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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Plymouth
Plymouth
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Plymouth
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Plymouth
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Plymouth
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 Plymouth?
Plymouth, a vibrant city on the south coast of Devon, offers a wealth of historical landmarks, stunning coastal scenery, and exciting attractions. While public transport is available, a rental car provides the freedom to explore Plymouth and its surroundings at your own pace.
Discover Coastal Gems. With a rental car, you can easily reach picturesque coastal spots like the South West Coast Path, offering breathtaking views and hidden beaches. Public transport to these areas can be infrequent and time-consuming.
Explore Dartmoor National Park. Just a short drive from Plymouth, Dartmoor National Park boasts rugged landscapes, ancient woodlands, and charming villages. A car provides the flexibility to explore this natural wonderland.
Visit Historic Sites. Plymouth is steeped in history, from the Mayflower Steps to the Royal William Yard. A rental car allows you to conveniently visit these sites and delve into the city's rich maritime heritage.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Plymouth
Before renting a car in Plymouth, be aware of the standard terms and conditions. These typically include age restrictions, licensing requirements, insurance policies, and fuel guidelines to ensure a smooth rental experience.
Area
79.83 square kilometres (30.82 square miles)
Population
Approximately 265,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summertime
Ideal for
Exploring Devon and Cornwall
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.7/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Plymouth require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is essential. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is typically required, held on a credit card and refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies vary, often requiring the car to be returned with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or extras 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 £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 / $11 / €10 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Experiences higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often offers 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 book a car in Plymouth, follow these easy steps to ensure a smooth and affordable rental experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site 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 an economy car for city driving or an SUV for exploring Dartmoor.
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, especially during peak seasons.
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 vibrant port city with a rich maritime history and stunning coastal scenery. Understanding local traffic rules, parking, and fuel access is essential for a smooth driving experience.
Plymouth offers a mix of historical attractions, modern amenities, and natural beauty. While the city centre is walkable, renting a car is beneficial for exploring the wider region, including Dartmoor National Park and the surrounding coastline.
Top Attractions to Discover
The Barbican
A historic harbour area with cobbled streets, boutique shops, and waterfront restaurants.
Royal William Yard
A beautifully restored naval victualling yard offering stunning architecture and various dining and retail options.
Mayflower Steps
The site from which the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for America in 1620.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use services like Drake Circus Shopping Centre Car Park or Cornwall Street Car Park for secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but can be costly and time-limited, particularly in the city centre.
Park & Ride
Use the Park & Ride service at Coypool or Milehouse to access the city centre via public transport.
Gas Stations in Plymouth
Availability
Fuel stations are readily available throughout Plymouth and on major routes.
Major Brands
Look for BP, Shell, Esso, and Texaco along main roads and highways.
Navigation Apps
Tools like Google Maps or Waze can help locate nearby stations in real time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Plymouth
Use Contactless Payment
Pay for parking and public transport with a contactless bank card or mobile payment app.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Stay alert! Plymouth has moderate foot and bike traffic, particularly in the city centre.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (07:00–09:00 / 16:00–18:00) when roads are often congested.
Key Transportation Hubs in Plymouth
Railway Stations
Plymouth Railway Station
The main railway station, providing regular services to London, Cornwall, and other destinations.
Airports
Exeter Airport (EXT)
Located approximately 72 kilometres (45 miles) north-east of Plymouth, serving domestic and European flights.
Ferry Terminals
Brittany Ferries Terminal
Offers regular ferry services to France and Spain.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Plymouth?
Renting a car in Plymouth is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road.
If you're from the [CURRENT COUNTRY], 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 Plymouth 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 relaxed, overall.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 13.04.2025
Plymouth was a pleasant stop on our road trip. The Hoe was lovely, though the gift shops felt a bit overpriced.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 13.11.2024
Pretty chilled vibe
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 01.03.2025
Perfect weekend getaway! Exploring Plymouth with a car was so easy, and the coast is stunning.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 10.04.2025
Lovely coastal drive; Plymouth was a breeze. So glad we rented a car!
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 15.11.2024
Quick business trip, Plymouth was efficient. The Barbican was a bit crowded.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 01.06.2025