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Find lower car hire prices in Cardiff with Road Genius. Check rates of SUVs, hatchbacks, people movers and reserve with no booking fees. Compare Cardiff car hire from major brands in the city centre near Cardiff Central Station, Cardiff Bay and locations with easy M4 access. City pick-ups are often cheaper than the airport and prices can rise on match or concert days, so book early for trips to the Brecon Beacons, the Gower or the Wye Valley.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
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| City Centre |
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| Cardiff Bay |
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| Outskirts |
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Available Hire Companies: Cardiff has numerous options including all major international and national hire companies spread across the city centre, particularly near Cardiff Central Station.
Transportation to Hire Locations: City centre hires are generally within walking distance of Cardiff Central train station. For other locations, local buses serve most areas, or taxis are easy to find (approximately £8-12 from the city centre to locations on the outskirts).
On average, car rentals in Cardiff cost around €48 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €17 per day.
Compare city vs airport pickup: City-centre locations near Cardiff Central are often 10-15% cheaper and have more choice. Weigh any taxi cost to the depot against the savings.
Check event weeks: Prices jump during Six Nations and big concerts at Principality Stadium. For those dates, book early or shift your pickup a day to dodge surges.
Try different pickup spots: Cardiff Bay or outskirts can be less congested and may offer free parking until you head out. Budget £8-12 for a taxi from the centre.
Align with opening hours: Many branches have limited Sundays. Plan pickup/return within hours to avoid paying an extra day.
Stretch the hire if it’s close: A 7-day booking can bring a 15-25% lower daily rate than short hires. Run a few date combos to see the break-even point.
Cut running costs: Choose a compact for city streets and fuel. Refuel at supermarket stations in Cardiff and avoid pricier M4 services. Return the car full.
City Parking:
Residential Areas:
Local Driving Regulations:
Get a hire car to drive to:
Brecon Beacons National Park – Brecon, Pen y Fan, Waterfall Country
Glamorgan Heritage Coast – Penarth, Llantwit Major, Nash Point, Southerndown
Wye Valley & Monmouthshire – Tintern Abbey, Chepstow Castle, Monmouth
Gower Peninsula – Rhossili Bay, Three Cliffs Bay, Mumbles
Are there any congestion or clean air charges in Cardiff? Right now, Cardiff doesn't have any congestion charges or Clean Air Zone fees. But the city council has thought about adding them, so you should check for any new rules before you visit.
How difficult is parking in Cardiff city centre? Cardiff has lots of car parks, but they can fill up fast on weekends and during events. Using a Park & Ride service is an easier option. Many hotels will also charge you for parking, usually around £10-15 a day.
Can I drive to Cardiff Bay from the city centre? Yes, the drive from the city centre to Cardiff Bay only takes about 5-10 minutes. You can park at the Red Dragon Centre and other spots. Some places offer free parking if you're a customer.
How far is it to drive from Cardiff to the Brecon Beacons? You can drive to the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park in about 30 minutes from Cardiff using the A470. If you want to get to popular spots like Pen y Fan, it's about a 1-hour drive from the city centre.
What should I know about driving during major events in Cardiff? When big events like rugby matches or concerts are on at Principality Stadium, the city centre gets very busy. They close several roads before and after these events. It's a good idea to use the Park & Ride services and check the stadium website for traffic updates.
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