Car Hire at Durham University, GBR

Reasons to book a car hire around Durham University

Renting a car around Durham University is an excellent choice for those looking to explore the area with freedom and flexibility. With a rental car, you can easily visit notable attractions such as the historic Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle, both located just 1 km away, allowing for a seamless cultural experience. The Beamish Open Air Museum, situated 14 km from the university, offers a unique glimpse into the past, perfect for adventure seekers and history enthusiasts alike.

A car also enhances your travel experience by simplifying luggage management. You can conveniently store your belongings while you explore, making it easier to visit nearby cities like Shincliffe and Langley Moor, both just 2 km away, which feature similar attractions. This flexibility is particularly appealing for families, romantic getaways, or those eager to meet friendly locals while discovering the rich history of the region. Overall, a rental car offers a practical solution for navigating the beautiful surroundings of Durham University, ensuring that your sightseeing is both enjoyable and stress-free.

Most popular car hires near Durham University

• Midsize SUV: This vehicle is a popular choice for those visiting around Durham University, accommodating up to 5 travellers with ample space for up to 3 large suitcases. It's ideal for families, couples, or small groups who appreciate the combination of comfort and practicality, especially when exploring the region's attractions at their own pace.
• Compact: Suitable for up to 5 travellers, this car can hold up to 3 medium suitcases, making it an excellent option for solo travellers, couples, or families. Its manageable size makes navigating city streets and parking easier, providing a convenient way to explore the local area surrounding Durham University.
• Economy: This car type accommodates 5 travellers and offers space for up to 2 medium suitcases. It's a great choice for solo travellers, couples, or families who want to keep costs low while still enjoying the freedom of exploring Durham University and its nearby attractions with ease and flexibility.

Top rated car suppliers near Durham University

• Europcar: Renowned for its reliable service, Europcar has a rental location situated 19 km away from Durham University. This supplier is particularly popular among travellers, offering a range of vehicles including Economy and Mini classes. With Europcar, you can enjoy the flexibility of exploring attractions around Durham University at your own pace, making it a great choice for your car hire needs.

Where to stay near Durham University

• Durham City Centre: Staying in the heart of Durham offers immediate access to the historic charms of Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle, both renowned for their cultural significance. The city's vibrant atmosphere is enhanced by numerous dining options, ensuring you can enjoy local cuisine after exploring the scenic recreational areas. This is an ideal location for those who appreciate outdoor adventures and wish to immerse themselves in the historical setting.
• Chester-le-Street: Located 10 km from Durham University, Chester-le-Street is a great choice for culture enthusiasts. This city features attractions such as the Pelaw Grange Greyhound Stadium and Finchale Priory, offering a mix of history and outdoor activities. With local restaurants and bars, you can enjoy a relaxing evening after a day of exploration. The proximity to Durham makes it a convenient base for your adventures.
• Bishop Auckland: Approximately 13 km from Durham University, Bishop Auckland is well-suited for outdoor lovers and those seeking adventure. With highlights like Auckland Castle and the stunning North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty nearby, this city is perfect for scenic escapades. After a day of exploring Hamsterley Forest, unwind in local bars or coffee shops, making it an excellent spot for a rejuvenating stay.

10 tips to save on your car hire around Durham University

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by specifying vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for the summer months, or an economical car for cost-effectiveness, utilise the filters on Expedia to identify the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary with demand, making it advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy improved availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 years may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This limitation can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This option is generally the most advantageous. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling alternatives, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the vehicle empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but the added convenience may 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. Adding car hire insurance when booking with Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on undertaking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra 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 around Durham University

The best value period to rent a car around Durham University is February, when prices tend to be slightly lower and demand is high. April also offers a good opportunity with slightly low prices and average demand. However, June through August see higher demand and slightly elevated prices, making them the busiest time for rentals. September is typically the most expensive month, with prices and demand remaining high, followed by October, which returns to average pricing and demand levels.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	38.8°F (3.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	39.9°F (4.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Slightly Low
March	42.3°F (5.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	45.7°F (7.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
May	50.7°F (10.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
June	56.3°F (13.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Slightly Low
July	59.7°F (15.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
August	59.4°F (15.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	55.9°F (13.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly High
October	50.7°F (10.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	44.6°F (7.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
December	40.5°F (4.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average