Canterbury Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Canterbury

Renting a car in Canterbury is an excellent choice for those looking to explore the city and its surroundings at their own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily visit key attractions such as the renowned Canterbury Cathedral, which offers rich cultural experiences. A short drive will take you to Whitstable Beach and Whitstable Harbour, both located just 10 km away, perfect for those seeking beach and scenic experiences.

The convenience of a rental car allows for flexible travel plans, making it suitable for families who need space for luggage and equipment while keeping everyone together. You can also venture to nearby destinations like Faversham, 14 km away, featuring Belmont House and Gardens, or Herne Bay, just 11 km from Canterbury, known for its central beach. This freedom to explore various cultural and outdoor sites enhances your travel experience, allowing you to create a personalised itinerary that accommodates your interests. In Canterbury, your car rental will provide the flexibility and convenience needed to make the most of your trip.

Most popular car rentals in Canterbury

• Midsize SUV: This car type is a popular choice for those travelling in groups, accommodating up to 5 travellers with space for 3 large suitcases. The Midsize SUV is ideal for families, couples, or small groups looking to explore Canterbury comfortably. With its spacious interior, it provides ample legroom and cargo capacity, making it perfect for longer journeys while allowing for easy luggage management.
• Compact: A versatile option that comfortably seats 5 travellers and accommodates up to 3 medium suitcases. The Compact car is well-suited for solo travellers, couples, or families who prefer a more economical choice without sacrificing comfort. It offers excellent manoeuvrability in the city and is easy to park, making it a great option for exploring Canterbury’s attractions at your own pace.
• Economy: Ideal for budget-conscious travellers, this car type accommodates 5 travellers with room for up to 2 medium suitcases. The Economy car is perfect for solo travellers or couples seeking a cost-effective option for their trip. Its smaller size allows for easy navigation through Canterbury’s streets while providing sufficient space for luggage, making it a practical choice for those looking to explore without the extra bulk.

Top rated car suppliers in Canterbury

• Enterprise: Enterprise is the top choice for car rentals in Canterbury, with a dedicated location in the city. Known for their excellent service, they offer a diverse range of vehicles, with the most popular options being Midsize SUVs and Compacts. This supplier allows travellers to explore the beautiful attractions in and around Canterbury at their own pace, making it an ideal option for those who value flexibility and convenience.

Where to stay around Canterbury

• Whitstable: Located 10 km from Canterbury, Whitstable is a charming seaside city perfect for a beach holiday. You can enjoy the scenic views at Whitstable Beach and visit the picturesque Whitstable Harbour. With nearby attractions like the renowned Canterbury Cathedral, this area also offers delightful dining options, including wineries and restaurants, making it a great choice for food enthusiasts.
• Faversham: Just 14 km away from Canterbury, Faversham is ideal for those seeking outdoor and cultural experiences. Explore the historic Belmont House and Gardens or the beautiful Mount Ephraim Gardens, both excellent for family visits. The city also features shopping areas and breweries, ensuring you have plenty of options for leisure and local delicacies.
• Herne Bay: Situated 11 km from Canterbury, Herne Bay offers a lovely beach experience and is perfect for outdoor activities. Visit Herne Bay Central Beach or East Beach for a relaxing day by the sea. The area is also known for its vibrant local scene, with numerous wineries and bars nearby, making it an excellent spot for enjoying evenings after a day of exploring.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car to save on costs, utilizing filters on Expedia can assist you in locating the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates fluctuate based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you're more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are generally more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre and park in busy areas. Mid-size rentals offer a solid balance of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 years of age may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters aged over 70. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Other rentals may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options as well, which can also be acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports usually incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the extra cost.
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 unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is mandatory for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Canterbury

The best value period to rent a car in and around Canterbury is February, when both prices and demand are low. January and February are usually quieter times, offering good rates. Following that, October and November may also provide slightly low prices, though demand starts to pick up. In contrast, April tends to be the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and low demand in the area. March also sees slightly high prices as demand begins to increase.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	42.3°F (5.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly High
February	42.6°F (5.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
March	45.0°F (7.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
April	48.6°F (9.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly High
May	53.6°F (12.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
June	59.2°F (15.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	63.5°F (17.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
August	64.0°F (17.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	61.0°F (16.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	56.1°F (13.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
November	49.3°F (9.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Slightly Low
December	45.0°F (7.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average