Car Rentals in St Austell, GBR

Reasons to book a car hire in and around St Austell

Renting a car in St Austell allows you the freedom to explore the area at your own pace, making it a popular choice for tourists. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and enjoy a flexible travel itinerary, which is especially beneficial for families or those planning to engage in outdoor activities. The beautiful Lost Gardens of Heligan, located nearby, offers a serene botanical experience perfect for families and romantic outings. You can also visit Charlestown Harbour and Porthpean Beach, both ideal for enjoying scenic beach experiences.

A rental car makes it convenient to venture to other popular destinations within close proximity, such as Fowey, just 10 km away, where you can explore the Fowey Estuary and the Eden Project. Par, located 5 km from St Austell, features Polkerris Beach and more attractions like the Lost Gardens of Heligan. Additionally, Mevagissey, also in the area, is home to Polstreath Beach and the Mevagissey Model Railway. Overall, a rental car enhances your ability to experience the diverse landscapes and attractions around St Austell comfortably.

Most popular car hires in St Austell

• Compact SUV: The Compact SUV is a popular choice for those exploring St Austell, accommodating up to 5 travellers with space for 3 medium suitcases. This vehicle is perfect for solo adventurers, couples, or families, offering the versatility needed for a range of travel plans while ensuring comfort on the road.
• Economy: The Economy car is another highly booked option in St Austell, also seating 5 travellers and providing room for 2 medium suitcases. Ideal for solo travellers or couples, this option allows for economical travel without compromising on comfort, making it a sensible choice for those wishing to explore the area without the fuss.
• Midsize: If you need extra luggage space, the Midsize car is a fantastic option, accommodating 5 travellers and up to 3 large suitcases. This vehicle is well-suited for couples and families who require a bit more room for their belongings, ensuring a comfortable journey while exploring the beautiful surroundings of St Austell.

Top rated car suppliers in St Austell

• Enterprise: Enterprise is the most popular car hire supplier in St Austell, boasting a rental location in the area. Known for its exceptional customer service, this supplier offers a range of vehicles, with Economy and Mini cars being the most booked options. Travellers appreciate the flexibility and ease of managing their luggage, making it an ideal choice for exploring the attractions around St Austell at your own pace.

Where to stay around St Austell

• Fowey: Located 10 km from St Austell, Fowey is a delightful city known for its outdoor activities and stunning scenery. Visitors can explore the Fowey Estuary, a nature reserve, or the renowned Eden Project, which offers botanical gardens suitable for families and romantic getaways. The coastal charm of Polperro Harbour adds to Fowey's appeal, making it a great choice for beach lovers. With various restaurants and breweries nearby, Fowey provides ample dining options to complement your stay.
• Bodmin: Situated 15 km from St Austell, Bodmin is ideal for those seeking outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Key attractions include the historic Bodmin Jail, which offers a glimpse into the area's rich history, and Lanhydrock, a magnificent historic house. The Eden Project is also accessible, enhancing the appeal for nature enthusiasts. Bodmin's proximity to wineries and cheese producers adds to the local culinary scene, making it a rewarding stop for food lovers.
• Par: Only 5 km from St Austell, Par is perfect for families and those who appreciate scenic beauty. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque Polkerris Beach or explore the stunning Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Eden Project, both offering a variety of outdoor experiences. Par is also home to recreational areas and golf facilities, making it a great base for leisure activities. The local breweries and bars provide excellent options for relaxation after a day of exploration.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around St Austell

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting the vehicle type and specific features you require. Whether you’re in need of an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economical car for budget-friendliness, 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 based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re more likely to lock in lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size vehicles strike a balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—may not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age restrictions before confirming your booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, which requires you to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most economical choice. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are acceptable as well—just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, although the convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies only accept credit cards as a method of payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can protect you from unforeseen expenses and provides peace of mind should any unexpected incidents occur during your trip. Adding car hire insurance is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around St Austell

The best time to rent a car in and around St Austell is September, when prices are moderately low and demand is average. This month offers great value, particularly as demand is lower than in the peak summer months. October and November can also be favourable, with moderate prices and lower demand. In contrast, August tends to be the most expensive month due to high demand, while July also sees higher prices and busy rental periods.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	45.5°F (7.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	45.1°F (7.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately Low
March	46.4°F (8.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	48.9°F (9.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
May	53.1°F (11.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
June	58.1°F (14.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
July	61.5°F (16.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Moderately High
August	61.5°F (16.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Moderately High
September	59.4°F (15.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately Low
October	55.8°F (13.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	50.7°F (10.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Moderately Low
December	47.8°F (8.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately High