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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 is a charming town with a blend of historic and modern attractions, offering a variety of activities and sights to explore. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the flexibility to discover Bedford and its surrounding areas at your own pace.
Explore Local Attractions. Renting a car allows you to easily visit popular attractions such as Bedford Park, the Embankment, and the Higgins Bedford museum without being limited by bus or train schedules.
Visit Nearby Villages and Towns. With a car, you can conveniently explore nearby villages like Cardington, Great Barford, and picturesque areas of the Bedfordshire countryside.
Convenience for Families and Groups. A rental car offers added comfort and convenience, especially when traveling with family, children, or a group, making it easier to transport luggage and other essentials.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Bedford
Before booking a rental car in Bedford, be sure to understand the rental terms. This includes age requirements, licensing, insurance, and potential extra fees.
Area
31.26 square miles (80.97 square kilometers)
Population
Approximately 92,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summer time
Ideal for
Visiting local attractions and exploring the countryside
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic between 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies 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) along with their original license.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection are available. A security deposit is typically required and held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage and others having restrictions. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional costs may apply for extras like GPS, child seats, additional drivers, or one-way rentals.
Car Rental Prices in Bedford – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20
SUV:
from £9 / $12 / €11
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.
Low season (November to February): Discounts and lower rates are often available during the off-season.
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?
To book a car in Bedford, compare prices, choose a vehicle that suits your needs, and review the rental terms carefully. Booking in advance, especially during peak season, is advisable.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals based on your travel dates and 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 - Review the rental agreement for mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure availability by booking your rental car well in advance.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Present your driver's license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental car.
General Information About Bedford
Bedford is a market town located in Bedfordshire, England, known for its beautiful riverside and historic architecture. Exploring Bedford and its surroundings is best done with an understanding of local traffic rules and parking regulations.
As a historic market town, Bedford offers a mix of cultural and recreational attractions. Renting a car is a practical option if you plan to explore beyond the town center, including nearby villages and countryside. Driving within Bedford requires awareness of local traffic laws, parking availability, and fuel station locations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Bedford Park
A beautiful Victorian park with gardens, sports facilities, and a lake.
The Embankment
A scenic riverside walk along the River Great Ouse.
The Higgins Bedford
A museum showcasing art, culture, and local history.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use car parks like Lurke Street or River Street for secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but may be time-limited and costly in central areas.
Park & Ride
Utilize the park-and-ride service from Elms Farm to access the town center.
Gas Stations in Bedford
Major Brands Available
Find BP, Shell, and Esso stations in and around Bedford.
Convenient Locations
Fuel stations are accessible on main roads and outskirts of the town.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby gas stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Bedford
Plan for Traffic
Be aware of rush hour traffic, especially during peak times in the morning and evening.
Watch for Cyclists and Pedestrians
Bedford has pedestrian and bicycle traffic, particularly in the town center.
Use Contactless Payment
Contactless payment is widely accepted for parking and other services.
Explore Surrounding Areas
Consider driving to nearby attractions and villages for a fuller experience.
Key Transportation Hubs in Bedford
Railway Stations
Bedford Railway Station
The primary railway station connecting Bedford to London, Brighton, and other major cities.
Airports
London Luton Airport (LTN)
Located approximately 30 miles from Bedford, providing domestic and international flights.
London Stansted Airport (STN)
Situated around 60 miles from Bedford, offering a range of European destinations.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Bedford?
Renting a car in Bedford is a straightforward process, but you need to meet certain requirements before you can drive off. Here’s what you need
A valid driver's license is required. If you are not a [CURRENT COUNTRY] resident, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and drivers under 25 may have to pay an additional surcharge.
A credit or debit card in the main driver's name is needed for the security deposit. Some companies only accept credit cards.
A passport or another form of photo 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 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.
Quietly pleasant drive
Alice Johnson
Reviewed: 11.11.2024
Pretty chill vibe
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 24.12.2024
Bedford was charming! Cruising around in my rental was perfect for seeing everything.
Olivia Garcia
Reviewed: 14.01.2025
Loved my Bedford trip! Meeting friends there was so easy with my rental car, and we explored the town and countryside effortlessly. Highly recommend!
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 09.05.2025
Bedford was delightful! First time visiting, and having a car made getting around so easy. I explored the town and surrounding areas with ease, and everything was so charming.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 15.12.2024
Pretty chill, really
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 06.01.2025
Pretty laid-back place
James Wilson
Reviewed: 08.01.2025
Pretty chill town
Mia Davis
Reviewed: 30.11.2024
Pretty decent, really.
Ethan Harris
Reviewed: 16.12.2024
So much has changed in Bedford since my last visit! Having a car made exploring a breeze.
David Lee
Reviewed: 20.04.2025
Pretty relaxed, overall
Emily Brown
Reviewed: 13.06.2025
Bedford was a pleasant surprise! Exploring independently was easy, though the town centre felt a bit underwhelming.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 31.10.2024