Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Torquay
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Torquay
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Torquay
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Torquay
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.
Torquay, a gem on the English Riviera, offers stunning coastal views and charming attractions. While local transport is available, a rental car provides the freedom to discover all that Torquay and its surroundings have to offer.
Explore the English Riviera at Your Pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit attractions like Babbacombe Model Village, Kents Cavern, and the picturesque harbour without being tied to bus schedules.
Discover Hidden Gems. Venture beyond the town centre to find secluded beaches, scenic viewpoints, and charming villages that are often inaccessible by public transport.
Enjoy Flexibility and Convenience. Whether you're travelling with family, carrying beach gear, or planning day trips, a rental car provides the comfort and convenience you need.
Before booking a rental car in Torquay, it's essential to understand the rental terms. These typically cover age requirements, driver's license stipulations, insurance options, deposit policies, and any potential additional fees.
Area
65.26 square kilometres (25.2 square miles)
Population
Approximately 65,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summer time
Ideal for
Coastal drives and scenic routes
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic 8 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Torquay require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some may have a minimum age of 25 for certain vehicle types, and young driver surcharges often apply for those under 25.
2. Driver’s LicenseA valid driver’s license is required. Visitors from outside the [COUNTRY PLACE] may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
3. InsuranceRental agreements typically include basic insurance. However, additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection are usually available for extra peace of mind.
4. DepositsA security deposit is usually held on the renter's credit card. The amount can vary depending on the vehicle type and rental company. Deposits are typically refunded upon safe return of the car.
5. Mileage and FuelMileage policies can be either unlimited or restricted. Fuel policies vary; many require you to return the car with a full tank to avoid refuelling charges.
6. Additional FeesExtra fees may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, optional extras like GPS or child seats, and cleaning if the car is returned excessively dirty.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £30 / $37.50 / €36 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €24 per day
Classic:
from £15 / $18.75 / €18 per day
Executive:
from £35 / $43.75 / €42 per day
7 Seater:
from £40 / $50 / €48 per day
Automatic:
from £25 / $31.25 / €30 per day
SUV:
from £22 / $27.50 / €26.40 per day
Peak season (July to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to March): 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 ensure a smooth car rental experience in Torquay, follow these steps to compare offers, choose a suitable vehicle, and understand the rental terms before finalising your booking.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies in Torquay.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering the number of passengers and luggage space required.
3. Check Rental Terms - Thoroughly review the rental agreement, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better prices and vehicle availability by booking your rental car well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - When collecting your rental, ensure you have your driver's license, credit card, and any other required documentation.
Torquay, located on the English Riviera, is known for its beautiful beaches and Victorian architecture. Driving is a great way to explore the area, but it’s helpful to know local traffic rules and parking options.
Torquay is a vibrant coastal town offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions. Renting a car provides the flexibility to explore not only Torquay but also nearby destinations along the South Devon coastline. Driving in Torquay is generally straightforward, but awareness of local traffic patterns and parking regulations is recommended.
Top Attractions to Discover
Babbacombe Model Village
A charming miniature world showcasing scenes from across the [COUNTRY PLACE].
Kents Cavern
One of the most important prehistoric sites in [COUNTRY PLACE], offering guided tours.
Torquay Harbour
A picturesque harbour with shops, restaurants, and boat trips.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Multi-storey car parks are available in the town centre, providing secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available on many streets, but restrictions often apply.
Park & Ride
Park & Ride services operate from the outskirts of Torquay, offering convenient access to the town centre by bus.
Gas Stations in Torquay
Main Fuel Chains
Major fuel brands like Shell, BP, and Esso are readily available around Torquay.
Location
Fuel stations are located on the main roads leading into and out of Torquay.
Refueling Tips
Ensure you refuel before returning your rental car to avoid extra charges.
Useful Tips for Visiting Torquay
Contactless Payment
Contactless payments are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and for parking.
Traffic
Be aware of traffic congestion during peak season, especially around the seafront.
Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to find the best routes and avoid traffic.
Allow Extra Time
Allow extra time for travel during peak season due to increased traffic and tourism.
Major Bus Stations
Torquay Lymington Road Bus Station
Located in the heart of Torquay, providing local and regional bus services.
Railway Stations
Torquay Railway Station
Provides rail connections to major cities and towns in the southwest of [COUNTRY PLACE].
Airports
Exeter Airport (EXT)
Located approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) from Torquay, offering domestic and international flights.
Renting a car in Torquay is generally a straightforward process, but there are a few key requirements you’ll need to meet before you can drive off.
You'll need a valid driver's license. If you're visiting from another country, you may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP) depending on your country of origin.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and some may have a minimum age of 25 for certain vehicle types. Young driver surcharges may apply.
A credit or debit card in the main driver's name is required for the security deposit. Some companies may only accept credit cards for deposits.
You'll typically need to provide a passport or other form of identification, particularly if you're an international visitor.
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 Torquay 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.
So glad I returned! Torquay's charm remains.
Oliver Smith
Reviewed: 28.04.2025
Pretty relaxed vibe
Amelia Brown
Reviewed: 21.01.2025
Torquay lived up to the hype, though the harbour was a bit underwhelming.
Isabelle Carter
Reviewed: 01.03.2025
Torquay was fantastic! Exploring the coastline with the family was so easy having a car. The beaches were beautiful, and we found some lovely little cafes. Highly recommend!
Eleanor Davies
Reviewed: 12.08.2025
Meh, a bit bland.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 23.06.2025
Having a car made exploring Torquay so much easier! The summer weather was perfect for driving along the coast. We loved the beaches and charming town.
Sarah Jenkins
Reviewed: 24.10.2024
Pretty decent, really
Liam Wilson
Reviewed: 17.07.2025
Absolutely loved being back in Torquay after all these years! Having a car was brilliant for exploring the coastline and charming towns nearby. Such a relaxing break.
David Lee
Reviewed: 05.11.2024
Pretty laid-back, yeah
Thomas Harris
Reviewed: 01.12.2024
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Pretty chill, really
Mike Jones
Reviewed: 31.10.2024