Manage booking

Free cancellation
Best price guarantee
No hidden fees
24/7 multilingual support

Car rental in Watford - Search, Compare, and Save

Free cancellation
No hidden fees

Pick-up location

Pick-up date

Drop-off date

AvatarsRate

4.67/5

Reviews from 1300+ people

Excellent

Rate
star

Trustpilot

Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Watford

Watford

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Watford

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Watford

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Watford

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 Watford?

Watford, a vibrant town in Hertfordshire, offers a mix of urban and countryside experiences. While public transport is available, a rental car provides the freedom to explore Watford and its surroundings at your own pace.

Explore Cassiobury Park. With a rental car, reaching the award-winning Cassiobury Park is easy. Enjoy walking trails, playgrounds, and the Grand Union Canal.

Visit Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. A short drive from Watford, this popular attraction is easily accessible with your own vehicle, avoiding crowded buses or trains.

Discover the Chiltern Hills. Renting a car allows you to venture into the nearby Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, perfect for scenic drives and countryside walks.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Watford

Before booking a rental car in Watford, be aware of the standard rental terms to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. These conditions typically cover various aspects of the rental agreement, including age restrictions, driver's license requirements, insurance, and payment policies.

Area

21.43 square kilometers (8.27 square miles)

Population

Approximately 100,000 residents

Time Zone

GMT & BST (GMT +1) during winter time

Ideal for

Day trips and local excursions

Rush Hours

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

Rating

4.5/5

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

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.

3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is usually held on the renter’s credit card.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies generally require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.

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

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

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

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (June to August): Experiences higher demand, with prices rising by 20-30%

Low season (November to February): Often sees discounts and lower prices

*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 Watford?

Booking a car in Watford involves a few simple steps to ensure you get the best deal and the right vehicle for your needs. Booking in advance will typically guarantee better prices and a wider selection of cars.

1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies in Watford.

2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs, whether it's a compact car for city driving or a larger vehicle for family trips.

3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement, including 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.

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

General Information About Watford

Watford is a bustling town with a mix of residential and commercial areas, making it a convenient base for exploring Hertfordshire and Greater London. It is best to familiarize yourself with local traffic conditions and parking regulations.

As a key town in Hertfordshire, Watford offers easy access to both urban and rural attractions. While Watford has public transportation options, renting a car provides greater flexibility, especially for exploring nearby areas such as the Chiltern Hills or Warner Bros. Studio Tour London.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Cassiobury Park

    An award-winning park with walking trails, playgrounds, and canal views.

  • Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

    Discover the magic of filmmaking with a tour of the Harry Potter studios.

  • Watford Colosseum

    A historic entertainment venue hosting concerts and events.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Use services like Intu Watford or Watford Town Centre car parks for secure parking options.

  • On-Street Parking

    Pay-and-display bays are available, but can be time-limited and expensive.

  • Park & Ride

    Utilize the park-and-ride service to avoid city center traffic.

Gas Stations in Watford

  • Major Brands Available

    Find BP, Shell, Esso, and Texaco stations throughout Watford.

  • Convenient Locations

    Fuel stations are easily accessible along major roads.

  • Use Navigation Apps

    Google Maps or Waze help locate nearby gas stations in real time.

Useful Tips for Visiting Watford

  • Plan for Traffic Delays

    Avoid driving during peak hours (7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM) when roads are congested.

  • Utilize Contactless Payment

    Pay for parking and tolls with contactless payment methods for convenience.

  • Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists

    Be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists, particularly in pedestrianized zones.

  • Allow Extra Time

    Account for potential traffic delays, especially when heading to popular attractions.

Key Transportation Hubs in Watford

Railway Stations

Watford Junction

A major railway station providing frequent services to London Euston and other destinations.

Watford High Street

Offers Overground services to various parts of London.

Airports

Heathrow Airport (LHR)

Approximately 32 kilometers (20 miles) south of Watford.

Luton Airport (LTN)

Located about 30 kilometers (19 miles) northeast of Watford.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Watford?

Renting a car in Watford 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

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.

FacebookInstagramWeb site

Our Customers Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Watford as

4.7

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.

Family trip to Watford was fantastic! Having a car made exploring so much easier.

JW

Jessica Wilson

Reviewed: 03.11.2024

Whizzed down to Watford for a quick visit with friends, having a car made it so easy to get around! Everything went smoothly, and it was a lovely, relaxed trip. Highly recommend a visit.

SM

Sarah Miller

Reviewed: 03.08.2025

Efficient business trip to Watford. Having a car was incredibly convenient. Highly recommend!

DL

David Lee

Reviewed: 01.11.2024

Watford was alright. The town centre felt a bit underwhelming, but having a car was definitely helpful.

AG

Amelia Garcia

Reviewed: 12.03.2025

Loved exploring Watford! So easy getting around with my rental car. Highly recommend.

CE

Chloe Evans

Reviewed: 16.11.2024

It was great to revisit Watford after all these years! Getting around was a breeze, thanks to having a car. Everything went smoothly, and I had a wonderful time.

OT

Olivia Thompson

Reviewed: 05.02.2025

Summer in Watford was lovely! Exploring with a car was perfect.

EJ

Eleanor Jones

Reviewed: 25.03.2025

VisaMastercardAmexPayPalApple PayGoogle Pay
LinkedinInstagramFacebook

© 2025 RentyCars All Rights Reserved.