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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Plymouth
Plymouth
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Plymouth
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Plymouth
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Plymouth
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 Plymouth?
Plymouth, a vibrant port city in Devon, offers a blend of maritime history, stunning coastal scenery, and modern attractions. While public transportation is available, a rental car provides unparalleled freedom to explore Plymouth and its surroundings at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City Center. With a rental car, you can easily venture beyond Plymouth to discover the rugged beauty of Dartmoor National Park, the charming towns of Devon, and the sandy beaches of the South West coast.
Visit Historic Sites with Ease. Drive to historic landmarks like the Plymouth Hoe, where Sir Francis Drake played bowls before the Spanish Armada, and the Mayflower Steps, marking the departure point for the Pilgrims.
Enjoy Flexibility and Convenience. A rental car allows you to create your own itinerary, stopping at local pubs, scenic viewpoints, and hidden gems along the way.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Plymouth
Before booking a rental car in Plymouth, be aware of the standard rental terms. These typically include age requirements, licensing rules, insurance, deposit policies, and fuel guidelines to ensure a hassle-free rental experience.
Area
79.83 square kilometers (30.82 square miles)
Population
Approximately 265,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during winter time
Ideal for
Exploring Devon and Cornwall
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Plymouth is usually 21, but some companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25. Drivers under 25 often incur 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 or includes non-Roman characters. A passport is also necessary.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements include basic insurance. Additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) can reduce your financial liability. A security deposit is held on your credit card and refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy; unlimited mileage is often available. Fuel policies vary, but 'full to full' is common, requiring you to return the car with a full tank to avoid refueling charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, GPS, child seats, or out-of-hours pick-up/drop-off.
Car Rental Prices in Plymouth – 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): 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 Plymouth?
Securing a rental car in Plymouth involves a few key steps. By comparing prices, choosing the right vehicle, reviewing rental terms, booking early, and preparing required documents, you can ensure a smooth rental experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that fits your needs, considering size, fuel efficiency, and passenger capacity.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully read the rental agreement for mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Early booking, especially during peak seasons, can secure lower prices and better availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and passport to collect your rental.
General Information About Plymouth
Plymouth is a city steeped in naval history, offering a vibrant mix of attractions and scenic drives. Knowing local traffic rules, parking options, and fuel station locations ensures a smooth and enjoyable driving experience.
As a major port city, Plymouth offers a compelling blend of historical sites, cultural attractions, and beautiful coastal drives. While Plymouth has local buses, a rental car is a practical option for exploring the broader region. However, driving within Plymouth requires attention to road conditions, parking regulations, and traffic patterns to ensure a safe and pleasant visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Plymouth Hoe
A historic landmark offering panoramic views of Plymouth Sound and the coastline.
The Mayflower Steps
The departure point of the Pilgrim Fathers on their voyage to America.
National Marine Aquarium
The UK’s largest aquarium, showcasing diverse marine life.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use city center car parks like Drake Circus and Colin Campbell Close.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but often time-limited, especially in central areas.
Park & Ride
Utilize park-and-ride services from Coypool or Milehouse to access the city center.
Gas Stations in Plymouth
City Center Locations
Find fuel stations along major roads like Exeter Street and Tavistock Road.
Major Brands
Look for stations operated by BP, Shell, Esso, and Texaco.
Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby gas stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Plymouth
Use Contactless Payment
Pay for parking and public transportation with contactless cards for convenience.
Watch for Pedestrians
Be mindful of pedestrians, especially in pedestrianized areas and near attractions.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during peak hours (7:30–9:30 AM and 4:30–6:30 PM) when roads are congested.
Key Transportation Hubs in Plymouth
Railway Stations
Plymouth Railway Station
Main railway station providing regional and national rail links.
Airports
Plymouth City Airport (defunct)
Closed in 2011; nearest operational airport is Exeter Airport.
Exeter Airport (EXT)
Located approximately 74 kilometers (46 miles) northeast of Plymouth, serving domestic and European destinations.
Ferry Services
Brittany Ferries
Operates ferry services from Plymouth to Roscoff (France) and Santander (Spain).
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Plymouth?
Renting a car in Plymouth is generally straightforward, but you'll need to meet specific requirements to ensure a smooth process. These include having a valid driver’s license, meeting the minimum age requirement, providing a credit or debit card, and proof of identity.
A full, valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
The minimum age to rent a car in Plymouth is usually 21, but some companies may have higher age restrictions or charge young driver fees for those under 25.
A valid credit or debit card in the primary driver's name is required for the security deposit.
A passport or other government-issued photo ID 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 Plymouth 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.
Loved my weekend in Plymouth! Getting around with a rental car was a breeze, and exploring the waterfront was fantastic.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 25.12.2024
Pretty chill vibe
Chloe Davies
Reviewed: 11.06.2025
Back in Plymouth after ages! Having a car made exploring so much easier. The Barbican was lovely, though the shops felt a bit touristy.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 22.09.2024
Heard great things about Plymouth, and they were right! Exploring with my rental car was effortless and so much fun.
Oliver Brown
Reviewed: 19.08.2024
Pretty laid-back, really
Ethan Carter
Reviewed: 05.03.2025
Plymouth was a pleasant surprise! Having a car made getting around easy. The shops could have been more diverse, but overall, a great trip.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 24.12.2024
Pretty chill place
Liam Wilson
Reviewed: 10.10.2024
Quick business trip, but Plymouth was great! Easy to get around with my car; loved the waterfront.
Jessica Davis
Reviewed: 10.09.2024
Family vacation in Plymouth was fantastic! Having a car made everything easy.
Grace Wilson
Reviewed: 15.10.2024
Family trip to Plymouth was great, exploring easily with our rental. The tourist information center could have been better organized.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 24.02.2025
Plymouth charmed me! Exploring by car was perfect; I loved the Hoe's views.
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 12.11.2024