Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Northampton
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Northampton
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Northampton
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Northampton
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.
Northampton is a town that effortlessly blends rich history with modern attractions. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace, uncovering hidden gems and nearby picturesque villages.
Explore the Countryside. Northamptonshire is known as the 'Rose of the Shires' for its beautiful villages and countryside. A rental car allows you to easily visit these charming locations, such as Castle Ashby Gardens or the village of Stoke Bruerne.
Convenience and Flexibility. Whether you're travelling with family, carrying equipment for outdoor activities, or have a busy schedule, a rental car provides the convenience and flexibility needed to travel efficiently.
Visit Historical Sites. Northampton is steeped in history, and a rental car makes it easy to explore historical sites like Althorp House (Princess Diana's childhood home), or the site of the Battle of Naseby.
Before you rent a car in Northampton, ensure you understand the essential terms and conditions. This includes age requirements, licensing, insurance, deposits, mileage policies, and possible extra fees. Knowing these details will ensure a smooth and trouble-free experience.
Area
80.76 square kilometres (31.18 square miles)
Population
Approximately 212,138 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during winter time
Ideal for
Exploring the countryside and surrounding areas
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic between 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsGenerally, you need to be at least 21 to rent a car, but some companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25. Drivers under 25 may face additional surcharges.
2. Driver’s LicenseA valid driver’s license is mandatory. If your license isn't in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required. Always check with the rental company beforehand.
3. InsuranceBasic insurance is usually included, but you might consider additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or theft protection. Understand the policy details and excesses.
4. Security DepositsA security deposit is usually held on your credit card, refunded upon the car's safe return. The amount can vary depending on the vehicle and rental company.
5. Fuel PolicyMany rental agreements stipulate a 'full-to-full' fuel policy, where you pick up the car with a full tank and must return it full to avoid extra charges.
6. Extra FeesBe aware of potential additional costs for extra drivers, one-way rentals, or optional extras like GPS or child seats. Late returns can also incur significant charges.
Understanding car rental costs in Northampton helps you plan your budget effectively.
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £10 / $13 / €12 per day
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand during the summer months.
Low season (November to February): Discounts and better deals are often available as demand decreases significantly.
*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 car in Northampton is easy if you follow these steps.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering size, fuel efficiency, and luggage space.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, focusing on mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Book your car well in advance, especially if travelling during peak season, to secure better rates and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - When collecting your rental, bring your driver’s license, credit card, and any other required documentation.
Northampton is a blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore the town and its beautiful surroundings at your own pace.
Northampton, the county town of Northamptonshire, is a vibrant town with a rich history and plenty to offer visitors. From its historical landmarks to its bustling town centre, there's much to see and do. While Northampton has local bus services, a car is the most practical option if you wish to explore further afield.
Top Attractions to Discover
78 Derngate
A unique house remodelled by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Northampton Museum and Art Gallery
Discover Northampton's history and art collections.
Abington Park
A beautiful park with lakes, gardens, and a museum.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use local car parks for secure parking in the town centre.
On-Street Parking
Check for time limits and payment requirements on parking meters.
Park & Ride
Use the Park & Ride service for easy access to the town centre, avoiding traffic congestion.
Gas Stations in Northampton
Major Brands
Find petrol stations from brands like Shell, BP, and Texaco in and around Northampton.
Fuel Availability
Plan your refueling stops as some rural areas may have limited petrol stations.
Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps like Google Maps to find nearby petrol stations in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Northampton
Contactless Payment
Contactless payments are widely accepted at most establishments and for parking.
Plan for Traffic
Be aware of rush hour traffic, especially during weekdays, and plan accordingly.
Check Local Events
Check the local events calendar for festivals or markets that might affect traffic and parking.
Explore Surrounding Villages
Take advantage of your rental car to visit nearby picturesque villages such as Castle Ashby and Stoke Bruerne.
Major Bus Stations
Northampton Bus Interchange
The central hub for local and regional bus services.
Railway Stations
Northampton Railway Station
Provides train services to London Euston and other major cities.
Airports
Luton Airport (LTN)
Located approximately 60 kilometres (37 miles) southeast of Northampton.
Birmingham Airport (BHX)
Situated around 75 kilometres (47 miles) northwest of Northampton.
To rent a car in Northampton, ensure you have the necessary documents and meet the rental company's requirements.
A full, valid driver’s license is required. If your license isn't in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be necessary.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and some may have a higher age limit. Younger drivers may incur additional fees.
A credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is needed for the security deposit and rental payment.
A passport or other government-issued ID may be required, especially 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 Northampton 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.
Northampton exceeded expectations! Having a car was brilliant for exploring the charming town and surrounding countryside.
David Miller
Reviewed: 01.05.2025
Efficient business trip to Northampton. Having a car made everything so convenient; highly recommend!
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 24.01.2025
Loved exploring Northampton! Having a car was a game-changer, allowing me to easily visit all the places I wanted. So much to see and do!
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 09.08.2025
Charming Northampton! A spur-of-the-moment trip, made wonderfully easy by having a car. Highly recommend!
Jessica Brown
Reviewed: 27.04.2025
Pretty chill, tbh
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 03.11.2024
Family fun in Northampton! So much to see.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 06.12.2024
Pretty relaxed, yeah
Olivia Wilson
Reviewed: 10.09.2024
Pleasant enough, really
Liam Murphy
Reviewed: 11.11.2024
Okay, I guess.
Ethan Carter
Reviewed: 25.02.2025
Pretty peaceful, really.
Ava Smith
Reviewed: 12.01.2025
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Needed a quick weekend getaway, and Northampton was perfect! Renting a car made exploring so easy. The town itself was charming, although the museum was a bit underwhelming. Would definitely recommend for a short trip.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 18.09.2024