Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Saint Austell
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Saint Austell
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Saint Austell
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Saint Austell
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.
Saint Austell offers a blend of coastal beauty and Cornish heritage. While public transport is available, a rental car allows you to explore its hidden gems at your own pace.
Explore the Cornish Coast. With a car, you can easily access the stunning coastline, from secluded coves to dramatic cliffs.
Visit the Eden Project. A short drive away, this world-famous attraction is easily accessible with your own vehicle.
Discover Local Villages. Explore charming Cornish villages like Fowey and Mevagissey, which are difficult to reach by public transport.
Before renting a car in Saint Austell, ensure you understand the local regulations and rental terms. Be aware of age restrictions, required documentation, and insurance options.
Area
5.94 square miles
Population
Approximately 20,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
Ideal for
Family trips
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic during morning and evening commutes.
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is recommended. A security deposit is held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy – unlimited mileage is preferable. Fuel policies vary, so clarify whether you need to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, GPS, child seats, or out-of-hours pickup/drop-off.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €24 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €12 per day
Executive:
from £28 / $35 / €34 per day
7 Seater:
from £30 / $38 / €36 per day
Automatic:
from £22 / $28 / €26 per day
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14 per day
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
To book a car in Saint Austell, compare prices, choose a vehicle that suits your needs, and understand the rental terms. Booking in advance is advisable, especially during peak seasons.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that fits your needs, considering size and fuel efficiency.
3. Check Rental Terms - Understand mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and guarantee availability by booking early.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting the vehicle.
Saint Austell is a charming town in Cornwall, perfect for exploring the surrounding area. Knowing local traffic rules and parking options is helpful for a smooth driving experience.
Saint Austell, situated in the heart of Cornwall, is a gateway to many attractions in the region. While the town itself is relatively small, renting a car is beneficial for exploring the broader area, including the Eden Project, the Lost Gardens of Heligan, and the picturesque coastline. Driving in Saint Austell is generally straightforward, but be aware of narrow country lanes and occasional traffic congestion, especially during peak tourist seasons. Planning your routes and understanding parking regulations will enhance your visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
The Eden Project
A world-renowned attraction featuring impressive biomes housing diverse plant species.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
A beautifully restored Victorian garden with unique features and stunning landscapes.
Charlestown Harbour
A historic port with tall ships, offering a glimpse into Cornwall’s maritime past.
Where to Find Parking
Town Centre Car Parks
Several public car parks are available in the town centre, offering convenient access to shops and amenities.
On-Street Parking
Limited on-street parking is available, but restrictions and charges may apply.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride services during peak seasons to avoid congestion in the town centre.
Gas Stations in Saint Austell
Main Fuel Chains
Major fuel brands like BP, Shell, and Esso are available in and around Saint Austell.
Convenient Locations
Fuel stations are easily accessible on main roads and near major attractions.
Plan Ahead
Ensure you have enough fuel, especially when exploring remote areas of Cornwall.
Useful Tips for Visiting Saint Austell
Allow Extra Time
Traffic can be heavy during peak seasons, so allow extra time for journeys.
Use Navigation Apps
Utilise navigation apps to find the best routes and avoid congestion.
Be Aware of Narrow Lanes
Many rural roads are narrow, so drive carefully and be prepared to give way to oncoming traffic.
Check Parking Restrictions
Always check parking restrictions and charges to avoid fines.
Railway Stations
Saint Austell Railway Station
The main railway station, providing connections to other towns and cities in Cornwall and beyond.
Bus Stations
Saint Austell Bus Station
Located in the town centre, offering local and regional bus services.
To rent a car in Saint Austell, you'll need a valid driver's licence, proof of identity, and a credit or debit card for the security deposit.
Ensure your driver’s licence is valid and, if necessary, accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Be aware of age restrictions and potential young driver surcharges.
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.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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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 clients rate such place as Saint Austell 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.
Exploring Cornwall was fantastic! Getting around with a rental car was a breeze, allowing us to easily visit the Eden Project and stunning beaches. Highly recommend a road trip!
David Lee
Reviewed: 10.06.2025
Cornwall exceeded expectations! Having wheels let us discover hidden coves and delightful villages. Such a memorable trip.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 05.09.2024
Pretty relaxed, really.
Liam Wilson
Reviewed: 24.08.2024
It was wonderful to be back in Saint Austell after all these years! Having a car made exploring the area so much easier, and I rediscovered some lovely spots.
Megan Brown
Reviewed: 16.05.2025
Saint Austell was a good base for exploring Cornwall during the summer holidays. Having a car was essential, though the Eden Project was a bit more crowded than expected.
Benjamin Taylor
Reviewed: 23.01.2025
Pretty good, really.
Olivia Davies
Reviewed: 21.11.2024
Saint Austell was convenient for our road trip. The town itself felt a bit sleepy, though the surrounding area was lovely.
Isabelle Garcia
Reviewed: 27.07.2025
Pretty chilled vibe.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 11.08.2025
Family holiday in Saint Austell was perfect! Exploring Cornwall by car was so convenient.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 11.05.2025
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Saint Austell was a delight! Having a car made exploring the coastline and charming towns so easy. We loved the scenic drives and the friendly locals. Definitely recommend a visit!
Alice Smith
Reviewed: 01.08.2025