Car hire in Preston, United Kingdom

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Choose from 24 pick-up spots

When's the cheapest time to hire a car in Preston?

Our data shows that July is the cheapest month to rent a car in Preston. It’s around R 483 per day in July, compared to the yearly average of R 736 per day.
Cheapest month avgJuly • R 483
Yearly avg priceR 736

Select your Preston pick-up location

There are 24 car hire providers in Preston. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

Car hire pick-up spots in Preston

Compare car hire prices at airports, train stations and in different neighbourhoods across Preston. You might find a better price, or the perfect pick-up point nearby. Start your journey where it suits you.
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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 Preston

What's the most popular car to hire in Preston?

Based on recent Skyscanner data, the Fiat 500 is the most popular car to hire in Preston, with prices starting from R 1 013 per day. The Vauxhall Corsa and similar models are also popular drives in Preston.
Fiat 500
Fiat 50010% chose this
Vauxhall Corsa
Vauxhall Corsa9% chose this
Skoda Scala
Skoda Scala7% chose this
Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Golf6% chose this
Most popular carFiat 500
Why?Small, practical, easy to park

Preston's cheapest car hire providers

Keddy By Europcar has the cheapest car hire in Preston right now, with prices from R 1 013 per day. You'll save an average of R 279 per day when you book with them.
Keddy By Europcarfrom R 1 013 per day
Enterprisefrom R 1 029 per day
Switchfrom R 1 297 per day
Arnold Clarkfrom R 1 549 per day
Cheapest providerKeddy By Europcar
Book with them to save aroundR 279 per day

Hiring a car in Preston: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyKeddy By Europcar
Most popular carCompact, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceR 2,261
Best time to book1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Preston

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 Preston car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Preston

  • Travel at your own pace with a cheap rental car in Preston. With prices averaging R 2,261 a day, it's travel freedom that doesn't cost a fortune. From no-frills city cars to big-capacity SUVs, we'll help you find your ideal ride at a price that fits.

  • Daily rental prices in Preston start from just R 1,013.

  • For longer trips, pick up a weekly rental from R 7,090 and pack in more adventures.

  • Pick up the best price on a Preston car hire by booking in advance. You're more likely to get a better deal and more choice.

  • Keddy By Europcar, Europcar and Enterprise are some of the best-known providers in the city. They're a great starting point for comparing offers.

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

  • Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a bargain if the provider needs to relocate some of its vehicles. Discover 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 ride with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise refueling fees tacked on at the end either.

  • Pack more into your journey by choosing a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you want without extra charges.

Best value car hire options right now

  • You'll find the best deal with this company. Prices average R 2,282 a day.

  • Coming in next is [this provider](this provider](https://www.skyscanner.co.za/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/keddy-by-europcar/774)), offering daily rates of around R 1,723.

  • The third option also delivers savings with every booking. Expect to pay roughly R 1,580 a day for one of their rentals.

  • If you're still weighing up which wheels are right for you, consider something from the Compact rental category. It's the most commonly booked type of vehicle in Preston.

Compare car hire types in Preston

  • Small: These cheap rental cars in Preston may be small in size, but they're big on practicality. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, great on mileage, and just the thing for short trips.

  • Medium: Not too small, not too big, it's the definition of just right. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of fuel efficiency and interior space and are great for small families and couples.

  • Large: Long drives fly by in this Preston 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 great choice for groups of friends and families.

  • SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a wide-angle view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged country lanes or cruising down long stretches of highway, many come with all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.

  • Van: Choose this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Preston that makes light work of heavy loads. With options like commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's supplies, suitcases or groups of people.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your Preston car hire is stolen or damaged. While not compulsory, it's a smart add-on if you'd rather play it safe. Just remember that not all insurance policies are equal, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.

  • Make travel easier when you rent a car in Preston by adding some handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to keep your trip on track, or reverse cameras that upgrade your parking game.

Good to know

  • The minimum age to rent a vehicle in the United Kingdom is generally 21 years old. However rules can vary by provider, so always double-check your rental company's terms to be sure you satisfy the requirements.

  • If you're bringing the kids along, find out if you need to add a child car seat to your Preston car hire reservation. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to travel.

  • You'll have to provide some documents when you get to the rental desk. As a rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the deposit (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will tell you exactly what you need.

  • Take a few moments to get used to your rental. Set up your seat and mirrors, find the lights and blinkers, 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.

  • Make sure you stay within the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 40kph in built-up areas and 100kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.

  • A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United Kingdom. The safest choice for staying legal to drive is to not drink at all.

  • Aim to travel outside high-traffic periods for a faster run in general. 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 day-to-day purchases and activities. Pay with a card when it's possible, and keep a little cash when electronic payments aren't available.

Best hotels in Preston for drivers

  • Offering accessible parking, The Bluebird Inn at Samlesbury makes it easy to come and go as you please. This hotel is around 10 kilometres from central Preston and also comes with room service and Wi-Fi.

  • Preston South (Craven Drive) is also a good option if your plans involve plenty of driving. It features parking, along with room service and Wi-Fi. Base yourself here and you'll be roughly 6 kilometres from the city centre.

  • Explore the full lineup of hotels in Preston and choose the stay that suits your trip. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet 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 Preston and the right hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. Brockholes, Avenham and Miller Parks and Samlesbury Hall are a classic introduction to the city.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Preston

  • Around 48 kilometres southeast of central Preston, Manchester easily earns a place on your itinerary. Head straight for must-see sights like Manchester United Museum & Stadium Tour and The Homes of Football.

  • They've perfected the guest experience at Campanile Manchester and Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly, two accommodation options with parking in Manchester.

  • Add Bradford to your travel plans. Grab your cheap car hire in Preston and drive about 64 kilometres east to discover leading attractions like Bradford Cathedral and Cartwright Hall.

  • Holiday Inn Express Bradford City Centre by IHG and Leonardo Hotel Bradford are comfortable places to stay in Bradford if you're sticking around for a bit. Go for one of these and take the hassle out of finding a spot for your ride.

  • Keep things moving and road-trip it to Glasgow, roughly 257 kilometres north of Preston. First, swing past Glasgow Cathedral, then spend some time at King's Theatre.

  • The only thing left on your to-do list now is sleep. Ibis Budget Glasgow and Leonardo Royal Hotel Glasgow have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Glasgow.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Preston will set you back around R 2,261 per day or R 6,489 per week. 

The cheapest car to rent in Preston is an intermediate van or truck. The most popular is Compact, 4-5 doors.

The cheapest car hire companies in Preston are currently Enterprise and Keddy By Europcar.

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 Preston is currently April.

On average, around R 6,489. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Preston is R 7,090.

Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Preston for a whole month is R 24,686. 

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 Preston, 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 Preston 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 Preston.

Most places – Preston 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 1,013 per day. The average price per day is around R 2,127.

Of course. Most major car hire companies like Keddy By Europcar, Enterprise and Europcar 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 Preston.