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Car rental in Kent - Search, Compare, and Save

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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Kent

Kent

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Kent

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Kent

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Kent

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 Kent?

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.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Kent

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.

Car Rental Prices in Kent – 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 / $11 / €10 per day

Seasonal Trends

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.

How to Book a Car in Kent?

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.

General Information About Kent

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.

Key Transportation Hubs in Kent

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.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Kent?

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.

Our Content Quality

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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.

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Our Customers Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Kent as

4.4

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.

Pretty chill, really

DS

Dave Smith

Reviewed: 17.03.2025

Kent was lovely! Having a car made getting around to see my friends so easy. The local museum was a bit underwhelming, though.

CM

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.

SJ

Sarah Jones

Reviewed: 29.03.2025

Pretty relaxed, yeah

LB

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.

AG

Amelia Garcia

Reviewed: 19.08.2024

Pretty good, actually

MR

Maya Rodriguez

Reviewed: 21.05.2025

Efficient Kent trip! Having a car was perfect for my business meetings and exploring charming towns.

OK

Oliver King

Reviewed: 01.10.2024

Beautiful countryside! Having a car made exploring Kent so easy during my road trip. Highly recommend.

EW

Ethan Williams

Reviewed: 13.04.2025

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