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Car rental in Plymouth - Search, Compare, and Save

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4.67/5

Based on 1,300+ reviews

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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Plymouth

Plymouth

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Plymouth

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Plymouth

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Plymouth

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 Plymouth?

Plymouth, a vibrant coastal city in Devon, offers a rich blend of maritime history, stunning waterfront views, and easy access to the beautiful countryside. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides the freedom and flexibility to explore Plymouth and its surroundings at your own pace.

Explore Beyond the City Limits. With a rental car, you can easily visit nearby attractions such as Dartmoor National Park, the historic town of Totnes, and the picturesque beaches of South Devon.

Convenience and Comfort. A rental car allows you to travel comfortably with your luggage and gear, especially if you're planning outdoor activities or family trips.

Time-Saving. Avoid waiting for buses or trains and maximise your time exploring Plymouth's attractions, such as the Barbican, the Mayflower Steps, and the National Marine Aquarium.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Plymouth

Before booking a rental car in Plymouth, familiarise yourself with the standard rental terms and conditions. This includes age restrictions, licence requirements, insurance coverage, and fuel policies.

Area

79.83 square kilometres (30.82 square miles)

Population

Approximately 265,000 residents

Time Zone

GMT & BST (GMT +1) during winter time

Ideal for

Exploring Devon and Cornwall

Rush Hours

Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM

Rating

4.5/5

1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Plymouth 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. A security deposit is usually required and held on the renter’s credit card.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank.

5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.

Car Rental Prices in Plymouth – How Much Does It Cost?

Estimated Daily Prices

Business:

from £35 / $44 / €42 per day

Electric:

from £17 / $21 / €20 per day

Classic:

from £8 / $10 / €9.50 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 £9 / $11 / €10.50 per day

Seasonal Trends

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.

How to Book a Car in Plymouth?

To secure the best car rental deal in Plymouth, compare prices, choose a suitable vehicle, and carefully review the rental terms. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons.

1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies.

2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that fits your needs, considering factors like size and fuel efficiency.

3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.

4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early.

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

General Information About Plymouth

Plymouth is a historic port city with a rich maritime heritage and stunning coastal scenery. Renting a car is ideal for exploring the city and its surrounding areas, but it's important to be aware of local traffic regulations and parking options.

As a major city in Devon, Plymouth offers a unique blend of historical attractions and modern amenities. While public transportation is available, a rental car provides the flexibility to explore nearby destinations such as Dartmoor National Park and the Cornish coastline. Driving in Plymouth requires awareness of local traffic laws, parking restrictions, and fuel station locations.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • The Barbican

    A historic harbour area with cobbled streets, seafood restaurants, and art galleries.

  • The Mayflower Steps

    The site from which the Pilgrims set sail for America in 1620.

  • National Marine Aquarium

    The UK's largest aquarium, showcasing a wide variety of marine life.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Use city centre car parks for secure parking options.

  • On-Street Parking

    Pay-and-display bays are available but often limited, especially in central areas.

  • Park & Ride

    Utilise park-and-ride services for convenient access to the city centre.

Gas Stations in Plymouth

  • Availability

    Fuel stations are readily available throughout Plymouth and its surrounding areas.

  • Major Brands

    Look for BP, Shell, Esso, and Texaco stations.

  • Navigation Apps

    Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby stations.

Useful Tips for Visiting Plymouth

  • Use Contactless Payment

    Many businesses and parking facilities accept contactless payment.

  • Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists

    Stay alert for pedestrians and cyclists, especially in the city centre.

  • Plan for Traffic Delays

    Avoid driving during rush hours (7:00–9:00 / 16:00–18:00) when roads are often congested.

Key Transportation Hubs in Plymouth

Major Bus Stations

Plymouth Coach Station

Located in the city centre, it serves as the main hub for long-distance bus services.

Railway Stations

Plymouth Railway Station

Provides rail services to destinations across the UK, including London and Cornwall.

Airports

Exeter Airport (EXT)

Located approximately 80 kilometres (50 miles) north-east of Plymouth, serving domestic and European flights.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Plymouth?

To rent a car in Plymouth, you'll need to meet a few essential requirements. Ensure you have the necessary documents and meet the age criteria to enjoy a smooth rental experience.

  • A valid driver's licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

  • Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for those under 25.

  • A valid credit or debit card in the main driver's name is necessary for the security deposit.

  • A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters.

Our Content Quality

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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 Plymouth 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, tbh

SJ

Sarah Jones

Reviewed: 28.05.2025

Plymouth family vacation was great; renting a car made it easy, though the Hoe was a bit crowded.

EC

Emily Carter

Reviewed: 22.07.2025

Loved my Plymouth weekend! Exploring was easy with a car; the waterfront was stunning.

AG

Amelia Garcia

Reviewed: 25.05.2025

Perfect coastal getaway! Having a car was ideal for exploring Plymouth's charming spots. So relaxing.

OR

Olivia Rodriguez

Reviewed: 15.05.2025

Plymouth was fantastic! Having a car made exploring with the family so much easier. Beautiful scenery.

JM

Jessica Miller

Reviewed: 02.10.2024

Quick business trip, but Plymouth charmed me! Getting around with a rental car was effortless.

CD

Chloe Davis

Reviewed: 04.02.2025

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