Nottingham Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Nottingham

Renting a car in Nottingham offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily visit key attractions like Wollaton Hall, a natural history museum perfect for family and cultural experiences, and Nottingham Castle, which invites romance and cultural exploration. The convenience of managing your luggage and creating flexible travel plans makes a rental car an appealing choice for all types of travellers. You can also venture beyond the city limits to nearby destinations such as Ilkeston, located 11 km from Nottingham, where you can enjoy attractions like Elvaston Castle. West Bridgford, another local neighbourhood, features Nottingham Castle and Old Market Square, making it easy to explore multiple sites in one trip. For families seeking adventure or outdoor experiences, having a car allows for spontaneous stops and easy access to various attractions. Overall, renting a car in and around Nottingham ensures a smooth travel experience, allowing you to make the most of your visit while exploring the rich culture and history of the region.

Most popular car rentals in Nottingham

• Compact: The Compact car is a popular choice for those exploring Nottingham, accommodating up to 5 travellers with the ability to carry up to 3 medium suitcases. This option is ideal for solo travellers, couples, or small families, offering a balance of comfort and efficiency. Its size makes it easy to navigate through city streets while still providing enough space for luggage, making your travel plans flexible and convenient.
• Midsize Van: If you're travelling with a larger group, the Midsize Van is an excellent option. It can accommodate up to 9 travellers and carry up to 6 large suitcases, making it perfect for families or groups looking to explore Nottingham together. This vehicle provides ample space for everyone and their belongings, ensuring a comfortable journey as you discover the city's attractions, all while enjoying the freedom that comes with renting a van.
• Standard SUV: The Standard SUV is another great choice for those visiting Nottingham, comfortably seating up to 5 travellers and allowing for 2 medium suitcases. This option is particularly well-suited for couples and families who appreciate a bit of extra space and a higher driving position. With its versatility, the Standard SUV can handle various road conditions, making it a reliable choice for your travels around the area.

Top rated car suppliers in Nottingham

• Europcar: With a rental location conveniently situated in Nottingham, Europcar is a popular choice among travellers. Known for its well-maintained fleet, the most booked vehicles include Compact and Midsize SUVs, which are perfect for navigating both city streets and countryside adventures. Europcar offers flexibility, allowing you to explore Nottingham and its surrounding attractions at your own pace.
• Sixt: Sixt also has a rental location in Nottingham, providing travellers with a friendly and efficient service. Their fleet features a range of vehicles, with the most popular choices being Compact and Standard SUVs. This makes Sixt a great option for those looking to combine comfort with practicality while discovering all that Nottingham has to offer.
• Enterprise: With two rental locations in Nottingham, Enterprise stands out for its convenience and variety. They offer a selection of vehicles, with Midsize Vans and Economy cars being the most frequently booked. This supplier is ideal for groups or families needing extra space, ensuring that your travel experience around Nottingham is both comfortable and enjoyable.

Where to stay in and around Nottingham

• Nottingham City Centre: Located in the heart of Nottingham, this vibrant neighbourhood is perfect for family and culture-themed experiences. Popular attractions include the historic Nottingham Castle and the lively Old Market Square, both ideal for immersing yourself in local culture. Enjoy the nearby Wolla­ton Hall, which serves as a natural history museum suitable for family outings. With various food and drink options, including pubs and distilleries, Nottingham City Centre is an excellent choice for those seeking entertainment and culinary delights.
• Long Eaton: A charming village in the Nottingham area, Long Eaton is well-suited for outdoor and family activities. The picturesque Grange Park offers a great spot for relaxation and family fun, while the Donington Park Racing Circuit caters to sports enthusiasts seeking adventure. The local modern college university and arena entertainment facility add to the engaging atmosphere. Long Eaton is ideal for those looking to enjoy the outdoors while being close to educational and recreational venues.
• Castle Donington: Situated 18 km from Nottingham, Castle Donington is a fantastic destination for sports and adventure lovers. The renowned Donington Park Racing Circuit provides thrilling motor racing experiences, while the nearby theme park adds to the excitement. Recreational areas and stadiums also enhance the outdoor experience. For a touch of culture, visit the historic Melbourne Hall or relax in the beautiful Elvaston Castle's private gardens. Castle Donington is perfect for those seeking a blend of adventure and cultural exploration.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting the vehicle type and desired features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer driving, or an economical car for budget-friendliness, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are more likely to lock in lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller vehicles are less expensive to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—may not be accessible. This could also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most favourable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which can be convenient as well. Just be sure to return the car empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may 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 unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It’s straightforward to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Nottingham

The best value period to rent a car in and around Nottingham is November, when prices are moderately low and demand is high. October also offers similar conditions with average prices and steady demand. Following this, September stands out as the quietest month, featuring average prices and low demand. In contrast, August tends to be the most expensive month, with moderately high demand. July and June also see higher rental prices, making them less ideal for budget-conscious renters.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	38.8°F (3.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Moderately Low
February	39.9°F (4.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
March	42.8°F (6.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately Low
April	46.8°F (8.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
June	57.9°F (14.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
July	61.9°F (16.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately High
August	61.5°F (16.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately High
September	57.6°F (14.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
October	51.8°F (11.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	45.0°F (7.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Moderately Low
December	40.6°F (4.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Moderately High