Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Banbury
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Banbury
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Banbury
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Banbury
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
Banbury, a historic market town in Oxfordshire, offers a blend of charming countryside and vibrant local culture. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore the Cotswolds and surrounding areas at your own pace.
Explore the Cotswolds. With a rental car, you can easily venture into the picturesque Cotswolds, visiting charming villages and enjoying scenic drives through rolling hills.
Visit Historic Sites. Drive to nearby historical landmarks like Broughton Castle or Sulgrave Manor, exploring the region's rich heritage without being tied to public transport schedules.
Flexibility and Convenience. A car allows you to visit local markets, enjoy outdoor activities, and dine at countryside pubs without worrying about bus routes or train times.
Before booking a rental car in Banbury, ensure you meet the minimum age, have a valid license, and understand the rental terms. Key factors include age requirements, license rules, insurance, deposits, mileage, and fuel policies.
Area
18.68 square miles
Population
Approximately 50,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summertime
Ideal for
Exploring the Cotswolds
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Banbury require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some providers may have a minimum age of 25 for certain vehicle categories. Young driver surcharges may apply for renters under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required for all rentals. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English. A passport and a credit or debit card in the driver’s name are also typically required.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals usually include basic insurance, but additional coverage options, such as collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection, are often available. A security deposit is typically held on the renter’s credit card and refunded upon vehicle return.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals come with unlimited mileage, while others may have mileage restrictions. Fuel policies vary, but many require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges can apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £30 / $37.50 / €36
Electric:
from £18 / $22.50 / €21.50
Classic:
from £10 / $12.50 / €12
Executive:
from £25 / $31.25 / €30
7 Seater:
from £35 / $43.75 / €42
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €24
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14.50
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often comes 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.
Compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms to avoid surprises. Booking early ensures the best rates, especially in peak seasons. Bring your license, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
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 a larger vehicle for family trips.
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 license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
Banbury is a historic market town ideal for exploring the Cotswolds and surrounding areas. Understanding local traffic rules, parking, and fuel access is essential, especially when venturing beyond the town center.
Banbury, known for its fine lady upon a white horse, is a vibrant town with a rich history and beautiful surroundings. While Banbury itself is easily navigable, renting a car is beneficial for exploring the wider Oxfordshire region. However, driving within Banbury requires awareness. Before setting off, review local traffic laws, fuel station availability, and parking regulations for a smooth experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Banbury Cross
A historic monument and a focal point of the town.
Broughton Castle
A picturesque moated castle located near Banbury.
Sulgrave Manor
The ancestral home of George Washington's family.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use local car parks for secure parking options in the town center.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but often time-limited, especially in central areas.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities for easy access to the town center.
Gas Stations in Banbury
Major Brands Available
Find BP, Shell, and Esso stations in and around Banbury.
Plan Ahead
Ensure you know where the nearest stations are located, particularly if driving in rural areas.
Use Navigation Apps
Tools like Google Maps can help locate nearby stations in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Banbury
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:30–9:00 AM / 4:30–6:00 PM) when roads are congested.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Stay alert, especially in the town center.
Check Parking Regulations
Be aware of parking restrictions and charges in the town center.
Use Contactless Payment
Convenient for parking and other payments.
Railway Stations
Banbury Railway Station
Provides regular services to London, Birmingham, and Oxford.
Airports
Birmingham Airport (BHX)
Located approximately 45 miles from Banbury, offering domestic and international flights.
Oxford Airport (OXF)
Situated about 25 miles from Banbury, mainly serving private and business aviation.
Renting a car in the UK is straightforward, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements. 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.
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This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Banbury as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
First time in Banbury, and it was lovely! Exploring with a rental car made it so easy. Highly recommend.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 18.04.2025
Loved exploring Banbury! Getting a car there was a breeze, and it let me see so much of the Cotswolds. Such a beautiful area.
David Lee
Reviewed: 16.08.2024
Meh. A bit bland.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 22.03.2025
Pleasant enough, really.
Michael Davis
Reviewed: 01.09.2024
Quiet, but pleasant.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 14.12.2024
Pretty chill vibe
Oliver Brown
Reviewed: 15.08.2025
Easy Banbury stopover; scenic drive continued smoothly.
Henry Smith
Reviewed: 07.02.2025
Having heard so much about Banbury, I finally visited, and it was delightful! Getting around with a car was incredibly convenient, allowing me to fully explore the area. Highly recommend a trip!
Thomas Evans
Reviewed: 25.08.2024
A last-minute weekend in Banbury exceeded expectations! Exploring the town and surrounding countryside by car was wonderfully convenient and scenic.
Isabelle Wright
Reviewed: 20.01.2025
Banbury was a perfect family getaway! Exploring the area by car was so convenient.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 04.05.2025
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Banbury's charm hadn't faded! So glad I returned after all these years.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 01.04.2025