Manchester Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Manchester

Renting a car in Manchester provides you with the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This option is ideal for families and those looking for city-themed or entertainment-related experiences, as a rental car allows for easy luggage management and the ability to create flexible travel plans. With a vehicle, you can conveniently visit key attractions such as Heaton Park, perfect for outdoor family experiences, and the AO Arena, which caters to sports enthusiasts. Deansgate offers a vibrant city atmosphere, making it a must-see on your itinerary.

Additionally, a rental car makes it easy to explore popular destinations like the Manchester City Centre, home to attractions like Salford Quays, or take a short drive to Salford, just 3 km from Manchester, where you can enjoy more exciting sites. The Northern Quarter, featuring Heaton Park and AO Arena, is also easily accessible. With a rental car, you have the convenience to travel comfortably and make the most of your time in and around Manchester.

Most popular car rentals in Manchester

• Midsize SUV: Accommodating up to 5 travellers and providing space for 3 large suitcases, the Midsize SUV is perfect for families, couples, or small groups. This option offers ample room for both passengers and luggage, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer comfort and flexibility while exploring Manchester and its surroundings.
• Economy: Ideal for solo travellers, couples, or small families, the Economy car can comfortably seat 5 passengers and hold up to 2 medium suitcases. This option is perfect for those looking to save on fuel costs while enjoying the convenience of a rental vehicle. Its compact size allows for easy navigation through Manchester’s streets.
• Compact SUV: The Compact SUV provides a balance between space and manoeuvrability, accommodating 5 travellers and up to 3 medium suitcases. This makes it a suitable choice for solo adventurers, couples, or families who want a bit more room without sacrificing ease of driving in urban settings. Enjoy the flexibility of exploring Manchester with this versatile vehicle.

Top rated car suppliers in Manchester

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo is a popular choice among travellers in Manchester, boasting a single rental location in the area. Known for friendly service, Alamo has an overall rating of 7.6 out of 10. Customers appreciate the ease of renting, with a focus on Compact SUVs and Midsize SUVs as the most booked vehicle types. This supplier provides a reliable option for those looking to explore Manchester at their own pace.
• Enterprise: With over five rental locations in Manchester, Enterprise stands out for its exceptional customer service and quick pickup times. This supplier is highly rated for its friendly staff and efficient processes, making it a top choice for many travellers. The most popular vehicles include Compact and Midsize SUVs, ensuring travellers have a range of options for their adventures around the city.
• Europcar: Europcar operates two rental locations in Manchester and is well-regarded for providing a selection of Compact and Midsize SUVs. Customers appreciate the convenience of renting from Europcar, as well as the quality of the vehicles. This supplier is an excellent choice for those who value a straightforward rental experience while exploring all that Manchester has to offer.

Where to stay in and around Manchester

• Manchester City Centre: Located at the heart of the city, Manchester City Centre is ideal for those seeking a family, city-themed, or business experience. With attractions such as the AO Arena for sports and the bustling shopping area, this neighbourhood offers a vibrant atmosphere. Nearby points of interest include Deansgate, a lively street perfect for city exploration, and Salford Quays, a charming town neighbourhood. You'll find a variety of restaurants and breweries to satisfy your culinary cravings.
• Salford: Just 3 km from Manchester, Salford provides visitors with a family-friendly and outdoor experience. The neighbourhood boasts attractions like the marina and Heaton Park, which is excellent for outdoor activities. The AO Arena also serves sports enthusiasts. For shopping, the local shopping centre and mall offer a range of options. Salford Quays is another highlight, offering a picturesque setting for relaxation and exploration.
• Stockport: Located 10 km away from Manchester, Stockport is perfect for family, outdoor, and city-themed experiences. The area features recreational spots and an arena entertainment facility. Key attractions include the Chadkirk Chapel Museum for culture enthusiasts and the historic Old Town Dungeon & Court House. With local dining options and sweet treats, Stockport provides a delightful escape from the bustling city while still being accessible.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can fluctuate based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your reservation well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to access lower prices and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a solid balance of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might be unavailable. This policy can also affect renters over 70 years of age. Always verify the age requirements prior to making a booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are also acceptable; just ensure you return the car empty in this case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may often incur a surcharge when picking up your rental car at airports, but the added convenience might justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unexpected events during your trip. Adding car rental insurance while booking with Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning a long road trip, look for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Manchester

The best time to rent a car in and around Manchester is February, when both prices and demand are at their lowest. January also offers slightly low prices with moderate demand, making it a reasonable choice. As spring approaches, March and April see average prices and moderate demand. However, August is the peak season, with slightly high prices and high demand, making it the most expensive month for rentals. July and August are particularly busy, increasing rental costs and competition for vehicles.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	39.0°F (3.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
February	39.9°F (4.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
March	42.6°F (5.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average
April	46.9°F (8.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	52.2°F (11.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
June	57.7°F (14.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
July	60.6°F (15.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	60.1°F (15.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	56.5°F (13.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Average
October	51.3°F (10.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	45.0°F (7.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
December	40.8°F (4.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average