Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Swansea
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Swansea
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Swansea
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Swansea
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
Swansea, a vibrant coastal city in Wales, offers a mix of urban excitement and natural beauty. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides the ultimate freedom to explore Swansea and its surrounding areas at your own pace. Here are several compelling reasons to consider car hire.
Explore the Gower Peninsula. Just a short drive from Swansea, the Gower Peninsula boasts stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming villages. A rental car allows you to discover hidden coves and scenic viewpoints without relying on bus schedules.
Visit nearby attractions. With a car, you can easily reach attractions like the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea Market, and the Dylan Thomas Centre, as well as explore the wider South Wales region.
Enjoy flexibility and convenience. Whether you're traveling with family or need to transport equipment, a rental car provides the space and flexibility you need to make the most of your trip. Say goodbye to crowded buses and restricted routes.
Before booking a rental car in Swansea, it's important to understand the rental terms and conditions. This includes age requirements, licensing, insurance, and potential extra fees. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know.
Area
378 square kilometers (146 square miles)
Population
Approximately 240,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summer time
Ideal for
Exploring the Gower Peninsula
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 car rental companies in Swansea require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, some companies may have additional restrictions or fees for drivers 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 or Welsh. Always carry your passport for identification.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but you may want to consider additional coverage like a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit will be required and held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the rental agreement for mileage limits. Fuel policies vary, but the most common is the 'full to full' policy, where you return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras like GPS navigation 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 / $11 / €10 per day
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing 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.
Booking a car in Swansea is simple. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and hassle-free rental experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use a comparison site to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs and budget.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better rates by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification to collect your rental.
Swansea, a city rich in maritime history and surrounded by natural beauty, is best explored with a bit of local knowledge. Understanding traffic rules, parking, and fuel access will enhance your driving experience.
Swansea, the second-largest city in Wales, offers a diverse range of attractions, from its vibrant city center to the stunning Gower Peninsula. Whether you're visiting for business or pleasure, a car can significantly improve your ability to explore the region. Driving in Swansea requires awareness of local traffic laws, parking regulations, and the availability of fuel stations.
Top Attractions to Discover
Swansea Bay
Enjoy a scenic drive along Swansea Bay, offering stunning views of the coastline.
The Mumbles
Visit the charming village of Mumbles, known for its pier, lighthouse, and seafood restaurants.
Gower Peninsula
Explore the beautiful Gower Peninsula, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use parking garages in the city center for secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but can be limited, especially during peak hours.
Park & Ride
Consider using the Park & Ride facilities to avoid city center traffic.
Gas Stations in Swansea
Major Brands Available
Find BP, Shell, and Texaco stations throughout Swansea and the surrounding areas.
Plan Ahead
Fuel stations are readily available, but it's always a good idea to plan your refueling stops, especially when venturing into rural areas.
Use Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps to locate nearby stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Swansea
Be Aware of Speed Limits
Adhere to speed limits, especially in residential areas and near schools.
Allow Extra Travel Time
Traffic can be heavy during rush hours, so allow extra time for your journey.
Use Contactless Payment
Contactless payments are widely accepted for parking and public transport.
Watch for Cyclists and Pedestrians
Be mindful of cyclists and pedestrians, especially in the city center.
Major Bus Stations
Swansea Bus Station
Located in the city center, it serves as the primary terminus for local and regional bus services.
Railway Stations
Swansea Railway Station
Provides services to Cardiff, London, and other major cities.
Airports
Cardiff Airport (CWL)
Located approximately 45 miles east of Swansea, serving numerous domestic and international flights.
Renting a car in Swansea requires a few essential documents and meeting certain criteria. Here's what you'll need to ensure a smooth rental process.
Ensure your driver's license is valid and current. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for younger drivers.
A valid credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required, especially 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 Swansea 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.
Pretty relaxed, really.
Oliver Harris
Reviewed: 02.10.2024
Pretty chill, really.
Liam Davies
Reviewed: 25.09.2024
Family trip to Swansea was great! Having a car made getting around so much easier. The beach was fantastic, though the castle gift shop was a bit overpriced.
Amelia Smith
Reviewed: 18.11.2024
Quick Swansea stop-over; coastal drive was scenic, but the city center felt a bit underwhelming.
Chloe Evans
Reviewed: 09.02.2025
Swansea exceeded expectations! Exploring by car was effortless.
Eleanor Wright
Reviewed: 23.01.2025
Pretty decent, really.
Maya Garcia
Reviewed: 28.03.2025
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Swansea was lovely! Having a car made exploring the coast so easy. Perfect relaxing getaway.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 02.01.2025