Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Bedford
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Bedford
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Bedford
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Bedford
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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 Bedford 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.
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!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 02.02.2025
Easy access to friends; Bedford's lovely. Great car, too!
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.
Thomas Evans
Reviewed: 06.01.2025
Loved catching up with friends in Bedford! Exploring the area with a car was so convenient.
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.
Jessica Brown
Reviewed: 11.12.2024
Pretty chill vibe
Olivia Wilson
Reviewed: 29.05.2025
Charming Bedford! A perfect weekend exploring the area by car. Highly recommend.
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.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 01.03.2025
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Bedford was a perfect weekend escape! Exploring with a car was so convenient.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 23.05.2025