Free CancellationBest Price GuaranteeNo Hidden Fees24/7 Multilingual SupportCar rental in Sunderland - Search, Compare, and Save
Free CancellationNo Hidden FeesPick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Sunderland
Sunderland
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Sunderland
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Sunderland
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Sunderland
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 Sunderland?
Sunderland, a city with a rich industrial heritage and beautiful coastal scenery, offers much to explore. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the flexibility to discover Sunderland and its surrounding areas at your own pace.
Coastal Adventures: With a rental car, you can easily visit Sunderland's stunning coastline, including Roker and Seaburn beaches, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.
Explore the Region: A car allows you to venture beyond Sunderland to nearby attractions like Durham Cathedral, the Angel of the North, and the vibrant city of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Convenience and Comfort: If you're travelling with family or have a lot of luggage, a rental car provides the comfort and convenience of door-to-door transport, making your trip more enjoyable.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Sunderland
Before booking a rental car in Sunderland, ensure you meet the necessary requirements and understand the rental terms. This includes age restrictions, licence requirements, insurance, and other essential details.
Area
Approximately 137 square kilometres (53 square miles)
Population
Around 275,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT (GMT+1 during British Summer Time)
Ideal for
Exploring coastal areas and regional attractions
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Sunderland require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to 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 or the Latin alphabet. A passport is also typically required.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but you can opt for additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is held on your credit card and refunded upon the car's return, provided there is no damage.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage and others having restrictions. Fuel policies often require you to return the car with the same amount of fuel as when you picked it up to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, GPS navigation systems, child seats, and one-way rentals.
Car Rental Prices in Sunderland – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $12 / €11 per day
Seasonal Trends
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.
How to Book a Car in Sunderland?
Booking a car in Sunderland is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth rental experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison website to find the best deals from different rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering the number of passengers and luggage.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental terms, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Book your car in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure the best rates and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and passport to collect your rental car.
General Information About Sunderland
Sunderland is a city that blends industrial heritage with coastal charm. To make the most of your visit, especially when driving, understanding the local traffic conditions and regulations is important.
Sunderland is located in Tyne and Wear, Northeast England. It offers a mix of historical sites, modern attractions, and beautiful coastline. Driving around Sunderland is generally easy, but being aware of traffic rules and parking options will enhance your experience. While Sunderland doesn’t have congestion zones like some larger cities, being mindful of rush hour and local traffic patterns is advisable.
Top Attractions to Discover
National Glass Centre
Explore the art and history of glassmaking at this unique cultural attraction.
Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
Discover local history, art, and a beautiful botanical collection.
Stadium of Light
Home to Sunderland AFC, offering tours and a great atmosphere on match days.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use parking garages in the city centre for secure and convenient parking.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but can be limited, especially during peak times.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities to avoid city centre traffic and parking fees.
Gas Stations in Sunderland
Availability
Gas stations are readily available throughout Sunderland and on major roads.
Major Brands
Find brands like BP, Shell, and Esso easily.
Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Sunderland
Contactless Payment
Use contactless payment for buses and parking where available.
Watch for Pedestrians
Be aware of pedestrians, especially in the city centre.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:30 AM – 9:30 AM / 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM) when roads are often congested.
Check Local Events
Check for local events that may affect traffic and parking.
Key Transportation Hubs in Sunderland
Major Bus Stations
Sunderland Interchange
The main bus station in Sunderland, providing connections to various local and regional destinations.
Railway Stations
Sunderland Station
The main railway station in Sunderland, with services to Newcastle, Middlesbrough, and other major cities.
Airports
Newcastle International Airport (NCL)
Located approximately 25 kilometres (15 miles) from Sunderland, offering domestic and international flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Sunderland?
Renting a car in Sunderland requires a few essential items. Ensure you have these before you pick up your vehicle.
A valid driver's licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home country licence.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and some may charge extra for drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card in the driver's name is needed for the security deposit. Some companies may prefer credit cards.
A passport or other form of identification may be required, especially for international renters.
Our Content Quality
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 Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Sunderland 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 Sunderland by car was fantastic! So convenient, and the city itself was charming.
David Lee
Reviewed: 15.08.2025
Sunderland was a pleasant surprise! Having a car made exploring so easy during our road trip. Friendly people, nice town.
Alice Brown
Reviewed: 05.12.2024
Heard great things about Sunderland, and they were right! Exploring with my rental car was effortless and fun.
Olivia Garcia
Reviewed: 22.04.2025
Sunderland was lovely for a weekend getaway! Getting around by car was a breeze.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 18.09.2024
Pretty decent, really.
Emily Davis
Reviewed: 02.09.2024
Solid, pretty chill.
Ben Carter
Reviewed: 25.10.2024
Sunderland's okay; the museum was underwhelming, though.
Thomas Miller
Reviewed: 29.01.2025
Pretty relaxed, yeah
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 01.03.2025
Sunderland was great! Easy to get around, and catching up with friends was perfect.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 26.04.2025
Sunderland was efficient for my short business trip. Getting around by car was a breeze.
Kevin Thompson
Reviewed: 07.01.2025
Sunderland weekend: charming and easy to navigate!
Amelia Harris
Reviewed: 19.11.2024
Pretty chill, really
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 28.08.2024