Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Leeds
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Leeds
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Leeds
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Leeds
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
Leeds is a vibrant city with a rich industrial heritage and a thriving cultural scene. While public transportation is available, renting a car offers the freedom and flexibility to explore Leeds and its surrounding areas at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City Center. With a rental car, you can easily visit attractions like Harewood House, Roundhay Park, and the Yorkshire Dales National Park, which are not easily accessible by public transport.
Convenience and Comfort. A rental car provides a comfortable and convenient way to travel, especially if you're traveling with family or have a lot of luggage. You can avoid the hassle of crowded buses and trains.
Time-Saving. Renting a car allows you to maximize your time in Leeds by avoiding delays and transfers associated with public transportation. You can visit more attractions in less time.
Before renting a car in Leeds, be aware of age restrictions (typically 21+), licensing (an IDP might be needed), insurance, deposit rules, mileage, and fuel policies. Be prepared for potential extra fees for young drivers or add-ons.
Area
551.7 square kilometers (213 square miles)
Population
Approximately 800,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summer time
Ideal for
Weekend getaways
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Leeds require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some may have a minimum age of 25 for certain vehicles, and young driver surcharges may apply if you're under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required, and international visitors might need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license isn't in English. A passport and credit card are usually required.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but you can opt for additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is usually held on your credit card and refunded after the rental.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary, with some offering unlimited mileage while others have restrictions. Fuel policies usually require you to return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional costs can apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or extras like GPS or 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 / $12 / €11 per day
Peak season (June to August): Expect higher demand, with prices rising by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often comes 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 the right car, and review rental terms to prevent surprises. Book early for the best rates, especially during peak travel times. Remember your license, credit card, and ID when collecting the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use car rental comparison websites like rentycars.com to find the best deals for your travel dates and needs.
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 exploring the countryside.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid unexpected charges.
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 picking up your rental.
Leeds combines industrial history with a modern cultural vibe. It's ideal for both sightseeing and day trips but driving requires an understanding of local traffic, parking, and fuel options, especially if venturing out of the city.
Leeds, located in West Yorkshire, is a major city known for its rich industrial heritage, vibrant cultural scene, and impressive architecture. While Leeds has good public transport, renting a car is useful for exploring further afield to places like the Yorkshire Dales. Driving within Leeds requires some local knowledge: be aware of traffic patterns, parking regulations, and available fuel stations.
Top Attractions to Discover
Harewood House
A stunning country house with beautiful grounds and gardens.
Roundhay Park
One of the largest urban parks in Europe, offering scenic walks and activities.
Royal Armouries Museum
The UK's national collection of arms and armour.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use services like Q-Park or NCP for secure parking in the city center.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available, but can be limited and costly, especially in central areas.
Park & Ride
Use park-and-ride services located on the outskirts of the city and take public transport into the center.
Gas Stations in Leeds
Convenient Locations
Find major brands like BP, Shell, and Esso throughout the city and on major roads.
Plan Ahead
Be aware of fuel station locations, especially when planning longer trips outside the city.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to find nearby stations in real time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Leeds
Use Contactless Payment
Pay for buses and trains with a contactless bank card or mobile device for easy travel.
Watch for Cyclists
Be mindful of cyclists, especially in the city center, where bike lanes are common.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during peak rush hour times (7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM) when roads can be heavily congested.
Major Bus Stations
Leeds City Bus Station
The main bus station in Leeds, providing local and regional bus services.
Railway Stations
Leeds Railway Station
One of the busiest railway stations in the UK, offering connections to major cities across the country.
Airports
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA)
Located approximately 11 kilometers (7 miles) northwest of Leeds city center, serving domestic and international flights.
Renting a car in the UK is straightforward, but you’ll need to meet certain requirements. Here's what you need.
If you're from the UK, your standard license is enough. Visitors can typically use their home-country license for up to 12 months, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with some charging extra for drivers under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some companies only accept credit cards.
A passport or other form of identification might be needed 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 Leeds 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.
Heard great things about Leeds, and they were right! Getting around with a car was so easy, and the city itself was fantastic.
David Miller
Reviewed: 24.04.2025
Pretty chill vibe
Chloe Brown
Reviewed: 13.01.2025
Pretty decent, really.
Liam Taylor
Reviewed: 19.08.2024
First time in Leeds, and I loved exploring! Having a car made it so convenient to see everything. The city's a gem.
Ava Martinez
Reviewed: 11.01.2025
So glad I returned to Leeds after all this time! Getting around was a breeze, and the city's charm was even stronger than I remembered.
Emily Wilson
Reviewed: 22.08.2024
Pretty relaxed, overall.
Olivia Garcia
Reviewed: 14.03.2025
Spur-of-the-moment Leeds trip! Having a car made exploring so much easier. The Royal Armouries museum was amazing, though the cafe there was a bit underwhelming.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 13.11.2024
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Leeds was even better than I remembered! Going back after all these years was fantastic. Having a car made getting around so easy, and I explored so much more than I would have otherwise. Highly recommend!
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 26.03.2025