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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Cambridge
Cambridge
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Cambridge
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Cambridge
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Cambridge
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
Why Rent a Car in Cambridge?
Cambridge is renowned for its prestigious university, historic architecture, and picturesque surroundings. While the city center is easily walkable, renting a car provides the freedom to explore the wider Cambridgeshire area at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City: A rental car enables you to visit nearby attractions such as the Imperial War Museum Duxford, Anglesey Abbey, and the charming villages of the Cambridgeshire Fens.
Convenience and Flexibility: Public transportation can be limited, especially in rural areas. With a car, you can travel on your own schedule and avoid the constraints of bus or train timetables.
Day Trips Made Easy: Enjoy the freedom to take spontaneous day trips to destinations like Ely Cathedral, Newmarket Racecourse, or the beautiful countryside of Suffolk and Norfolk.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Cambridge
Before renting a car in Cambridge, ensure you understand the terms and conditions to avoid any surprises. Key considerations include age requirements, driver's license regulations, insurance coverage, and fuel policies.
Area
12.37 square miles (32.04 square kilometers)
Population
Approximately 130,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT (GMT+1 during British Summer Time)
Ideal for
Exploring Cambridge and the surrounding Cambridgeshire area.
Rush Hours
Expect heavier traffic between 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM.
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Cambridge require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's license is required. Non-UK residents may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but you may want to consider additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit will be required.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy; unlimited mileage is often available. Fuel policies vary, so clarify whether you need to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or add-ons like GPS or child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Cambridge – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £25 / $31 / €28 per day
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €17 per day
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
7 Seater:
from £45 / $56 / €50 per day
Automatic:
from £30 / $38 / €34 per day
SUV:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand from tourists and summer holidays.
Low season (November to February): Typically offers discounts on car rentals due to lower demand, making it a budget-friendly time to visit.
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 Cambridge?
Booking a car in Cambridge is a straightforward process if you follow these steps. Ensure a smooth and stress-free rental experience by comparing prices, choosing the right vehicle, and understanding the rental terms.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies in Cambridge.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering factors like size, fuel efficiency, and passenger capacity.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement carefully, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure vehicle availability by booking your car rental well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's license, credit card, and any other required documents when collecting your rental car.
General Information About Cambridge
Cambridge, a city steeped in academic history, offers a blend of historic charm and modern amenities. Navigating Cambridge by car requires awareness of local traffic regulations and parking options.
As home to the world-renowned University of Cambridge, the city is a vibrant hub of culture and innovation. While the city center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, a car can be useful for exploring the surrounding areas of Cambridgeshire. Before driving, familiarize yourself with local traffic laws, parking zones, and congestion areas to ensure a smooth experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
University of Cambridge
Explore the historic colleges and picturesque grounds of one of the world's most prestigious universities.
River Cam
Enjoy a punting tour along the River Cam, offering a unique perspective of the city's iconic landmarks.
King's College Chapel
Visit the magnificent King's College Chapel, renowned for its stunning architecture and stained glass windows.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Utilize parking garages like the Grand Arcade Car Park or Park Street Car Park for secure, central parking.
On-Street Parking
Limited on-street parking is available, but restrictions and fees may apply. Check signage carefully.
Park & Ride
Use the Park & Ride service to park outside the city center and take a bus into town, avoiding congestion and parking fees.
Gas Stations in Cambridge
Major Brands Available
Find gas stations from major brands like Shell, BP, and Esso on the outskirts of Cambridge and along major roads.
Plan Ahead
Fuel stations within the city center may be limited, so plan your refueling stops accordingly.
Use Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby gas stations and compare prices.
Useful Tips for Visiting Cambridge
Watch for Cyclists
Cambridge is a cycling city, so be mindful of cyclists and share the road safely.
Allow Extra Time
Factor in extra time for travel, especially during peak hours, due to potential traffic congestion.
Use Park & Ride
Take advantage of the Park & Ride service to avoid driving and parking in the city center.
Explore on Foot
Consider exploring the city center on foot, as many attractions are within walking distance of each other.
Key Transportation Hubs in Cambridge
Major Bus Stations
Cambridge Bus Station
Located in the city center, providing local and regional bus services.
Railway Stations
Cambridge Railway Station
Main railway station, offering connections to London, Birmingham, and other major cities.
Cambridge North Railway Station
Located to the north of the city, providing additional rail connections.
Airports
London Stansted Airport (STN)
The nearest major airport, located approximately 30 miles southeast of Cambridge.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Cambridge?
Renting a car in Cambridge requires a few essential documents and meeting specific criteria. Ensure you have everything prepared to make the rental process smooth and hassle-free.
You'll need a valid driver's license. Non-UK residents might need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license isn't in English.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some may charge extra for drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card in the main driver's name is necessary for the security deposit. Some companies prefer or require credit cards.
A passport or another form of identification might be required, especially for international renters.
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Our Customers Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Cambridge 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.
Meh, kinda pricey.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 28.10.2024
Cambridge was delightful! Getting around with a car was so convenient, especially meeting up with friends. We explored everything easily and had a wonderful time.
Alice Brown
Reviewed: 01.05.2025
Cambridge was charming! Meeting friends there was so easy thanks to having a car. We explored the city and surrounding areas with no trouble at all. Highly recommend!
Evelyn Garcia
Reviewed: 04.11.2024
Summer in Cambridge was perfect! Having a car made exploring the surrounding villages so easy. The punting on the river was a highlight, and the architecture is stunning.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 11.12.2024
Pretty relaxed, really
Liam Jones
Reviewed: 12.02.2025
Pretty chill, really
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 12.03.2025