Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Bolton
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Bolton
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Bolton
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Bolton
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
Bolton is a vibrant town with a mix of urban and rural attractions. While public transportation is available, renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring Bolton and its surrounding areas. Here's why a rental car can enhance your visit:
Explore the Greater Manchester Area. With a rental car, you can easily visit nearby cities such as Manchester and Liverpool, or explore the scenic countryside of Lancashire.
Access to Local Attractions. A car allows you to visit attractions like Smithills Hall, the Bolton Museum, and the many parks and gardens in the area at your own pace.
Convenience for Families and Groups. Traveling with family or a group? A rental car offers more comfort and convenience than relying on public transport.
Before booking a rental car in Bolton, be aware of the standard terms and conditions. These typically include age requirements, licensing, insurance, deposits, and other important policies. Familiarizing yourself with these will ensure a smooth rental experience.
Area
139.8 square kilometers (54 square miles)
Population
Approximately 287,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summer time
Ideal for
Visiting local attractions and surrounding areas
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Bolton require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may have a minimum age of 23 or 25, and young driver surcharges may apply for renters under a certain age.
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. Always carry your passport or ID for verification.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is typically required and held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy (unlimited or limited) and fuel policy (full-to-full is common). Returning the car with less fuel than agreed upon can result in extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional charges may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras like GPS or child seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20
SUV:
from £9 / $12 / €11
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.
Low season (November to February): Discounts are often available during these months.
*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 Bolton, follow these steps to ensure a smooth and satisfactory rental experience. Comparing prices, choosing the right car, and reviewing the terms will help you avoid surprises.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering size, fuel efficiency, and features.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement for mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Book early, especially during peak season, to secure the best rates and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and any other required documents when collecting your rental.
Bolton is a town with a rich industrial heritage and diverse attractions. Understanding local traffic rules, parking, and fuel access will make your driving experience smoother, especially if you plan to explore beyond the town center.
Bolton offers a mix of urban and rural settings, making it a great base for exploring the region. However, driving within Bolton requires awareness of traffic patterns and parking regulations. Before setting off, be sure to familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and parking options to ensure a stress-free visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Smithills Hall
A historic manor house with beautiful gardens and fascinating architecture.
Bolton Museum
Explore art, history, and natural science exhibits in this local museum.
Moses Gate Country Park
Enjoy scenic walks and outdoor activities in this expansive park.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use services like NCP or local council car parks for secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available, but be mindful of time restrictions.
Park & Ride
Consider parking outside the town center and using public transport to avoid congestion.
Gas Stations in Bolton
Main Fuel Chains
Look for BP, Shell, Esso, and Texaco stations in and around Bolton.
Refueling Guidance
Fuel stations are generally accessible, but plan ahead if traveling to more remote areas.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to find the nearest and most convenient fuel stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Bolton
Use Contactless Payment
Many places accept contactless payments for convenience.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM) when roads are often congested.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Stay alert for pedestrians and cyclists, especially in the town center.
Check Local Events
Be aware of local events that may affect traffic and parking.
Major Bus Stations
Bolton Interchange
Serves as the main hub for local and regional bus services.
Railway Stations
Bolton Station
Provides rail connections to Manchester, Preston, and other destinations.
Airports
Manchester Airport (MAN)
Located approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Bolton, it is the nearest major airport.
Renting a car in Bolton is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. 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 Bolton 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.
Such a fun, impromptu weekend! Bolton was surprisingly charming, and having a car made getting around a breeze.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 17.09.2024
Quick business trip, but Bolton was surprisingly pleasant! Getting around with my rental was a breeze.
David Miller
Reviewed: 19.05.2025
Family vacation in Bolton was fantastic! Having a car made exploring the area so much easier, and we saw so many beautiful sights. Highly recommend!
Ava Rodriguez
Reviewed: 14.12.2024
Pretty relaxed, really.
Olivia Garcia
Reviewed: 23.10.2024
Meh. A bit drab.
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 15.01.2025
Pretty decent, really
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 05.02.2025
Bolton surprised me! Getting around with a car was effortless, and I enjoyed exploring the town.
Ben Carter
Reviewed: 27.11.2024
Pretty decent, overall.
Liam Murphy
Reviewed: 15.03.2025
Pretty chill, really.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 07.02.2025
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Bolton was lovely! Having a car made exploring so easy during the summer holidays. Highly recommend.
Emily Brown
Reviewed: 06.11.2024