Car Rental Bristol Airport 2025: Compare Prices & Companies
Anyone who’s landed at Bristol Airport and faced the walk to the Car Rental Centre knows the drill: grab your bags, find the shuttle bus, and hope the queue at the desk isn’t too long. With nine on-site car hire companies operating from a single centre, the choice can feel overwhelming, so this guide breaks down the options, pricing patterns, and insider tips to help you book with confidence.
Average daily rental price at Bristol Airport: £30–£60 depending on vehicle and season ·
Number of car rental companies on-site: 9 ·
Distance from terminal to rental car centre: 5-minute shuttle bus ride ·
Cheapest daily rate found (Skyscanner Jan 2025): £33 ·
Typical fuel policy: Full-to-full
Quick snapshot
- Nine car hire brands operate from the on-site Car Rental Centre (Bristol Airport, official airport website)
- Free shuttle bus runs every 15 minutes from 06:00 to 00:00 (Bristol Airport)
- Fuel policy is typically full-to-full across major providers (Enterprise, car rental company)
- Exact daily rates change daily and vary by booking window
- Deposit amounts differ by company and vehicle class
- Young driver surcharge amounts are not publicly listed by most providers
- January is the cheapest month to rent at Bristol Airport (average $22/day according to Kayak, travel aggregator)
- August is the most expensive month (average $36/day per Kayak)
- Book early to lock in lower rates and avoid walk-up premiums
- Check for hidden fees like young driver or one-way charges
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of on-site car rental companies | 9 |
| Shuttle bus from terminal to rental centre | Free, runs every 10–15 minutes |
| Typical rental desk opening hours | 6:00 – 23:00 |
| Cheapest daily rate reported (Skyscanner Jan 2025) | £33 |
| Minimum driver age | 21 (young driver surcharge may apply) |
What is the cheapest car rental at Bristol Airport?
Price comparison of major companies
The cheapest daily rate found on Skyscanner, travel comparison site in January 2025 was £33. Enterprise, Hertz, and Budget typically offer competitive rates, but the actual price depends on vehicle class, booking lead time, and season. Kayak reports that the average rental cost at Bristol Airport is $52 per day, with the Small category (e.g., Vauxhall Crossland) averaging $55/day (Kayak, travel aggregator).
How to find the lowest rate
- Use aggregator sites like Skyscanner and Kayak to compare all companies at once
- Book at least 2–3 weeks in advance – walk-up rates can be 20–30% higher
- Consider off-airport locations: sometimes cheaper, but factor in shuttle costs and time
Seasonal price variations
According to Kayak, January is the cheapest month to rent at Bristol Airport (average $22/day), while August is the most expensive (average $36/day). This pattern reflects holiday demand: summer travel and school breaks push prices up. The implication: if you can travel in January, you could save roughly 40% compared to August.
The implication: booking early and comparing across aggregators is the only reliable way to secure the cheapest rate.
Which car rental companies operate at Bristol Airport?
On-site companies list (9)
Bristol Airport’s official website lists nine car hire brands in the Car Rental Centre: Enterprise, Hertz, Europcar, Budget, Avis, Thrifty, Dollar, Green Motion, and U-Save (Bristol Airport, official airport website). All are accessible via a short shuttle bus ride from the terminal.
Off-site companies with shuttle service
Some providers like Sixt operate from the same Car Rental Centre building, while others may have off-airport offices with shuttle pickups. For example, Sixt lists its branch at the Car Rental Building, BS48 3DW (Sixt, car rental company). Off-airport options can be cheaper but require a separate shuttle trip.
Specialist providers
Green Motion focuses on environmentally friendly fleets, offering hybrids and lower emissions. U-Save is a local independent provider with a more personalised service. Dollar is known for budget-friendly rates. These three are less common at other UK airports, making Bristol’s selection unusually diverse.
With nine on-site companies, competition is high – and that’s good for your wallet. But the sheer number means you need to compare not just price but also hours, deposit policies, and vehicle availability. The trade-off: more choice requires more homework.
The pattern: more choice means more homework, but the competition among nine on-site companies keeps prices relatively low.
How do I compare car rental prices at Bristol Airport?
Using aggregator sites
Skyscanner and Kayak both offer Bristol Airport (BRS) as a pickup location. Skyscanner’s results include total price with insurance, while Kayak shows average price trends. A quick search on Skyscanner in January 2025 returned a cheapest rate of £33/day from a small economy car (Skyscanner, travel comparison site).
Direct company websites
Booking directly with the rental company can sometimes offer perks like free cancellation or loyalty points. Enterprise, for instance, offers free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up (Enterprise, car rental company). Hertz Gold Plus Rewards members can skip the counter queue.
Factors affecting price
- Advance booking: Rates rise as the pick-up date approaches
- Duration: Weekly rentals often have a lower daily rate than daily rentals
- Vehicle class: Small cars are cheapest; SUVs and automatics cost more
- Insurance: Adding extra coverage through the rental desk can double the price
What this means: the cheapest advertised rate is rarely the final price. Always check the total including insurance, additional driver fees, and young driver surcharges before booking.
What documents and requirements are needed for car rental at Bristol Airport?
Driving licence requirements
You need a full valid driving licence held for at least one year. For UK residents, a photocard licence is standard. EU/EEA licence holders are generally accepted. International licence holders may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) depending on the country of issue.
Age restrictions
The minimum age to rent a car at Bristol Airport is 21. Drivers under 25 typically face a young driver surcharge, which can add £15–£35 per day (Hertz UK, car rental company). Some companies, like Enterprise, may allow drivers aged 21–24 but apply a surcharge.
