Car Rentals in Cheltenham, GBR

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Cheltenham

Renting a car in Cheltenham offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surrounding attractions at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can conveniently manage your luggage while discovering key sites such as Sudeley Castle and the Cotswold Countryside Collection, both located in the area. For those seeking cultural experiences, Gloucester Cathedral is only 12 km away, making it an easy and enjoyable drive.

Additionally, a rental car allows you to venture into the stunning Cotswolds, just 13 km from Cheltenham, where you can appreciate the beautiful countryside and visit sites like Chedworth Roman Villa. Cities like Bourton-on-the-Water and Gloucester are also within reach, featuring attractions such as The Model Village and The Promenade. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for families or groups who wish to travel together without the constraints of public transport. Having your own vehicle means you can create a personalised itinerary, ensuring you make the most of your experience in and around Cheltenham.

Most popular car hires in Cheltenham

• Compact: The Compact car is a popular choice for many travellers in Cheltenham, accommodating up to 5 people and allowing for 3 medium suitcases. This option is ideal for solo adventurers, couples, or small families looking for a convenient and economical way to explore the area while managing luggage easily. Its size makes it perfect for navigating Cheltenham’s streets and surrounding attractions at your own pace.
• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV offers a bit more space and comfort, accommodating 5 travellers with up to 3 large suitcases. This car type is particularly well-suited for families, couples, or small groups who require extra room for both passengers and luggage. With its elevated driving position and versatility, the Midsize SUV allows for a comfortable travel experience while exploring the scenic routes around Cheltenham.
• Economy: The Economy car is a fantastic choice for those looking for affordability and efficiency. It comfortably seats up to 5 travellers and manages up to 2 medium suitcases. This option is ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families who wish to keep costs down while enjoying the freedom to explore Cheltenham. Its compact size makes it easy to park and manoeuvre through the town, making it a practical choice for your car hire adventure.

Top rated car suppliers in Cheltenham

• Hertz: With a rental location conveniently situated in Cheltenham, Hertz is a top choice for travellers seeking flexibility. They offer a variety of vehicles, with the Compact and Midsize SUV being the most popular options among customers. Renting from Hertz allows you to explore the beautiful surroundings of Cheltenham at your own pace, making it easy to manage your luggage and adjust your itinerary as needed.
• Enterprise: Enterprise stands out with two rental locations in Cheltenham, providing excellent convenience for visitors. Known for their reliable service, they offer a diverse selection of vehicles, primarily focusing on Compact and Midsize cars. This ensures you can find the perfect vehicle to suit your travel needs while enjoying the freedom to discover the attractions in and around Cheltenham.

Where to stay in and around Cheltenham

• Cotswolds: Located 13 km from Cheltenham, Cotswolds offers a picturesque setting for those seeking outdoor adventures and scenic experiences. Visitors can explore local attractions such as Sudeley Castle, ideal for a romantic getaway, or the Chedworth Roman Villa, which caters to history enthusiasts. The area is dotted with delightful food and drink options, including distilleries and sweet treat shops, making it a lovely base for exploring the national park and nearby recreational areas.
• Bourton-on-the-Water: This charming village situated close to Cheltenham is known for its stunning scenery and family-friendly activities. Key highlights include The Model Village, a miniature display that delights visitors of all ages, and the Cotswold Motoring Museum, perfect for transport enthusiasts. With local shopping centres and recreational areas, Bourton-on-the-Water provides a great atmosphere for families looking to enjoy sweet treats and distilleries nearby.
• Gloucester: Just 12 km from Cheltenham, Gloucester is a vibrant city that caters to families and business travellers alike. The city boasts attractions such as the magnificent Gloucester Cathedral, which is steeped in culture, and The Promenade, known for its shopping experience. Visitors can also explore the Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre, ideal for eco-friendly pursuits. With a variety of dining options, including local distilleries, Gloucester serves as a lively hub during your stay.

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

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 enjoyment, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to help you discover the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary with demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in congested areas. Mid-size rentals offer a balanced combination of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 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 over 70 years of age. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals require 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 favourable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure that you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You will often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively 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 something unforeseen occur during your trip. It's straightforward to add car hire insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Cheltenham

The best value time to rent a car in and around Cheltenham is January and February, when prices are moderately low and demand is average. March offers a slight increase in demand but remains a reasonable choice. As spring approaches, April sees average prices and demand, while May tends to be the most expensive month with moderately high demand. Following this, June through August also have moderately high demand and prices, making these months busier for rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	39.4°F (4.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately Low
February	40.5°F (4.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately Low
March	43.2°F (6.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average
April	47.1°F (8.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	52.7°F (11.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Moderately High
June	58.3°F (14.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Average
July	61.9°F (16.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Moderately High
August	61.2°F (16.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately High
September	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average
October	52.0°F (11.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	45.3°F (7.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Moderately Low
December	41.5°F (5.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average