Car hire in Watford, United Kingdom

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There are 103 car hire providers in Watford. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

The most popular car rental companies in Watford

Hiring a car in Watford: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyKeddy By Europcar
Most popular carCompact, Crossover
Average daily price$189
Best time to book3 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Watford

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Watford car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Watford

  • Whether you need a small car for cruising the city streets or an SUV built for road trips, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Watford. Choose from options averaging $189 a day and go your own way for less.

  • Daily rental prices in Watford start from just $28.

  • Staying a while and want to explore beyond the usual highlights? $195 is the best rate for a weekly rental.

  • Book early to snap up the best price for a Watford car hire. Beyond just getting a great rate, you're more likely to find a car that fits your style or needs.

  • Line up your ride with Drivalia, Enterprise or Europcar. They're some of the most reliable providers in the city.

  • Whether you book with Drivalia or a different supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Watford car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.

  • Choosing a one-way car hire can be your secret weapon for cheaper deals. Simply click 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes need to move vehicles between branches, which means you can score some great one-way prices on a car for rent in Watford.

  • Save money on fuel by choosing a vehicle that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your ride with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you're only paying for what you use.

  • Hit the highway without tracking every mile and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you explore without limits.

Best value car hire options right now

  • You'll find the best value with this company, with average prices at $155 a day.

  • In second position is [this provider](this provider), which offers daily rates of around $182.

  • The third option also keeps costs reasonable. Expect to pay roughly $191 a day for one of their rentals.

  • If you're not quite sure what kind of wheels you need, consider something from the Compact rental category. It's the most commonly booked car type in Watford.

Compare car hire types in Watford

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Watford puts you on the road for less. These agile, fuel-efficient cars are good for city driving and short trips.

  • Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, comfort and space. Easy to handle in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they're a reliable fit for most trips.

  • Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and improved tech features, this Watford car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.

  • SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV answers. It's your ultimate road trip buddy, ready for highways, backroads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and improved safety features.

  • Van: Choose this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Watford that can handle the big jobs. Typically featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to carry more, whether that's equipment, suitcases or large groups.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something you should consider. If you're in an accident, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a hefty excess fee. Different Watford car hire providers have different insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.

  • From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can totally transform your drive. Weigh up which features could make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Watford.

Good to know

  • The minimum age to rent a car in the United Kingdom is typically 21 years old. However some providers make their own rules, so always double-check your rental company's policy to make sure you meet the requirements.

  • If you're bringing the kids along, check if you should add a child car seat to your Watford car hire reservation. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to ride.

  • Come prepared to keep the pick-up process smooth. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no screenshots) and a second photo ID. Have a credit card ready for the deposit too. If anything extra is required, you'll find it in your booking.

  • If you haven't driven before in the United Kingdom, remember that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.

  • Local speed limits may vary, but it's typically around 40kph in built-up areas and 100kph or so on highways. Always go by the posted signs.

  • The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United Kingdom is 0.08%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, it's best to skip drinks entirely so you remain legal to drive.

  • 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.

  • You'll be using the British pound (GBP) on your trip here. In addition to your credit and debit cards, have some cash on hand for minor purchases.

Best hotels in Watford for drivers

  • Pull in, drop your bags, and start relaxing at Ricky Road Guest House. Offering parking as well as a tennis court and a bowling alley, this hotel is around 2 kilometres from central Watford.

  • Southern Cross keeps guests happy with parking and features such as a restaurant and Wi-Fi. It's roughly 2 kilometres from the city centre.

  • Browse the range of hotels in Watford for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find exactly what you're after. You can even apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to include places with charging facilities.

  • It's time to start sightseeing now you've locked in a car hire deal in Watford and your hotel. From Harry potter studio(Warner Brother’s Studio) to Hogwarts Castle and Hogwarts Express, there's loads to keep you busy here.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Watford

  • Keep travelling to London. Around 26 kilometres southeast of central Watford, you'll find must-do sights like The British Museum and Westminster Abbey.

  • The Colonnade and Britannia International Hotel Canary Wharf are popular accommodation options with parking in London.

  • Or collect your cheap car hire in Watford and then head for Reading. Roughly 48 kilometres southwest of Watford, Reading Abbey Ruins and Forbury Gardens are top attractions that are worth going out of your way for.

  • Reading has some great places to stay such as Pentahotel Reading and Novotel Reading Centre. Both give you somewhere to leave your car while you're here.

  • Not ready to hit the brakes just yet? Set out for Bristol, about 153 kilometres west of Watford. From Banksey to Clifton Suspension Bridge, it'll bring your trip to a memorable close.

  • Book a room at Mercure Bristol Holland House or Future Inn Bristol. They're an ideal base for exploring everything Bristol has to offer. They also come with a place to park.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Watford will set you back around $189 per day or $546 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Watford is a mini convertible. The most popular is Compact, Crossover.
The cheapest car hire companies in Watford are currently U-Save and Green Motion.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Watford is currently September.
On average, around $546. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Watford is $195.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Watford for a whole month is $2,247. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Watford, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Watford that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Watford.
Most places – Watford included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is $58 per day. The average price per day is around $98.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Keddy By Europcar, Enterprise and Turo offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Keddy By Europcar as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van hire is available in Watford.