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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Preston
Preston
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Preston
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Preston
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Preston
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 Preston?
Preston, a city steeped in history and brimming with modern attractions, offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors. While public transport is available, renting a car provides unparalleled freedom and flexibility to explore Preston and its surrounding areas at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City Centre. With a rental car, you can easily venture to nearby attractions like the Forest of Bowland, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or the seaside town of Blackpool, famous for its Pleasure Beach and iconic tower.
Convenience for Families and Groups. Renting a car offers a comfortable and convenient way for families or groups to travel together, especially when carrying luggage or equipment. You can avoid the hassle of coordinating multiple public transport routes and schedules.
Tailored Itinerary. With a rental car, you are not bound by public transport timetables or tour schedules. You can create a personalised itinerary that suits your interests and preferences, allowing you to discover hidden gems and local favourites at your own pace.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Preston
Before renting a car in Preston, it's essential to familiarise yourself with the standard terms and conditions. These typically include age restrictions, licence requirements, insurance coverage, and fuel policies.
Area
142.2 square kilometres (54.9 square miles)
Population
Approximately 143,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summer time
Ideal for
Weekend trips
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Preston require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
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. Insurance and DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is typically required and held on a credit card.
4. Mileage and Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, optional extras like GPS or child seats, and late returns.
Car Rental Prices in Preston – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20
SUV:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.
Low season (November to February): Often offers discounts on car rentals.
*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 Preston?
Renting a car in Preston involves a few simple steps to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best rental deals from various providers.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering factors like size, fuel efficiency, and passenger capacity.
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 better availability by booking your rental car well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and any other required documents when collecting your rental vehicle.
General Information About Preston
Preston is a city located in Lancashire, England, with a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene. Knowing local traffic rules and parking options can greatly enhance your driving experience.
Preston, a city that blends historical charm with modern amenities, offers a unique experience for visitors. Exploring the city and its surroundings is best done with an understanding of local driving conditions.
Top Attractions to Discover
Harris Museum & Art Gallery
A Grade I listed building showcasing fine art, local history, and collections.
Avenham and Miller Parks
Beautiful Victorian parks along the River Ribble, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Preston Guild Wheel
A 21-mile walking and cycling route encircling the city.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use facilities like the St George's Shopping Centre car park or the Fishergate Shopping Centre car park.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available, but restrictions and costs vary.
Park & Ride
Consider using the park-and-ride service at Portway for convenient access to the city centre.
Gas Stations in Preston
Major Brands Available
Find fuel stations from brands like Shell, BP, and Esso throughout the city.
Convenient Locations
Many gas stations are located along major roads and near shopping centres.
Check Prices
Fuel prices can vary, so compare prices at different stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Preston
Plan for Rush Hours
Expect heavier traffic during morning and evening rush hours.
Use Navigation Apps
Utilise navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze for real-time traffic updates.
Be Aware of Pedestrians
Preston city centre has high pedestrian traffic, so drive cautiously.
Check Parking Restrictions
Pay attention to parking restrictions to avoid fines.
Key Transportation Hubs in Preston
Major Bus Stations
Preston Bus Station
One of the largest bus stations in Europe, serving local and regional routes.
Railway Stations
Preston Railway Station
A major station on the West Coast Main Line, connecting to cities across the UK.
Airports
Manchester Airport (MAN)
Located approximately 30 miles from Preston, offering international and domestic flights.
Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL)
Situated around 35 miles from Preston, serving various European destinations.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Preston?
Renting a car in Preston requires a few essential documents and meeting specific criteria to ensure a smooth and compliant rental experience.
A full and valid driver's licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home country licence.
The minimum age to rent a car in Preston is typically 21, although some companies may have higher age limits and charge extra for young drivers.
A credit or debit card in the name of the main driver is required for the security deposit and rental payment.
A passport or other government-issued photo ID may be required for verification purposes.
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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 Preston 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 decent, really
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 09.11.2024
Okay, kinda bland. Rental car was handy, though.
Oliver Wilson
Reviewed: 09.05.2025
Loved my Preston trip! Having a car was perfect for exploring the coast. Relaxing and scenic – exactly what I needed.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 31.01.2025
Pretty relaxed vibe
Liam Brown
Reviewed: 30.03.2025
Preston was great! Easy to get around with my rental car, and catching up with friends was fantastic.
Emily Davis
Reviewed: 01.01.2025
Preston was wonderful! Exploring the coast with my rental car was so relaxing.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 22.06.2025
Preston was charming! A quick weekend getaway, made easy by having a car. So much to see.
Jessica Martinez
Reviewed: 12.09.2024
Pretty chill, actually
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 20.08.2024