Bristol Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Bristol

Renting a car in and around Bristol provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage luggage and adjust travel plans as needed, making it especially convenient for families or those with outdoor gear. Key attractions such as the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, the fascinating SS Great Britain maritime museum, and the vibrant Aztec West Business Park are all within easy reach. You can also venture to nearby destinations like Wotton-under-Edge, where you can visit the beautiful Westonbirt Arboretum, or Clevedon, known for its picturesque Clevedon Beach and Court. The ability to travel freely allows you to appreciate the scenic beauty and cultural experiences that Bristol has to offer. Navigating the roads around Bristol is straightforward, ensuring you can maximize your time exploring both the city centre and the charming surrounding areas. A rental car truly enhances your travel experience, allowing for spontaneous adventures and leisurely sightseeing without the constraints of public transport schedules.

Most popular car rentals in Bristol

• Compact: This car type accommodates 5 travellers and offers space for up to 3 medium suitcases, making it an ideal choice for solo travellers, couples, or families. The compact size is perfect for navigating the city streets of Bristol, allowing for easy parking and fuel efficiency, which can enhance your overall travel experience.
• Midsize SUV: With a capacity for 5 travellers and space for up to 3 large suitcases, the midsize SUV is a great option for families, couples, or small groups. This vehicle provides a comfortable ride, ample luggage space, and the versatility needed for both city driving and exploring the countryside around Bristol, ensuring a pleasant journey for all passengers.
• Economy: The economy car accommodates 5 travellers and allows for up to 2 medium suitcases. This option is perfect for solo adventurers, couples, or families looking for a budget-friendly choice. With its smaller size, the economy car is easy to manoeuvre in Bristol's urban environment, making it an excellent option for those who want to keep rental costs low while enjoying the freedom to explore the area.

Top rated car suppliers in Bristol

• Alamo Rent A Car: With 2 rental locations in the Bristol area, Alamo Rent A Car provides great options for travellers seeking flexible transportation. Their most popular vehicles include Compact SUVs and Midsize SUVs, perfect for navigating both city streets and scenic routes. Alamo is known for its efficient service, making the car rental process smooth and hassle-free.
• Europcar: Also boasting 2 rental locations in Bristol, Europcar is a reliable choice for visitors looking to explore the region. They offer a selection of vehicles, with Compact SUVs and Midsize SUVs being the most booked options. Europcar is appreciated for its attentive customer service, ensuring a pleasant experience when picking up and returning your rental.
• Enterprise: With 5 rental locations throughout Bristol, Enterprise stands out for its extensive availability. This supplier offers a variety of vehicles, with Midsize SUVs and Compact SUVs being popular choices among renters. Enterprise is well-regarded for its commitment to customer satisfaction, providing a seamless rental experience that allows you to focus on enjoying your trip.

Where to stay in Bristol

• Bristol City Centre: Ideal for families and city-themed experiences, Bristol City Centre offers a vibrant atmosphere with attractions like Queen Square, Clifton Suspension Bridge, and the SS Great Britain, all within close proximity. Enjoy shopping at local malls or dine at nearby restaurants and distilleries. The area's marina and national park enhance outdoor activities, making it a great base for your Bristol adventure.
• Wotton-under-Edge: Perfect for outdoor and adventure seekers, Wotton-under-Edge is surrounded by natural beauty and historic landmarks. Explore the Westonbirt Arboretum, a splendid location for family outings, or visit Highgrove House and Gardens for a cultural experience. With local shopping centres and bars, this city provides a charming atmosphere for relaxation and exploration.
• Clifton: Known for its family-friendly and outdoor experiences, Clifton boasts attractions like Clifton Down and Brandon Hill, where you can enjoy scenic views and urban parks. The historic Clifton Suspension Bridge is a must-see cultural site. With a variety of restaurants and bars nearby, this neighbourhood offers a delightful blend of leisure and exploration, making it a wonderful choice for your stay.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Bristol

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're in need of an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to help you find the best fit for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can change based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. Booking in advance often allows you to lock in lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller cars are typically less expensive to rent and easier to park in congested areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you are required to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling choices, which are also acceptable. Just ensure that you return the car empty in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, though it could be worth it for the added convenience.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides added peace of mind in case of unforeseen events during your trip. It’s simple to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extended road trips, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra costs.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Bristol

The best value period to rent a car in and around Bristol is November, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderate. January and February also offer quieter times with average to slightly low prices, making them good options. However, July tends to be the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and average demand. August and September follow closely, as they also see slightly high prices along with moderately high demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	40.8°F (4.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average
February	41.5°F (5.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
March	44.1°F (6.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	47.8°F (8.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Average
June	58.6°F (14.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
July	62.2°F (16.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
August	61.3°F (16.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
September	58.1°F (14.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Slightly High
October	53.1°F (11.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Average
November	46.8°F (8.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
December	43.2°F (6.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average