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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Cambridge
Cambridge
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Cambridge
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Cambridge
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Cambridge
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 Cambridge?
Cambridge is a city steeped in history and academic excellence, offering a unique blend of tradition and modern innovation. While the city centre is easily walkable, renting a car provides the freedom to explore the surrounding Cambridgeshire countryside and charming nearby villages.
Explore Beyond the City: A rental car allows you to venture beyond Cambridge's city limits to discover the picturesque villages and scenic landscapes of Cambridgeshire, such as Grantchester or Ely Cathedral.
Flexibility and Convenience: Public transport may not always align with your schedule. A car offers the flexibility to travel at your own pace, visiting attractions when you want and staying as long as you desire.
Ideal for Day Trips: Cambridge is within easy driving distance of other notable destinations like Newmarket, known for its horse racing, or the Imperial War Museum Duxford. A car makes these day trips effortless.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Cambridge
Before booking a rental car in Cambridge, familiarise yourself with the standard rental terms and conditions. These often include age restrictions, licensing requirements, insurance policies, and deposit procedures.
Area
12.84 square miles
Population
Approximately 130,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT (GMT+1 during British Summer Time)
Ideal for
Exploring the surrounding region
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Rating
4.6/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Cambridge require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may face 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 is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but you can opt for additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is typically required, held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy – some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies usually require you to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges for additional drivers, one-way rentals, or optional extras like GPS or child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Cambridge – 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 / $12 / €12 per day
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €36 per day
7 Seater:
from £40 / $50 / €48 per day
Automatic:
from £22 / $28 / €26 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 offers discounts and lower rates.
*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 Cambridge?
To book a car in Cambridge, it's important to compare prices, choose the right car for your needs, and carefully review the rental terms to avoid any unexpected surprises.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison website to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle 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 family trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid any unexpected costs.
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.
General Information About Cambridge
Cambridge is renowned for its university, historic architecture, and punting on the River Cam. Navigating the city by car requires awareness of traffic regulations and parking options.
Cambridge is a vibrant city blending academic prestige with historical charm. While the city centre is compact and walkable, a car allows for wider exploration of Cambridgeshire's attractions. However, be mindful of local driving conditions, including narrow streets and peak traffic.
Top Attractions to Discover
Cambridge University Colleges
Explore the stunning architecture and gardens of colleges like King's, Trinity, and St. John's.
Punting on the River Cam
Enjoy a traditional punting tour along the River Cam, offering unique views of the city.
Fitzwilliam Museum
Discover a world-class collection of art and antiquities at the Fitzwilliam Museum.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use services like the Grand Arcade car park or Park Street car park for secure parking in the city centre.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but often limited, especially in central areas.
Park & Ride
Utilise the Park & Ride sites located on the outskirts of Cambridge for convenient access to the city centre via bus.
Gas Stations in Cambridge
Major Brands Available
Find BP, Shell, and Esso stations along major roads and on the outskirts of Cambridge.
Plan Ahead
Fuel stations are not as prevalent in the city centre, so plan your refuelling stops in advance.
Use Navigation Apps
Utilise navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby stations in real time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Cambridge
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:30 AM–9:30 AM and 4:30 PM–6:30 PM) when roads are often congested.
Use Contactless Payment
Pay for parking and other services with a contactless bank card for convenience.
Watch for Cyclists
Cambridge has a high volume of cyclists, so remain vigilant and give them ample space.
Allow Extra Time
Parking can be challenging, especially during peak tourist season, so allow extra time for finding a spot.
Key Transportation Hubs in Cambridge
Major Bus Stations
Cambridge Bus Station
Located in the city centre, it serves as the primary hub for local and regional bus services.
Railway Stations
Cambridge Railway Station
Located south-east of the city centre, it provides rail connections to London, Birmingham, and other major cities.
Airports
London Stansted Airport (STN)
Located approximately 30 miles south-east of Cambridge, it is the closest major airport serving international and domestic flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Cambridge?
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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Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Cambridge 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 vibe
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 21.03.2025
Pretty relaxed, actually.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 19.05.2025
Absolutely loved my impromptu Cambridge weekend! Getting around was a breeze, and the city's charm was undeniable.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 15.11.2024
Spontaneous weekend in Cambridge! So lovely, though the punting tours were a bit pricey.
Evelyn Garcia
Reviewed: 19.08.2025
Pretty laid-back, yeah
Oliver Smith
Reviewed: 16.04.2025
Car rental fine, city kinda bland
Ava Brown
Reviewed: 02.05.2025
Pretty chill place
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 28.07.2025
Cambridge was charming! Easy to navigate with a rental car; a perfect pit stop on our road trip.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 21.06.2025