Low-Cost Car Rental in Cardiff

Electric cars starting at 25€/day · Convertibles from 39€/day · Budget cars from just 8€/day

Considering a Car Rental in Cardiff? Everything You Need to Know:

Exploring Cardiff, the vibrant capital of Wales, becomes an exciting adventure when you have the freedom to roam at your own pace. Renting a car in Cardiff offers unparalleled flexibility and convenience, allowing you to discover both the city's bustling center and its picturesque surroundings. At Bookingautos, we understand the importance of finding the perfect vehicle for your needs, which is why we compare offers from all major international and local car rental companies in Cardiff.

Why Rent a Car in Cardiff?

Cardiff is a compact city, but having a car opens up a world of possibilities:

  • Easy access to nearby attractions like Cardiff Castle and the Wales Millennium Centre
  • Freedom to explore the beautiful Welsh countryside and coastal areas
  • Convenience for business travelers moving between meetings
  • Flexibility to create your own itinerary without relying on public transport schedules

What to Consider When Renting

Before booking your rental car in Cardiff, keep these factors in mind:

  • Driving Requirements: Ensure you meet the age requirements and have a valid driver's license
  • Insurance: Consider additional coverage options for peace of mind
  • Vehicle Type: Choose a car that suits your needs, whether it's a compact for city driving or a larger vehicle for group travel
  • Pickup and Drop-off: Decide whether you need airport pickup or a city center location

Navigating Cardiff by Car

Driving in Cardiff is relatively straightforward, but remember:

  • The UK drives on the left side of the road
  • Familiarize yourself with local parking regulations and congestion charge zones
  • Consider using park-and-ride facilities when visiting the city center

With Bookingautos, finding the ideal car rental in Cardiff is simple and stress-free. We compare offers from all reputable providers, ensuring you get the best deal for your trip. Whether you're planning to explore the city's rich history at National Museum Cardiff or venture out to the stunning Brecon Beacons, a rental car gives you the freedom to make the most of your Welsh adventure.

Video Guide to Must-Visit Locations

Good to know

Most Popular Agency

Alamo

Most popular car class

Standard

Average price

32 € / Day

Best price

23 € / Day

Estimated price for 7 days rental in Cardiff:

January
€195
February
€165
March
€175
April
€247
May
€229
June
€254
July
€281
August
€265
September
€178
October
€145
November
€113
December
€198

* Data is calculated based on car bookings for the previous 365 days.

In August rental companies located in Cardiff rent much more cars than in the rest of the year. This month marks the smallest range of cars on offer and the highest rental prices. In such a high season, when the number of available cars is minimal, you should arrange a rental as early as possible. This will allow you to get the best rental option at the most favorable price.

The best time to rent a car in Cardiff is November. During this period the cost of renting a car of a compact category starts from €23, which is approximately 32% lower compared to the average price during a year.

Convertibles are especially popular in summer. It is difficult to find a free car for rent, and you will have to pay more than usual for a trip with a breeze. Renting Mini Couper Cabrio during Summer period can costs €331 per day.

Alternative car rental offices

Nearest airports

Cardiff airport
14.5 km / 9 miles
Bristol airport
34.3 km / 21.3 miles
Exeter airport
85.1 km / 52.9 miles
Bournemouth airport
122.3 km / 76 miles
Southampton airport
140 km / 87 miles
Birmingham airport
146 km / 90.7 miles
Newquay airport (Cornwall)
172.8 km / 107.4 miles
Heathrow airport Terminal 5
186.4 km / 115.8 miles
Heathrow Airport
188.8 km / 117.3 miles

Nearest cities

Bristol
40.9 km / 25.4 miles
Exeter
87.5 km / 54.4 miles
Bournemouth
124.2 km / 77.2 miles
Oxford
136 km / 84.5 miles
Southampton
139.4 km / 86.6 miles
Birmingham
141.9 km / 88.2 miles
Reading
152.2 km / 94.6 miles
Leicester
190.4 km / 118.3 miles
Marble Arch (London)
209.1 km / 129.9 miles

Average daily prices by car class

4x
2x
A/C
3x
Citroen C1
Citroen C1
€14 / Day
4x
2x
A/C
4x
Ford Fiesta
Ford Fiesta
€18 / Day
5x
3x
A/C
4x
Audi A4
Audi A4
€32 / Day
5x
4x
A/C
5x
Ford Foxus Estate
Ford Foxus Estate
€33 / Day
4x
3x
A/C
5x
BMW X1
BMW X1
€33 / Day
4x
3x
A/C
4x
BMW 5 series
BMW 5 series
€45 / Day
8x
4x
A/C
5x
Ford Tourneo
Ford Tourneo
€55 / Day
4x
2x
A/C
2x
BMW 4 Cabrio
BMW 4 Cabrio
€65 / Day

We have the largest selection of cars in Cardiff. What do we offer:

  • New cars 2024 of the year.
  • Cars of any class from budget to premium.
  • A wide range of models: convertibles, sedans, SUVs, minivans.

What affects the cost of renting a car in Cardiff? These are three indicators: car class, time of year and rental period. The highest prices are in summer, and the lowest are in autumn and winter. The tariff is reduced if you order the service for a long time. Some specific examples: a compact model Opel Corsa in March-April costs about €23 per day. But book a car right away for a week - and the price will drop to €13 per day. These are standard prices for budget cars. The middle class will cost an average of €34-€43 per 24 hours. This can be Audi A4, Ford Foxus Estate or VW Tiguan. In Cardiff convertibles can be rented for a minimum of €58. Luxury models raise the bar to €331 per day. Some exclusive cars are valued at more than 400€ per day.

