Manage booking

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

Car rental in Bedford - 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 Bedford

Bedford

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Bedford

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Bedford

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Bedford

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 Bedford?

Bedford is a charming market town located in the heart of Bedfordshire, England. While public transport is available, renting a car offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the town and its surrounding areas at your own pace.

Explore Local Attractions. With a rental car, you can easily visit Bedford's historical landmarks, beautiful parks, and the River Great Ouse, without the constraints of public transport schedules.

Discover the Bedfordshire Countryside. Bedford is a gateway to picturesque villages and stunning rural landscapes. A car allows you to explore beyond the town, discovering hidden gems and enjoying the scenic countryside drives.

Convenient for Families and Groups. If you're traveling with family or a group, a rental car provides ample space and comfort for everyone, making trips to nearby attractions and events hassle-free.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Bedford

Before renting a car in Bedford, it's important to understand the terms and conditions. These generally include age requirements, license stipulations, insurance details, and fuel policies.

Area

73.25 square kilometers (28.28 square miles)

Population

Approximately 92,000 residents

Time Zone

GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summer time

Ideal for

Exploring Bedfordshire

Rush Hours

Expect heavy traffic 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM

Rating

4.5/5

1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Bedford require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may have additional surcharges 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.

3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance. You'll likely need to provide a security deposit, often held on a credit card, which is refunded upon the safe return of the vehicle.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy to avoid extra charges. Fuel policies vary; some require you to return the car with a full tank.

5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges, such as fees for additional drivers, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS or child seats.

Car Rental Prices in Bedford – 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 / $12 / €11

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (June to August): Demand is higher in summer, with prices increasing by 20-30%

Low season (November to February): Discounts are often available during the off-season

*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 Bedford?

Booking a car in Bedford involves a few key steps to ensure a smooth rental experience.

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

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

3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement for mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.

4. Book in Advance - Booking early can help you secure better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Remember to bring your driver’s license, credit card, and any other required documents when collecting your rental.

General Information About Bedford

Bedford is a bustling town with a mix of historical charm and modern amenities. To make the most of your visit, especially when driving, it’s helpful to understand local traffic rules and parking regulations.

Bedford, situated on the River Great Ouse, is a vibrant town with numerous attractions and activities. While the town is relatively easy to navigate, having a car can enhance your exploration, particularly if you plan to visit surrounding villages and countryside.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Bedford Park

    A beautiful Victorian park offering a range of activities and events.

  • The Higgins Bedford

    A museum showcasing local history, art, and culture.

  • River Great Ouse

    Enjoy scenic walks along the river or take a boat trip.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Convenient parking options are available at several locations throughout the town center.

  • On-Street Parking

    Pay-and-display bays are available, but check time limits and restrictions.

  • Park & Ride

    Consider using the Park & Ride service to avoid city center traffic and parking fees.

Gas Stations in Bedford

  • Major Brands Available

    Find BP, Shell, and Esso stations in and around Bedford.

  • Plan Ahead

    It's wise to refuel before venturing into more rural areas where stations may be less frequent.

  • Use Navigation Apps

    Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby stations.

Useful Tips for Visiting Bedford

  • Check Traffic Conditions

    Be aware of rush-hour traffic, especially in the mornings and late afternoons.

  • Use Contactless Payment

    Many places accept contactless payments for convenience.

  • Allow Extra Time

    Factor in extra travel time, especially during peak hours.

  • Watch for Cyclists and Pedestrians

    Be mindful of cyclists and pedestrians, particularly in the town center.

Key Transportation Hubs in Bedford

Major Bus Stations

Bedford Bus Station

Located in the town center, providing local and regional bus services.

Railway Stations

Bedford Railway Station

Offers frequent services to London, Brighton, and other major destinations.

Airports

London Luton Airport (LTN)

Located approximately 30 miles from Bedford, serving domestic and international flights.

London Stansted Airport (STN)

Situated around 60 miles from Bedford, offering various European destinations.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Bedford?

Renting a car in Bedford is straightforward, but you’ll need to meet certain requirements.

  • You'll need a valid driver's license. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

  • Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and some may charge extra for drivers under 25.

  • A valid credit or debit card in the driver's name is required for the security deposit.

  • A passport or other form of identification may be required.

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 Bedford as

4.3

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.

Bedford was even better than I'd heard! Exploring the town with my rental car was a breeze. Highly recommend!

SM

Sarah Miller

Reviewed: 10.02.2025

Having a car in Bedford was perfect! So easy to get around and see all the lovely parks and charming streets. I'll definitely return.

DL

David Lee

Reviewed: 18.03.2025

Family vacation in Bedford was fantastic! Easy to get around.

JB

Jessica Brown

Reviewed: 16.06.2025

Pretty chill vibe

EC

Emily Carter

Reviewed: 20.09.2024

Impulsive Bedford weekend; charming, but the cafe options felt limited.

CD

Chloe Davis

Reviewed: 16.05.2025

Quick business trip to Bedford. Getting around was easy. The town itself was pleasant enough, though the selection of lunch spots near the station was a bit underwhelming.

AW

Alice Wilson

Reviewed: 27.06.2025

VisaMastercardAmexPayPalApple PayGoogle Pay
LinkedinInstagramFacebook

© 2025 RentyCars All Rights Reserved.