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Car rental in Cheltenham - Search, Compare, and Save

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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Cheltenham

Cheltenham

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Cheltenham

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Cheltenham

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Cheltenham

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 Cheltenham?

Cheltenham is a beautiful spa town known for its Regency architecture, elegant gardens, and vibrant cultural scene. While it’s easy to navigate the town center on foot, renting a car unlocks the full potential of the Cotswolds and surrounding areas.

Explore the Cotswolds. With a rental car, you can easily explore the picturesque villages, rolling hills, and scenic countryside that make the Cotswolds so enchanting.

Visit nearby attractions. Major attractions are just a short drive away. A rental car lets you visit these places without relying on train schedules or tour groups.

Convenience and flexibility. Enjoy the freedom to travel at your own pace and create a personalized itinerary, stopping wherever and whenever you please.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Cheltenham

Before booking a rental car in Cheltenham, be aware of standard requirements. These generally include minimum age, valid driver's license, insurance, deposit, and understanding mileage and fuel policies. Additional fees may apply in certain cases.

Area

46.6 square kilometers (18 square miles)

Population

Approximately 116,000 residents

Time Zone

GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summer time

Ideal for

Exploring the Cotswolds

Rush Hours

Expect heavy traffic 8 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 6 PM

Rating

4.5/5

1. Age RequirementsMost companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may have a minimum of 25 for certain car categories. Young driver surcharges may apply to those 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. A passport or ID is also typically required.

3. Insurance & DepositsRentals include basic insurance, but options such as collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection are available. A security deposit is held on the renter’s credit card and refunded upon vehicle return.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals have unlimited mileage, while others may have limits. Fuel policies vary—many require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.

5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.

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

Estimated Daily Prices

Business:

from £35 / $44 / €42 per day

Electric:

from £17 / $21 / €20 per day

Classic:

from £9 / $11 / €10 per day

Executive:

from £26 / $33 / €31 per day

7 Seater:

from £29 / $37 / €35 per day

Automatic:

from £17 / $21 / €20 per day

SUV:

from £9 / $11 / €11 per day

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 Cheltenham?

Compare prices, select a car, and carefully review rental terms. Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons. Remember to bring your license, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.

1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site like rentycars.com 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 an SUV for longer 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.

General Information About Cheltenham

Cheltenham is a Regency town with a rich history and cultural attractions. Understanding local traffic rules, parking, and fuel access is important, particularly if you're planning to drive beyond the town center.

Cheltenham offers an extraordinary blend of architectural beauty, historical sites, and cultural experiences. Renting a car offers great flexibility if you plan to travel beyond the town to the wider Cotswolds. Driving in Cheltenham requires awareness of local traffic regulations, parking limitations, and fuel station availability.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Cheltenham Racecourse

    Home of the famous Cheltenham Gold Cup, hosting racing events throughout the year.

  • The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum

    Showcasing a diverse collection of art, local history, and crafts.

  • Pittville Park

    A beautiful Regency park with a boating lake, aviary, and Pump Room.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Use services like NCP for secure, town-center parking options.

  • On-Street Parking

    Pay-and-display bays are available but can be costly and time-limited, especially in central areas.

  • Park & Ride

    Leave your car outside the town and use public transport to access central Cheltenham.

Gas Stations in Cheltenham

  • Availability

    Fuel stations are readily available in and around Cheltenham.

  • Major Brands

    Look for BP, Shell, Esso, and Texaco along main roads and highways.

  • Navigation Apps

    Use tools like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby stations in real time.

Useful Tips for Visiting Cheltenham

  • Contactless Payment

    Use a contactless bank card for parking fees — fast and convenient.

  • Watch for Pedestrians

    Stay alert! Cheltenham has pedestrian traffic, especially in the town center.

  • Plan for Traffic Delays

    Avoid driving during rush hours (08:00–09:30 / 16:30–18:00) when roads are often congested.

Key Transportation Hubs in Cheltenham

Railway Stations

Cheltenham Spa Railway Station

The main railway station, providing services to major cities including Bristol, Birmingham, and London.

Airports

Bristol Airport (BRS)

Located approximately 60 miles southwest of Cheltenham, serving numerous domestic and international flights.

Birmingham Airport (BHX)

Situated about 50 miles north of Cheltenham, offering a range of flights across Europe and beyond.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Cheltenham?

Renting a car in the UK 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

Our Content Quality

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This content was written, fast-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.

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.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

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 Cheltenham as

4.3

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.

Pretty chilled, really

LO

Liam O'Connell

Reviewed: 26.06.2025

Charming town! A spontaneous weekend escape, but the local museum was a bit underwhelming. Otherwise, lovely.

ED

Eleanor Davies

Reviewed: 23.11.2024

Relaxing, good drives.

AG

Ava Garcia

Reviewed: 21.06.2025

Pretty relaxed vibe

CM

Chloe Miller

Reviewed: 09.11.2024

Having a car made exploring Cheltenham during the summer holidays so easy. The Pittville Pump Room was lovely, though the cafe was a bit pricey.

IW

Isabelle Wright

Reviewed: 13.03.2025

Pretty chill, overall

BH

Ben Harris

Reviewed: 18.09.2024

Pleasant enough, really

OK

Oliver King

Reviewed: 06.01.2025

Absolutely loved exploring Cheltenham! Getting around with a car was so convenient. Highly recommend!

GB

Grace Bennett

Reviewed: 11.12.2024

Fantastic weekend in Cheltenham! Easy to get around, and catching up with friends was perfect.

JR

Joshua Reed

Reviewed: 05.04.2025

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