Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Watford
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Watford
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Watford
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Watford
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
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.
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.
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): 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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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 Watford as
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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.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 03.08.2025
Efficient business trip to Watford. Having a car was incredibly convenient. Highly recommend!
David Lee
Reviewed: 01.11.2024
Watford was alright. The town centre felt a bit underwhelming, but having a car was definitely helpful.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 12.03.2025
Loved exploring Watford! So easy getting around with my rental car. Highly recommend.
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.
Olivia Thompson
Reviewed: 05.02.2025
Summer in Watford was lovely! Exploring with a car was perfect.
Eleanor Jones
Reviewed: 25.03.2025
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Family trip to Watford was fantastic! Having a car made exploring so much easier.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 03.11.2024