Cardiff
Car Rentals
Options for hiring vehicles to explore Cardiff and the wider region at your own convenience.
Sections
1. Car Rental Companies in Cardiff
Cardiff has a variety of car rental companies, ranging from international brands to local providers. Most rental offices are located in the city center, Cardiff Central Train Station, and Cardiff Airport. Here are some popular options:
International Car Rental Companies:
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car: Multiple locations, including Cardiff Central and Cardiff Airport.
- Hertz: Available at Cardiff Airport and in the city center.
- Avis: Locations in Cardiff city center and Cardiff Airport.
- Europcar: Offices in the city center and Cardiff Airport.
- Sixt: Located in Cardiff city center.
Local Car Rental Companies:
- Practical Car & Van Rental Cardiff: A local option with competitive pricing.
- Dragon Car Hire: A smaller, local company offering flexible rental terms.
Online Aggregators:
You can also use platforms like Rentalcars.com, Kayak, or Expedia to compare prices and book in advance.
2. Costs of Renting a Car in Cardiff
The cost of renting a car in Cardiff depends on factors such as the type of vehicle, rental duration, and time of year. Below is a general breakdown:
- Economy Cars: ยฃ30โยฃ50 per day.
- Mid-Size Cars: ยฃ50โยฃ80 per day.
- SUVs or Premium Cars: ยฃ80โยฃ150 per day.
- Weekly Rentals: Discounts are often available for longer rentals, with economy cars starting at around ยฃ200โยฃ300 per week.
- Additional Costs:
- Fuel: Most rentals operate on a "full-to-full" policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank.
- Additional Drivers: ยฃ10โยฃ15 per day per driver.
- Young Driver Surcharge: ยฃ20โยฃ40 per day for drivers under 25.
- GPS or Child Seats: ยฃ10โยฃ15 per day for extras.
3. Required Documents
To rent a car in Cardiff, you will need the following:
- Driverโs License:
- UK residents: A valid UK driving license.
- Non-UK residents: A valid driving license from your home country. If your license is not in English, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- Identification: A valid passport or national ID card.
- Credit/Debit Card: Most companies require a credit card for the security deposit. Some may accept debit cards but check in advance.
- Proof of Address: Some companies may ask for proof of address, such as a utility bill or bank statement (especially for UK residents).
4. Age Restrictions
- Minimum Age: Most car rental companies in Cardiff require drivers to be at least 21 years old.
- Young Driver Surcharge: Drivers under 25 often incur an additional daily fee.
- Maximum Age: Some companies may have restrictions for drivers over 70, so check the terms and conditions.
5. Insurance Options
Car rental companies in Cardiff typically offer the following insurance options:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Reduces your liability in case of damage to the vehicle. Often included in the rental price but may have an excess (deductible).
- Excess Reduction Insurance: Lowers or eliminates the excess amount. Costs around ยฃ10โยฃ20 per day.
- Third-Party Liability Insurance: Covers damage to other vehicles or property. Usually included in the rental price.
- Personal Accident Insurance: Covers medical expenses for the driver and passengers in case of an accident.
- Additional Coverage: You can purchase extra coverage for windscreen, tires, and undercarriage damage.
Tip: Check if your travel insurance or credit card offers car rental insurance to avoid paying for duplicate coverage.
6. Local Driving Rules in Cardiff
Driving in Cardiff follows UK road rules. Here are the key points:
- Drive on the Left: Vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road.
- Speed Limits:
- Urban areas: 20โ30 mph (32โ48 km/h).
- Rural roads: 60 mph (96 km/h).
- Motorways: 70 mph (112 km/h).
- Seat Belts: Mandatory for all passengers.
- Mobile Phones: Using a handheld phone while driving is illegal.
- Roundabouts: Common in the UK. Yield to traffic coming from the right.
- Parking: Pay attention to parking signs and restrictions. Many areas in Cardiff have controlled parking zones (CPZs).
7. Specific Considerations for Driving in Cardiff
- Traffic: Cardiff can experience heavy traffic during rush hours (7:30โ9:30 AM and 4:30โ6:30 PM) and on event days, especially near the Principality Stadium.
- Parking:
- City Center: Parking is limited and often expensive. Use public car parks like NCP Cardiff Central or St. Davidโs Shopping Centre.
- On-Street Parking: Pay-and-display meters are common. Check for time limits and fees.
- Park and Ride: Cardiff offers Park and Ride facilities on the outskirts of the city, such as at Cardiff East (CF23 8HH). These are cost-effective and reduce the hassle of city-center parking.
- Congestion Charges: Cardiff does not currently have a congestion charge, unlike London.
- Toll Roads: There are no toll roads in Cardiff, but if you plan to travel to England, note that some bridges (e.g., the Severn Bridge) may have tolls.
8. Tips for Renting and Driving in Cardiff
- Book in Advance: To secure the best rates, especially during peak tourist seasons (summer and major events).
- Inspect the Vehicle: Check for any pre-existing damage and ensure it is documented before driving off.
- Fuel Stations: Petrol stations are widely available, but prices may be higher in the city center. Look for supermarkets like Tesco or Asda for cheaper fuel.
- Navigation: Consider renting a GPS or using a smartphone app like Google Maps or Waze. Be aware that some rural areas outside Cardiff may have limited mobile signal.
- Explore Beyond Cardiff: Renting a car allows you to visit nearby attractions like Brecon Beacons National Park, Barry Island, or the historic town of Caerphilly.
9. Alternative Transportation Options
If you decide not to rent a car, Cardiff has excellent public transportation, including buses, trains, and taxis. The city is also compact and walkable, with many attractions located within a short distance of each other.
By following this guide, youโll be well-prepared to rent a car and navigate Cardiff with ease. Safe travels!