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4.67/5
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Bedford
Bedford
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Bedford
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Bedford
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Bedford
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 Bedford?
Bedford is a charming town with a blend of historic architecture and modern attractions, offering a delightful experience for visitors. While local transport is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover the surrounding areas without constraints.
Explore at Your Own Pace: With a rental car, you're not tied to bus schedules or train routes. You can explore Bedford's attractions and the scenic Bedfordshire countryside at your leisure.
Access to Nearby Attractions: Many interesting places like Woburn Abbey, Shuttleworth Collection, and the Chiltern Hills are easily accessible by car, making day trips convenient and enjoyable.
Comfort and Convenience: Ideal for families or groups, a rental car provides ample space for luggage and ensures a comfortable travel experience, avoiding the hassle of public transport.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Bedford
Before renting a car in Bedford, familiarize yourself with the key terms and conditions. These include age requirements, necessary documentation, insurance options, and potential extra fees.
Area
Approximately 31.27 square miles (80.99 square kilometers)
Population
Approximately 107,904 residents (2021)
Time Zone
GMT (GMT+1 during British Summer Time)
Ideal for
Families and day trips
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 Bedford is typically 21, but some companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25. Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's license is essential. Non-UK residents may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license isn't in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but consider additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is generally required and held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy; unlimited mileage is preferable. Fuel policies vary, so understand whether you need to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges for additional drivers, GPS, child seats, or late returns.
Car Rental Prices in Bedford – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £30 / $37.70 / €35.40
Electric:
from £20 / $25.10 / €23.60
Classic:
from £10 / $12.55 / €11.80
Executive:
from £40 / $50.20 / €47.20
7 Seater:
from £45 / $56.47 / €53.10
Automatic:
from £25 / $31.38 / €29.50
SUV:
from £35 / $43.93 / €41.30
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Higher demand increases prices by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Discounts are common during these months
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 is straightforward, but here’s how to ensure a smooth process.
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 travel needs, considering size and features.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement for mileage limits, insurance, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Book early, especially during peak seasons, to secure better rates and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's license, credit card, and identification when you collect the vehicle.
General Information About Bedford
Bedford offers a blend of urban and rural environments, making a car rental ideal for exploring both the town and surrounding countryside.
Bedford, a market town in Bedfordshire, is known for its riverside Embankment, diverse community, and historic buildings. A car allows you to explore not only the town center but also nearby attractions and scenic spots.
Top Attractions to Discover
The Embankment
A beautiful riverside promenade perfect for a stroll.
Higgins Bedford
A museum showcasing local art and history.
Priory Country Park
A scenic park with lakes and trails.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Multi-story car parks are available in the town center.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display parking is available but can be limited in busy areas.
Park & Ride
A park-and-ride service is available from Elms Farm, offering convenient access to the town center.
Gas Stations in Bedford
Availability
Several petrol stations are located on the outskirts of Bedford and along major roads.
Major Brands
Look for brands like BP, Shell, and Esso.
Navigation
Use navigation apps to locate the nearest stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Bedford
Traffic
Be aware of traffic congestion during rush hours.
Roundabouts
Familiarize yourself with navigating roundabouts, common in the UK.
Payment
Have change or a card for parking meters.
Navigation Tools
Use a GPS or smartphone for easy navigation.
Key Transportation Hubs in Bedford
Major Bus Stations
Bedford Bus Station
Located in the town center, serving local and regional routes.
Railway Stations
Bedford Railway Station
Provides direct services to London, Brighton, and other major cities.
Airports
London Luton Airport (LTN)
The closest major airport, approximately 30 miles from Bedford.
London Stansted Airport (STN)
Another accessible airport, located further to the east.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Bedford?
To rent a car in Bedford, you'll need a few essential items to ensure a smooth rental experience.
You must have a valid driver's license. If you're not a UK resident, an International Driving Permit (IDP) might be required.
Most companies require renters to be at least 21 years old, and some may have a higher minimum age.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of photo identification is usually required.
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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 Bedford 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.
Exploring Bedford with a rental car was a breeze! I loved the ease of getting around, and the surrounding countryside was stunning. So much to see!
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 14.09.2024
Pretty chill vibe
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 05.03.2025
Bedford was a delightful surprise! Having a car made exploring so easy, and I loved discovering all the charming little spots.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 24.07.2025
Pretty relaxed, really.
Mia Jones
Reviewed: 26.05.2025
Loved Bedford! Getting around was easy, and I found some charming hidden gems. Highly recommend.
Olivia Brown
Reviewed: 01.03.2025
Quick business trip to Bedford. Got around easily, though the town centre felt a little underwhelming.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 04.11.2024