Car rental in Manchester, United Kingdom

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There are 96 car rental providers in Manchester. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pickup spot.

Driving in Manchester: What to expect on the road

Documents you'll need
A full license and credit card are essential.
To rent a car in Manchester, bring your driver’s license, passport, and credit card. No International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for UK or EU licenses written in English.
Navigating city driving
One-way systems and trams need attention.
Driving in Manchester means dealing with beltways, bus lanes, and tram crossings. Navigation apps help to avoid restricted routes and ongoing construction zones.
Tolls, emissions zones, and charges
A clean-air zone is planned but not active.
Manchester has no current low-emission zone, though proposals exist. Toll roads in Manchester are rare, but some nearby bridges and motorways require payment. Check local updates before travel.
Parking your car in Manchester
Street parking is metered and patrolled.
Parking in Manchester city center is pay-and-display or app-based. Parking garages are widely available, and many hotels offer guest parking. Avoid bus lanes and red routes.
Finding fuel or charging points
Gas is easy—EV charging is improving.
Gas stations are common across Manchester. EV charging stations in Manchester are growing fast—use Zap-Map or PlugShare to locate chargers across the Greater Manchester area.
Local driving style and tips
Drivers are polite, but traffic is dense.
Local driving rules in Manchester are followed, but the roads can be busy. Expect congestion at peak times, strict enforcement of bus lanes, and watch for cyclists in shared lanes.
Find Manchester car rental deals

The most popular car rental companies in Manchester

Renting a car in Manchester: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car rental companyFlex To Go
Most popular carCompact, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceAED 251
Best time to book4 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Manchester

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car rental rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Manchester car rental search.

How to find a cheap car rental deal in Manchester

  • Pick up a cheap rental car in Manchester and hit the road for around AED 251 a day. From short drives to cross-country jaunts, we'll help you find a rental that suits your trip.

  • Daily rental prices in Manchester start from just AED 68.

  • Taking a longer break? Book a weekly rental from AED 265 and explore more than just the top attractions.

  • If you want to time it right, book about four weeks ahead to drive away with the best price on a Manchester car hire.

  • Check out the offers available with Green Motion, Surprice and Drivalia. They're some of the top providers in the city.

  • Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Manchester car rental policy, whether with Green Motion or another supplier. Some companies offer it as a paid extra instead of including it.

  • Booking one-way could score you a discount on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Simply click 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Manchester.

  • Spend less on fuel by picking a vehicle that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your ride with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you're only paying for what you use.

  • Hit the road without tracking every mile and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you travel without limits.

Best value car rental options right now

  • The best value for money comes from this company, with average prices at AED 261 a day.

  • Offering daily rates of around AED 328, this provider is next in line.

  • The third option also makes your money go further. Expect to pay roughly AED 148 a day for one of their rentals.

  • After a car that works for most trips? The Compact rental category is the go-to choice for travelers visiting Manchester.

Flying to Manchester? Think about an airport pick-up

  • Make arrival day easier by picking up a car rental at Manchester Airport. If you're flying to Manchester through this airport, simply pick up your wheels after landing and be on your way. The drive to the city center is about 14 kilometers and takes around 25 minutes.

Compare car rental types in Manchester

  • Small: Whether you're navigating busy cities or just planning a quick trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect great mileage and easy handling.

  • Medium: A smart pick when you need something that has a few more features but is still easy to drive. This category covers compact and intermediate models that come with a bit of extra room compared to smaller cars.

  • Large: You've got the suitcases, the kids, the snacks, the everything. Large vehicles have got the capacity to handle it all effortlessly. Ideal for long-distance trips, this Manchester car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a commanding view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating trickier terrain or gliding down stretches of highway, many offer all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.

  • Van: Go for this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Manchester that can handle the heavy stuff. Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to carry more, whether that's supplies, suitcases or the whole travel crew.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Adding excess insurance to your Manchester car rental lets you drive with confidence. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or damage. Insurance policies can differ from one provider to another, so compare before you book.

