Cheap car hire in Durham, United Kingdom

Use the same magic that powers our flight search to find cheap car rental in Durham

Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find Durham car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

Select your Durham pick-up location

There are 8 car hire providers in Durham. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

The most popular car rental companies in Durham

Hiring a car in Durham: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyEnterprise
Most popular carIntermediate/Standard, SUV
Average daily price78 €
Best time to book1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Durham

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Durham car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Durham

  • Searching for a cheap rental car in Durham? The booking magic happens here. With prices averaging 78 € a day, we compare all the best deals so you can choose fast, spend less, and hit the road happy.

  • Reserve your ride in December and watch the savings roll in. It's the cheapest time of year to rent a car in Durham, with average daily rates of 34 €.

  • If you like to plan with precision, book around two weeks ahead to grab a cheap rental car in Durham.

  • Rent your wheels from Enterprise, Europcar or Keddy By Europcar. These are some of the most trusted providers offering car hire deals in Durham.

  • Whether you go with Enterprise or a different supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Durham car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others treat it as an add-on.

  • Choosing a one-way car hire can be the key to finding a deal. Simply check 'Return car to a different location' when browsing for a car for rent in Durham. Providers often have to move vehicles between locations, which means you can score some great one-way prices.

  • Cut down on fuel costs by picking a car hire in Durham that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your vehicle with a full tank and return it full, so you only pay for what you use.

  • Hit the highway without tracking every mile and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you explore further.

  • Flying into Durham? Think about picking up one of the car rentals in Durham Tees Valley Airport. That way, you can hit the road not long after landing.

Compare car hire types in Durham

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Durham gives you the freedom to explore for less. These agile, fuel-efficient rides are perfect for city driving and short trips.

  • Medium: A dependable choice when you want something that's easy to drive but with a few more features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that offer a bit of extra space compared to smaller options.

  • Large: Long drives fly by in this Durham car hire category. Also known as full-size, they pack plenty of power for open-road performance. The extra space and comfort make them an excellent option for families and groups of friends.

  • SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a wide-angle view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged backcountry or cruising along smooth highways, many offer all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.

  • Van: Select this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Durham that makes light work of heavy loads. Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to transport more, whether that's equipment, suitcases or whoever's along for the ride.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something you should consider. If you're in a collision, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a hefty excess fee. Different Durham car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.

  • From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can seriously level up your drive. Think about which features will make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Durham.

Good to know

  • The minimum age to rent a vehicle in the United Kingdom is generally 21 years old. However providers may have their own rules, so check your rental company's policy to find out where you stand.

  • If you're travelling with kids, check if you need to add a car seat to your Durham car hire reservation. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to ride.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Durham

  • Don't leave town without visiting some of the city's best attractions, like Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle. Snap up a car hire deal in Durham and then start working on your sightseeing hit list.

  • Stay close to the action in Durham by staying at Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa or Travelodge Durham.

  • Harrogate should be on your itinerary if you're eager to see Brimham Rocks and Free Walking Tour Harrogate. This city is about 88 kilometres south of central Durham.

  • Reliable accommodation options in Harrogate include White Hart Hotel & Apartments and Crowne Plaza Harrogate.

  • Add South Shields to your travel plans. Grab your cheap car hire in Durham and drive about 26 kilometres north-east to take in major highlights such as Sandhaven Beach and Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum.

  • Central Rooms South Shields and Mill Dam Guest House are comfy places to stay in South Shields if you're sticking around for a bit.

  • Take things a bit further and road-trip it to Edinburgh, around 161 kilometres north-west of Durham. First, swing past Edinburgh Castle, then follow it up with Crown Jewels.

  • Snooze the night away in Edinburgh at Ten Hill Place. Point A Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket has your room key ready too.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Durham will set you back around 78 € per day or 254 € per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Durham is an intermediate SUV. The most popular is Intermediate/Standard, SUV.
The cheapest car hire companies in Durham are currently Arnold Clark and Keddy By Europcar.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Durham is currently December.
On average, around 254 €. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Durham is 188 €.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Durham for a whole month is 1.000 €. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Durham, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Durham that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Durham.
Most places – Durham included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is 59 € per day. The average price per day is around 67 €.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Enterprise, Keddy By Europcar and Europcar offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Enterprise as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van hire is available in Durham.