Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Kent
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Kent
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Kent
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Kent
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
Kent, known as the 'Garden of England,' is a county brimming with natural beauty, historic sites, and charming towns. While public transport is available, renting a car offers the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Explore Scenic Routes: Kent boasts stunning coastal roads and picturesque countryside lanes, perfect for a leisurely drive.
Visit Historic Castles: With numerous castles like Leeds Castle and Dover Castle scattered across the county, a car provides easy access to these historical landmarks.
Discover Quaint Villages: Drive through charming villages such as Canterbury, Sandwich, and Royal Tunbridge Wells, each offering unique experiences.
Before booking a rental car in Kent, be aware of the essential terms and conditions. These include age restrictions, license requirements, insurance options, and fuel policies. Understanding these aspects will ensure a smooth and hassle-free rental experience.
Area
3,736 square kilometers (1,442 square miles)
Population
Approximately 1.6 million residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during winter time
Ideal for
Long-term rental
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Kent require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur additional young driver surcharges.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors might need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is typically included. A security deposit is held on a credit card and refunded upon the car's return, provided there's no damage.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies vary, but many require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesExtra fees can apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, GPS, or child seats.
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 / $11 / €10 per day
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.
Low season (November to February): Discounts are often available 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.
Booking a car in Kent is a straightforward process. By following these steps, you can secure the best deal and ensure a smooth rental experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best rental deals based on your dates and preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it's a compact car or a larger SUV.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better prices and vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
Kent is a county steeped in history and natural beauty, making it ideal for exploration by car. Understanding local traffic rules, parking regulations, and fuel availability will enhance your driving experience.
Kent offers a unique blend of coastal scenery, historic towns, and rolling countryside. Renting a car is a practical way to visit numerous attractions such as Canterbury Cathedral, the White Cliffs of Dover, and various picturesque villages. Driving in Kent is generally straightforward, though some areas may have narrow roads and congestion during peak hours. Familiarizing yourself with local traffic laws and parking options will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Top Attractions to Discover
Canterbury Cathedral
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest and most famous cathedrals in England.
White Cliffs of Dover
Iconic chalk cliffs offering stunning views of the English Channel.
Leeds Castle
Known as 'the loveliest castle in the world,' set on islands in a lake surrounded by beautiful parkland.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Utilize parking garages in larger towns and cities for secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available in many areas but can be time-limited.
Park & Ride
Consider park-and-ride services in Canterbury and other major towns to avoid city center traffic.
Gas Stations in Kent
Major Brands Available
Find BP, Shell, Esso, and Texaco stations throughout Kent.
Availability in Rural Areas
Fuel stations are less frequent in rural areas, so plan accordingly.
Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby stations in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Kent
Use Contactless Payment
Contactless payments are widely accepted at parking meters and other services.
Watch for Cyclists & Pedestrians
Be aware of cyclists and pedestrians, especially in towns and along coastal paths.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours to minimize traffic delays, especially around major towns.
Railway Stations
Ashford International
Provides high-speed rail links to London and continental Europe.
Canterbury East and West
Serves regional and commuter lines.
Folkestone Central
Connects to Dover and other coastal towns.
Airports
London Southend Airport (SEN)
Located approximately 36 miles from central Kent, offering domestic and European flights.
Ferry Ports
Port of Dover
One of the busiest passenger ports in Europe, offering ferry services to France.
Port of Folkestone
Provides access to the Channel Tunnel and ferry services.
Renting a car in Kent requires a few key items to ensure a smooth and compliant process. Here's what you'll typically need.
A full, valid driver's license is essential. If your license is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required.
The minimum age is generally 21, but some companies may have higher age requirements and fees for younger drivers.
A credit or debit card in the name of the primary driver is needed for the security deposit and rental payment.
A passport or other official form of identification may be required, especially for international renters.
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, 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 clients rate such place as Kent 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.
Kent was lovely! Having a car made getting around to see my friends so easy. The local museum was a bit underwhelming, though.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 20.03.2025
Wonderful Kent trip! Getting around with a rental car was a breeze, and catching up with friends made it perfect.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 29.03.2025
Pretty relaxed, yeah
Liam Brown
Reviewed: 09.12.2024
Kent was great for a family vacation! Renting a car made exploring so much easier. The white cliffs were stunning, but the cafe we stopped at for lunch was a bit underwhelming.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 19.08.2024
Pretty good, actually
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 21.05.2025
Efficient Kent trip! Having a car was perfect for my business meetings and exploring charming towns.
Oliver King
Reviewed: 01.10.2024
Beautiful countryside! Having a car made exploring Kent so easy during my road trip. Highly recommend.
Ethan Williams
Reviewed: 13.04.2025
© 2025 RentyCars All Rights Reserved.
Pretty chill, really
Dave Smith
Reviewed: 17.03.2025