Bristol Airport car hire

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How much does Bristol Airport car hire cost throughout the year?

Our data shows that February is the cheapest month to rent a car from Bristol Airport. It’s around $54 a day in February, compared to the yearly average which is $76 a day.
Cheapest month avgFebruary • $54
Yearly avg price$76

Car hire pick-up spots near Bristol Airport

Compare car hire prices at nearby airports, train stations and across different neighbourhoods in Bristol. You might find a better price, or somewhere that suits you better.
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These are estimated prices to help you choose from a large number of options. Each is an average based on the lowest car rental prices found for each destination over the last 15 days.

The most popular car rental companies in Bristol Airport

U-Save
Green Motion
Alamo
Drivalia
Budget
Routes Car Rental

Bristol Airport car hire: Facts on the fly

Average daily price$367
Most popular carLarge, fullsize SUV
Cheapest price found$54
Cheapest month to rentFebruary
Providers at Bristol Airport20
Most popular providerU-Save
Best time to book4 weeks before

Choose from the best car hire companies near Bristol Airport

Driving in Bristol: What to expect on the road

Documents you'll need
You’ll need your driving licence, passport and a credit card to rent a car in Bristol.
Most visitors can use their regular licence. You may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your licence isn’t in English. Rental companies usually ask for matching ID and a credit card for the deposit.
Navigating city driving
Bristol has busy central roads and several one-way systems.
Traffic slows near Cabot Circus and the Harbourside. Navigation apps can help you avoid bus lanes and guide you across the city’s bridges. Routes to the airport and motorways are well marked.
Tolls, emissions zones and charges
Bristol has a Clean Air Zone covering parts of the city centre.
Some vehicles must pay to enter, though most rental cars meet the standards. There are no local toll roads, but nearby bridges may charge depending on your route.
Parking your car in Bristol
Parking is easier in car parks than on busy streets.
The centre has limited street parking and controlled zones. Multi-storey car parks near Broadmead and the Harbourside are reliable. Hotels may offer parking, but spaces are often limited near the city centre.
Finding fuel or charging points
Fuel is easy to find, and EV charging stations in Bristol are widespread.
Petrol stations sit on major roads and near supermarkets. Charging points are common in public car parks. Apps like Zap-Map or PlugShare can help you find available chargers.
Local driving style and tips
Drivers are patient, but traffic builds during peak hours.
Expect slower movement near the centre. Cyclists are common, so take care when turning or overtaking. Keep a steady pace and follow bus lane signs closely.
Find Bristol Airport car hire deals

How to get the best car hire deal in Bristol Airport

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy after you've touched down in Bristol Airport. 

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Bristol (BRS)

  • Your flight's over, now the real journey begins. Pick up a cheap Bristol rental car for around $367 a day and drive away happy. We do the hard work for you by searching the best rental providers, so you can easily compare prices and book.

  • The cheapest daily rental price at Bristol is $54.

  • Thinking of staying longer? Book a weekly rental from $375 and squeeze in a few road trips from Bristol.

  • If you want to get the best price, book your BRS car hire around four weeks in advance.

  • Check out the offers available from Green Motion, Alamo and Drivalia. These are a few of the top providers at Bristol.

  • Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Bristol car hire policy, whether with Green Motion or any other supplier. Some companies might not include it in the base price and instead sell it separately.

  • Booking a one-way car hire is often a great hack for finding a deal. Select 'Return car to a different location' when browsing for a car for hire in BRS. Providers sometimes need to move vehicles from one branch to another, which means you can snag some great one-way prices.

  • Skip the hidden fees by booking a car hire in Bristol with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, and only pay for what you actually use.

  • Explore without limits by booking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you drive as far as you want without extra charges.

Best value car hire options right now

  • You'll find the best value with this company. Prices average $114 a day.

  • Ranking second is this provider, which offers daily rates of around $127.

  • The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly $247 a day with this provider.

  • If you can't decide what kind of wheels you need, choose something from the Large rental category. It's the most frequently booked type of car at BRS.

Compare car hire types from Bristol (BRS)

  • Small: These cheap Bristol rental cars may be small in size, but they pack a big punch. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, light on fuel, and just the thing for city driving.

  • Medium: Not too big, not too small, this just-right ride is calling your name. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of fuel efficiency and interior space and are good for couples and small families.

  • Large: Long drives are effortless in this BRS car hire category. Also known as full-size, they pack plenty of power for open-road performance. The extra legroom and comfort make them a great choice for groups of friends and families.

  • SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a better view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged backcountry or cruising along wide-open highways, many offer all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.

