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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Plymouth
Plymouth
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Plymouth
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Plymouth
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Plymouth
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 Plymouth?
Plymouth, a vibrant waterfront city in Devon, offers a wealth of attractions and scenic routes best explored with the freedom of your own vehicle. While public transport is available, renting a car provides unparalleled flexibility and convenience.
Explore Beyond the City: With a rental car, you can easily venture beyond Plymouth to discover the stunning Dartmoor National Park, the beautiful beaches of the South Hams, and the historic towns of Devon and Cornwall.
Visit Attractions at Your Own Pace: Plymouth boasts numerous attractions, including the historic Barbican, the National Marine Aquarium, and the Mayflower Steps. A car allows you to visit these sites and many others without being constrained by bus or train schedules.
Convenience for Families and Groups: If you are travelling with family or a group, renting a car makes transportation much simpler, allowing you to travel together comfortably and efficiently.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Plymouth
Before renting a car in Plymouth, ensure you meet the necessary requirements and understand the rental terms to avoid any surprises. Key aspects include age limits, licence requirements, insurance, and fuel policies.
Area
79.83 square kilometres (30.82 square miles)
Population
Approximately 265,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summer time
Ideal for
Exploring Devon and Cornwall
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Rating
4.7/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Plymouth require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may have higher age limits for certain vehicle types and might charge a young driver surcharge for those under 25.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is essential. UK residents need their standard licence. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence isn't in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but consider additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is typically required and held on your credit card until the car is returned undamaged.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy; unlimited mileage is preferable for exploring the region. Fuel policies often 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 add-ons like GPS and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Plymouth – How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of renting a car in Plymouth can vary significantly depending on the type of vehicle, the time of year, and how far in advance you book.
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €24 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $13 / €12 per day
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €36 per day
7 Seater:
from £40 / $50 / €48 per day
Automatic:
from £22 / $28 / €26 per day
SUV:
from £15 / $19 / €18 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.
Low season (November to February): You can often find discounts and special offers during these months.
Rental prices fluctuate throughout the year, with peak seasons seeing higher rates and off-seasons offering better deals.
How to Book a Car in Plymouth?
Booking a car in Plymouth involves several steps to ensure a smooth and satisfactory rental experience. From comparing prices to understanding the rental terms, careful planning is key.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies in Plymouth.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering the number of passengers, luggage space, and type of driving you plan to do.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental terms, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Booking early, especially during peak season, can help you secure better rates and ensure vehicle availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and any other required documentation when collecting your rental car.
General Information About Plymouth
Plymouth is a city rich in maritime history and surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. Understanding the local traffic rules and parking regulations will enhance your driving experience.
Plymouth offers a blend of historical sites, modern attractions, and beautiful scenery. While the city centre is walkable, a car is ideal for exploring the wider region, including Dartmoor National Park and the Cornish coast. However, be mindful of local traffic conditions and parking limitations.
Top Attractions to Discover
The Barbican
A historic harbour area with cobbled streets, seafood restaurants, and the Mayflower Steps.
National Marine Aquarium
The UK's largest aquarium, showcasing a diverse range of marine life.
Dartmoor National Park
A vast moorland with dramatic landscapes, walking trails, and historic sites.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use city centre car parks for secure parking, but be prepared for higher rates.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available, but check time limits and restrictions.
Park & Ride
Utilise the park-and-ride services located on the outskirts of the city for cheaper and easier access to the centre.
Gas Stations in Plymouth
City Centre Stations
Fuel stations are available in and around the city centre, but they can be busier.
Major Brands
Look for brands like BP, Shell, and Esso along major roads and highways.
Fuel Prices
Fuel prices can vary, so compare prices at different stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Plymouth
Plan for Traffic
Be aware of rush-hour traffic, particularly on weekdays.
Use Navigation Apps
Use GPS or navigation apps to help you find your way around.
Respect Local Traffic Laws
Adhere to speed limits and traffic signals.
Check Parking Restrictions
Always check parking signs to avoid fines.
Key Transportation Hubs in Plymouth
Railway Stations
Plymouth Railway Station
The main railway station in Plymouth, providing connections to major cities across the UK.
Airports
Exeter Airport (EXT)
Located approximately 80 kilometres (50 miles) from Plymouth, offering domestic and international flights.
Ferry Services
Brittany Ferries
Operates ferry services from Plymouth to France and Spain.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Plymouth?
Renting a car in Plymouth requires a few essential documents and meeting certain criteria to ensure a smooth rental process.
A full, valid driver's licence is required. If your licence is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may also be needed.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with some charging extra for drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required, especially for international renters.
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Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Plymouth 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.
Pretty relaxed, overall
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 13.07.2025
Lovely coastal drive through Plymouth! So glad I had a car to explore. Perfect pit stop on our road trip.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 18.01.2025
Plymouth was fantastic! Having a car made exploring the coast so easy. We found some hidden gems and enjoyed stunning views. Highly recommend!
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 05.11.2024
Pretty decent, really
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 27.04.2025
Exploring Plymouth with a rental car was a breeze. It made getting around so much simpler. The Barbican was lovely, although the seagull population was a bit overwhelming!
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 24.10.2024
Efficient business trip! Plymouth was easy to navigate with a rental car. Highly recommend.
David Lee
Reviewed: 04.02.2025
Wonderful spontaneous weekend! Plymouth's charm was easily accessible by car. Highly recommend.
Olivia Thompson
Reviewed: 14.06.2025
Plymouth lived up to the hype, though the tourist information center was a bit underwhelming. Having a car made exploring so easy.
Ava Brown
Reviewed: 20.04.2025
Pretty chill, really
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 25.12.2024