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Car rental in Bedford - Search, Compare, and Save

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4.67/5

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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Bedford

Bedford

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Bedford

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Bedford

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Bedford

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

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

Why Rent a Car in Bedford?

Bedford, a historic market town in Bedfordshire, offers a blend of scenic beauty and cultural attractions. While local transport is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace. Discover hidden gems and enjoy the surrounding countryside with ease.

Explore the Bedfordshire Countryside. With a rental car, you can easily visit nearby villages, nature reserves, and historic sites that are not easily accessible by public transport.

Visit Key Attractions. Enjoy direct access to attractions like Woburn Abbey, Bletchley Park, and the Shuttleworth Collection without the constraints of public transport schedules.

Convenience for Families. Traveling with family or carrying luggage is much simpler when you have your own vehicle. Enjoy the comfort and space a rental car provides.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Bedford

Before renting a car in Bedford, be sure to understand the rental terms. These include age requirements, driver's license policies, insurance options, and payment procedures. Understanding these terms will ensure a smooth rental experience.

Area

73.25 square kilometers (28.28 square miles)

Population

Approximately 92,000 residents

Time Zone

GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summer time

Ideal for

Weekend getaways

Rush Hours

Expect moderate traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM

Rating

4.5/5

1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Bedford require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may charge a surcharge for drivers under 25.

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

3. Insurance & DepositsRentals typically include basic insurance. Additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is usually required.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies typically require returning the car with a full tank.

5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, GPS navigation, child seats, or late returns.

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

Estimated Daily Prices

Business:

from £30 / $37.70 / €36.30

Electric:

from £14 / $17.60 / €16.90

Classic:

from £6.50 / $8.17 / €7.90

Executive:

from £23 / $28.90 / €27.80

7 Seater:

from £26 / $32.70 / €31.50

Automatic:

from £14 / $17.60 / €16.90

SUV:

from £7 / $8.80 / €8.50

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 Bedford?

To book a car in Bedford, follow these steps: compare prices, choose the right car, review rental terms, book early, and pick up the vehicle with all necessary documents.

1. Compare Prices - Use comparison sites to find the best deals based on your dates and needs.

2. Choose the Right Car - Select a car that suits your travel requirements, be it a compact car or an SUV.

3. Check Rental Terms - Review the mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.

4. Book in Advance - Secure better prices by booking in advance, especially during peak season.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when picking up your rental car.

General Information About Bedford

Bedford is a charming town with a rich history and beautiful riverside. Exploring the town and surrounding areas is best done with a car, considering the local traffic rules, parking, and fuel access.

Bedford is known for its attractive Embankment Gardens, historic buildings, and proximity to the beautiful Bedfordshire countryside. While Bedford has local bus services, renting a car is a convenient option to explore beyond the town center. However, driving in the town center requires awareness of local traffic regulations.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Bedford Embankment

    A scenic riverside area perfect for walks and picnics.

  • Higgins Bedford

    A museum and art gallery housed in a former brewery.

  • John Bunyan Museum

    Dedicated to the author of 'The Pilgrim's Progress'.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Use parking garages in the town center for secure parking.

  • On-Street Parking

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

  • Park & Ride

    Consider park-and-ride options on the outskirts of town for easier access to the center.

Gas Stations in Bedford

  • Major Brands Available

    Find gas stations from major brands like BP, Shell, and Esso.

  • Located on Main Roads

    Gas stations are typically located on the main roads entering and exiting Bedford.

  • Use Navigation Apps

    Use apps like Google Maps to find nearby gas stations in real-time.

Useful Tips for Visiting Bedford

  • Plan for Traffic

    Be aware of traffic during peak hours, especially in the town center.

  • Respect Local Traffic Laws

    Adhere to speed limits and parking regulations.

  • Use Contactless Payment

    Many parking facilities and retailers accept contactless payment.

  • Allow Extra Time

    Factor in extra time for travel, especially during events and festivals.

Key Transportation Hubs in Bedford

Major Bus Stations

Bedford Bus Station

Serves local and regional bus routes, providing connections to nearby towns and villages.

Railway Stations

Bedford Railway Station

Connects to London, Brighton, and other major cities.

Airports

London Luton Airport (LTN)

Located approximately 30 miles from Bedford, serving domestic and international flights.

London Stansted Airport (STN)

Situated approximately 60 miles from Bedford, offering a range of European destinations.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Bedford?

Renting a car in Bedford is a straightforward process. Here’s what you’ll need to ensure a smooth rental experience

  • A valid driver's license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

  • Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.

  • A credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit.

  • A passport or another form of identification may be required.

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Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process - a multi-step review that includes human editing, localization accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

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This page was edited by experts

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.

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Our Customers Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Bedford as

4.5

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.

Bedford was a perfect weekend escape! Exploring with a car was so convenient.

EC

Emily Carter

Reviewed: 23.05.2025

Bedford was a delightful weekend getaway! Having a car made exploring the charming town and surrounding countryside so easy. We loved the quaint shops and friendly atmosphere. Highly recommend!

SM

Sarah Miller

Reviewed: 02.02.2025

Easy access to friends; Bedford's lovely. Great car, too!

DL

David Lee

Reviewed: 24.04.2025

Heard good things about Bedford, and it largely lived up to the hype. The town centre was a bit underwhelming though, to be honest.

TE

Thomas Evans

Reviewed: 06.01.2025

Loved catching up with friends in Bedford! Exploring the area with a car was so convenient.

AJ

Amelia Jones

Reviewed: 24.07.2025

Such a fun, impromptu trip! Bedford was lovely, and having a car made getting around so easy. Explored some beautiful countryside.

JB

Jessica Brown

Reviewed: 11.12.2024

Pretty chill vibe

OW

Olivia Wilson

Reviewed: 29.05.2025

Charming Bedford! A perfect weekend exploring the area by car. Highly recommend.

CG

Chloe Garcia

Reviewed: 10.01.2025

Quick stop in Bedford on our road trip. Renting a car was a breeze; the town was pleasant, though the local museum was underwhelming.

AG

Ava Garcia

Reviewed: 01.03.2025

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