Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Swansea
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Swansea
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Swansea
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Swansea
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.
Swansea, a vibrant coastal city in Wales, offers a blend of urban attractions and stunning natural landscapes. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides the ultimate freedom to explore at your own pace.
Explore the Gower Peninsula. The Gower Peninsula, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is easily accessible by car. Discover breathtaking beaches, coastal trails and charming villages, all within a short drive from Swansea.
Visit Local Attractions. From the Swansea Museum to the National Waterfront Museum, a rental car makes it easy to visit all the city's cultural highlights without relying on public transportation schedules.
Convenient for Families. Travelling with family or a group? A rental car provides the space and flexibility you need, making day trips and outings much more convenient and comfortable than public transport.
Before booking a rental car in Swansea, it’s important to understand the terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Key aspects include age requirements, licence and documentation, insurance and fuel policies.
Area
378 square kilometres (146 square miles)
Population
Approximately 240,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summer time)
Ideal for
Weekend trips
Rush Hours
Expect heavier traffic 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Swansea is typically 21, although some rental companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25. Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. If your licence is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be necessary. Always carry your passport as additional identification.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but consider additional coverage like a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is required and will be refunded upon the car’s safe return.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy; unlimited mileage is preferable for exploring the region. Fuel policies vary—full-to-full is common, requiring you to return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns or optional extras like GPS or child seats.
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 £22 / $27.50 / €26.40 per day
SUV:
from £25 / $31.25 / €30 per day
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): 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.
Booking a rental car in Swansea involves a few key steps to ensure you get the best deal and the right vehicle for your needs.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best rental deals from various providers in Swansea.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a car that suits your travel needs, whether it's a compact car for city driving or a larger vehicle for exploring the countryside.
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 rental car well in advance, especially during peak season, to secure better rates and vehicle availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - When picking up your car, have your driver's licence, credit card and any other required documents ready.
Swansea is a vibrant city with a mix of urban and natural attractions. Understanding local traffic rules, parking and fuel access will enhance your driving experience.
Swansea, Wales' second-largest city, is known for its beautiful coastline, historical sites and vibrant cultural scene. While Swansea has a decent public transport system, a rental car offers unparalleled flexibility for exploring the surrounding Gower Peninsula and beyond. However, driving within Swansea requires awareness of local traffic regulations and parking limitations.
Top Attractions to Discover
Swansea Bay
Enjoy the scenic views and seaside walks along Swansea Bay.
The Mumbles
Visit the charming village of Mumbles with its pier, lighthouse and boutique shops.
Gower Peninsula
Explore the stunning beaches and landscapes of the Gower Peninsula, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use parking garages in the city centre for secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available, but check time limits and restrictions.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride services to avoid city centre traffic.
Gas Stations in Swansea
Major Brands Available
Find BP, Shell and Texaco stations throughout Swansea and its surrounding areas.
Plan Ahead
Refuel before heading to more remote areas like the Gower Peninsula, where stations may be less frequent.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby stations in real time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Swansea
Use Contactless Payment
Contactless payment is widely accepted for parking and public transport.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in busy areas.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Expect some traffic congestion during rush hours, particularly on main roads.
Allow Extra Travel Time
Always allow extra travel time to reach your destination, especially during peak tourist season.
Railway Stations
Swansea Railway Station
The main railway station in Swansea, providing connections to Cardiff, London and other major cities.
Airports
Cardiff Airport (CWL)
Located approximately 72 kilometres (45 miles) east of Swansea, it's the nearest international airport.
Bus Stations
Swansea Bus Station
Located in the city centre, offering local and regional bus services.
Renting a car in Swansea requires a few essential items to ensure a smooth process and enjoyable driving experience.
Ensure you have a valid driver's licence. If you are from outside the UK, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with some charging extra for drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card in the main driver's name is necessary for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required for international renters.
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 Swansea 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.
Swansea was fantastic! Exploring the coast with the family was so easy with our rental car. Beautiful beaches and charming towns.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 27.01.2025
Lovely weekend in Swansea! Getting around was a breeze, thanks to having a car. The coastline is stunning, and we packed so much in.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 10.05.2025
Swansea was a blast! Met friends, explored the bay, and enjoyed the freedom of having a car.
Oliver Brown
Reviewed: 23.11.2024
First time in Swansea, and I loved it! Having a car made exploring the city and coastline so easy and convenient. Beautiful scenery.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 27.03.2025
Pretty chilled, really
Liam Miller
Reviewed: 02.11.2024
Swansea was delightful! Catching up with friends and exploring the Gower Peninsula was effortless.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 09.08.2025
Pretty decent, really
Ben Harris
Reviewed: 21.12.2024
Swansea was perfect! Coastal drives were so relaxing, and having a car made everything easy.
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 09.12.2024
Pretty chilled out
Noah Lee
Reviewed: 04.07.2025
Swansea was wonderful! A quick weekend trip, made easy by having a car; the coast is stunning.
Ava Clark
Reviewed: 17.01.2025
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Pretty relaxed vibe
Ethan Roberts
Reviewed: 03.07.2025