Car Rentals in Gloucester, GBR

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Gloucester

Renting a car in Gloucester offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and create a travel itinerary that suits your needs, whether you're seeking family experiences, city adventures, or business-related activities. Notable attractions such as Gloucester Cathedral are conveniently located within the city, while The Promenade, just 12 km away, provides a vibrant city experience. You can also visit the Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre, an ideal spot for eco-friendly exploration in the area. Beyond Gloucester, a short drive takes you to Cheltenham, 12 km away, where you can discover Sudeley Castle and the Cotswold Countryside Collection. Alternatively, head to Stroud, 13 km away, to enjoy Minchinhampton Common and Westonbirt Arboretum. For those venturing closer, the city of Corse features attractions like the Three Counties Showground and Malvern Hills. Overall, a rental car enhances your experience by simplifying travel and allowing you to visit multiple destinations with ease.

Most popular car hires in Gloucester

• Compact SUV: The Compact SUV is a popular choice among travellers in Gloucester, accommodating up to 5 people comfortably. With space for 3 medium suitcases, it strikes a perfect balance between size and manoeuvrability. This vehicle is ideal for solo travellers, couples, or small families looking to explore the area at their own pace while managing luggage easily.
• Midsize SUV: For those travelling with larger groups or more luggage, the Midsize SUV is an excellent option. It accommodates 5 travellers and provides ample space for up to 3 large suitcases. This makes it particularly well-suited for families and small groups seeking comfort and flexibility during their journey in and around Gloucester.
• Economy: The Economy car is a budget-friendly choice that also seats up to 5 travellers. With the ability to hold up to 2 medium suitcases, it’s perfect for solo travellers, couples, or families looking for an economical option. This type of vehicle allows for easy navigation through the city and is a sensible choice for those prioritising cost-effectiveness while enjoying the freedom of a rental car.

Top rated car suppliers in Gloucester

• Europcar: Europcar has a rental location in Gloucester and is a popular choice among travellers. Known for its well-maintained vehicles, the most frequently booked options include Compact SUVs and Midsize SUVs. Customers appreciate the flexibility and convenience that Europcar provides, making it an excellent option for exploring the beautiful surroundings of Gloucester.
• Enterprise: With a rental location conveniently situated in Gloucester, Enterprise is highly regarded for its customer service. The most booked vehicles include Midsize and Standard Vans, catering well to families and groups. Travellers often highlight the helpful staff and smooth rental process, ensuring a pleasant experience when hiring a vehicle to explore the region.
• Routes: Routes operates a rental location in Gloucester and offers a selection of popular vehicles, including Compact and Economy cars. This supplier is favoured by those looking for budget-friendly options without compromising on quality. Customers appreciate the efficiency of the rental process, making Routes a solid choice for travellers seeking to navigate Gloucester and its attractions.

Where to stay around Gloucester

• Cheltenham: Located 12 km from Gloucester, Cheltenham is perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures and beautiful scenery. You can explore historic sites like Sudeley Castle and Gloucester Cathedral, or delve into culture at the Cotswold Countryside Collection. The city offers a variety of shopping centres and food options, including local distilleries and sweet treat shops. Cheltenham is particularly lovely in spring when the gardens bloom, making it an ideal time to visit.
• Stroud: Situated 13 km away from Gloucester, Stroud is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and outdoor activities. Key attractions include Minchinhampton Common and the Westonbirt Arboretum, both suitable for family outings. Stroud also features shopping centres and recreational areas for leisurely days out. With local wineries and distilleries providing delightful tasting experiences, this area is best enjoyed in the warmer months when outdoor activities are at their peak.
• Tewkesbury: Just 15 km from Gloucester, Tewkesbury offers a charming blend of outdoor and family-friendly experiences. Explore Tewkesbury Abbey and Sudeley Castle for a cultural touch, or visit the Three Counties Showground for a lively fairground atmosphere. The town also boasts shopping centres and delightful food spots, with local distilleries serving up treats. The summer months are particularly vibrant here, making it an excellent time for family adventures and outdoor activities.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by specifying vehicle type and desired features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly options, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal vehicle 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’re likely to obtain more competitive prices and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more economical to rent and easier to manoeuvre in busy urban areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance 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 available. This can also apply to renters aged over 70. Always verify age requirements before finalising your booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements 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 advantageous option. Other policies may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are acceptable as well; just ensure that the car is returned empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but it may be worthwhile for the added convenience it provides.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies predominantly accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and offers peace of mind in case of unexpected incidents during your trip. Adding car hire insurance is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning lengthy road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's licence is essential for hiring a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Gloucester

The best value period to rent a car in and around Gloucester is November, when prices are slightly low and demand is also low. October can be a good option too, as it shares similar characteristics with November. For those considering a mid-range value month, June may offer average prices with slightly low demand. However, August tends to be the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and low demand, making it a busy time for rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	39.4°F (4.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
February	40.5°F (4.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
March	43.2°F (6.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	47.1°F (8.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	52.7°F (11.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
June	58.3°F (14.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
July	61.9°F (16.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	61.2°F (16.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly High
September	57.4°F (14.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
October	52.0°F (11.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
November	45.3°F (7.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
December	41.7°F (5.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average