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Car rental in Carlisle - Search, Compare, and Save

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4.67/5

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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Carlisle

Carlisle

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Carlisle

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Carlisle

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Carlisle

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 Carlisle?

Carlisle, a historic city in Cumbria, England, serves as a gateway to the stunning Lake District and Scottish Borders. While public transport is available, renting a car offers unparalleled freedom to explore the region at your own pace.

Explore the Lake District. Carlisle's proximity to the Lake District National Park makes it an ideal starting point for scenic drives. A rental car allows you to visit numerous lakes, hiking trails, and picturesque villages without the constraints of public transport schedules.

Visit Hadrian's Wall. Renting a car provides easy access to various sections of Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover Roman forts, museums, and stunning viewpoints along this historic landmark.

Discover the Scottish Borders. A short drive north of Carlisle brings you to the Scottish Borders, offering rolling hills, historic towns, and charming villages. Explore the area at your leisure, discovering hidden gems that are often missed by tourists relying on public transport.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Carlisle

Before renting a car in Carlisle, it's crucial to understand the terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Here are some essential aspects to consider

Area

103.94 square kilometres (40.13 square miles)

Population

Approximately 108,000 residents

Time Zone

GMT (GMT+1 during British Summer Time)

Ideal for

Exploring the Lake District and Scottish Borders

Rush Hours

Expect moderate traffic during peak hours (7:30 AM - 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM)

Rating

4.5/5

1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Carlisle require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.

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 or does not have a photograph.

3. Insurance & DepositsCar rentals typically include basic insurance. Additional coverage options, such as Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection, are available. A security deposit is usually required, which is refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage and others imposing restrictions. Fuel policies often require returning the car with the same amount of fuel as when it was picked up to avoid extra charges.

5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, GPS navigation systems, child seats, and out-of-hours pick-up or drop-off.

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

Estimated Daily Prices

Business:

from £35 / $44 / €42 per day

Electric:

from £20 / $25 / €24 per day

Classic:

from £10 / $13 / €12 per day

Executive:

from £30 / $38 / €36 per day

7 Seater:

from £40 / $50 / €48 per day

Automatic:

from £25 / $31 / €30 per day

SUV:

from £15 / $19 / €18 per day

Seasonal Trends

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 lower rates are often available during the off-season months.

*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 Carlisle?

Booking a car in Carlisle is straightforward. Here’s how to ensure a smooth rental experience

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 the number of passengers and luggage.

3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and fuel policies.

4. Book in Advance - Book your rental car in advance to secure lower rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card to collect your rental.

General Information About Carlisle

Carlisle is a historic city with a rich heritage and serves as a gateway to the Lake District and the Scottish Borders. Familiarising yourself with local traffic conditions and parking regulations can enhance your driving experience.

Carlisle is a vibrant city offering a blend of historical attractions and natural beauty. Understanding local driving conditions, parking options, and fuel availability is crucial for a smooth car rental experience.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Carlisle Castle

    A historic fortress with over 900 years of history.

  • Carlisle Cathedral

    A stunning example of Gothic architecture.

  • Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery

    Explore the region's history and art.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Use car parks located throughout the city centre.

  • On-Street Parking

    Pay-and-display bays are available, but check time limits.

  • Park & Ride

    Utilise the park-and-ride service for easy access to the city centre.

Gas Stations in Carlisle

  • Convenient Locations

    Fuel stations are readily available throughout the city and on major roads.

  • Major Brands

    Find brands like BP, Shell, and Esso.

  • 24-Hour Services

    Some stations offer 24-hour service.

Useful Tips for Visiting Carlisle

  • Plan for Traffic

    Be aware of peak traffic times during the morning and evening commute.

  • Watch for Pedestrians

    Pay attention to pedestrian crossings and foot traffic.

  • Explore the Region

    Consider day trips to nearby attractions in the Lake District and Scottish Borders.

Key Transportation Hubs in Carlisle

Major Bus Stations

Carlisle Bus Station

Located in the city centre, providing regional and local bus services.

Railway Stations

Carlisle Railway Station

A major station on the West Coast Main Line, connecting to cities across the UK.

Airports

Carlisle Lake District Airport (CAX)

Offers limited commercial flights.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Carlisle?

Renting a car in Carlisle requires a few essential documents and meeting certain criteria.

  • A valid, full driver's license is required. International visitors may need an IDP.

  • Typically, the minimum age is 21, but some companies may have different age restrictions and fees for younger drivers.

  • A credit or debit card in the renter’s name is needed for the security deposit.

  • A passport or other valid form of photo identification may be required.

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 Carlisle as

4.4

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.

Carlisle was a breeze! Quick business trip, having a car made everything so easy. Lovely city, efficient and pleasant.

SJ

Sarah Jones

Reviewed: 13.04.2025

Meh. Bit underwhelming.

LM

Liam Miller

Reviewed: 15.03.2025

Family fun in Carlisle! Exploring was easy with our rental.

ER

Evelyn Reed

Reviewed: 13.06.2025

So glad I returned to Carlisle after all these years! Having a car was perfect for exploring the countryside and charming town. Beautiful scenery and friendly people.

CD

Chloe Davis

Reviewed: 14.03.2025

Pretty chill vibe.

BH

Benjamin Harris

Reviewed: 08.09.2024

Heard great things about Carlisle, and they were right! Getting around with a car was a plus. Beautiful city.

AG

Ava Garcia

Reviewed: 15.12.2024

Carlisle was charming! Met up with friends for a weekend, and having a car made exploring so much easier. The Tullie House Museum was interesting, though the cafe there was a bit pricey.

IW

Isabelle Wilson

Reviewed: 07.01.2025

Carlisle surprised me! Renting a car was a smart move; it made getting around so much simpler. The Tullie House Museum was fascinating, though the cafe there had a bit of a slow service.

OT

Olivia Thompson

Reviewed: 09.10.2024

Carlisle was a delightful stop on our road trip. Having a car made exploring so convenient.

MB

Michael Brown

Reviewed: 25.07.2025

Relaxing, car helpful.

NC

Noah Carter

Reviewed: 10.01.2025

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