Road Genius makes it easy to find great car hire offers in Brighton. Compare prices and make bookings in one place. Simple. Pick up in the city centre or near Brighton Station and head to the South Downs, Seven Sisters or the coastal A259. Prices rise in summer and on bank holidays, so book early and check parking at your accommodation.
Location | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
City Centre | • Lower rates than airport rentals • No extra airport fees • Walking distance from the train station • Convenient if you are staying in the city |
• Limited opening hours (typically 8am-6pm weekdays, shorter on weekends) • Limited vehicle options • Many are closed on Sundays • Limited 24-hour service |
Near Brighton Station | • Easy access for those arriving by train • Enterprise location on New England Street • Short walk to the city centre |
• Can be busy during rush hour • Limited parking for pickup/drop-off |
On average, car rentals in Brighton cost around €41 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €17 per day.
Pick up in Brighton city: City locations usually beat airports on price and avoid airport concession fees.
Flex your dates and times: Midweek pickups/returns are often cheaper than weekends. Return during opening hours to avoid paying an extra day. If you arrive late, start the rental the next morning since after-hours pickups are rare.
Time your booking: For Brighton’s peak periods (summer and bank holidays), book 2-3 months ahead. In off-peak (Nov–Mar), prices can be about half, so compare and watch for drops.
Choose a smaller car: Book the smallest size that fits your crew. In the UK, manuals are usually cheaper than automatics.
Cut parking and fuel costs: Check your hotel’s parking fees first. Fill up at supermarket stations on the outskirts, not near major roads. There’s no fuel in the pedestrianised centre, so plan your final top-up.
Rent only for trip days: If you’re mainly in Brighton, use trains or buses in town and rent just for day trips. If touring the coast, compare round-trip vs one-way to see which total cost is lower.
Where to Park:
Local Driving Rules:
Get a rental so you can drive to:
Seven Sisters & Beachy Head - Birling Gap, Seven Sisters Country Park
South Downs National Park - Devil's Dyke
Arundel - Arundel Castle
Lewes
Chichester
Eastbourne
Where are the rental companies located in Brighton? You can find most rental companies in the city centre or near Brighton train station. Major companies include Enterprise (on New England Street), Europcar, Avis, Budget and Hertz.
Is it difficult to drive in Brighton city centre? You might find driving in the city centre tricky if it's your first time. The area has narrow one-way streets, lots of people walking around and limited parking. It's a good idea to park in a designated car park and explore the main areas on foot.
Do I need to pre-book a rental car in Brighton? Yes, especially during summer and on bank holidays when lots of people want to rent cars. When you book ahead, you make sure a car is available and you usually get a better price.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Brighton? The rules change depending on the company and the type of car. Most companies need you to be at least 23 (some allow 21) and will charge a young driver fee of about £25–£40 per day. For some fancier cars, they might need you to be 25 or even 30 years old.
What happens if I get a parking ticket? You should pay the fine quickly online or by following the instructions on the ticket. If you're in a rental car, it's better to pay it yourself. If you let the rental company handle it, they will add an extra admin fee to your bill.