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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in York
York
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
York
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
York
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
York
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
Why Rent a Car in York?
York, a city steeped in history, offers more than just its famous Minster and medieval walls. While walking through the city centre is a delight, a rental car unlocks the surrounding beauty of North Yorkshire. Here’s why you should consider renting a car in York:
Explore Beyond the City Walls. York is a gateway to stunning landscapes. A car allows you to easily visit the North York Moors National Park, the Yorkshire Dales, and picturesque villages like Helmsley and Whitby.
Visit Historic Sites at Your Own Pace. Yorkshire is filled with castles, abbeys, and stately homes. With a car, you can create your own itinerary, stopping at places like Castle Howard, Fountains Abbey, and Bolton Abbey without being tied to tour schedules.
Enjoy Flexibility and Freedom. Public transport in rural areas can be limited. A rental car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, discover hidden gems, and change your plans on a whim.
Rental Terms and Conditions in York
Before renting a car in York, be aware of the standard terms and conditions. These include age requirements, license stipulations, insurance options, and fuel policies. Understanding these will ensure a smooth rental experience.
Area
271.94 square kilometers (105 square miles)
Population
Approximately 212,700 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summer time
Ideal for
Exploring the surrounding countryside
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 rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some may have a minimum age of 25 for certain vehicle types, and young driver surcharges often apply for those under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is essential. UK licenses are accepted, and visitors from many countries can use their domestic license for up to 12 months. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required if your license isn't in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is typically held on your credit card and refunded upon the car's return.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy; unlimited mileage is often offered, but some rentals may have restrictions. Fuel policies vary, with many requiring you to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges can apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or extras like GPS units or child seats.
Car Rental Prices in York – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9 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
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come 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.
How to Book a Car in York?
Booking a car in York is easy if you follow these steps.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites 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 cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Book early, especially during peak seasons, to secure lower prices and better availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About York
York is a historic city with Roman and Viking roots, offering a blend of ancient architecture and modern attractions. Driving in York requires some planning, particularly regarding parking and navigating narrow streets.
York is a city steeped in history, famed for its stunning Minster and well-preserved medieval walls. As a popular tourist destination, York offers a wealth of attractions, from the Jorvik Viking Centre to the York Castle Museum. While the city centre is easily walkable, exploring the surrounding Yorkshire countryside is best done by car. Be aware of local traffic regulations, parking restrictions, and the availability of fuel stations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
York Minster
One of the largest cathedrals in Northern Europe, famous for its stained glass and Gothic architecture.
York City Walls
The most complete medieval city walls in England, offering a scenic walk around the city.
Jorvik Viking Centre
An immersive experience that recreates Viking-age York.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use parking garages like Bootham Row or Monk Bar Car Park for secure options.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available, but often time-limited and can be costly.
Park & Ride
Use the Park & Ride service to leave your car outside the city and take a bus into the centre.
Gas Stations in York
Availability
Fuel stations are available on the outskirts of York, with limited options in the city centre.
Major Brands
Look for brands like Shell, BP, and Esso along major roads and highways.
Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby fuel stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting York
Allow Extra Time for Traffic
York can experience traffic congestion, especially during peak hours and tourist seasons.
Watch for Pedestrians and Cyclists
Be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists, particularly in the city centre.
Use Contactless Payment
Contactless payment is widely accepted for parking and public transport.
Plan Ahead
Check for road closures or events that may affect traffic.
Key Transportation Hubs in York
Major Bus Stations
York Station Bus Interchange
Located next to the railway station, it serves as the main hub for local and regional bus services.
Railway Stations
York Railway Station
Provides services to major cities across the UK, including London, Edinburgh, and Manchester.
Airports
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA)
Located approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) southwest of York, serving domestic and European destinations.
Manchester Airport (MAN)
Situated about 150 kilometers (93 miles) southwest of York, offering a wide range of international flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in York?
Renting a car in York requires a few essential items to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
A valid driver's license is required. UK residents need their standard license, while international visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with some charging extra fees for drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is needed for the security deposit. Some companies only accept credit cards.
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 Customers Reviews
Our clients rate such place as York 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.
York was lovely for my quick business trip. Efficient, but the Minster's cafe was a bit underwhelming.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 10.05.2025
Returning to York after so many years was magical! Having a car made exploring the countryside so easy. The city itself is even more charming than I remembered.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 29.10.2024
Exploring York was fantastic, though the Shambles felt a bit tourist-trap-y.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 29.05.2025
Pretty chill vibe
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 19.06.2025
York was delightful! Getting around with our rental car was a breeze, and we made some wonderful family memories.
Benjamin Davis
Reviewed: 19.01.2025
Charming York! Loved exploring the city walls and nearby coast. The Jorvik Viking Centre was a bit cramped though.
Ava Peterson
Reviewed: 25.11.2024
Fantastic York trip! Meeting friends was effortless, and exploring with a car was amazing.
Oliver King
Reviewed: 18.03.2025
Such a lovely weekend in York! Meeting friends there was easy thanks to having a car, and we explored so much.
Isabelle Wright
Reviewed: 27.04.2025
Summer in York was delightful! Exploring with a car was so convenient.
Grace Murphy
Reviewed: 22.02.2025
York was perfect! Family fun, easy to get around.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 15.05.2025