How to find a cheap car hire deal in Bath
In search of a cheap rental car in Bath? With an average price of £36 a day, you're in gear for serious savings. Whether you're wanting a zippy little number, a spacious family car, or something else entirely, we round up all the best deals to make booking easy.
Daily rental prices in Bath start from just £25.
For longer trips, book a weekly rental from £175 and make room for more adventures.
To land the best price on a Bath car hire, it's a good idea to book in advance. Rates tend to rise as your travel dates approach, and any last-minute deals can vanish like a disappearing act.
Browse the offers available with Europcar, Keddy By Europcar and Alamo. They're among the top-rated providers in the city.
Whether you book with Europcar or another supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Bath car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others charge extra for it.
Choosing a one-way car hire is often a great hack for finding a deal. Select 'Return car to a different location.' Providers often have to move vehicles between branches, which means you can snag some awesome one-way prices on a car for rent in Bath.
Save money on fuel by choosing a vehicle that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your ride with a full tank and bring it back full, so you only pay for what you use.
Hit the road without tracking every mile and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you explore further.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value overall comes from this company, with average prices at £124 a day.
Coming in next is this provider, offering daily rates of around £125.
The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly £99 a day with this supplier.
After a car that makes sense for most travel plans? The Economy rental category is the number one choice for travellers visiting Bath.
Compare car hire types in Bath
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Bath makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These compact, fuel-efficient rides are perfect for short trips and city driving.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the rental that's juuuust right! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of fuel efficiency and interior space and are good for couples and small families.
Large: You've got the kids, the luggage, the snacks, the everything. Large vehicles have got the capacity to handle it all without breaking a sweat. Perfect for long-distance journeys, this Bath car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a commanding view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're carving through winding trails or cruising along uninterrupted highways, many offer all-wheel drive to help you tackle any road.
Van: Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Bath handles big loads and group travel with ease. They're spacious, versatile, and ready for whatever the journey demands.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something you should consider. If your ride is damaged, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a hefty excess fee. Different Bath car hire providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the details before booking.
From navigation systems to reverse cameras, the right extras can seriously level up your drive. Think about which extras will suit your needs when you rent a car in Bath.
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 go over your rental company's terms to find out where you stand.
If you're going away with the kids, check if you need to add a car seat to your Bath car hire reservation. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to travel.
Bring the right documents to make pick-up as quick as possible. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (not a screenshot or digital version) and another form of photo ID. Have a credit card ready for the deposit too. If extra requirements apply, your booking will list them.
Spend a moment familiarising yourself with your rental. Set up your seat and mirrors, learn where everything is, and get used to how it handles before you set off. And don't forget to stay on the left side of the road in the United Kingdom.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's normally around 40kph (25mph) in built-up areas and 100kph (65mph) or so on highways. Always follow the posted signs.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United Kingdom is 0.08%. Because alcohol doesn't affect all people equally, the surest choice is to avoid drinks so you remain legal to drive.
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.
You'll be using the British pound (GBP) on your trip here. As well as your bank cards, consider taking some cash for minor purchases.
Best hotels in Bath for drivers
Offering accessible parking, Wheelwrights Arms Country Inn & Pub gives you the freedom to come and go as you please. This hotel is about 3 kms (2 miles) from central Bath and also comes with luggage storage and room service.
Alternatively, make use of the parking at Brindleys. The city centre is roughly 2 kms (1 mile) from this option, which also features tour services and a teahouse.
Need more ideas before you book? Browse through the full list of hotels in Bath. You can narrow things down with filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If your car's electric, there's also an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
It's time to start exploring now you've locked in a car hire deal in Bath and your hotel. From Roman Baths to Bath and Bath Abbey, you're spoiled for choice on things to do here.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Bath
Bristol has to be on your itinerary if you're eager to visit Banksey and Clifton Suspension Bridge. This city is about 18 kms (11 miles) northwest of central Bath.
Go-to accommodation options with parking in Bristol include Mercure Bristol Holland House and Future Inn Bristol.
Or pick up your cheap car hire in Bath and then head out to Cardiff. About 56 kms (35 miles) west of Bath, Cardiff Castle and St. Fagans National Museum of History are big attractions that are well worth the trip.
Cardiff has some comfortable accommodation options such as Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre by IHG and Holland House Hotel Cardiff By Sunday. Both give you somewhere to leave your car while you're here.
Up for a bigger adventure? Birmingham is a top road trip destination that's about 129 kms (80 miles) north of Bath. Make a few pit stops at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre.
Get some shut-eye in Birmingham at either Holiday Inn Express Birmingham - Snow Hill by IHG or Novotel Birmingham Centre. They have a room waiting for you and space for your wheels too.
