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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Brighton
Brighton
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Brighton
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Brighton
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Brighton
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 Brighton?
Brighton is a vibrant coastal city with a unique blend of Regency architecture, modern attractions, and stunning seaside views. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore the wider Sussex region at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City. With a rental car, you can easily venture beyond Brighton to discover the scenic South Downs National Park, charming nearby towns, and picturesque coastal villages.
Convenience and Flexibility. Avoid the constraints of public transport schedules and enjoy the convenience of travelling directly to your destinations without waiting or making multiple transfers.
Ideal for Day Trips. Plan spontaneous day trips to attractions like Seven Sisters Cliffs, Arundel Castle, or the historic city of Chichester, all easily accessible by car.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Brighton
Before renting a car in Brighton, familiarise yourself with local regulations. Ensure you meet the minimum age, have a valid licence, and understand the insurance, deposit, mileage, and fuel policies.
Area
82.66 square kilometres (31.92 square miles)
Population
Approximately 290,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summertime
Ideal for
Weekend getaways
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.9/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Brighton require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some providers may have a minimum age of 25 for larger or premium vehicles. Young driver surcharges often apply for renters under 25.
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. A passport and a credit or debit card in the driver's name are also typically required.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and theft protection are available. A security deposit is held on the renter’s credit card and is refunded upon the vehicle's return, provided there is no damage.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have mileage restrictions. Fuel policies vary; many 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 and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Brighton – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
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 £9.50 / $12 / €11 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 Brighton?
Compare prices, select the right car, and review rental terms carefully. Booking early is essential for better rates, especially during peak seasons. Don’t forget your licence, credit card, and ID when collecting the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use a comparison site to find the best deals based on your dates and preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or a larger car for family trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid unexpected charges.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during the summer.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and passport when collecting your rental car.
General Information About Brighton
Brighton is a vibrant seaside city known for its iconic pier, Regency architecture, and lively cultural scene. Exploring Brighton and its surrounding areas is best done with an understanding of local traffic regulations, parking options, and fuel availability.
Brighton offers an exciting mix of attractions, from its historic Royal Pavilion to its modern shopping districts. While Brighton has good public transport, renting a car is a great option if you plan to explore the South Downs or nearby coastal towns. However, be aware of narrow streets, one-way systems, and limited parking within the city centre. Before you start your journey, it’s important to review local traffic laws, fuel station locations, and parking rules to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Brighton Pier
A classic seaside pier with amusement rides, food stalls, and entertainment.
Royal Pavilion
An extravagant Regency palace with unique Indo-Saracenic architecture.
Seven Sisters Cliffs
Dramatic chalk cliffs along the Sussex coast, perfect for hiking and scenic views.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use services like NCP or local council car parks for secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available, but often time-limited and can be expensive, especially in central areas.
Park & Ride
Use the park-and-ride service from Withdean Stadium to access the city centre via bus.
Gas Stations in Brighton
Major Brands Available
Find BP, Shell, Esso, and Texaco stations along main roads and on the outskirts of the city.
Use Navigation Apps
Tools like Google Maps or Waze can help locate nearby fuel stations in real-time.
Plan Ahead
Fuel stations can be busy during peak tourist season, so plan your refuelling stops in advance.
Useful Tips for Visiting Brighton
Use Contactless Payment
Pay for buses and parking with a contactless bank card or mobile payment for convenience.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Stay alert! Brighton has high foot and bicycle traffic, especially along the seafront.
Allow Extra Time for Traffic
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:00–9:00 AM and 4:00–6:00 PM) when roads are often congested.
Check Low Emission Zone
Be aware of potential low emission zones which may incur charges for non-compliant vehicles.
Key Transportation Hubs in Brighton
Major Bus Stations
Brighton Station Bus Interchange
Located adjacent to the Brighton Railway Station, serving local and regional bus routes.
Railway Stations
Brighton Railway Station
The primary railway station in Brighton, connecting to London, Gatwick Airport, and other destinations.
Airports
Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Located approximately 45 kilometres (28 miles) north of Brighton, serving numerous international and domestic flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Brighton?
Renting a car in the UK is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before you can drive away. Here's what you'll need:
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 an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and some 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.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters.
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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 Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Brighton 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.
Brighton was fantastic! Exploring with the family was so easy, having a car made everything smoother. The beach was gorgeous.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 29.09.2024
Heard so much about Brighton, and it lived up to the hype! Exploring the Lanes and the seafront was a breeze, having a car made getting around so convenient. Highly recommend!
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 26.07.2025
Brighton charmed me! Getting around was a breeze, and the beach was stunning.
Jessica Davis
Reviewed: 13.04.2025
Wonderful weekend in Brighton! So easy to get around, and the beach was gorgeous.
Oliver Smith
Reviewed: 08.02.2025
Busy Brighton trip, but so efficient! Having a car made exploring the city and coast a breeze. Highly recommend.
Ava Wilson
Reviewed: 03.05.2025
Back in Brighton after ages! So much has changed, but the sea air and vibrant atmosphere remain. Exploring by car was perfect.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 11.07.2025
Quick stop in Brighton during our road trip. The seafront was lovely, though the pier felt a bit dated.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 05.05.2025