The demand for electric cars is growing not only in the segment of their sales. These cars are just as popular when renting, which is often accompanied by the provision of a free parking space and the possibility of free car charging around the city. To rent an electric car you should set the appropriate filter. Moreover, the rental of KIA E-Niro when ordering in Cardiff will cost quite a modest amount.

Required documents for rental cars

Driving license
Credit card
Voucher
Passport
Attention!

A valid international driver's license is required!

Expert Car Rental Tips: 10 Things to Keep in Mind

Download Google maps offline

Before the trip, we recommend that you download the necessary maps to the Google Maps application on your smartphone. This will allow you to build travel routes and use offline navigation on the ground. Thus, you can significantly save on Internet roaming charges, as well as on the "Navigator" service. Downloading the map is easy. You should select the required area, set the desired scale and enter "ok maps" in the search field.

Cardiff 1

Book a car in advance

Cardiff is a popular tourist destination, so car rental is consistently in demand. The earlier you book a car, the more options there will be and the lower the prices will be. Choose transport online at least 6 weeks before your visit. Better yet, do it as soon as you start planning your vacation. If plans change, you can cancel your booking without penalty up to 48 hours before it starts.

Which car to choose

The compact model is relevant for city trips in Cardiff. It can be Fiat 500 or Opel Corsa. Mountain routes require a more powerful four-wheel drive vehicle - Ford Foxus Estate or similar model. You can order an SUV for just €35 per day;

What you need to pay attention to at the time of receiving a car

Before picking up, you are required to carefully inspect the car and point out to the rental company manager for scratches, damage and defects, such as dirty seat upholstery. You should check the ignition and the fuel level in the tank. You need to know the conditions for returning the car - where exactly, with what amount of fuel to return the car.

The rental agreement must include a telephone number to contact the rental company. It is designed so that customers can get help in emergency situations, such as when a car breaks down or in the event of an accident. A call to the rental company should be done first, even before the arrival of the police.

Insurance advice

Rental companies in Cardiff may offer different insurance options. They differ in price and set of options. Here are the basic types:

  • Third Party Liability (TPL)/Third Liability Protection (TLP). This is a third party liability protection. If you are the culprit of an accident, the insurance will compensate for the costs of the victims for you.
  • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This is to protect your vehicle from any damage. She works with a franchise. This is the amount that you will have to pay in case of damage in any case. The company will cover anything over the limit. The insurance does not cover theft.
  • Theft Insurance (TI)/Theft Protection (TP)/Theft Waiver (TW). This is car theft protection. Operates with a franchise.
  • Super Loss Damage Waiver (SLDW)/Theft Protection+Collision Damage Waiver (TP+CDW). Full protection against theft and damage, even if you are the culprit of the accident.
  • Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). This is medical insurance for the driver and passengers.

If you want to save money and choose the cheapest insurance, carefully inspect the car upon receipt. Make sure the machine is not damaged. Cardiff 2

Fuel prepayment terms

When renting a car, you should pay attention to the fuel policy of rental companies. Often, when renting, tourists have to pay the cost of a full tank of fuel. This option is suitable for long-term rentals and long trips. But if you're only renting Cardiff for a day or two, or if you're only planning short trips, such as to a small island, then you probably won't need a full tank. You can get acquainted with the fuel policy in the "Important information" section of the car you have chosen.

Cardiff 3

Unlimited mileage

According to the rental conditions, the mileage can be limited or unlimited. Travel lovers should choose the option without a limit. It will cost more, but in the end it will save. Check the appropriate box to filter offers with unlimited mileage.

Cardiff 4

Compare prices and conditions from different car rental companies

When choosing a rental car in Cardiff, you should carefully read all the terms of the rental. This is due to the fact that different companies may differ not only in rental prices, but also in conditions for limiting mileage, the cost of additional services, and the amount of the deposit. To compare rental conditions, it is convenient to use the search and booking system on our website.

How to choose a rental company

When renting a car in Cardiff, you should carefully read all the conditions offered by the rental company. Depending on the specific company, they may differ in mileage, insurance coverage, deposit amount, accompanying services and their cost. You should choose proven and reliable companies that offer new cars and stand out due to the well-thought-out organization of work with customers. Additionally, you can study the rating of distributors, which is also available on our website.

Cardiff 5

If we talk about the best companies in Cardiff, then it is worth highlighting sixt with a rating 9.8 and budget, the average rating of which is 9.7 points.

Getting a car at a rental office

You should show a voucher and personal documents. A manager draws up a lease agreement. The deposit is blocked on the card.

Before leaving the rental, turn on the ignition, find out the amount of fuel and compare it with what is written in the contract.

Inspect the car carefully. Point out to the manager any paint chips and scuffs. The employee must record the damage. Take a photo yourself: they should show the defect, the number of the car and the employee of the rental company. This will help to avoid problems when returning the car: it will prove that it was not you who torn the upholstery or scratched the fender.

Our main advantages

24/7 support in all popular languages
Change or cancel within 48 hours for free!
No additional fees

Car rental reviews: Cardiff

Based on 8255 reviews
Rate 4,8/5
Based on 8255 reviews
Tony
4,8
Without a doubt, I will continue to use Bookingautos on a regular basis. Thank you very much for your assistance!
Michael
4,7
Excellent value for money. The pick-up process was a little confusing, but I would use it again!
Luna
4,5
The search was very simple to use, the price was really low, and there were no problems with the rental car company.
Jody
4,9
Everything proceeded as expected. The complete coverage compensation really worked.

Download the BookingAutos mobile app

Download our mobile app and get access to special offers and discounts in Cardiff.