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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Chelmsford
Chelmsford
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Chelmsford
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Chelmsford
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Chelmsford
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 Chelmsford?
Chelmsford, the county town of Essex, offers a blend of historical charm and modern attractions. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore Chelmsford and its surrounding areas at your own pace.
Explore Essex's Countryside: With a rental car, you can easily venture beyond Chelmsford and discover the scenic Essex countryside, including charming villages and historic sites.
Visit Coastal Towns: Enjoy day trips to nearby coastal towns like Southend-on-Sea or Maldon, known for their beaches, piers, and maritime heritage.
Attend Local Events: Chelmsford hosts various events throughout the year. Having a car ensures you can attend festivals, fairs, and concerts without relying on public transport schedules.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Chelmsford
Before renting a car in Chelmsford, ensure you understand the terms and conditions. Here are some essential points to consider.
Area
342.45 square kilometers (132.22 square miles)
Population
Approximately 112,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summer time
Ideal for
Exploring the countryside
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Chelmsford 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 may apply.
2. Driver’s LicenseA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
3. Insurance and DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is usually required and held on the renter's credit card.
4. Mileage and Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy, as some rentals have unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies vary, so clarify whether you need to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS or child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Chelmsford – 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 / $11 / €10
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 Chelmsford?
Booking a car in Chelmsford involves a few simple steps to ensure a smooth rental experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
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 - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid any surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental vehicle.
General Information About Chelmsford
Chelmsford is a bustling town with a mix of modern and historical attractions. Knowing local traffic rules, parking options, and fuel availability will help you make the most of your rental car experience.
Chelmsford is the county town of Essex, offering a blend of urban and rural attractions. While the town center is easily navigable, exploring the surrounding areas is best done with a car. Be mindful of local traffic laws and parking regulations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Chelmsford Cathedral
A magnificent cathedral with a rich history and stunning architecture.
Hylands Park
A vast parkland with historical buildings, gardens, and event spaces.
Essex Police Museum
Discover the history of policing in Essex with interactive exhibits.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Utilize parking garages like Meadows Shopping Centre Car Park or High Chelmer Car Park for secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available, but they can be limited, especially in central areas.
Park & Ride
Use the park-and-ride service to leave your car outside the town center and take a bus into Chelmsford.
Gas Stations in Chelmsford
Main Fuel Chains
Find gas stations from major brands like BP, Shell, and Esso on the outskirts of Chelmsford.
Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby gas stations in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Chelmsford
Contactless Payment
Use contactless payment for parking and public transport for convenience.
Traffic Awareness
Be aware of traffic, especially during rush hours, and plan your routes accordingly.
Explore Surrounding Areas
Take advantage of your rental car to explore the picturesque Essex countryside.
Key Transportation Hubs in Chelmsford
Railway Stations
Chelmsford Railway Station
The primary railway station in Chelmsford, providing frequent services to London Liverpool Street and other destinations.
Airports
Stansted Airport (STN)
Located approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) northeast of Chelmsford, serving various European destinations.
Southend Airport (SEN)
Situated about 40 kilometers (25 miles) southeast of Chelmsford, serving select European destinations.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Chelmsford?
Renting a car in Chelmsford requires meeting a few key requirements to ensure a smooth and compliant process.
A valid driver’s license is essential. 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. Some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters.
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Our Customers Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Chelmsford 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.
Quick business trip, but Chelmsford was charming! Getting around with my car was a breeze.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 28.09.2024
Lovely weekend getaway! Chelmsford was easily explored by car.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 22.06.2025
Pretty relaxed vibe.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 06.01.2025
Chelmsford was a delight! Exploring the town and the surrounding countryside with our rental car was so easy and convenient. Highly recommend!
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 30.04.2025
Pretty chill, actually.
Chloe Brown
Reviewed: 20.12.2024
Pretty chill place.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 23.05.2025
Chelmsford was a pleasant surprise! Meeting friends there made for a fun weekend, and having a car made getting around so simple. Highly recommend!
Ethan Lee
Reviewed: 09.08.2025
Chelmsford exceeded expectations! Having a car made getting around so convenient, and I explored so much.
Ava Martinez
Reviewed: 15.02.2025
Chelmsford was fine; the coast was lovely. Renting a car simplified things, though the town centre felt a bit underwhelming.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 03.07.2025
Pretty low-key, really
Noah Peterson
Reviewed: 10.02.2025
So glad I returned to Chelmsford after all these years! Having a car made exploring so easy and enjoyable.
David Miller
Reviewed: 02.04.2025