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4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
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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, a historic market town on the River Great Ouse, offers a blend of urban attractions and picturesque countryside. While local transport options exist, renting a car provides the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Explore Bedfordshire's Countryside: With a rental car, you can easily venture beyond Bedford and discover the charming villages, scenic landscapes, and historic sites that Bedfordshire has to offer. Enjoy day trips to Woburn Abbey, Shuttleworth Collection, or the Chiltern Hills.
Convenient Access to Attractions: Many of Bedford's attractions, such as the Embankment, Bedford Park, and the John Bunyan Museum, are easily accessible by car. Avoid the limitations of public transportation and create your own itinerary.
Flexibility for Families: Traveling with family can be challenging. A rental car provides ample space for luggage, strollers, and other essentials, making family outings more comfortable and stress-free.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Bedford
Before renting a car in Bedford, it's essential to understand the standard terms and conditions. These include age restrictions, licensing requirements, insurance coverage, and fuel policies.
Area
31.24 square miles (80.91 square kilometers)
Population
Approximately 92,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summertime
Ideal for
Exploring the surrounding countryside
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.0/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Bedford require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may 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.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) may be available. A security deposit is typically required.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage and others imposing restrictions. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, or optional extras like GPS or child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Bedford – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €24
Classic:
from £10 / $13 / €12
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €36
7 Seater:
from £40 / $50 / €48
Automatic:
from £25 / $31 / €30
SUV:
from £15 / $19 / €18
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.
Low season (November to February): Often comes with discounts on car rentals.
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. Compare prices, select the right vehicle, and carefully review the rental terms to avoid any surprises. Booking early is crucial, especially during peak seasons.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals based on your travel dates and car preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a car that suits your needs, whether it's a compact car for city driving or a larger vehicle for family trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.
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.
General Information About Bedford
Bedford is a historic market town with a blend of modern amenities and picturesque surroundings. Renting a car provides the flexibility to explore the town and its neighboring areas.
Bedford offers a mix of historic sites, riverside attractions, and green spaces. While the town center is relatively compact, having a car allows you to easily access nearby attractions and explore the wider Bedfordshire region. Driving within Bedford is generally straightforward, but it's important to be aware of local traffic regulations and parking restrictions.
Top Attractions to Discover
The Embankment
A scenic riverside promenade perfect for leisurely strolls.
Bedford Park
A beautiful Victorian park with gardens, sports facilities, and a lake.
John Bunyan Museum
Dedicated to the author of 'The Pilgrim's Progress', who lived in Bedford.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several public parking garages are available in the town center.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available, but restrictions may apply.
Park & Ride
A park-and-ride service operates from Elstow, providing access to the town center.
Gas Stations in Bedford
Major Brands Available
Find BP, Shell, and other major fuel brands in and around Bedford.
Convenient Locations
Gas stations are generally accessible along major roads.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps to locate nearby gas stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Bedford
Plan for Traffic
Allow extra time for travel during peak hours.
Use Contactless Payment
Contactless payments are widely accepted.
Be Aware of Parking Restrictions
Pay attention to parking signs and restrictions to avoid fines.
Explore Local Markets
Visit the Bedford market for local produce and goods.
Key Transportation Hubs in Bedford
Railway Stations
Bedford Station
The main railway station, providing connections to London, the Midlands, and other destinations.
Airports
London Luton Airport (LTN)
Located approximately 20 miles (32 km) south of Bedford.
London Stansted Airport (STN)
Located approximately 50 miles (80 km) southeast of Bedford.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Bedford?
Renting a car in Bedford requires a few essential documents and meeting specific criteria. Here’s what you’ll need:
A valid driver's license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) depending on their country of origin.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.
A credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is necessary for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be 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.
Pretty decent, really
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 19.04.2025
Bedford was lovely for a family getaway! The town itself was a bit quiet, but we enjoyed exploring the countryside.
Emily Brown
Reviewed: 18.04.2025
Quick business trip to Bedford. Efficient, though the local cafe selection was limited.
David Lee
Reviewed: 10.09.2024
Having a car made exploring Bedford so easy this summer! Beautiful parks and charming town center.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 08.05.2025
Relaxing, car helpful
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 19.10.2024
Loved exploring Bedford! So convenient having a car. Beautiful countryside.
Olivia Garcia
Reviewed: 02.09.2024
Exploring Bedford was surprisingly easy with a rental car. The town itself was charming, although the local museum's hours were a bit inconvenient.
Ava Rodriguez
Reviewed: 11.02.2025
Wonderful spontaneous weekend! Getting around with a car was effortless; Bedford's charming.
Benjamin Taylor
Reviewed: 20.10.2024
Bedford was a pleasant surprise! Cruising around in my rental, the countryside was stunning.
Christopher Evans
Reviewed: 06.03.2025
Bedford was a fun, unexpected trip! Renting a car made getting around so simple. The town centre was charming, though the selection at the local museum shop was disappointing.
Amelia Hernandez
Reviewed: 08.02.2025
Pretty chill, tbh
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 16.07.2025