Payment methods accepted
A credit card is usually required for the deposit. Debit cards may be accepted, but only if a larger deposit is held. Prepaid cards are rarely accepted. Check with the specific company before booking – for example, Budget, car rental company states that a credit card is needed for most reservations.
Insurance requirements
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and theft protection are typically included in the base rate, but with a high excess (often £500–£1,500). Many travellers buy excess insurance separately to reduce the excess to zero. Third-party liability is mandatory by UK law.
The biggest hidden cost for young drivers at Bristol Airport is the age surcharge – a 22-year-old could pay 40% more than a 30-year-old for the same car. The fix: compare policies that include young driver cover, or consider renting from a company that caps the surcharge.
What this means: young drivers should expect to pay a significant surcharge and should factor that into their total cost comparison.
What are the best tips for renting a car at Bristol Airport?
Booking in advance
Walk-up rentals at Bristol Airport can cost up to 50% more than pre-booked rates. Use comparison sites to book at least two weeks ahead. Many companies offer free cancellation, so you can rebook if a better deal appears.
Inspecting the vehicle
Before driving off, walk around the car and photograph any existing scratches, dents, or damage. Make sure the fuel level matches the rental agreement. This reduces the risk of being charged for pre-existing damage upon return.
Understanding fuel policy
Most Bristol Airport rental companies use a full-to-full policy: you collect the car with a full tank and return it full. If you return it less than full, you’ll be charged a refuelling fee that is often higher than the pump price. Fill up at a nearby petrol station before returning.
Returning the car on time
The rental centre is open from 06:00 to 23:00, with after-hours returns available on demand between 00:00 and 06:00 (Bristol Airport, official airport website). Late returns may incur an extra day’s charge, so plan your flight time accordingly.
The shuttle bus to the Car Rental Centre runs every 15 minutes during the day, but between midnight and 6am it’s on demand – meaning you may have to wait up to 20 minutes. For early morning flights, factor in extra time.
The catch: even with a pre-booked car, the shuttle bus schedule and rental desk hours can affect your pickup and return experience, so plan accordingly.
Five major on-site companies, one pattern: each has different operating hours and special features. Here’s a quick comparison.
| Company | Typical opening hours | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Enterprise | 07:30 – 23:00 daily | Free cancellation up to 48 hours |
| Hertz | 07:30 – 23:00 daily | Gold Plus Rewards loyalty programme |
| Avis | Mon–Fri 07:30–23:00, Sat 07:30–17:00, Sun 09:00–23:00 | Online check-in to skip the queue |
| Budget | Mon–Fri 08:00–22:00, Sat 08:00–15:00, Sun 10:00–22:30 | Budget Fastbreak for faster pick-up |
| Sixt | Mon 08:00–22:00, Tue–Thu 08:00–20:00, Fri 08:00–22:00, Sat 09:00–17:00, Sun 08:00–18:00 | Premium car selection including electric vehicles |
Upsides
- Wide choice of 9 on-site companies
- Free shuttle bus connects terminal to rental centre
- Full-to-full fuel policy avoids prepayment
- Competitive pricing due to high competition
Downsides
- Young driver surcharges can add £15–£35/day
- Deposit requires a credit card for most companies
- Off-airport locations may be cheaper but require extra shuttle time
- Late-night returns are on-demand only between midnight and 6am
“Bristol Airport has nine car hire brands based in its Car Rental Centre, reached by a dedicated shuttle bus from the Transport Interchange.”
Bristol Airport, official airport website
“The pick-up process was smooth – the shuttle arrived within 5 minutes and the car was ready. Full-to-full policy made it easy to return without extra charges.”
Skyscanner customer review, January 2025
For UK travellers flying out of Bristol Airport, the choice between on-site and off-site car rental comes down to convenience versus cost. The on-site centre offers the most seamless experience, but only if you book ahead and understand the fine print. For budget-conscious renters, the implication is clear: compare total prices including insurance and young driver fees, or risk paying double the advertised rate.
avis.co.uk, bristol-airport-guide.co.uk, skyscanner.com, stressfreecarrental.com, hertz.com.au, booking.com
Frequently asked questions
Can I rent a car at Bristol Airport if I am under 25?
Yes, the minimum age is 21, but drivers under 25 typically pay a young driver surcharge. Enterprise, Hertz, and Budget all apply this fee – check directly with the company for exact amounts.
What is the cancellation policy for rental cars at Bristol Airport?
Most companies offer free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up. Enterprise, for example, allows free cancellation within that window. Always check the terms before booking.
Are there electric vehicle rentals available at Bristol Airport?
Yes, Hertz offers electric vehicle options, and Green Motion provides hybrid vehicles. Sixt also has a premium selection that includes EVs. Availability varies, so book early.
How do I get from the airport terminal to the car rental centre?
Take the free shuttle bus from Bus Stop 2 at the Transport Interchange. It runs every 10–15 minutes during the day (06:00–00:00) and on demand during the night.
Do I need to purchase additional insurance for a rental car at Bristol Airport?
Basic CDW and theft protection are included, but with a high excess (typically £500–£1,500). Many renters buy excess insurance separately to reduce the excess to zero. Check your existing car insurance or travel insurance for rental car cover.
Can I rent a one-way car from Bristol Airport to another city?
Yes, major companies like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis allow one-way rentals, but a drop-off fee may apply. Always mention this when booking to avoid surprises.
What happens if I return the car late at Bristol Airport?
Late returns may incur an extra day’s charge. The rental centre is open 06:00–23:00; after-hours returns are possible but require a call to arrange. Best to return within the agreed time.
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