Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Manchester
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Manchester
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Manchester
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Manchester
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.
Manchester is a vibrant city with a rich industrial heritage and a thriving cultural scene. While public transport is readily available, renting a car offers unparalleled freedom to explore the city and its surrounding areas at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City Centre. With a rental car, you can easily venture to the Peak District National Park, the historic city of Chester, or the charming towns of the Lake District.
Convenience and Flexibility. Travelling with family or a group? A rental car provides the space and comfort you need, allowing you to tailor your itinerary to suit everyone's needs.
Access to Hidden Gems. Discover off-the-beaten-path attractions and scenic routes that are not easily accessible by public transport. Enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace and uncover hidden treasures.
Before booking a rental car in Manchester, familiarise yourself with the standard rental terms and conditions. These generally cover age requirements, required documents, insurance, deposits, mileage, and fuel policies.
Area
115.6 square kilometres (44.6 square miles)
Population
Approximately 550,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summer time
Ideal for
City and regional exploration
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 7 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Manchester is typically 21, though some companies may have higher age restrictions or charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
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.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but you may want to consider additional coverage options. A security deposit is typically required and held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy – unlimited mileage is often available. Fuel policies vary, with 'full-to-full' being a common option.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or add-ons like GPS or child seats.
Car rental prices in Manchester vary depending on the season, car type, and rental duration. Here's a general overview of estimated daily costs.
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €24
Classic:
from £10 / $13 / €12
Executive:
from £28 / $35 / €33
7 Seater:
from £30 / $38 / €36
Automatic:
from £22 / $28 / €26
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand during the summer months.
Low season (November to February): You can often find discounts and lower rates during the off-season.
Rental prices fluctuate throughout the year. Booking in advance and comparing offers will help you secure the best deal.
Booking a rental car in Manchester is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs and budget, considering factors like size, fuel efficiency, and features.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and availability by booking your rental car well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card to the rental counter when collecting your vehicle.
Manchester is a major city in the northwest of England with a rich industrial heritage. The city centre has implemented a Clean Air Zone, which may affect some vehicles.
Manchester is a vibrant hub of culture, music, and sports. As a major metropolitan area, Manchester experiences heavy traffic, particularly during rush hours. Consider these factors when planning your driving routes.
Top Attractions to Discover
Science and Industry Museum
Explore Manchester's industrial past through interactive exhibits.
National Football Museum
Celebrate the beautiful game at this world-class museum.
Manchester Art Gallery
Discover a diverse collection of art from pre-Raphaelite to contemporary works.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use parking garages like NCP or Q-Park for secure and convenient parking.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but can be limited, especially in the city centre.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities located outside the city centre to avoid congestion.
Gas Stations in Manchester
City Centre Availability
Gas stations are less common in the city centre; plan accordingly.
Major Brands on Outskirts
Find BP, Shell, and Esso stations on the outskirts and along major roads.
Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps to locate nearby fuel stations in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Manchester
Contactless Payment
Use contactless payment for public transport and many shops and restaurants.
Pedestrians and Cyclists
Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists, particularly in the city centre.
Traffic Delays
Allow extra time for travel during rush hours to account for potential traffic delays.
Major Bus Stations
Manchester Shudehill Interchange
A major bus and coach station serving local and regional routes.
Railway Stations
Manchester Piccadilly
The city's main railway station, providing services to London, Birmingham, and other major cities.
Manchester Victoria
Serves destinations in northern England, including Liverpool and Leeds.
Airports
Manchester Airport (MAN)
Located approximately 14 kilometres (9 miles) southwest of the city centre, serving numerous international and domestic flights.
To rent a car in Manchester, you'll need to meet certain requirements and provide the necessary documentation.
A valid driver's license is essential. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with some charging extra fees for drivers under 25.
A 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 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.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
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 Manchester 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.
Renting a car in Manchester made getting around to see my friends so easy. The city itself is vibrant, though the canal-side museum was a bit underwhelming.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 10.01.2025
Pretty decent, overall
Chloe Brown
Reviewed: 20.03.2025
Solid, pretty chill.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 29.11.2024
Manchester was a great stop on our road trip! Easy to navigate with a car, and so much to see.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 22.09.2024
Pretty relaxed, overall
Oliver Davies
Reviewed: 02.09.2024
Pretty decent city
Ethan Harris
Reviewed: 21.06.2025
Pretty decent vibe
James Wilson
Reviewed: 03.02.2025
Manchester was fantastic! Having a car made exploring with the family so much easier. We loved the museums and the vibrant atmosphere.
Ava Lee
Reviewed: 22.03.2025
Pretty good, actually
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 23.04.2025
Manchester was fun for a weekend getaway. Having a car was helpful, though the museum cafe was a bit pricey.
Jessica Miller
Reviewed: 08.04.2025
Pretty relaxed, yeah
Noah Miller
Reviewed: 20.12.2024
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Pretty chill, tbh
Beth Smith
Reviewed: 13.02.2025