Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
York
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
York
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
York
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
York
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
York is a historic city offering a blend of ancient charm and modern attractions. While the city centre is pedestrian-friendly, renting a car provides the freedom to explore the surrounding Yorkshire countryside and nearby attractions at your own pace.
Explore Yorkshire's Countryside. With a rental car, easily access the scenic North York Moors, the Yorkshire Dales, and charming nearby villages. Public transport options to these areas are limited, making a car essential for comprehensive exploration.
Visit Historical Sites. Travel conveniently to historical sites such as Castle Howard, Fountains Abbey, and the city of Ripon, all located a short drive from York.
Flexibility and Convenience. Avoid the constraints of public transportation schedules and enjoy the freedom to create your own itinerary. Stop whenever and wherever you like, whether it’s a picturesque viewpoint or a local farmers market.
Before booking a rental car in York, ensure you understand the rental terms and conditions. Key considerations include age requirements, driver's license regulations, insurance coverage, and fuel policies.
Area
271.9 square kilometers (105 square miles)
Population
Approximately 210,618 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summer time
Ideal for
Exploring the Yorkshire region
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in York 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 & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance. Additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is held on the renter’s credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies typically require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional charges may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, or optional add-ons like GPS and 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 / $12 / €11 per day
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to high demand.
Low season (November to February): Often brings discounts as demand decreases.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
To book a car in York, compare prices, choose the right vehicle, and review rental terms to avoid surprises. Booking early can secure the best rates, especially in peak seasons.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison sites to find the best deals 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 unexpected charges.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak travel periods.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and passport when collecting your rental vehicle.
York is a historic city with well-preserved medieval architecture and a rich cultural heritage. Ideal for sightseeing and exploring the surrounding Yorkshire region, it's best navigated with an understanding of local traffic rules and parking regulations.
As a city steeped in history, York offers a unique blend of ancient landmarks and modern attractions. Renting a car is beneficial if you plan to explore beyond the city, venturing into the North York Moors or visiting nearby historical sites. Driving within York requires awareness of narrow streets, pedestrian zones, and parking restrictions. Familiarizing yourself with local traffic laws and fuel station locations ensures a smoother experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
York Minster
One of the largest cathedrals in Northern Europe, showcasing stunning Gothic architecture.
York City Walls
Walk along the best-preserved medieval city walls in England, offering panoramic views.
The Shambles
A historic street with overhanging timber-framed buildings, now home to unique shops and boutiques.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use services like Q-Park or the City of York Council car parks for secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available, but often have time limits, especially in the city center.
Park & Ride
Utilize the Park & Ride services located on the outskirts of the city for convenient access via bus.
Gas Stations in York
Major Brands Available
Look for BP, Shell, Esso, and Texaco stations throughout the city and on major routes.
Convenient Locations
Refueling stations are generally easily accessible, but plan ahead if driving in rural areas.
Use Navigation Apps
Apps like Google Maps or Waze can help locate nearby stations in real time.
Useful Tips for Visiting York
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (07:30–09:00 / 16:30–18:00) when roads are heavily congested.
Utilize Park & Ride
The Park & Ride service offers a stress-free way to visit the city center, avoiding parking hassles.
Watch for Pedestrians
Stay alert for pedestrians, especially in crowded areas and pedestrian zones.
Use Contactless Payment
Many parking facilities and public transport options accept contactless payments for convenience.
Railway Stations
York Railway Station
The primary railway station in York, providing connections to major cities across the [COUNTRY PLACE].
Airports
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA)
Located approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) southwest of York, serving domestic and international flights.
Bus services
York Bus Station
Located in the city centre. Provides regional bus connections.
Renting a car in York requires a few essential documents and meeting certain criteria. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to get behind the wheel.
A valid driver’s license is essential. If your license is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Young drivers under 25 may be subject to additional fees.
A credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is necessary for the security deposit. Some companies may prefer or require a credit card.
A passport or other form of government-issued identification may be required, especially for international renters.
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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 clients rate such place as York 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.
Fantastic spontaneous weekend in York! Getting around was a breeze, and the city's beauty was breathtaking.
David Lee
Reviewed: 28.08.2024
York was a delightful stop on our road trip. Having a car made exploring so convenient; the Minster was breathtaking!
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 15.08.2024
Such a lovely detour! York was even prettier than the photos. Having a car made getting around so simple, and we easily parked near all the main attractions. A perfect stop on our road trip!
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 22.11.2024
Pretty chill vibe.
Oliver Brown
Reviewed: 31.05.2025
York was lovely; the Minster was breathtaking, though the shops were a bit pricey. Renting a car was super easy.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 09.05.2025
Pretty relaxed vibe
Ethan Carter
Reviewed: 13.05.2025
Pretty decent, really
Liam Murphy
Reviewed: 12.12.2024
York was lovely for a weekend getaway. The Minster was stunning, although the crowds were a bit much.
Grace Bennett
Reviewed: 23.05.2025
Pretty chill place.
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 19.10.2024
York exceeded expectations! My family and I loved exploring the city, easily getting around with our rental car. The Minster was magnificent.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 23.04.2025
Pretty laid-back vibe
Noah Evans
Reviewed: 14.11.2024
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York was charming! Exploring the city walls and Shambles was so easy with a car. Highly recommend!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 19.06.2025