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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Lancaster
Lancaster
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Lancaster
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Lancaster
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Lancaster
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 Lancaster?
Lancaster, a city steeped in history and brimming with modern attractions, offers a unique blend of experiences. While public transport is available, a rental car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems beyond the city centre.
Uncover Historic Sites. Lancaster Castle, the Ashton Memorial, and the Judges' Lodgings Museum are easily accessible with a car, allowing you to delve into the city's rich past without transport constraints.
Explore the Surrounding Countryside. The Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is a short drive away, offering breathtaking landscapes and picturesque villages perfect for a day trip.
Visit Nearby Coastal Towns. The seaside towns of Morecambe and Heysham are within easy reach by car, providing a refreshing change of scenery and coastal activities.
Enjoy Flexibility and Convenience. With a rental car, you can create your own itinerary, stop at local shops and restaurants, and travel at your leisure, making your visit to Lancaster truly unforgettable.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Lancaster
Before booking a rental car in Lancaster, familiarise yourself with the rental terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Area
58.95 square kilometres (22.76 square miles)
Population
Approximately 146,038 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during winter time
Ideal for
Exploring city and countryside
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Lancaster require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s Licence & 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 typically included in the rental price, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is usually required and held on the renter’s credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage and others imposing restrictions. Fuel policies also differ, so be sure to check whether you need to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, or optional extras such as GPS navigation systems and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Lancaster – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20
SUV:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.
Low season (November to February): Discounts are often available during these months.
*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 Lancaster?
Booking a car in Lancaster involves a few simple steps to ensure you get the best deal and the right vehicle for your needs.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best rental deals from various companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs, considering size, fuel efficiency, and comfort.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental terms and conditions, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Book your car rental in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure lower prices and ensure availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and any other required documents when picking up your rental car.
General Information About Lancaster
Lancaster is a historic city with a vibrant cultural scene and beautiful surrounding landscapes. Understanding the local traffic rules and parking regulations will help you make the most of your visit.
As a city with a rich past and a modern outlook, Lancaster offers a compelling mix of attractions. Renting a car is a practical choice if you plan to explore beyond the city centre. However, driving within Lancaster requires awareness — be mindful of traffic, parking restrictions, and local regulations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience during your visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Lancaster Castle
A historic castle with a fascinating past, offering guided tours and stunning views.
Ashton Memorial
A prominent landmark in Williamson Park, providing panoramic views of the city and surrounding area.
Judges' Lodgings Museum
Lancaster’s oldest town house, showcasing period furnishings and local history.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use city centre car parks for convenient and secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available, but be aware of time limits and restrictions.
Park & Ride
Utilise the park-and-ride service for easy access to the city centre from outside the main traffic areas.
Gas Stations in Lancaster
Convenient Locations
Fuel stations are readily available throughout Lancaster and on major roads.
Major Brands
Look for well-known brands such as BP, Shell, and Esso.
Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps to locate nearby stations in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Lancaster
Plan for Traffic
Be aware of rush hour traffic, especially during peak times.
Respect Pedestrians
Watch for pedestrians, especially in pedestrianised areas.
Use Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps to help navigate the city.
Check Parking Restrictions
Always check parking restrictions before leaving your car.
Key Transportation Hubs in Lancaster
Major Bus Stations
Lancaster Bus Station
Located in the city centre, providing local and regional bus services.
Railway Stations
Lancaster Railway Station
Offers direct services to major cities including London, Manchester, and Glasgow.
Airports
Manchester Airport (MAN)
Located approximately 70 kilometres (43 miles) south-east of Lancaster, offering a wide range of domestic and international flights.
Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL)
Situated about 90 kilometres (56 miles) south-west of Lancaster, providing various European destinations.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Lancaster?
Renting a car in the United Kingdom is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road.
If you're from the UK, your standard licence is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country licence 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 Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Lancaster 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.
Family vacation in Lancaster was fantastic! Having a car made exploring so much easier. Highly recommend!
David Lee
Reviewed: 28.12.2024
Wonderful last-minute trip to Lancaster! Renting a car made exploring so convenient. The only downside was the slightly underwhelming museum cafe.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 17.01.2025
Pretty chill, overall.
Chloe Garcia
Reviewed: 03.05.2025
Relaxing, low-key vibe.
Olivia Brown
Reviewed: 16.07.2025
Heard great things about Lancaster, and they were right! Getting around with a car was a breeze, making it easy to explore everything. Highly recommend!
Ethan Davis
Reviewed: 31.12.2024
Lancaster's charm exceeded expectations! So much has changed since my last visit.
Katherine Wilson
Reviewed: 03.06.2025
Exploring Lancaster was effortless; having a car made everything so convenient. Such a beautiful place!
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 26.01.2025
Loved Lancaster! Friends raved about it, and they were spot on. Exploring with my rental car was so easy.
Jessica Taylor
Reviewed: 14.03.2025
Lancaster was lovely; a perfect coastal getaway. The local seafood was a bit pricey, though.
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 08.05.2025
Pretty low-key place
Noah Evans
Reviewed: 01.03.2025
So much has changed in Lancaster since my last visit! Exploring with my car was a breeze.
Ava Clark
Reviewed: 04.07.2025
Lancaster was a pleasant stop on our road trip. Having a rental car made getting around easy. The town square was charming, though the museum was a bit underwhelming.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 12.10.2024