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Finding a car rental in Leeds is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of brands across the UK with no booking fees. Pick up in Leeds city centre or at Leeds Bradford Airport for easy Leeds car hire, then drive to the Yorkshire Dales, York or Manchester. Filter for automatic cars, SUVs, unlimited miles and one-way rentals to match your trip.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Leeds City Centre | • Lower rates than airport • Multiple companies available • Convenient for city stays • Some locations near train station |
• City traffic when driving out • Limited opening hours (8am-6pm on weekdays) • Some offices closed on Sundays • Parking can be challenging |
| Leeds Bradford Airport | • Multiple major companies • Longer opening hours to match flight times • Quick access to a car after your flight • Newer vehicle fleet |
• Higher rates (approximately 30% premium) • 8 miles from city centre (30 minutes) • Shuttle or walk to car collection point |
| Leeds Suburbs | • Sometimes easier parking • Avoid city centre traffic • May have competitive rates |
• Less convenient if staying centrally • May require taxi to reach |
On average, car rentals in Leeds cost around €47 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €17 per day.
Compare pick-up spots: City centre branches are usually cheaper than the airport, which often has about a 30% premium. Suburb locations can be competitive too. Factor in opening hours and the cost of getting to the branch.
Book with the season in mind: For peak times in Leeds — July-August, December and Leeds Festival — lock something in 4-8 weeks ahead. For off-peak Jan–Mar and shoulder months (Apr–May, Oct–Nov), compare a few dates to spot dips.
Pick the right car: Compact and manual cars are the best value. Automatics are limited and typically £5-15 extra per day, so only pay for it if you need it.
Check weekly rates: If you need 5+ days, a weekly deal often beats the daily total.
Watch route choices: One-way rentals usually add £50-100. Compare prices for returning to Leeds versus dropping in another city.
Save on fuel and parking: Choose a full-to-full policy and refuel at supermarket stations, not motorway services. If driving into central Leeds, consider Elland Road or Temple Green Park & Ride to cut parking costs.
Parking Options:
Local Driving Rules:
Book a rental to see:
York – 25 miles, A64
Harrogate – Harrogate – 16 miles, A61
Yorkshire Dales – Skipton, 1-1.5 hours, A65
North York Moors – 1.5-2 hours, A64, A169
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal – UNESCO World Heritage Site, 28 miles
Harewood House – 7 miles, gardens
Is there a congestion charge or clean air zone in Leeds? Leeds doesn't currently have a congestion charge or clean air zone that affects private cars. The council cancelled a planned Clean Air Zone after air quality improved, so you can drive freely throughout the city.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Leeds? You'll need a valid driving licence, a credit card in your name and proof of ID (like a passport for international visitors). If you're visiting from another country, you need to have held your licence for at least 1 year.
Are there any toll roads around Leeds? You can use most roads around Leeds for free. If you travel further away, you'll only pay tolls on a few routes like the M6 Toll (near Birmingham) or the Humber Bridge (near Hull).
Is parking difficult in Leeds city centre? You'll find plenty of car parks in Leeds, but they can be expensive (£2.50-4 per hour). They can also fill up on weekends or during big events. We suggest using Park & Ride car parks if you're staying for a few days or visiting at a busy time.
What's the best time to visit Leeds and Yorkshire by car? We recommend visiting in spring (April-June) or early autumn (September-October). You'll find the driving is pleasant and there are fewer tourists than in summer. The countryside looks especially beautiful at these times and winter weather is less likely to affect the roads.
Can I pick up a car in Leeds and drop it off in another city? Yes, most hire companies let you book a one-way rental inside the UK for an extra fee, often around £50-100. From Leeds, people often drop off cars in London, Edinburgh, Manchester and other major cities.
Are automatic transmission cars available in Leeds? Yes, but they're not as common as manual cars. You should book well ahead of time and expect to pay about £5-15 extra per day for an automatic.
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