Cardiff car hires from £16/day

It is recommended that visitors renting vehicles in Cardiff stick to smaller vehicles such as compacts and sedans. This is because many of the city’s streets can be somewhat narrow and on the smaller side. As such, larger cars may struggle to navigate them comfortably, particularly when it comes to finding streetside parking spots large enough for them.

Unless posted signage say otherwise, speed limits in built-up areas go up to 30 mph in Cardiff. Roads outside of built-up areas often have fairly moderate speed limits, but they do occasionally go up to 60 mph on larger roads. Dual carriageways and motorways, on the other hand, feature speed limits that top out at 70 mph.

If you are looking for parking in the central downtown areas of Cardiff, parking garages are likely your best bet. While there are streetside spots available, they often fill up quickly in the morning, particularly in the most popular areas. In residential areas, though, streetside parking is much more available and is often the most popular option. As for the cost of parking garages, parking rates typically start as low as £2.00 ($2.53) per hour.

On average a car hire in Cardiff costs £39 per day.

Car hire companies onsite at Cardiff Wales airport include Europcar and Avis.

Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Cardiff Wales airport to off-airport locations include Europcar, Avis and National.

Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

An Economy car hire in Cardiff costs £41 per day, on average.

A Full Size car hire in Cardiff costs £126 per day, on average.

A Standard car hire in Cardiff costs £44 per day, on average.

In Cardiff, cars are most frequently hired at Europcar Bristol Airport, Car Rental Centre (21 miles from city centre).

Most car hire providers in Cardiff offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car hire in Cardiff, check out KAYAK's car hire insurance guide.

When you get a hire vehicle in Cardiff you can include add-ons to enhance your journey. If you are new to Cardiff then a sat-nav will help you navigate around the streets. For those planning on driving long distances, an additional driver allows you to share your time behind the wheel. Whereas 24/7 breakdown cover ensures you get roadside assistance if there is an issue with your car.

Cardiff is a busy city and the capital of Wales. There are lots of cyclists that use the roads regularly, so you need to take care when driving in the city centre. Whilst there are cycle paths in the city, the majority of the time bikes and cars need to share the road. So you should check your mirrors regularly, especially at turns. There are also lots of students and locals that enjoy the great pubs and bars at night, so if you’re driving after hours be sure to look out for party-goers crossing the road.