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Car rental in Whitehaven - Search, Compare, and Save

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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Whitehaven

Whitehaven

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Whitehaven

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Whitehaven

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Whitehaven

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

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 Whitehaven?

Whitehaven is a charming coastal town with a rich maritime history and stunning natural surroundings. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the region at your own pace.

Explore the Lake District Easily. Whitehaven serves as a gateway to the Lake District National Park. A rental car allows you to effortlessly access scenic drives, hiking trails, and picturesque villages that are difficult to reach by public transport.

Visit Coastal Gems. Discover hidden coastal gems along the Cumbrian coastline, such as St. Bees Head and the historic port of Maryport. With a car, you can explore these areas and enjoy breathtaking sea views.

Convenience and Comfort. If you're travelling with family, carrying luggage, or planning multiple day trips, a rental car offers unparalleled convenience and comfort, eliminating the need to rely on bus schedules or taxi services.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Whitehaven

Before booking a rental car in Whitehaven, ensure you meet the minimum age requirements (usually 21+), possess a valid driver's license, and understand the rental agreement's terms, including insurance, deposit, mileage, and fuel policies.

Area

Approximately 2.79 square miles

Population

Approximately 25,000 residents

Time Zone

GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summer time

Ideal for

Exploring the Lake District and coast

Rush Hours

Expect moderate traffic during peak commuting hours

Rating

4.8/5

1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Whitehaven 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 license is essential. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license isn't in English. A passport is typically required as well.

3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance. Additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is held on a credit card and refunded upon safe vehicle return.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary. Unlimited mileage is common, but some rentals may have restrictions. Fuel policies usually require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.

5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras like GPS and child seats.

Car Rental Prices in Whitehaven – How Much Does It Cost?

Estimated Daily Prices

Business:

from £35 / $44 / €42 per day

Electric:

from £20 / $25 / €24 per day

Classic:

from £10 / $13 / €12 per day

Executive:

from £28 / $35 / €34 per day

7 Seater:

from £32 / $40 / €39 per day

Automatic:

from £20 / $25 / €24 per day

SUV:

from £12 / $15 / €14 per day

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (June to August): Expect higher demand and prices increasing by 20-30% during the summer months.

Low season (November to February): Discounts are often available in the off-season.

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 Whitehaven?

To book a rental car in Whitehaven, follow these simple steps to ensure a smooth and cost-effective experience.

1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies based on your travel dates and car preferences.

2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s a compact car for city driving or a larger vehicle for exploring the Lake District.

3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid unexpected charges.

4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and passport or ID when collecting your rental vehicle.

General Information About Whitehaven

Whitehaven is a historic town with well-preserved Georgian architecture. Ideal for exploring the Western Lake District and the Cumbrian coast, it's best navigated with an understanding of local traffic rules and parking regulations.

Whitehaven, a charming port town in Cumbria, is renowned for its rich maritime history and Georgian architecture. While the town centre is easily walkable, renting a car provides the freedom to explore the surrounding Lake District National Park and the scenic Cumbrian coastline. Driving within Whitehaven is generally straightforward, but it’s essential to be aware of local traffic laws, parking regulations, and fuel station availability to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • The Beacon Museum

    Explore the rich maritime history of Whitehaven and its role as a major trading port.

  • Whitehaven Harbour

    Stroll along the picturesque harbour and admire the well-preserved Georgian architecture.

  • St. Bees Head

    Visit this stunning coastal headland for breathtaking views and birdwatching opportunities.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Use local public parking garages for secure, central parking options.

  • On-Street Parking

    Pay-and-display bays are available but may have time restrictions, especially in central areas.

  • Park & Ride

    While not always available, check for park-and-ride options during peak seasons to avoid city centre congestion.

Gas Stations in Whitehaven

  • Availability

    Fuel stations are readily available in and around Whitehaven.

  • Major Brands

    Look for brands like BP, Shell, and Texaco along main roads and highways.

  • Navigation Apps

    Use Google Maps or similar apps to locate nearby fuel stations in real time.

Useful Tips for Visiting Whitehaven

  • Contactless Payment

    Use contactless payment for parking and local transportation where available.

  • Watch for Pedestrians

    Be mindful of pedestrians, especially in the town centre.

  • Plan for Traffic

    Plan for moderate traffic during peak commuting hours and school drop-off/pick-up times.

Key Transportation Hubs in Whitehaven

Railway Stations

Whitehaven Railway Station

Provides regional services connecting Whitehaven to other towns and cities in Cumbria and beyond.

Airports

Carlisle Lake District Airport (CAX)

Located approximately 50 miles from Whitehaven, offering limited domestic flights.

Newcastle International Airport (NCL)

Located approximately 90 miles from Whitehaven, offering a wider range of domestic and international flights.

Bus Stations

Whitehaven Bus Station

Serves local and regional bus routes.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Whitehaven?

Renting a car in the UK is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need.

  • If you're from the UK, your standard license is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country license for up to 12 months, but some may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

  • Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.

  • A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.

  • A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters.

Our Content Quality

This content was written

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 by experts

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.

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Our Customer Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Whitehaven as

4.3

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.

Whitehaven was breathtaking! Having a car made exploring the coastline so easy. We visited stunning beaches and charming villages. A truly unforgettable trip.

SM

Sarah Miller

Reviewed: 02.05.2025

Pretty chill, really.

LJ

Liam Jones

Reviewed: 17.08.2024

Relaxing, really peaceful.

CD

Chloe Davis

Reviewed: 02.04.2025

Absolutely loved Whitehaven! Renting a car was a breeze, but the beach was surprisingly crowded. Still, a fantastic trip.

AG

Ava Garcia

Reviewed: 14.10.2024

Family vacation in Whitehaven was perfect! Getting around with our rental car was a breeze, making it easy to see everything.

EW

Emily Wilson

Reviewed: 26.02.2025

Pretty chilled, really.

OB

Oliver Brown

Reviewed: 30.12.2024

Pretty low-key, really.

BC

Ben Carter

Reviewed: 02.08.2025

Summer in Whitehaven was idyllic! Exploring by car was effortless, the beaches were amazing.

JK

Jessica King

Reviewed: 07.02.2025

Whitehaven was lovely; a spur-of-the-moment weekend escape. Renting a car was a lifesaver, though the ferry was a bit pricey.

MT

Maya Thompson

Reviewed: 13.12.2024

Pretty chill vibe.

MR

Mia Rodriguez

Reviewed: 14.09.2024

Pretty relaxed, really.

NL

Noah Lee

Reviewed: 22.06.2025

Okay, I guess. Bit windy.

EH

Ethan Harris

Reviewed: 09.01.2025

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