How to find a cheap car hire deal in Bristol
Pick up a cheap rental car in Bristol for an average of R 1,080 a day and hit the road happy. We do the hard work for you by searching trusted rental companies, making it easy to compare prices and book.
Daily rental prices in Bristol start from just R 531.
Taking a longer break? Grab a weekly rental from R 1,271 and say yes to more adventures.
Timing can make all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Bristol car hire. Try booking around four weeks before your departure date.
Green Motion, Keddy By Europcar and Europcar are some of the best-known providers in the city. Use them as a starting point to compare offers.
The coverage Green Motion or another company includes with your Bristol car hire can vary, so remember to read the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will apply a surcharge for it.
Booking a one-way car hire can be your secret weapon for cheaper deals. Select 'Return car to a different location.' Providers often have to move vehicles between branches, which means you can score some excellent one-way prices on a car for rent in Bristol.
Save money on fuel by picking a vehicle that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your ride with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you only pay for what you use.
Want to explore freely without worrying about how many miles you rack up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like without the extra fees.
Best value car hire options right now
Topping the list for value is this company, with average prices of R 1,650 a day.
Offering daily rates of around R 1,440, this provider is next in line.
The third option won't stretch your budget either. You'll pay roughly R 1,379 a day with this supplier.
The Economy rental category is a dependable pick if you're not quite sure what sort of ride you need. It's also the car type that's booked the most in Bristol.
Flying to Bristol? Think about an airport pick-up
Start exploring Bristol sooner by picking up a car hire at Bristol Airport. The city centre is about 13 kilometres from this airport, which is a drive of around 25 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Bristol
Small: These cheap rental cars in Bristol may be small in size, but they're big where it counts. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're agile, great on mileage, and perfect for city runs or weekend trips.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the Goldilocks of rentals! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are suited to small families and couples.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this Bristol car hire category. Also known as full-size, they've got the engine power for lengthy trips. The extra legroom and comfort make them a popular choice for families and groups of friends.
SUV: SUVs are ready whenever wanderlust hits. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and country routes alike.
Van: Select 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 built to carry more, whether that's supplies, suitcases or big groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the fee you'd have to pay if your Bristol car hire is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, it helps cover you in a tough spot. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you know exactly what's offered.
From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can make every mile feel easier. Consider which features will help you make the most of your trip when you rent a car in Bristol.
Good to know
You typically have to be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle in the United Kingdom. Some providers still accept younger drivers — just expect some added charges or limits. Check the companies' terms and conditions before you book.
If you've got the kids in tow, check if you need to add a car seat to your Bristol car hire booking. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to ride.
You'll be asked to provide some documents when you pick up your ride. As a rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with room for the security deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.
Driving in the United Kingdom can take some adjustment if it's your first time. Be aware that traffic travels on the left side of the road.
Make sure you stay within the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 40kph in urban areas and 100kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United Kingdom is 0.08%. Since alcohol's effects vary from person to person, the only way to be sure you're safe to drive is to avoid drinking.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 5pm. Get where you're going faster by avoiding rush hours in general.
You'll be using the British pound (GBP) here. Along with your debit and credit cards, consider having some cash handy for smaller purchases.
English is the language that most people speak in this country.
Best hotels in Bristol for drivers
Offering parking, The Bear and Swan takes the stress out of finding a place for your car. This hotel is about 10 kilometres from central Bristol and also comes with a bar and a restaurant.
Lodge at Bristol makes life simpler with accessible parking and features such as Wi-Fi and a garden. It's roughly 10 kilometres from the city centre.
Explore the full range of hotels in Bristol and pick the stay that suits your plans. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with charging access.
After you've found a car hire deal in Bristol and your hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta and Bristol Floating Harbour are classics for any first-time visitor.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Bristol
Around 40 kilometres west of central Bristol, Cardiff deserves a place on your itinerary. Make your way to must-see sights like Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National History Museum.
You'll be well looked after at Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre and Holland House Hotel & SPA Leisure Club By Sunday Cardiff, two comfortable accommodation options with parking in Cardiff.
Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Bristol and drive about 32 kilometres northwest to Newport. Featuring Newport Castle and Riverside Park, its attractions are worth the drive.
Ibis Budget Newport and Cwrt Bleddyn Hotel are comfortable places to stay in Newport if you're sticking around for a bit. Choose one of these and enjoy an easy pull-up-and-check-in experience.
Still got fuel in the tank? Motor on to Manchester, about 225 kilometres north of Bristol. From Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour to Royal Exchange Theatre, it makes for a well-rounded adventure.
Drift off to sleep in Manchester at either Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly or Travelodge Manchester Central Arena. They have a room waiting for you and a spot for your wheels too.
