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Car rental in Preston - Search, Compare, and Save

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No hidden fees

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4.67/5

Reviews from 1300+ people

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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Preston

Preston

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Preston

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Preston

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Preston

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 Preston?

Preston, a city steeped in history and brimming with modern attractions, offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors. While public transport is available, renting a car provides unparalleled freedom and flexibility to explore Preston and its surrounding areas at your own pace.

Explore Beyond the City Center. With a rental car, you can easily venture to nearby attractions like the Forest of Bowland, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or the seaside town of Blackpool, famous for its Pleasure Beach and iconic tower.

Convenience for Families and Groups. Renting a car offers a comfortable and convenient way for families or groups to travel together, especially when carrying luggage or equipment. You can avoid the hassle of coordinating multiple public transport routes and schedules.

Tailored Itinerary. With a rental car, you are not bound by public transport timetables or tour schedules. You can create a personalized itinerary that suits your interests and preferences, allowing you to discover hidden gems and local favorites at your own pace.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Preston

Before renting a car in Preston, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the standard terms and conditions. These typically include age restrictions, license requirements, insurance coverage, and fuel policies.

Area

142.2 square kilometers (54.9 square miles)

Population

Approximately 143,000 residents

Time Zone

GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summer time

Ideal for

Weekend trips

Rush Hours

Expect moderate traffic 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Rating

4.5/5

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

2. Driver’s LicenseA valid driver's license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.

3. Insurance and DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is typically required and held on a credit card.

4. Mileage and Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank.

5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, optional extras like GPS or child seats, and late returns.

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

Estimated Daily Prices

Business:

from £35 / $44 / €42​

Electric:

from £17 / $21 / €20​

Classic:

from £9 / $11 / €10

Executive:

from £26 / $33 / €31​

7 Seater:

from £29 / $37 / €35

Automatic:

from £17 / $21 / €20

SUV:

from £9 / $11 / €10

Seasonal Trends

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

Low season (November to February): Often offers discounts on car rentals.

*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 Preston?

Renting a car in Preston involves a few simple steps to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.

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

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 - Carefully review the rental agreement, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.

4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better availability by booking your rental car 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 vehicle.

General Information About Preston

Preston is a city located in Lancashire, England, with a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene. Knowing local traffic rules and parking options can greatly enhance your driving experience.

Preston, a city that blends historical charm with modern amenities, offers a unique experience for visitors. Exploring the city and its surroundings is best done with an understanding of local driving conditions.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Harris Museum & Art Gallery

    A Grade I listed building showcasing fine art, local history, and collections.

  • Avenham and Miller Parks

    Beautiful Victorian parks along the River Ribble, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

  • Preston Guild Wheel

    A 21-mile walking and cycling route encircling the city.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Use facilities like the St George's Shopping Centre car park or the Fishergate Shopping Centre car park.

  • On-Street Parking

    Pay-and-display bays are available, but restrictions and costs vary.

  • Park & Ride

    Consider using the park-and-ride service at Portway for convenient access to the city center.

Gas Stations in Preston

  • Major Brands Available

    Find fuel stations from brands like Shell, BP, and Esso throughout the city.

  • Convenient Locations

    Many gas stations are located along major roads and near shopping centers.

  • Check Prices

    Fuel prices can vary, so compare prices at different stations.

Useful Tips for Visiting Preston

  • Plan for Rush Hours

    Expect heavier traffic during morning and evening rush hours.

  • Use Navigation Apps

    Utilize navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze for real-time traffic updates.

  • Be Aware of Pedestrians

    Preston city center has high pedestrian traffic, so drive cautiously.

  • Check Parking Restrictions

    Pay attention to parking restrictions to avoid fines.

Key Transportation Hubs in Preston

Major Bus Stations

Preston Bus Station

One of the largest bus stations in Europe, serving local and regional routes.

Railway Stations

Preston Railway Station

A major station on the West Coast Main Line, connecting to cities across the UK.

Airports

Manchester Airport (MAN)

Located approximately 30 miles from Preston, offering international and domestic flights.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL)

Situated around 35 miles from Preston, serving various European destinations.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Preston?

Renting a car in Preston requires a few essential documents and meeting specific criteria to ensure a smooth and compliant rental experience.

  • A full and valid driver's license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home country license.

  • The minimum age to rent a car in Preston is typically 21, although some companies may have higher age limits and charge extra for young drivers.

  • A credit or debit card in the name of the main driver is required for the security deposit and rental payment.

  • A passport or other government-issued photo ID may be required for verification purposes.

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 Preston as

4.6

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 chill, actually

MS

Mike Smith

Reviewed: 20.08.2024

Pretty decent, really

CM

Chloe Miller

Reviewed: 09.11.2024

Okay, kinda bland. Rental car was handy, though.

OW

Oliver Wilson

Reviewed: 09.05.2025

Loved my Preston trip! Having a car was perfect for exploring the coast. Relaxing and scenic – exactly what I needed.

SJ

Sarah Jones

Reviewed: 31.01.2025

Pretty relaxed vibe

LB

Liam Brown

Reviewed: 30.03.2025

Preston was great! Easy to get around with my rental car, and catching up with friends was fantastic.

ED

Emily Davis

Reviewed: 01.01.2025

Preston was wonderful! Exploring the coast with my rental car was so relaxing.

AG

Ava Garcia

Reviewed: 22.06.2025

Preston was charming! A quick weekend getaway, made easy by having a car. So much to see.

JM

Jessica Martinez

Reviewed: 12.09.2024

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