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Finding a rental car in Bath is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers in the UK with no booking fees. Pick up in Bath city centre for a relaxed start or collect at Bristol Airport for more vehicle choice and longer opening hours. Book early if you need an automatic and check opening times, as many Bath locations close early and do not open on Sundays.
Bath has no airport, so international visitors often arrive via Bristol Airport (BRS) or London Heathrow (LHR). Here's a comparison of rental options:
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Bristol Airport (20 miles from Bath) | • All major rental brands available • Wider selection of vehicles • Longer operating hours • Better availability of automatic cars |
• Requires immediate driving after arrival • Airport surcharges may apply • Initial drive into Bath can be challenging for newcomers |
| Bath City Centre | • No need to drive immediately after a long flight • Can take train/bus to Bath first • More relaxed pickup process • No airport surcharges |
• Limited vehicle selection • Fewer automatic transmission options • Shorter operating hours • Some agencies closed on Sundays |
| London Heathrow | • Largest selection of vehicles • 24/7 operations • Multiple competing agencies |
• Long drive to Bath (2+ hours) • Need to navigate M25 ring road • Higher airport surcharges |
On average, car rentals in Bath cost around €54 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €20 per day.
Compare pickup locations. Bath city centre often avoids airport surcharges, but airports have more cars and longer hours. Check total cost for Bath vs Bristol Airport vs Heathrow before you decide.
Time it to demand. Prices jump in July–August and during the Bath Christmas Market. For those periods and for automatics, book earlier. In January rates can be 30–50% lower. Around 4 weeks ahead often hits good prices.
Pick a smaller, manual car. Manuals are standard in the UK and automatics usually cost £5–10/day more. Economy cars are cheaper but limited in Bath, so grab a good deal when you see it.
Shift your dates. Starting midweek can be cheaper than Friday/weekend. Also look for weekend specials in shoulder seasons.
Avoid out-of-hours costs. Bath desks close early and many don’t open Sundays. Plan pickup/return within office hours or confirm key-drop to dodge extra fees.
Save on fuel and parking. Refuel at supermarket stations in Bath, like on Lower Bristol Road. If visiting the centre, use Park & Ride lots with free parking and low bus fares instead of pricey city car parks.
| Type | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| City Car Parks | Charlotte Street, Podium, Bath Quays, etc. | Pay by cash, card or MiPermit app. |
| On-Street Parking | Metered spaces throughout city centre | Limited availability. Pay close attention to signage for permit-only areas. |
| Park & Ride | Lansdown (north) Newbridge (west) Odd Down (south) |
Recommended option for day visitors. Buses run every 10-15 minutes. |
Local Driving Regulations:
Rent a car so you can drive to:
Stonehenge
Cotswolds villages – Castle Combe, Tetbury, Cirencester
Avebury stone circles
Cheddar Gorge
Lacock Abbey – Lacock village
Wells Cathedral
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Bath? If you're visiting from the US, Canada, Australia and EU countries, you can drive using your home licence. If you're from another country, you might need an International Driving Permit as well as your home licence.
Is there a minimum age to rent a car in Bath? Most rental companies need you to be at least 25 years old. Some agencies will rent a car to drivers who are 23-24 for an extra fee, but others like Enterprise won't rent to anyone under 25.
How much is the deposit for a car rental in Bath? Rental companies hold a security deposit of around £200-300 on your credit card. They might ask for more if you rent a fancier car.
Are there any congestion charges or low emission zones in Bath? Bath has a Clean Air Zone, but you won't be charged for driving a private or rental car in it. The charge only applies to certain commercial vehicles.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Bath? You'll need a valid driving licence, a credit card in the main driver's name and a passport or ID. The rental company might ask for extra documents if you have a non-UK licence.
How do roundabouts work in the UK? You need to give way to traffic coming from your right. Signal left when you're leaving the roundabout. Use the left lane to turn left or go straight and use the right lane to turn right.
Are toll roads common around Bath? No, you won't find any toll roads right around Bath. All the main routes like the M4, A46 and A36 are free to use.
What's the fuel policy for car rentals in Bath? Most rental companies have a 'full-to-full' policy. This means you get the car with a full tank of fuel and you need to return it full to avoid paying extra.
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