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Car rental in Wakefield - 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 Wakefield

Wakefield

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Wakefield

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Wakefield

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Wakefield

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 Wakefield?

Wakefield is a vibrant city with a rich industrial heritage and plenty to explore. While public transportation is available, renting a car offers unparalleled freedom and convenience, especially for discovering the surrounding Yorkshire countryside.

Explore Beyond the City Limits. With a rental car, you can easily venture into the beautiful Yorkshire Dales or visit nearby historical sites without being tied to public transport schedules.

Convenience for Families and Groups. Travelling with family or a group is much easier with a rental car, allowing you to transport luggage and navigate at your own pace.

Access to Off-the-Beaten-Path Locations. Discover hidden gems and local attractions that are not easily accessible by public transport, such as charming villages and scenic viewpoints.

Flexibility to Create Your Itinerary. With a rental car, you have the freedom to customise your travel plans and explore at your own pace, whether it's a day trip to a neighbouring town or a spontaneous adventure in the countryside.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Wakefield

Before renting a car in Wakefield, ensure you meet the minimum age requirements, possess a valid driver's license, and understand the rental company's policies regarding insurance, deposits, mileage, and fuel. Additional fees may apply for young drivers or extra services.

Area

340 square kilometres (131 square miles)

Population

Approximately 350,000 residents

Time Zone

GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summer time

Ideal for

Exploring Yorkshire

Rush Hours

Expect heavy traffic 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Rating

4.5/5

1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Wakefield require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some providers may impose additional surcharges for drivers under the age of 25.

2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is mandatory. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.

3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals typically include basic insurance. Additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is usually held on the renter's credit card and refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can be unlimited or restricted. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.

5. Additional FeesAdditional charges may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras such as GPS navigation systems or child seats.

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

Estimated Daily Prices

Business:

from £35 / $44 / €42

Electric:

from £17 / $21 / €20

Classic:

from £9 / $11 / €10

Executive:

from £26 / $33 / €31

7 Seater:

from £29 / $37 / €35

Automatic:

from £17 / $21 / €20

SUV:

from £9 / $12 / €11

Seasonal Trends

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

Low season (November to February): Often features 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 Wakefield?

Compare prices, select the right car, and review the rental terms to avoid any surprises. Book early for the best rates, especially during peak travel seasons. Don't forget your driver's license, credit card, and identification when picking up the rental vehicle.

1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best car rental deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.

2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or an SUV for exploring the countryside.

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 your rental car in advance, particularly during peak seasons.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and a form of identification when collecting your rental car.

General Information About Wakefield

Wakefield is a city with a blend of urban and rural landscapes, making it ideal for exploring by car. Familiarise yourself with local traffic rules, parking regulations, and fuel availability, especially if you plan to explore areas outside the city centre.

Wakefield, located in West Yorkshire, offers a mix of historical sites, cultural attractions, and natural beauty. While the city centre is accessible, renting a car provides the flexibility to discover the surrounding areas at your own pace. Driving in Wakefield requires awareness of local traffic patterns, including rush-hour congestion. Before starting your journey, it's important to understand the local traffic laws, fuel station locations, and parking options to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience during your visit.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Wakefield Cathedral

    A magnificent cathedral with stunning architecture and historical significance.

  • Yorkshire Sculpture Park

    An outdoor gallery showcasing modern and contemporary sculptures in a picturesque setting.

  • The Hepworth Wakefield

    A modern art museum dedicated to the work of Barbara Hepworth and other contemporary artists.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Utilise public parking garages for secure and convenient parking throughout the city.

  • On-Street Parking

    Pay-and-display bays are available but may be subject to time restrictions and higher costs, particularly in central areas.

  • Park & Ride

    Consider using park-and-ride facilities located outside the city centre to access Wakefield via public transport.

Gas Stations in Wakefield

  • Availability

    Fuel stations are readily available throughout Wakefield and the surrounding areas.

  • Major Brands

    Look for well-known brands such as BP, Shell, Esso, and Texaco along major roads and highways.

  • Navigation Apps

    Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby gas stations in real-time.

Useful Tips for Visiting Wakefield

  • Use Contactless Payment

    Use contactless payment methods for buses and other public transport for quick and easy transactions.

  • Be Aware of Pedestrians & Cyclists

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

  • Plan for Traffic Delays

    Avoid driving during peak rush hours to minimise delays and congestion.

Key Transportation Hubs in Wakefield

Major Bus Stations

Wakefield Bus Station

Serves as the main hub for local and regional bus services within Wakefield and the surrounding areas.

Railway Stations

Wakefield Westgate

Provides services to Leeds, London, and other major cities.

Wakefield Kirkgate

Offers regional services and connections to nearby towns.

Airports

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA)

Located approximately 30 kilometres (19 miles) from Wakefield, offering domestic and international flights.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Wakefield?

Renting a car in the UK 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 UK, your standard license is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country license 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 Wakefield 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.

Wakefield was lovely! Getting around with a rental car made exploring so easy.

SJ

Sarah Jones

Reviewed: 20.08.2025

Pretty chill vibe

LM

Liam Miller

Reviewed: 07.11.2024

Exploring Wakefield was a breeze! Having a car made it so convenient to see everything. The charming town, the friendly locals – a wonderful trip.

AG

Ava Garcia

Reviewed: 18.01.2025

Pretty relaxed, really

EB

Ethan Brown

Reviewed: 20.12.2024

Decent enough, really

CD

Chloe Davis

Reviewed: 17.01.2025

Pretty laid-back, yeah

OW

Olivia Wilson

Reviewed: 20.01.2025

Pretty chill, yeah

MR

Maya Rodriguez

Reviewed: 25.07.2025

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