  • Level up your ride with handy extras like a reverse camera and GPS unit. These add-ons can make your trip easier and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Manchester.

Good to know

  • The minimum age to rent a car in the United Kingdom is typically 21 years old. However some providers set their own rules, so always double-check your rental company's terms to know where you stand.

  • If you're traveling with kids, check if you need to add a child car seat to your Manchester car rental reservation. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to travel.

  • Come prepared to make pick-up quick and easy. You'll generally need your physical driver's license (no copies) and another form of photo ID. Also bring a credit card with enough available balance to cover the deposit. If anything extra is required, you'll find it in your booking.

  • Driving in the United Kingdom can seem unfamiliar if it's your first time. Keep in mind traffic flows on the left side of the road.

  • Local speed limits may vary, but it's typically around 40kph in urban areas and 100kph or so on highways. Always go with what's posted on the road signs.

  • A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United Kingdom. The only sure way to stay legal to drive is to skip the drinks.

  • Aim to travel outside high-traffic periods for a smoother run in general. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.

  • The British pound (GBP) is the currency you'll be using for general expenses and outings. Pay with a credit or debit card when it's possible, and keep a little cash when electronic payments aren't possible.

  • English is the language that most people speak in this country.

Best hotels in Manchester for drivers

  • Spend less time hunting for a parking spot and more time enjoying the comfort of Boat & Horses Inn. Around 8 kilometers from central Manchester, it comes with parking, a 24-hour front desk and a bar.

  • Castlefield Hotel makes things simpler with accessible parking and features such as an indoor swimming pool and a restaurant. It's roughly 0.97 kilometers from the city center.

  • Browse through the range of hotels in Manchester for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find the perfect fit. You can even select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to include places with charging facilities.

  • After you've found a car rental deal in Manchester and your hotel, it's time to plan where to go first. Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour, Royal Exchange Theatre and Manchester Christmas Market are the perfect introduction to the city.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Manchester

  • Preston should be on your to-do list if you're eager to visit Brockholes Nature Reserve and Avenham and Miller Parks. This city is about 40 kilometers northwest of central Manchester.

  • You'll be well taken care of at Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel and Trivelles Park Hotel, two comfortable accommodation options with parking in Preston.

  • Add Bradford to your travel plans. Pick up your cheap car rental in Manchester and drive about 48 kilometers northeast to take in hot spots like Bradford Cathedral and St Paul's Church.

  • Bradford has some great places to stay including Holiday Inn Express Bradford City Centre and Campanile Bradford. Both are convenient choices for guests with cars.

  • Why slow down now? Take off to Bristol, around 225 kilometers south of Manchester. From Clifton Suspension Bridge to Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, it'll bring your trip to a memorable close.

  • Get some shut-eye in Bristol at either Future Inn Bristol or Novotel Bristol Centre. They've got a bed waiting for you and a spot for your wheels too.

Frequently asked questions

On average, renting a car in Manchester will set you back around AED 251 per day or AED 286 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Manchester is an intermediate crossover (similar to an SUV). The most popular is Compact, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car rental companies in Manchester are currently Green Motion and Drivalia.
Scoring the best car rental deal depends on when you book – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. However, according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Manchester is currently January.
On average, around AED 286. But the best price we found for a car rental for a week in Manchester is AED 265.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to rent a car in Manchester for a whole month is AED 4,186. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Manchester, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car rental deals with a "full to full" fuel policy as opposed to a "half-full to full" one.

We also clearly highlight car and van rental options in Manchester that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car rental companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select "Return car to a different location" when you search with us.
Public transportation can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, and for as long as you want. You'll also be able to discover more outside of Manchester.
Most places – Manchester included – allow people under the age of 25 to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance deductible for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is AED 68 per day. The average price per day is around AED 235.
Of course. Most major car rental companies like Flex To Go, Drivalia and Green Motion offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travelers rated Enterprise as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van rental is available in Manchester.