Car Rentals in Brighton, GBR

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Brighton

Renting a car in Brighton offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage while visiting popular attractions such as Brighton Beach, Brighton Pier, and Brighton Marina, all conveniently located within the city. Families will find a rental car particularly advantageous, providing ample space for strollers and other essentials while keeping everyone together during the trip.

Additionally, having a car makes it convenient to venture beyond Brighton. Just 2 km away, you can explore Hove, which features Hove Park and the scenic St. Mary and St. Abraam Coptic Orthodox Church. A short drive of 4 km takes you to the wider Brighton and Hove area, where you can again enjoy Brighton Beach, Brighton Pier, and Brighton Marina. The flexibility of having your own vehicle allows for spontaneous day trips or leisurely explorations, ensuring you make the most of your time in this vibrant coastal city.

Most popular car hires in Brighton

• Economy: The Economy car is a popular choice for solo travellers, couples, and families alike. This vehicle comfortably accommodates up to 5 travellers and allows for up to 2 medium suitcases, making it ideal for those who wish to explore Brighton without the hassle of excessive luggage. Its compact size makes navigating the city’s streets easier, enhancing your travel experience.
• Compact: The Compact car option is well-suited for groups of up to 5 travellers and offers the capacity for up to 3 medium suitcases. This makes it a versatile choice for solo adventurers, couples, or families looking to explore Brighton while maintaining flexibility in their travel plans. The Compact car balances size and practicality, ensuring ease of parking in the busy city centre.
• Midsize SUV: For those travelling with larger groups or more luggage, the Midsize SUV is an excellent option. Accommodating up to 5 travellers and providing space for up to 3 large suitcases, this vehicle is perfect for families, couples, or small groups who value comfort and storage. The Midsize SUV allows for a more spacious interior, making long drives around Brighton a comfortable experience.

Top rated car suppliers in Brighton

• Enterprise: With 2 rental locations in Brighton, Enterprise stands out for its commitment to customer service and convenience. Travellers often choose this supplier for the flexibility it offers, particularly with popular options like Midsize and Standard Vans. This makes it an excellent choice for those needing extra space for luggage or group travel.
• Hertz: Located in Brighton, Hertz is a trusted name in car hire, offering a selection that includes Compact and Midsize SUVs. This supplier is ideal for travellers looking for a reliable vehicle to navigate the scenic routes around Brighton while enjoying a comfortable ride. Their focus on quality ensures a smooth rental experience.
• Sixt: Sixt operates from a rental location in Brighton and is known for its stylish fleet, including Compact and Premium vehicles. This supplier is perfect for those who want a touch of luxury and modern design during their travels. With excellent customer service, Sixt aims to provide a delightful car hire experience in and around the city.

Where to stay in and around Brighton

• Brighton City Centre: Located at the heart of Brighton, this neighbourhood offers a vibrant mix of family-friendly activities, outdoor experiences, and city charm. Visitors can explore the historic Brighton Royal Pavilion, enjoy a day at Brighton Beach, or wander through the eclectic shops in Brighton Lanes. The area also boasts ample food and drink options, including pubs and bars, making it a lively spot for both relaxation and entertainment.
• Kemptown: Renowned for its beachside appeal, Kemptown is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Highlights include Brighton Beach, ideal for sunbathing and seaside fun, and the iconic Brighton Pier, which offers amusement park attractions. The nearby Brighton Marina provides additional outdoor adventures, while various cafes and pubs ensure ample dining choices to suit any palate.
• Hove: Situated just 2 km from Brighton, Hove offers a charming escape with a focus on outdoor activities and family-oriented experiences. Key attractions include Hove Park, a lovely urban park, and the scenic Brighton Beach, which is perfect for a seaside retreat. Visitors can also appreciate the cultural aspect by visiting St. Mary and St. Abraam Coptic Orthodox Church, along with numerous pubs and wineries that enhance the local flavour.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around Brighton

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer driving, or an economy car for cost-effectiveness, utilise filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you are likely to obtain more favourable rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to hire and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—may not be available. This could also apply to drivers over 70 years old. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling choices, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the vehicle empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but the convenience might justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unexpected occur during your trip. It's straightforward to add car hire insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you intend to embark on long road trips, look for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to steer clear of extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential to hire a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Brighton

The best time to rent a car in and around Brighton is November, when prices are slightly low and demand is at its lowest. This period offers great value for those looking to explore the area without the crowds. October also provides moderate pricing and average demand, making it another good option. However, May tends to be the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and average demand, while June through August see high demand and slightly high prices, making them busier times for car hires.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	42.6°F (5.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
February	42.8°F (6.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
March	45.1°F (7.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	48.6°F (9.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	53.4°F (11.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	58.8°F (14.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
July	62.6°F (17.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
August	63.0°F (17.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
September	60.3°F (15.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
October	55.8°F (13.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	49.5°F (9.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
December	45.3°F (7.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low