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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Leicester
Leicester
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Leicester
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Leicester
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Leicester
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 Leicester?
Leicester is a vibrant city with a rich history and plenty to explore, from the National Space Centre to the King Richard III Visitor Centre. While public transport is available, renting a car offers the freedom and flexibility to discover Leicester and its surrounding areas at your own pace.
Explore at Your Own Pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit all of Leicester's attractions without being tied to public transport schedules. This means you can spend more time enjoying each location and less time waiting around.
Discover Surrounding Areas. Leicestershire boasts beautiful countryside and charming villages like Market Bosworth and Melton Mowbray. A rental car makes it easy to explore these hidden gems, offering a more comprehensive travel experience.
Convenience and Comfort. If you're travelling with family, a rental car provides ample space for luggage and ensures a comfortable journey for everyone. It also eliminates the hassle of navigating public transport with young children or heavy bags.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Leicester
Before renting a car in Leicester, be aware of the standard terms and conditions. These include age requirements, necessary documentation, insurance policies, and potential extra charges. Understanding these details will ensure a smooth and hassle-free rental experience.
Area
73.32 square kilometres (28.31 square miles)
Population
Approximately 350,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summertime
Ideal for
City and countryside exploration
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Leicester require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, some providers may have a minimum age of 23 or 25, and young driver surcharges often apply for those under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is essential. If your licence is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required. Always carry your passport and a credit or debit card in the driver’s name.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but consider additional coverage like a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or theft protection. A security deposit is typically held on your credit card and refunded upon the car's return.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies vary, but many require you to return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras like GPS navigation and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Leicester – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £30 / $37.50 / €36
Electric:
from £18 / $22.50 / €21.50
Classic:
from £10 / $12.50 / €12
Executive:
from £25 / $31.25 / €30
7 Seater:
from £35 / $43.75 / €42
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €24
SUV:
from £15 / $18.75 / €18
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher 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 Leicester?
Booking a car in Leicester involves comparing prices, selecting the right car, reviewing rental terms, booking early, and preparing for pick-up. These steps will help you 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 city driving or a larger vehicle for family trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements before booking.
4. Book in Advance - Book early, especially during peak seasons, to secure lower prices and better availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental vehicle.
General Information About Leicester
Leicester is a city with a rich history and diverse culture. To make the most of your visit, especially if you're driving, understanding local traffic rules, parking regulations, and fuel station locations is essential.
Leicester is known for its vibrant atmosphere, historical landmarks, and cultural attractions. As a driving consideration, traffic congestion can be heavy during peak hours, and some areas have limited parking. Plan your routes and parking in advance for a smoother experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
National Space Centre
Explore interactive exhibits and space-related artefacts at this popular attraction.
King Richard III Visitor Centre
Learn about the discovery and reburial of King Richard III's remains.
Leicester Cathedral
Visit the final resting place of King Richard III and admire the cathedral's architecture.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use city centre car parks like the Highcross Shopping Centre car park for secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but often limited in central areas. Check signage for restrictions.
Park & Ride
Utilise park-and-ride services to avoid city centre traffic and parking fees.
Gas Stations in Leicester
Major Brands Available
Find stations from major brands like BP, Shell, and Esso throughout the city and surrounding areas.
24-Hour Stations
Some stations offer 24-hour service, providing convenient refuelling options.
Use Navigation Apps
Apps like Google Maps or Waze can help locate nearby gas stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Leicester
Use Contactless Payment
Contactless payment is widely accepted for parking and public transport.
Watch for Cyclists
Be aware of cyclists, especially in the city centre.
Allow Extra Time for Traffic
Plan extra time for travel during rush hours to avoid delays.
Key Transportation Hubs in Leicester
Major Bus Stations
Leicester St Margaret's Bus Station
The main bus station serving local and regional routes.
Railway Stations
Leicester Railway Station
Provides rail connections to major cities across the UK, including Leicester.
Airports
East Midlands Airport (EMA)
Located approximately 20 miles from Leicester, offering domestic and international flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Leicester?
To rent a car in Leicester, you'll need to meet certain requirements, including providing a valid driver's licence, meeting the minimum age requirement, and having a valid credit or debit card.
A valid driver's licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for those under 25.
A valid credit or debit card in the main driver's name is necessary for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required for international renters.
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Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Leicester 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.
Having a car made exploring Leicester so easy during the summer holidays. Beautiful city!
Oliver Brown
Reviewed: 25.09.2024
Leicester was fantastic! Exploring with the family was so easy having a car. We loved the National Space Centre and the vibrant city centre. Highly recommend!
Amelia Smith
Reviewed: 25.01.2025
Pretty decent, really
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 06.04.2025
Pretty chilled, really
Liam Wilson
Reviewed: 21.02.2025
Absolutely loved exploring Leicester! It was my first time, and having a car made getting around so convenient. So much to see and do.
Grace Thompson
Reviewed: 26.09.2024
Back in Leicester after years away, and it's even better than I remembered! So much easier to get around this time.
Benjamin Davis
Reviewed: 15.07.2025
Leicester was a lovely surprise! Renting a car made the spontaneous weekend trip so much easier. The city centre felt a little underwhelming, though.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 24.06.2025
Meh. A bit grey.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 15.09.2024