Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Cheltenham
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Cheltenham
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Cheltenham
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Cheltenham
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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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 Cheltenham 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.
Charming town! A spontaneous weekend escape, but the local museum was a bit underwhelming. Otherwise, lovely.
Eleanor Davies
Reviewed: 23.11.2024
Relaxing, good drives.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 21.06.2025
Pretty relaxed vibe
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.
Isabelle Wright
Reviewed: 13.03.2025
Pretty chill, overall
Ben Harris
Reviewed: 18.09.2024
Pleasant enough, really
Oliver King
Reviewed: 06.01.2025
Absolutely loved exploring Cheltenham! Getting around with a car was so convenient. Highly recommend!
Grace Bennett
Reviewed: 11.12.2024
Fantastic weekend in Cheltenham! Easy to get around, and catching up with friends was perfect.
Joshua Reed
Reviewed: 05.04.2025
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Pretty chilled, really
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 26.06.2025