a smooth rental experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison websites to compare prices from different rental companies and find the best deals.
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 - Carefully review the rental terms and conditions, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Book your rental car in advance, especially during peak season, to secure the best rates and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - When picking up your rental car, bring your driver's license, credit card, and any other required documents.
General Information About Kendal
Kendal is a charming market town with easy access to the Lake District. Understanding local driving conditions and regulations will help you enjoy your trip.
Kendal, also known as the “Auld Grey Town,” is a picturesque town with a rich history and culture. Its location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the Lake District National Park. While Kendal is relatively easy to navigate, it's essential to be aware of local traffic regulations and parking options to ensure a smooth and enjoyable driving experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Kendal Castle
Explore the ruins of Kendal Castle, which offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding area.
Sizergh Castle
Visit Sizergh Castle, a medieval stately home with beautiful gardens.
Abbot Hall Art Gallery
Discover a collection of fine art and contemporary exhibitions at Abbot Hall Art Gallery.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Utilise public parking garages like the Westmorland Shopping Centre car park for convenient parking options.
On-Street Parking
Look for on-street parking bays, but be mindful of time limits and parking restrictions.
Park & Ride
Consider using the park-and-ride service during peak season to avoid congestion in the town centre.
Gas Stations in Kendal
BP
Find BP stations on the outskirts of Kendal and along major roads.
Shell
Look for Shell stations offering fuel and convenience store items.
Local Garages
Explore local garages for fuel and vehicle maintenance services.
Useful Tips for Visiting Kendal
Be Mindful of Pedestrians
Be aware of pedestrians, especially in the town centre, and drive cautiously.
Allow Extra Time for Traffic
Allow extra time for travel during peak hours, particularly around school times.
Use a GPS Navigation System
Use a GPS navigation system to navigate the area and find the best routes.
Key Transportation Hubs in Kendal
Major Bus Stations
Kendal Bus Station
Located in the town centre, providing local and regional bus services.
Railway Stations
Kendal Railway Station
Offers connections to Lancaster, Oxenholme Lake District, and other destinations.
Airports
Manchester Airport (MAN)
Located approximately 90 miles southeast of Kendal, offering international and domestic flights.
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA)
Situated about 70 miles east of Kendal, serving regional and European flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Kendal?
Renting a car in Kendal requires meeting a few essential criteria. Make sure you're prepared with the necessary documents and information.
A valid driver's license is required. 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 some having higher age restrictions for specific vehicle types.
A valid credit or debit card in the main driver's name is required for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be necessary, especially for international renters.
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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 Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Kendal 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.
Kendal was delightful! Exploring the area by car was so convenient and scenic.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 11.09.2024
Heard great things about Kendal, and they were right! Getting around with a car was a breeze, making it easy to explore the beautiful scenery.
David Lee
Reviewed: 20.01.2025
Summer in Kendal was fantastic! Having a car made exploring the Lakes and surrounding countryside so easy. Beautiful scenery and charming towns.
Amelia Brown
Reviewed: 15.11.2024
Kendal was a lovely surprise! Having a car made exploring the stunning scenery so easy. I'll be back!
Jessica Davis
Reviewed: 02.04.2025
Pretty laid-back, really.
Mia Miller
Reviewed: 11.11.2024
Relaxing, quite nice.
Oliver Wilson
Reviewed: 14.01.2025
Pretty chill, really.
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 17.06.2025
Kendal was wonderful! Family vacation was easy thanks to our rental car; exploring the Lake District was a dream.
Christopher Garcia
Reviewed: 21.08.2024