How to find a cheap car hire deal in Cardiff
Pick up a cheap rental car in Cardiff for around RM262 a day and drive away happy. We do the hard work for you by searching trusted rental companies, so you can easily compare prices and book.
RM214 is the cheapest daily price for a rental in Cardiff.
For longer trips, grab a weekly rental from RM867 and pack in more adventures.
Here's your inside scoop on when to book. Four weeks in advance is your sweet spot for driving off with the best price on a Cardiff car hire.
Check out the offers available with Keddy By Europcar, Enterprise and Budget. They rank among the city's most trusted providers.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Cardiff car hire policy, whether with Keddy By Europcar or any other supplier. Some companies might not include it in the base price and instead sell it separately.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to land a good deal if the provider needs to move vehicles between sites. Find 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 car with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise fuel add-ons when you hand back the keys either.
Want to explore without stressing about how many miles you clock up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra costs.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value can be found with this company, with average prices at RM616 a day.
In second position is this provider, offering daily rates of around RM606.
The third option also delivers savings with every booking. Expect to pay roughly RM604 a day for one of their rentals.
If you're not sure what kind of ride you need, consider something from the Economy rental category. It's the most frequently booked vehicle type in Cardiff.
Flying to Cardiff? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're flying into Cardiff, make tracks sooner by booking a car hire at Cardiff Airport. The drive from this airport to the city centre is around 19 kilometres and takes about 25 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Cardiff
Small: These cheap rental cars in Cardiff may be small in size, but they live up to big expectations. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to drive, great on mileage, and just the thing for city driving.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this just-right ride is calling your name. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of interior space and fuel efficiency and are good for couples and small families.
Large: Offering greater driving comfort and enhanced tech features, this Cardiff car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier rear seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV goes wherever you do. It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for highways, backroads, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also come with extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Cardiff is built to handle heavier loads and bigger groups. They're spacious, versatile, and ready to take on any task.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something to think about. If your vehicle is damaged, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a hefty excess fee. Different Cardiff car hire providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the details before booking.
From GPS units to reverse cameras, 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 Cardiff.
Good to know
Generally, you have to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in the United Kingdom. Some providers still accept younger drivers — just expect some added charges or limits. Check the suppliers' terms and conditions before booking.
Add a car seat to your Cardiff car hire booking if you're planning to travel with the kids. Regulations change from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their size and age is always the safest way to go.
You'll be asked for a few things when collecting your rental car: your physical driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card that can cover the security deposit. Debit cards are generally not accepted. The full set of requirements will be laid out in your booking.
If you haven't driven before in the United Kingdom, don't forget that traffic here sticks to the left side of the road.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's usually around 40kph in built-up areas and 100kph or so on highways. Always go with what's posted on the road signs.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United Kingdom is 0.08%. Because alcohol doesn't affect all people equally, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink at all.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid rush hours if you want a smoother run.
You'll be using the British pound (GBP) here. In addition to your bank cards, have some cash on hand for smaller purchases.
The language most commonly used in this country is English.
Best hotels in Cardiff for drivers
Pull in and enjoy your stay at Glendale Hotel. Offering parking as well as a restaurant and a bar, this hotel is around 5 kilometres from central Cardiff.
The Gwaelod y Garth Inn is also a good option if your plans involve plenty of driving. It features parking, plus a restaurant and room service. Make this your base and you'll be roughly 10 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse through the hotels in Cardiff for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find the ideal fit. You can even apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to zero in on EV-friendly stays.
After you've found a car hire deal in Cardiff and the right hotel, it's time to plan where to go first. Cardiff Castle, St Fagans National History Museum and Cardiff Bay give you a real taste of the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Cardiff
Keep travelling to Bristol. Around 40 kilometres east of central Cardiff, it's home to must-see sights like Clifton Suspension Bridge and Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.
Popular accommodation options with parking in Bristol include Future Inn Bristol and Novotel Bristol Centre.
Or pick up your cheap car hire in Cardiff and drive around 18 kilometres northeast to Newport. Featuring Newport Castle and Riverside Park, its attractions speak for themselves.
Ibis Budget Newport and Cwrt Bleddyn Hotel are comfy places to stay in Newport if you've got more than a quick stop in mind. Choose one of these and enjoy an easy pull-up-and-check-in experience.
When the drive's been this good, why hit the brakes? Motor on to Manchester, about 225 kilometres north of Cardiff. From Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour to Royal Exchange Theatre, it'll round out your trip nicely.
All that's left to do now is sleep. Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly and Travelodge Manchester Central Arena have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Manchester.
