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Finding a car rental in Salisbury is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers around the UK with no booking fees. Pick up in Churchfields Industrial Estate or near Salisbury train station, then drive to Stonehenge, Old Sarum and the New Forest. For summer trips or automatics, book early and check opening hours as many city branches are closed on Sundays.
Car Rental Locations & Options
Salisbury offers several convenient car rental options for visitors.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Churchfields Industrial Estate | Main rental hub with multiple providers (Hertz, Enterprise); walkable from Salisbury station (about 10 minutes) | 10-minute walk can be inconvenient with luggage; industrial park location |
| Near Railway Station | Very short walk from trains; convenient for arrivals and departures | Availability can be limited; fewer provider choices (Enterprise brands) |
| Heathrow or Gatwick Airports | Pick up on arrival; wide choice of cars; straightforward drive to Salisbury (about 90 minutes from Heathrow) | Not in Salisbury; additional driving time; likely airport surcharges |
Car Rental Prices
Low-cost rental tips
- Pick up in Salisbury city to avoid airport surcharges. Compare Churchfields vs near the station for the best price and hours. If flying into Heathrow/Gatwick, compare total cost of an airport pickup vs train to Salisbury then city pickup.
- Book early for summer and automatics. In quieter months, compare prices again 1–2 weeks out as small locations sometimes release inventory.
- Tweak pickup/return times to keep to 24-hour blocks and office hours. Many branches close Sundays, but key-drop returns can help avoid paying an extra day.
- Choose a compact manual to save and fit Salisbury’s medieval streets. Automatics cost more and are limited, so only book one if you need it.
- Check weekend specials. If your trip includes Saturday, compare weekday vs weekend rates and see if shifting by a day lowers the total.
- Rent only on driving days. Explore the city via Park & Ride or on foot, then rent for Stonehenge, Avebury or the New Forest. Fill up at the Tesco on Southampton Road before return to avoid refuelling charges.
Car hire prices in Salisbury 2025/2026
Parking and Driving
Salisbury offers multiple car park options, including a convenient Park & Ride system.
| Car Park Type | Locations | Costs | Key Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Centre | New Street, Brown Street East, Central Car Park | Varies by car park | Serve shopping area and cathedral |
| Park & Ride | Five sites around Salisbury | Free spaces, bus fare applies | Excellent option to avoid driving in centre; open Mon-Sat |
| Cathedral Close | Limited visitor spaces | Paid; check on-site terms | For cathedral visitors only |
| Stonehenge | Visitor centre car park | Included with ticket | Must purchase timed entry ticket; cannot drive to stones |
| Out-of-Town Sites | Old Sarum, Avebury, etc. | Varies by location | Most have dedicated car parks |
| Evening Spaces | City centre car parks | Free or reduced rates after 6pm | Check individual car park signs |
- Speed Limits: 20-30 mph in town centre, standard UK limits elsewhere
- Speed Cameras: Present on A36 where it passes through residential areas (30 mph zones)
- Pedestrian Zones: Several in immediate city centre; follow signage
- Rural Awareness: Watch for "Tank Crossing" signs near military areas on Salisbury Plain
- Wildlife Hazards: Deer present in Wiltshire woodlands, especially at dawn/dusk
- Military Areas: Heed warning signs near Salisbury Plain; don't stray onto MOD property
Why rent a car in Salisbury
Rent a car to see:
- Stonehenge – visitor centre car park, shuttle bus
- Old Sarum – ruins
- Avebury Stone Circle – village, National Trust car park
- New Forest – ponies
- Bath – Roman Baths
- Woodford Valley – River Avon villages
FAQs
What's the best time to drive to Stonehenge to avoid crowds?
The best times are early morning or late afternoon near closing time. The site usually opens around 9:30am, and on some summer dates, they open earlier. You'll find the heaviest traffic on the A303 and the largest crowds around midday.
Can I drive right up to Stonehenge itself?
No, they've permanently closed the old road that passed right by the stones (A344). You must park at the visitor centre and take a shuttle bus or walk 1.5 miles to the stone circle.
Is there a congestion charge in Salisbury?
No, Salisbury doesn't have congestion charges or low emission zones like London does.
How difficult is it to drive in Salisbury city centre?
The historic centre has some narrow streets and one-way systems, but most people find it manageable. If it's your first time visiting, you might find it less stressful to use the Park & Ride instead of driving through the old streets.
Are there any special considerations for visiting during Summer Solstice?
If you're travelling around June 21st, remember that thousands of people attend the solstice sunrise at Stonehenge. Roads around it like the A303 and A360, plus local byways, may be closed or very busy. You should check for any traffic restrictions before you go.
Is it easy to find parking near Salisbury Cathedral?
There isn't much parking inside the Cathedral Close. You'll probably find it easier to use the city centre car parks and walk a short way, or to use the Park & Ride system.
Can I combine Stonehenge and Avebury in a single day trip from Salisbury?
Yes, the drive from Stonehenge to Avebury takes about 45–60 minutes. To make it a comfortable day trip, you should plan to spend at least 1.5 hours at each site, plus the driving time.
Are there any scenic drives from Salisbury that tourists often miss?
Fewer tourists know about the Woodford Valley route along the River Avon, but it offers lovely views of the English countryside. You can take the Woodford Valley road through Upper Woodford and Lower Woodford for a pleasant drive along the river, passing traditional villages.
