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Find lower car rental prices in Cambridge with Road Genius. Compare rates of SUVs, hatchbacks, minivans and reserve with no booking fees. Pick up in the city centre or near Cambridge Railway Station and set off to Ely, Newmarket, Duxford or the Norfolk coast. We compare Enterprise, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt in Cambridge, so book early during university terms and summer.
Cambridge does not have a large airport. The nearest international airport is London Stansted, about 30 miles away. Most car rental offices are located within the city.
| Location Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| City Centre |
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| Cambridge Train Station Area |
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| Outskirts/Business Parks |
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Available Rental Companies:
Wait Times and Transportation:
On average, car rentals in Cambridge cost around €67 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €18 per day.
Compare providers, pickup spots and dates. City pickups in Cambridge are usually cheaper than Stansted airport. Check quotes near the train station vs outskirts, and try shifting your dates by a day.
Book to the season. For summer, graduations and term start/end, book 1-3 months ahead. In winter, 2-4 weeks out often gets the best value.
Rent only when you need the car. Explore central Cambridge by foot, bus or Park & Ride, then pick up the car the morning you leave. Fewer rental days and no pricey city parking.
Pick a smaller car. Lower daily rate and easier to squeeze into Cambridge car parks.
Avoid out-of-hours pickups/returns. Many offices have limited Sunday hours. Return during opening times to dodge after-hours fees or an extra day.
Refuel smart. Fill up at supermarket stations on the edge of town, like Tesco Milton or Bar Hill, before returning to avoid high refuelling charges.
Cambridge is known for limited parking and traffic restrictions in the historic centre.
| Parking Option | Locations | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park & Ride | 5 sites around city periphery | Free to park; bus fare required |
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| City Centre Car Parks | Grand Arcade, Park Street, Queen Anne Terrace, Grafton Centre | Paid hourly and daily rates |
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| On-street Parking | Limited locations outside centre | Paid and time restrictions |
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| College Parking | Not available | N/A |
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Driving Restrictions:
Traffic Considerations:
Book a rental to see:
Ely – Ely Cathedral, Great Ouse
Duxford – Imperial War Museum Duxford
Newmarket – National Stud, racecourse
The Fens – Wicken Fen Nature Reserve
Norfolk Coast – Wells-next-the-Sea, Holkham, Blakeney, Cromer
Historic houses near Cambridge – Anglesey Abbey, Wimpole Estate, Audley End
Where is the best place to pick up a rental car in Cambridge? If you're arriving by train, you'll find the rental offices near Cambridge Station are the easiest to get to. You can walk to the Enterprise and Europcar offices from the station.
Can I drive into the historic centre of Cambridge? You can't drive in some parts of the historic centre. The city has made many streets for pedestrians only or limited them to buses and taxis. They use physical barriers like rising bollards to stop unauthorised cars. We recommend using the Park & Ride services and then you can walk or take a bus right into the very centre.
What is the parking situation in Cambridge city centre? You'll find that parking in central Cambridge is hard to find and expensive. The Grand Arcade car park is the most central one but it fills up fast, especially on weekends. We recommend Park & Ride for anyone visiting for the day.
Are there any driving routes that showcase Cambridge's famous colleges? Most colleges are in pedestrianised areas where you can't drive. But you can drive along Queen's Road for a view of the "Backs". The "Backs" are the gardens behind several colleges that run along the River Cam. To get the best views, we suggest you walk or go on a punt.
How far is Cambridge from London by car? The drive from central London to Cambridge is about 64 miles and usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. You can take the M11 for a direct route, but be aware that you might run into traffic jams, especially during busy times.
Is it worth renting a car just to explore Cambridge itself? You won't need a car just for exploring the city centre. It can be a hassle because of the limited parking and pedestrianised areas. However, you'll find a car useful if you want to explore the surrounding countryside and nearby attractions.
What are the best day trips from Cambridge by car? From Cambridge, people often drive to Ely Cathedral (30-40 minutes), the Imperial War Museum at Duxford (20 minutes), Newmarket to see its horse racing history (25-30 minutes) and the Norfolk coast (1.5-2 hours).
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