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Car rental in Margate - Search, Compare, and Save

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No Hidden Fees

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4.67/5

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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Margate

Margate

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Margate

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Margate

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Margate

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 Margate?

Margate is a charming seaside town with a vibrant arts scene, beautiful beaches, and historical landmarks. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore the surrounding areas and hidden gems at your own pace.

Discover Coastal Delights. With a rental car, you can easily visit nearby coastal towns such as Broadstairs and Ramsgate, enjoying scenic drives and picturesque views along the way.

Explore the Kent Countryside. A car allows you to venture inland and discover the stunning Kent countryside, with its rolling hills, quaint villages, and historic castles.

Convenience for Families. If you're travelling with children, having a car makes it much easier to transport luggage, beach gear, and other essentials, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free vacation.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Margate

Before renting a car in Margate, make sure you meet the minimum age requirements, have a valid driving licence, and understand the rental company's policies regarding insurance, deposits, mileage, and fuel.

Area

Approximately 5.7 square miles (14.8 km²)

Population

Around 63,000 residents

Time Zone

GMT (GMT+1 during British Summer Time)

Ideal for

Coastal explorations and countryside drives

Rush Hours

Expect moderate traffic during peak commuting times

Rating

4.0/5

1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Margate 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 usually included in the rental price, but you can purchase additional coverage options. A security deposit is typically required and will be refunded upon the car's return, provided there is no damage.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies vary, but most require you to return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.

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 Margate – 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 £30 / $38 / €36 per day

7 Seater:

from £40 / $50 / €48 per day

Automatic:

from £25 / $31 / €30 per day

SUV:

from £15 / $19 / €18 per day

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.

Low season (November to February): Often comes with discounts as demand decreases.

*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 Margate?

To book a car in Margate, compare prices, choose the right vehicle, and carefully review the rental terms. Booking in advance, especially during peak seasons, can help you secure better rates. Remember to bring your driver's licence, credit card, and ID when picking up the car.

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, whether it's a compact car for city driving or a larger vehicle for family trips.

3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement to understand the mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.

4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure vehicle availability by booking well in advance, particularly during popular travel periods.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Present your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental car.

General Information About Margate

Margate is a coastal town known for its sandy beaches, art galleries, and amusement park, Dreamland. Exploring Margate and the surrounding areas is easier with a car, but it's important to be aware of local traffic regulations and parking options.

Margate offers a unique blend of traditional seaside charm and contemporary attractions, making it a popular destination for tourists. With a car, you can easily access nearby towns and attractions, but be mindful of traffic congestion during peak seasons. Familiarise yourself with local parking rules and regulations to avoid any issues.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Dreamland Margate

    A vintage amusement park with thrilling rides and nostalgic charm.

  • Turner Contemporary

    A renowned art gallery showcasing modern and contemporary art.

  • Margate Main Sands

    A beautiful sandy beach perfect for families and sunbathers.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Several parking garages are available in the town centre for secure parking.

  • On-Street Parking

    Pay-and-display parking bays can be found throughout Margate, but they may have time restrictions.

  • Park & Ride

    Consider using park-and-ride services located on the outskirts of town to avoid city centre traffic.

Gas Stations in Margate

  • Conveniently Located Stations

    Several gas stations are situated on the main roads leading in and out of Margate.

  • Major Brands

    Look for well-known brands such as BP, Shell, and Esso.

  • Refuelling Tips

    Refuel before heading out on longer trips to avoid running low on fuel.

Useful Tips for Visiting Margate

  • Check Tide Times

    Be aware of tide times if you plan to spend time on the beach.

  • Plan for Traffic

    Allow extra time for travel during peak seasons due to increased traffic.

  • Use Sat Nav

    Utilise a satellite navigation system to navigate unfamiliar roads.

  • Respect Local Regulations

    Follow local traffic and parking regulations to avoid fines.

Key Transportation Hubs in Margate

Railway Stations

Margate Railway Station

The main railway station in Margate, providing connections to London and other destinations.

Bus Stations

Margate Bus Station

A central hub for local and regional bus services.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Margate?

Renting a car in the [COUNTRY PLACE] 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 [CURRENT COUNTRY], 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

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 Margate as

4.6

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, actually.

BS

Beth Smith

Reviewed: 21.11.2024

Margate was lovely! Having a car made exploring so easy. The beaches were stunning.

CD

Chloe Davis

Reviewed: 26.05.2025

Pretty relaxed vibe.

LJ

Liam Jones

Reviewed: 14.10.2024

Absolutely loved Margate! First time visiting, and having a car made it so simple to discover all the hidden gems. Highly recommend!

AG

Ava Garcia

Reviewed: 24.04.2025

Pleasant enough, really.

KL

Kai Lee

Reviewed: 11.02.2025

Chill coastal vibes.

MR

Maya Rodriguez

Reviewed: 11.07.2025

Heard so much about Margate, and it lived up to the hype! Having a car was great, although the seafront shops were a bit underwhelming.

OB

Oliver Brown

Reviewed: 30.01.2025

It was such a fun trip! Exploring Margate with a car was brilliant; we saw so much more than we'd have on foot. The coastline is amazing!

EW

Ella Wilson

Reviewed: 21.01.2025

Margate was a delightful stop on our road trip. Having a car made getting around so convenient, and the town itself was charming.

NM

Noah Miller

Reviewed: 01.06.2025

Charming seaside town! Getting around with a rental was a breeze, making our road trip so much better.

ST

Sarah Thompson

Reviewed: 23.07.2025

Wonderful spontaneous weekend! Getting a car in Margate was effortless, and we easily explored the charming town and stunning coastline. Highly recommend!

AH

Amelia Harris

Reviewed: 23.09.2024

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