  • Van: Go for this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Bristol that makes light work of heavy loads. Typically featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's equipment, baggage or large groups.

Insurance and optional extras

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

  • From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can make every mile feel easier. Think about which features will make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Bristol.

Good to know

  • To rent a car in the United Kingdom, you typically have to be at least 21 years old. Some locations may allow younger drivers to rent vehicles at an extra cost, so always check the policies before finalizing your ride.

  • Add a car seat to your BRS car rental booking if you're planning to travel with the kids. Rules vary from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their age, size and weight is always the safest choice.

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

  • Get familiar with your rental. Adjust your seat and mirrors, find the lights and wipers, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And don't forget to stick to the left side of the road in the United Kingdom.

  • Local speed limits can vary, but it's usually around 40kph in urban areas and 100kph or so along highways. Always check the posted signs.

  • In the United Kingdom, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you're planning to have a drink or two, leave the driving to someone else or arrange a taxi or ride-share instead.

  • You'll be using the British pound (GBP) for everyday expenses on your trip. You may find it handy to carry a mix of cash and cards to cover you in every situation.

Drive smarter from the start

  • The real fun starts once you've grabbed the keys to your BRS car hire. You've got the freedom to go wherever you like, but if you're headed to central Bristol, it'll take you about 25 minutes to drive the 13 kilometres or so northeast.

  • Allow roughly 40 minutes to travel from Bristol to the city centre during rush hours.

  • Around 5pm is one of the busiest times for traffic around this destination. Try to avoid peak travel times generally for a more relaxed drive.

  • Don't need a set of wheels right away? Think about grabbing a car hire in Bristol instead of at the airport. That way, you won't pay for days you don't use.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Bristol (BRS)

  • Explore the major attractions in Bristol before doing anything else. Banksey and Clifton Suspension Bridge are classics for any first-time visitor.

  • Cardiff has to be on your itinerary if you'd like to visit Cardiff Castle and St. Fagans National Museum of History. This city is around 32 kilometres west of BRS.

  • Or collect your Bristol car hire and head out to Newport. Around 31 kilometres northwest of the airport, Newport Transporter Bridge and Caerleon Amphitheatre are standout attractions that are worth going out of your way for.

  • Not ready to hit the brakes just yet? Take off to Birmingham, about 137 kilometres northeast of BRS. From Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery to Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre, it's the perfect finale to your trip.

Hiring a car at Bristol Airport: FAQs

The average cost to hire a car at Bristol Airport is $367 per day and $1,238 for a seven-day rental.

If you're looking for the cheapest deal, the lowest price we found is $54 per day for Small hire from Budget.

Looking for a particular type of car? Here's how prices compare:
Economy
Average price: $214 per day.
Cheapest price found: $54 per day.
SUV
Average price: $326 per day.
Cheapest price found: $65 per day.
Premium/Luxury
Average price: $602 per day.
Cheapest price found: $121 per day.
Electric
Average price: $319 per day.
Cheapest price found: $138 per day.
It depends. Some car hire companies at Bristol Airport accept debit cards, but others require a credit card.

Either way, you'll need enough money on your card to cover a security deposit which you'll get back when you return the car.
As a general rule, the earlier you book car hire at Bristol Airport, the better. Booking early often means cheaper prices and a wider choice of cars. You can sometimes find a good last-minute deal, but it's never guaranteed and availability is often more limited.
A good deal for car hire at Bristol Airport is usually around $275 per day or less. That's about 25% cheaper than the average daily price of $367.

The cheapest price we found at Bristol Airport is $54 per day with Budget for Small car hire.
It depends on the car hire company. Some companies let you drive a hire car abroad, often for an extra fee, while others don't allow it at all.

If you plan to cross a border, check with the company before you travel. Driving abroad without permission could invalidate your insurance or break the terms of your rental agreement.
You don't have to get excess insurance, but it's worth considering. Your hire car comes with basic insurance, but you'll still need to pay an excess if it's damaged or stolen. At Bristol Airport, the excess ranges from around $2,910 to $7,074, depending on the car hire company. The cost of excess insurance also varies by car hire company.

You can also buy excess insurance separately, which is often cheaper than buying it through the car hire company.
Large car hire, which is usually something like the Kia Sorento, averages $367 per day at Bristol Airport. The cheapest price we found is $78 per day with Hertz.
Luxury car hire, like the Mercedes Vito or similar, costs on average $602 per day at Bristol Airport. Right now, the cheapest price we could find is $121 per day with U-Save.
Medium car hire, like the Volkswagen Golf, averages $246 per day at Bristol Airport. The lowest price we've found is $65 per day with Avis.