Car hire in Bristol, United Kingdom

Use the same magic that powers our flight search to find cheap car rental in Bristol

Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find Bristol car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

Select your Bristol pick-up location

There are 34 car hire locations in Bristol. Choose the cheapest or easiest now.

The most popular car rental companies in Bristol

Choose from the best car hire companies in Bristol

Hiring a car in Bristol: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyDrivalia
Most popular carEconomy, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceR 1,597
Best time to book3 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Bristol

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 Bristol car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Bristol

  • Searching for a cheap rental car in Bristol? You're right where you need to be. With prices averaging R 1,597 a day, we compare all the best offers so you can book faster, spend smarter, and feel good about what you paid.

  • Lock in your ride in August and fast-track your savings. It's the cheapest month to rent a car in Bristol, with average daily rates of R 997.

  • Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding a cheap rental car in Bristol. Book about four weeks before your departure date to score the best prices.

  • Browse car hire deals in Bristol from popular providers like Green Motion, Keddy By Europcar and Europcar.

  • The coverage Green Motion or another supplier offers for your Bristol car hire can differ, so be sure to read the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra fee.

  • Booking one-way could snag you a bargain on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Simply click 'Return car to a different location' when looking for a car for rent in Bristol.

  • Save money on fuel by picking a car hire in Bristol with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your vehicle with a full tank and bring it back full, so you only pay for what you use.

  • Want to explore more without stressing about how many miles you clock up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and travel as far as you like without the extra costs.

  • Think about booking one of the car rentals in Bristol Airport if you're flying into the city. You can skip public transport or cab lines and start exploring Bristol straight away.

Compare car hire types in Bristol

  • Small: Whether you're zipping around busy cities or simply planning a quick trip, a cheap rental car in Bristol from this category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to easy handling and excellent fuel efficiency.

  • Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the kind of rental even Goldilocks wouldn't second-guess. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of fuel efficiency and interior space and are suited to small families and couples.

  • Large: You've got the kids, the suitcases, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the space to fit it all in without a hassle. Ideal for long-distance trips, this Bristol car hire category includes full-size cars.

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

  • Van: Choose this category of vehicle when you need a car for rent in Bristol that makes light work of heavy loads. Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to carry more, whether that's equipment, suitcases or whoever's along for the ride.

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 policies differ from one provider to another, so make sure you know exactly what's offered.

  • Upgrade your ride with handy extras like a reverse camera or navigation unit. These features can make your drive smoother and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Bristol.

Good to know

  • The minimum age to rent a car in the United Kingdom is generally 21 years old. However some providers set their own rules, so always go over your rental company's policy to be sure you satisfy the requirements.

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

Hit the road: Where to drive from Bristol

  • Snap up an epic car hire deal in Bristol and then get ready to discover the city's best attractions, such as Banksey and Banksy's You Don't Need Planning Permission to Build Castles in the Sky. Driving may not necessarily be the best way to reach them, but you'll want to check out these highlights before leaving town.

  • Take your time getting to know Bristol by staying at Mercure Bristol Holland House or Future Inn Bristol.

  • Cardiff should be on your itinerary if you want to see Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National History Museum. This city is about 40 kilometres west of central Bristol.

  • Comfortable accommodation options in Cardiff include Sleeperz Hotel Cardiff and Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre.

  • Or collect your cheap car hire in Bristol and then take off to Newport. About 32 kilometres north-west of Bristol, Newport Castle and Riverside Park are major attractions that make the drive worthwhile.

  • Newport has some comfy places where you can park your suitcase, such as Mercure Newport and Ibis Budget Newport.

  • Stretch your journey and road-trip it to Manchester, about 225 kilometres north of Bristol. Kick things off at Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour, then head to Royal Exchange Theatre.

  • Catch up on sleep in Manchester at Campanile Manchester. Hotel Brooklyn has a cosy bed waiting for you too.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Bristol will set you back around R 1,597 per day or R 5,491 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Bristol is an intermediate SUV. The most popular is Economy, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire companies in Bristol are currently Dollar and Drivalia.
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 Bristol is currently August.
On average, around R 5,491. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Bristol is R 2,494.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Bristol for a whole month is R 23,222. 

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 Bristol, 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 Bristol 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 Bristol.
Most places – Bristol 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 R 813 per day. The average price per day is around R 1,597.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Drivalia, Green Motion and U-Save offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Europcar as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van hire is available in Bristol.