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Car rental in Penrith - Search, Compare, and Save

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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Penrith

Penrith

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Penrith

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Penrith

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Penrith

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 Penrith?

Penrith, a charming market town in Cumbria, serves as the perfect base for exploring the Lake District and the Eden Valley. While public transport is available, a rental car offers unparalleled freedom to discover hidden gems and scenic routes at your own pace.

Unrestricted Exploration of the Lake District. Penrith is a gateway to the Lake District National Park. With a car, you can easily reach remote lakes, picturesque villages, and challenging hiking trails that are inaccessible by public transport.

Convenient Access to the Eden Valley. Discover the unspoiled beauty of the Eden Valley, with its rolling hills, historic castles, and charming market towns. A rental car allows you to explore this hidden gem without relying on infrequent bus services.

Flexibility and Time Savings. Public transport schedules can be restrictive, especially when visiting multiple locations in a day. A car rental allows you to create your own itinerary and maximize your time exploring the region's attractions.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Penrith

Before renting a car in Penrith, it's essential to understand the terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Familiarize yourself with the following key aspects:

Area

10.41 square kilometers (4.02 square miles)

Population

Approximately 15,000 residents

Time Zone

GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summer time

Ideal for

Exploring the Lake District and Eden Valley

Rush Hours

Expect moderate traffic during peak hours, especially on market days

Rating

4.8/5

1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Penrith require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.

2. Driver's License and DocumentationA valid driver's license is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be necessary for drivers from certain countries.

3. Insurance and DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is typically required and will be refunded upon the car's return, provided there is no damage.

4. Mileage and Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy to avoid extra charges. Fuel policies vary, with many requiring the car to be returned with a full tank.

5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges for additional drivers, optional extras like GPS, and late returns.

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

Estimated Daily Prices

Business:

from £40 / $50 / €45 per day

Electric:

from £20 / $25 / €22 per day

Classic:

from £10 / $12 / €11 per day

Executive:

from £30 / $38 / €34 per day

7 Seater:

from £35 / $44 / €40 per day

Automatic:

from £20 / $25 / €22 per day

SUV:

from £12 / $15 / €14 per day

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand during the summer months.

Low season (November to February): Benefit from discounts and lower rates during the quieter winter season.

*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 Penrith?

Booking a car in Penrith is a simple process. Follow these steps to secure your rental:

1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.

2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering the number of passengers and luggage.

3. Check Rental Terms - Review the mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements carefully.

4. Book in Advance - Book your rental car well in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability and better rates.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental vehicle.

General Information About Penrith

Penrith is a historic market town with excellent access to the Lake District and Eden Valley. Understanding local driving conditions and regulations will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience when renting a car.

As a gateway to some of [COUNTRY PLACE]'s most stunning landscapes, Penrith offers a blend of historical charm and natural beauty. Renting a car provides the flexibility to explore beyond the town center, discovering hidden gems and scenic routes at your own pace. However, driving in and around Penrith requires awareness of local traffic patterns and parking regulations to ensure a stress-free visit.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Penrith Castle

    Explore the ruins of this medieval fortress with a rich history.

  • Ullswater Lake

    Enjoy a scenic cruise or hike around one of the most beautiful lakes in the Lake District.

  • Rheged Centre

    Visit this unique visitor center with shops, cafes, and an IMAX cinema.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Use the town's car parks for secure and convenient parking options.

  • On-Street Parking

    Pay-and-display bays are available in the town center, but check time limits.

  • Park & Ride

    Consider using park-and-ride facilities during peak season to avoid congestion in the town center.

Gas Stations in Penrith

  • Convenient Locations

    Find fuel stations on the outskirts of Penrith and along major roads.

  • Major Brands

    Look for BP, Shell, and Esso stations in the area.

  • Plan Ahead

    Refuel before heading into remote areas of the Lake District, as fuel stations may be limited.

Useful Tips for Visiting Penrith

  • Plan for Traffic

    Allow extra time for travel during peak season, especially on weekends and holidays.

  • Use Navigation Apps

    Utilize navigation apps to find the best routes and avoid congestion.

  • Respect Local Driving Customs

    Be mindful of narrow roads and winding lanes in the Lake District.

  • Check Weather Conditions

    Check the weather forecast before heading out, especially during the winter months.

Key Transportation Hubs in Penrith

Major Bus Stations

Penrith Bus Station

Located in the town center, serving local and regional bus routes.

Railway Stations

Penrith Railway Station

Provides direct rail links to major cities, including London, Edinburgh, and Manchester.

Airports

Newcastle International Airport (NCL)

Located approximately 90 miles northeast of Penrith, offering domestic and international flights.

Manchester Airport (MAN)

Situated about 100 miles south of Penrith, providing a wide range of international and domestic connections.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Penrith?

Renting a car in the [CURRENT COUNTRY] 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 [CURRENT COUNTRY], 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

This content was written

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 Penrith 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.

Penrith was lovely for a weekend getaway! Having a car made exploring so easy. Beautiful scenery and friendly people.

SM

Sarah Miller

Reviewed: 22.09.2024

Pretty chill, really.

CD

Chloe Davis

Reviewed: 23.05.2025

Family vacation in Penrith was great! Having a car was ideal, although the local museum was a bit underwhelming.

OT

Olivia Thompson

Reviewed: 25.07.2025

Penrith was a great base; easy to get around with a car. Relaxing coastal drives were perfect.

AJ

Amelia Jones

Reviewed: 19.05.2025

Pretty relaxed, really.

EB

Ethan Brown

Reviewed: 23.03.2025

Exploring Penrith was a breeze! Getting a car there was so convenient, allowing us to easily visit the charming villages and stunning scenery nearby. Highly recommend a road trip!

JW

James Wilson

Reviewed: 10.08.2025

Back in Penrith after ages! So much has changed. The local bakery was a bit disappointing, though.

AG

Ava Garcia

Reviewed: 19.05.2025

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