How to find a cheap car hire deal in Sunderland
Searching for a cheap rental car in Sunderland? You're right where you need to be. With prices averaging RM292 a day, we compare the best offers so you can choose fast, spend less, and hit the road happy.
The cheapest daily rental price in Sunderland is RM221.
Planning a longer trip and want to explore beyond the main attractions? RM576 is the best rate for a weekly rental.
To land the best price on a Sunderland car hire, it's a good idea to book in advance. Rates generally climb as your travel dates approach, and any last-minute deals can vanish like a disappearing act.
Europcar, Keddy By Europcar and Enterprise are some of the best-known providers in the city. They're a great starting point for comparing offers.
The coverage Europcar or another company includes with your Sunderland car hire can vary, so be sure to check the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra charge.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to pick up a bargain if the provider needs to relocate some of its vehicles. Find the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Cut down on fuel costs by choosing a vehicle that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up the car with a full tank and return it full, so you're only paying for what you use.
Hit the road without counting the miles and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you drive as far as you want.
Best value car hire options right now
In the number-one spot for value is this company, with prices averaging RM1,357 a day.
Coming in next is this provider, which offers daily rates of around RM532.
The third option also shows up on the list of top-value suppliers. Ride away in one of their rentals for roughly RM1,303 a day.
If you're unsure what kind of ride you need, consider something from the Economy rental category. It's the most commonly booked type of car in Sunderland.
Compare car hire types in Sunderland
Small: Whether you're navigating busy cities or taking a short trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to good fuel efficiency and easy handling.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, space and comfort. Easy to manoeuvre in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they work well for most trips.
Large: Offering greater driving comfort and improved tech features, this Sunderland car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger rear seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a commanding view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating trickier terrain or cruising down long stretches of highway, many offer all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.
Van: Featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Sunderland is built to handle heavier loads and bigger groups. They're tough, dependable, and ready to take on any task.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers what you'd otherwise have to pay if your Sunderland car hire is damaged or stolen. While not compulsory, it can be a real lifesaver if something goes wrong. Just remember that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.
Upgrade your ride with nifty extras like a reverse camera or navigation unit. These features can make your trip more comfortable and stress-free when you rent a car in Sunderland.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a vehicle in the United Kingdom is generally 21 years old. However some providers set their own rules, so always read your rental company's terms to find out what applies to you.
Add a car seat to your Sunderland car hire reservation if you're planning to travel with the kids. Rules can change from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their size and age is always the safest approach.
You'll need to hand over a few things when collecting your rental car: your physical driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with room to cover the excess. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Your booking will flag any other must-haves.
Take a few moments to get used to your rental. Adjust your seat and mirrors, find the lights and wipers, and get used to its handling before you set off. And importantly, stick to the left side of the road in the United Kingdom.
Stay within local speed limits of about 40kph in urban areas and around 100kph on highways. Road signs will show if a different limit applies.
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.
Try to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a faster run. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the British pound (GBP) for everything you buy on your trip. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cash and cards so you always have a backup option.
English is the language you'll hear most people speak in this country.
Best hotels in Sunderland for drivers
Pull in and settle straight into your stay at The Lemonfield Hotel. Offering parking as well as bicycle rentals and internet access, this hotel is about 3 kilometres from central Sunderland.
Grand Hotel Sunderland also works well for a trip built around driving. It features accessible parking, along with a cafe and a fitness centre. Check in here and you'll be roughly 3 kilometres from the city centre.
Need more places to choose from? Browse the lineup of hotels in Sunderland. You can narrow things down using the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If you're driving electric, you can select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter too.
It's time to start exploring now you've locked in a car hire deal in Sunderland and your hotel. From Seaburn Beach to Northern Spire Bridge and The Royalty Theatre, you'll never run out of things to do here.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Sunderland
Stockton-on-Tees should be on your itinerary if you'd like to visit RSPB Saltholme and Seal Sands Nature Reserve. This city is about 40 kilometres south of central Sunderland.
Leonardo Hotel Middlesbrough and Holiday Inn Express Middlesbrough - Centre Square by IHG are reliable accommodation options with parking in Stockton-on-Tees.
Alternatively, pick up your cheap car hire in Sunderland and then take off to Carlisle. Roughly 97 kilometres west of Sunderland, Carlisle Cathedral and Solway Aviation Museum are big attractions that make the drive more than worth it.
Carlisle Station Hotel, Sure Hotel Collection by BW and Crown & Mitre Hotel are comfortable places to stay in Carlisle if you're hanging around for a while. Book one of these and skip the stress of finding somewhere to leave your ride.
Want to head even further out? Edinburgh is a top road trip destination that's around 161 kilometres northwest of Sunderland. Plan to make a few pit stops at Edinburgh Castle and Castle Rock.
Next up: catching some z's. Ten Hill Place and Yotel Edinburgh have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Edinburgh.
