Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Whitehaven
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Whitehaven
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Whitehaven
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Whitehaven
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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 Whitehaven 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 chill, really.
Liam Jones
Reviewed: 17.08.2024
Relaxing, really peaceful.
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.
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.
Emily Wilson
Reviewed: 26.02.2025
Pretty chilled, really.
Oliver Brown
Reviewed: 30.12.2024
Pretty low-key, really.
Ben Carter
Reviewed: 02.08.2025
Summer in Whitehaven was idyllic! Exploring by car was effortless, the beaches were amazing.
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.
Maya Thompson
Reviewed: 13.12.2024
Pretty chill vibe.
Mia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 14.09.2024
Pretty relaxed, really.
Noah Lee
Reviewed: 22.06.2025
Okay, I guess. Bit windy.
Ethan Harris
Reviewed: 09.01.2025
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Whitehaven was breathtaking! Having a car made exploring the coastline so easy. We visited stunning beaches and charming villages. A truly unforgettable trip.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 02.05.2025