How to find a cheap car hire deal in Bristol
Searching for a cheap rental car in Bristol? You're exactly where you need to be. With prices averaging $282 a day, we compare the best offers so you can search smarter, spend wiser, and hit the road happy.
The cheapest daily price for a rental in Bristol is $72.
Making it more than a quick visit? Book a weekly rental from $498 and explore beyond the usual highlights.
Here's your inside scoop on when to book. Around four weeks in advance gives you the best chance at finding the best price on a Bristol car hire.
Rent your wheels from Green Motion, Keddy By Europcar or Europcar. They're some of the most well-known providers in the city.
The coverage Green Motion or another company includes with your Bristol car hire can vary, so be sure to go over the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra charge.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to land a good deal if the provider needs to move vehicles between sites. Find the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise fuel add-ons when you hand back the keys either.
Pack more into your journey by picking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you go as far as you like with no extra cost.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company. Prices average $180 a day.
Coming in next, [this provider](this provider) offers daily rates of around $344.
The third option also comes in as one of the cheaper suppliers. Cruise away in one of their rentals for roughly $201 a day.
If you're not sure what kind of ride you need, consider something from the Compact rental category. It's the most widely booked type of vehicle in Bristol.
Flying to Bristol? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're flying into Bristol, get moving sooner by booking a car hire at Bristol Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 13 kilometres and takes about 25 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Bristol
Small: Whether you're zipping around the city or simply planning a quick trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect good fuel efficiency and easy handling.
Medium: A smart pick when you need something that's easy to drive but doesn't skimp on features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg room compared to smaller cars.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and improved tech features, this Bristol car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a better view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're carving through winding trails or zipping along smooth highways, many offer all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Bristol that can handle a small crowd (and all their gear), a van is the roomy solution. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a great choice for group outings, business use or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the fee you'd have to pay if your Bristol car hire is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, it's worth considering for extra protection. Keep in mind that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.
Upgrade your ride with nifty extras like a reverse camera or navigation unit. These add-ons can make your trip more comfortable and stress-free when you rent a car in Bristol.
Good to know
You typically have to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in the United Kingdom. Being younger doesn't always disqualify you — just expect some added charges or limits. Check the suppliers' terms and conditions before you book.
Add a car seat to your Bristol car hire booking if you're travelling with small kids. Regulations change from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their size, age and weight is always the safest approach.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when collecting your rental car: an official driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough balance for the deposit. Debit cards are generally not accepted. Any other requirements will be listed in your booking.
If it's your first time driving in the United Kingdom, remember that traffic here sticks to the left side of the road.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's normally around 40kph in urban areas and 100kph or so on highways. Always obey the road signs.
In the United Kingdom, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you intend to have a couple of drinks, get someone else to do the driving or find an alternative way to get around.
Try to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a smoother run. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
The British pound (GBP) is the currency you'll be using for general expenses and activities. Use cards when it's convenient, but have some cash ready when electronic payments aren't available.
Best hotels in Bristol for drivers
Pull in, unpack, and ease into your stay at Bristol Serviced Stay for Pros. Offering parking as well as internet access and Wi-Fi, this hotel is about 2 kilometres from central Bristol.
The Bristol Hotel is another practical pick for a trip that's big on driving. It features parking, plus internet access and car hire options. Make this your base and you'll be roughly 0.80 kilometres from the city centre.
Need more places to choose from? Browse the full lineup of hotels in Bristol. You can narrow things down with filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If your car's electric, you can select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter too.
After you've locked in a car hire deal in Bristol and the right hotel, the only thing left is figuring out where to head to first. Get things started with top attractions like Banksey, Clifton Suspension Bridge and Bristol Floating Harbour.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Bristol
Keep travelling to Cardiff. Around 40 kilometres west of central Bristol, it's home to must-do sights like Cardiff Castle and St. Fagans National Museum of History.
Go-to accommodation options with parking in Cardiff include Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre by IHG and Holland House Hotel Cardiff By Sunday.
Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Bristol and head roughly 32 kilometres northwest to Newport. Featuring Newport Transporter Bridge and Caerleon Amphitheatre, its attractions speak for themselves.
Newport has some comfortable accommodation options such as Ibis Budget Newport and Cwrt Bleddyn Hotel. Both give you somewhere to leave your car during your stay.
Ready to go the extra mile? Birmingham is a top road trip destination that's around 121 kilometres north of Bristol. Consider making a few pit stops at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre.
Find a room at Holiday Inn Express Birmingham - Snow Hill by IHG or Novotel Birmingham Centre. They're a convenient base for exploring everything Birmingham has to offer. They also have parking available.
