Car Hire From Plymouth

Book Cheap Car Hire in Plymouth

Positioned between the sea and the edge of Dartmoor, the historic port city of Plymouth is a great starting point for exploring the South West. Whether you live locally in the PL1, PL4, or PL7 postcodes and need a temporary car while yours is off the road, you are visiting businesses around the city, or you are planning a family holiday exploring the Devon and Cornwall coasts, hiring a car in Plymouth gives you the flexibility to travel on your own schedule. Rather than relying on public transport timetables or paying for taxis to reach beaches and rural villages, a rental car lets you explore at your own pace.

Here at 1st UK Car Rentals, we are one of the UK's largest independent car rental providers. We make it easy to compare and book hire cars across the area. By checking live rates from trusted local depots alongside national brands based near the city centre and Plympton—including the Enterprise branches on Commercial Road and Strode Road, as well as nearby Europcar desks—we help you secure a great deal. Whether you need a compact hatchback to get around town and park easily near the Barbican, or a roomy family SUV for trips down the A38 or across the Tamar Bridge into Cornwall, our partner network has options to match your plans.

We focus on clear pricing with no hidden charges. The quote you get when searching online covers what you expect to pay at pickup. You can skip the taxi queues at the station, load your luggage into the boot, and join the A38 Devon Expressway with confidence, knowing your travel budget is in good shape.

Tailored Car Hire Options Built Around Your Needs

Debit Card Car Hire in Plymouth

Not everyone uses a credit card, and that shouldn't stop you from renting a car when you need one. We work with rental suppliers in Plymouth and across Devon who accept standard Visa or Mastercard debit cards. As long as the card is in the main driver's name and you have the required identification, picking up your vehicle is straightforward. You can focus on your trip without dealing with credit checks or complicated card requirements.

Low & No Deposit Car Hire in Plymouth

A large security deposit hold can tie up money you would rather spend on your trip. That is why we highlight low and zero deposit car rental options in and around Plymouth. By keeping the upfront card hold to a minimum, you keep your money free for dining out, family days out at local wildlife parks, and general travel expenses.

Zero Excess Car Hire in Plymouth

Driving around busy town centres, navigating narrow country lanes on Dartmoor, and finding parking in coastal villages can occasionally lead to minor scrapes. Our zero excess car hire packages reduce your financial liability to zero, protecting you from surprise bills if the car picks up a small scratch or stone chip during your rental.

Car Hire for New & Young Drivers Under 25 in Plymouth

Finding a rental car when you are under 25 or recently passed your test can be tricky, but we work with suppliers who cater to younger drivers. Drivers aged 21 to 24 can access small and compact cars, with any applicable young driver daily fees clearly outlined upfront so you can budget accurately.

No upper age limits on car rental

Senior drivers can book through our platform with confidence. We partner with rental companies that have clear terms and no arbitrary upper age limits, ensuring older drivers can easily hire a comfortable, reliable vehicle for visiting family, day trips, or holiday travel.

Flying In? Nearest Airport & Flexible One-Way Car Rental

If you are flying into the region, Exeter Airport (EXT) is roughly a 50-minute drive east via the A38, while Cornwall Airport Newquay (NQY) is around 1 hour 15 minutes to the west. Bristol Airport (BRS) is roughly two hours away. We support flexible one-way rentals, letting you pick up a car in Plymouth and return it to an airport, a major train terminal, or another depot elsewhere in the UK.

Reliable Local Van Hire in Plymouth

If you need extra cargo space, we also compare van hire options across the PL1 and PL7 areas. Whether you are moving house, picking up bulky items from the retail parks in Marsh Mills, or transporting goods for your business, you can find small panel vans, medium vans, and large Luton box vans with tail lifts to get the job done.

How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Car in Plymouth?

Car rental prices in Plymouth fluctuate depending on the season, local demand, and how far in advance you book. Summer holidays, bank holiday weekends, and the main coastal tourist season typically see higher demand and tighter fleet availability.

Whether you need a car for a few days or are looking for long-term car rental in Devon, reserving early is the best way to secure competitive daily rates.

Plymouth Car Hire Price Guide (Seasonal Averages)

Here is a guide to typical daily rates across different vehicle classes in the PL postcode area:

Vehicle Type	Typical Provider	Average Daily Rate (Inc. Basic Cover)	Peak Summer Rate	Low Season Estimate
Small City Car (Economy)	Enterprise / Europcar	£32.00	£60.00	£26.00
Compact Hatchback	Europcar / Avis	£36.00	£66.00	£30.00
Family Estate Car	Enterprise / SIXT	£54.00	£94.00	£46.00
Crossover / SUV	Hertz / Enterprise	£74.00	£126.00	£64.00
Executive Saloon	Avis / SIXT	£82.00	£140.00	£70.00
7-Seater People Carrier (MPV)	Enterprise / Europcar	£90.00	£158.00	£80.00
Fully Electric (EV)	SIXT / Europcar	£64.00	£112.00	£54.00
Large Premium SUV	Hertz / Local	£110.00	£180.00	£95.00

Note: These figures are estimated averages for planning purposes. Final prices depend on your booking dates, rental duration, and available vehicle supply.

When to Book Your Plymouth Car Rental for the Best Price

Vehicle demand increases heavily during the summer school holidays. Because Plymouth serves as a main gateway for exploring Devon and Cornwall, popular categories like automatic hatchbacks, family estates, and 7-seaters sell out quickly. Booking 3 to 4 weeks ahead usually gives you the widest choice of cars at the most reasonable rates.

Which Hire Car is Right for Devon & