Compare Car Rental Nottingham

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Finding a hire car in UK is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers in the UK with no booking fees. Pick up in Nottingham city centre or at East Midlands Airport with car hire from leading brands including Enterprise, Avis/Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt. Book early for summer, Goose Fair and Test match weeks to secure low rates and drive to Sherwood Forest, Chatsworth House and the Peak District.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 700104

Nottingham provides several car hire location options to suit different needs.

Location Type	Pros	Cons
City Centre	Convenient for train arrivals No airport surcharges Multiple providers Walking distance from hotels	City traffic when starting journey Limited evening/Sunday hours Parking can be difficult while completing paperwork
East Midlands Airport	Larger selection of vehicles Extended operating hours All major providers Convenient if flying in	14 miles from Nottingham city centre Airport surcharges Need to factor in transfer time
Suburban Locations	Easier parking Quicker access to ring roads/motorways Often newer fleets	Requires transportation to reach Limited public transport connections May have restricted hours

Major providers like Enterprise, Avis/Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt operate in Nottingham. City branches are often near the train station for convenience, while East Midlands Airport hosts nearly all international car hire brands.

You may need a taxi to get to suburban car hire locations, though a tram service connects the city centre to some outlying areas.

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Nottingham?

On average, car rentals in Nottingham cost around €46 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €20 per day.

Saving Tips

Compare pickup locations. City centre often avoids airport surcharges and can be cheaper than East Midlands Airport. Suburban depots may work if you want quick access to the ring road.
Time your booking for Nottingham’s calendar. Prices spike in summer school holidays, during cricket Tests, and Goose Fair in October. For those, book 4-8 weeks ahead. Winter is quieter, so 1-2 weeks ahead usually works.
Tweak dates and length. Check weekday vs weekend rates and see if a 7-day deal beats a shorter hire. Avoid late pickups or returns that trigger an extra billing day.
Cut parking costs. Use Park & Ride sites like Forest, Toton, Clifton, Hucknall or Phoenix Park. Parking is free and the tram is about £4 return, which can beat £12-20 daily city car parks.
Save on fuel. Fill up at supermarket stations on the ring road and avoid pricier motorway services on the M1, especially before returning the car.
Size smart. Smaller cars are usually cheaper and easier on Nottingham’s one-way system and the Peak District’s narrow roads. Compare classes, not just brands.

Local Parking and Driving

Nottingham has specific considerations for drivers due to its city layout and tram system.

Option	Locations	Approximate Cost	Comments
City Centre Car Parks	Lace Market, Victoria Centre, Trinity Square, Broadmarsh	Charges apply	Victoria Centre most central but expensive Lace Market good for historic quarter Trinity Square modern and secure
Park & Ride	Forest, Toton, Clifton, Hucknall, Phoenix Park	Generally free; tram fares apply	Excellent tram connections Recommended for day visitors
On-street Spaces	Various city centre locations	Paid with strict time restrictions	Limited availability Enforced by both council and private companies Pay via RingGo app in many areas
Shopping Areas	Victoria Centre, Riverside, Castle Marina	Time-limited with validation	Time limits strictly enforced Not suitable for all-day use Good for short visits

Driving Restrictions:

Tram routes through city centre create restricted zones
Bus lanes operate on major routes into the city (camera enforced)
Pedestrianised areas in city centre (no vehicle access)
One-way systems throughout city centre
Workplace Levy for businesses (doesn't affect tourists directly)

Traffic Considerations:

Ring road (A6514) experiences congestion during rush hours
Trent Bridge area busy during Nottingham Forest football or cricket matches
University areas congested during term start/end periods
Tram crossings require extra caution and awareness

Why hire a car in Nottingham

Get a hire car to visit:

Sherwood Forest – Major Oak, visitor centre
Peak District – Bakewell, Monsal Trail, Winnats Pass
Chatsworth House – Gardens, Farmyard
Lincoln – Cathedral, Castle
Alton Towers – Theme park
Belvoir Castle – Vale of Belvoir

Local Rental Locations

Driving Distances from Nottingham

FAQs

How does Nottingham's tram system affect driving? Nottingham's tram network runs through parts of the city centre and reaches the suburbs. Trams have priority at crossings and some streets are for trams only. You should pay attention to signs, as you can get a fine for driving in tram-only lanes. The good news is the Park & Ride tram services offer a great alternative to driving into the centre.

Is it better to hire from Nottingham city centre or East Midlands Airport? If you're flying into East Midlands Airport, hiring a car there is convenient, but it usually costs more. If you arrive by train, you can hire from the city centre to avoid the extra airport fees and the trip to the airport. If you have time, compare prices because city locations can sometimes offer better deals, even though they have fewer cars to choose from.

Where is the best place to park for exploring Nottingham city centre? For short visits, the Royal Centre or Trinity Square car parks are in a central spot. For day visits, Park & Ride is a great option. You can park for free at one of the nine locations and take the tram into the centre. This lets you avoid traffic and parking fees.

How challenging is it to drive to the Peak District from Nottingham? Driving to the Peak District is easy. You just take the A52 to Derby then the A6 towards Matlock. The journey takes 60-90 minutes, depending on where exactly you are going. The roads get narrower and more winding once you are in the national park, but the main routes are in good condition. You should allow extra time on summer weekends when there is more tourist traffic.

Are there any toll roads around Nottingham? There are no toll roads right around Nottingham. The only major toll road in the Midlands region is the M6 Toll near Birmingham, which is about 50 miles southwest of Nottingham. You can use all local motorways like the M1 and the A-roads for free.

What are the parking options during major events like Goose Fair? During Goose Fair in October and other major events, organisers often run special Park & Ride services. You can still use the regular city centre car parks but they fill up fast. We suggest you use the standard Park & Ride locations and take the tram. It's usually easier than trying to park near the event.

Is a car necessary for exploring Nottingham itself? Nottingham's city centre is small and easy to get around using its great tram and bus network. You don't need a car to explore the city itself, and it can be a hassle because of traffic and parking costs. However, you'll find a car is very useful for exploring the surrounding countryside, the Peak District and attractions outside the city.

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