Compare car hire from £31 in Essex, England

Car Hire in Essex

Offering easy access to London, Essex is perfectly situated for car hire. Yet, there’s plenty much closer to home in the county itself for those who rent a car in Essex.

There are idyllic medieval villages and the rolling countryside inspired Constable, one of England’s most popular painters. Whether you want to drive out to the history of Colchester or enjoy the brasher charms of Southend–on–Sea, hiring a car in Essex places everything within easy reach.

Essex’s softer side can be found away from its seaside resorts. There is a wealth of gardens to relax in, including the beautifully restored historic gems of Bridge End and Easton Lodge. Capability Brown sculpted the landscapes at Audley End to offer endless views of temples reflected in serene lakes.

But, if all this sounds a little relaxed for you, your car hire in Essex can also open up the more active pleasures of the great outdoors. From world–class golf courses to the chance to sail the coast or canter on a horse through the countryside, there is no end of chances to get sporty. Feel the thrills at the Lee Valley White Water Centre or just take it easy on a narrowboat trip on the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation.

Cheap Car Hire in Essex

Expedia partners with a vast network of car hire service providers across the UK. This means that we can bring you all the latest Essex car hire deals – and we can offer you cars available for hire wherever you are in the county.

Perhaps you have bagged a bargain flight to London Stansted or London Southend Airport? If so, it’s simple to arrange for your car to be waiting for you as soon as you land.

But, if you are flying from these handy airports in Essex you can also arrange your car hire in your hometown and leave your car at the airport. Thanks to our car hire partners’ nationwide coverage you can always pick up and drop off your hire car in different locations.

Booking your car is easy – and you can do it online to save yourself time and money. A simple search lets you select your car from the best deals available at the most convenient location for you. Make your booking and your car will be waiting for you – just pick up the keys, get behind the wheel and cruise off to the coast or to Constable country.

You’ll find a wide choice of cars available to hire. If you are travelling on business there are executive cars offering more than a splash of style. If you are travelling on a budget you’ll find plenty of choice of economy–class cars. For families and larger groups, our spacious SUVs ensure everyone enjoys a comfortable ride.

Car Hire in Clacton–on–Sea

The traditional pleasures of the seaside are offered a modern twist in Clacton. Your day out at the seaside will be backed by all the fun of the fair and the more soothing attractions of its award–winning seafront gardens.

The largest town on the Essex Sunshine Coast boasts an array of entertainment facilities, including the Princes and the Westcliff Theatres. Clacton’s annual events programme ensures that fetes, fairs, carnivals and the two–day annual Clacton Airshow in August will keep you occupied.

Bargain hunters should drive just outside of town to the Clacton Factory Outlet, where a number of outlets offer big name brands at discounted prices.

Car Hire in Chelmsford

For families the city of Chelmsford in Essex offers plenty to explore. Whether its discovering the history of the area at Chelmsford Museum or watching a game of cricket at the County Ground, young and old alike will find plenty of things to do and see.

Impressive architecture abounds, particularly in buildings such as Chelmsford Cathedral, Shire Hall and the fully restored Grade II–listed Hylands House. Nature lovers should drive out to RHS Hyde Hall, where hilltop views can be enjoyed from its rose and woodland garden. After this you can park up for a stroll in one of the many parks in Chelmsford or in the picturesque villages that surround it.

Car Hire in Colchester

Colchester is Britain’s oldest recorded town with a rich history that dates back more than two millennia.

Conveniently situated for exploring East Anglia, and circled by some beautiful villages, Colchester offers Roman history and the coast all within a short drive.

In the Castle Park, Colchester’s castle is a huge Norman keep, built on the foundations of a Roman temple. Nearby, in the Dutch Quarter, you can discover the remains of a Roman theatre.

Colchester is just 30 miles from London Stansted and 20 miles (32 km) from the passenger ferry port of Harwich.

Car Hire in Southend–on–Sea

London’s favourite seaside resort Southend-on-Sea has a pier so long that it is served by its own train. Just a short drive away is Adventure Island, an amusement park promising crashes and splashes on its fairground rides and water slides.

To view the waters from above head for the Cliff Lift, a century–old funicular, which climbs the hillside to offer glorious coastal views. To view the waters from below pop into the Sea Life Adventure aquarium, which is home to otters, clownfish and turtles.

Where Will Your Car Hire in Essex Take You?

Roman ruins or a roam through Constable Country, where will you go when you hire a car in Essex?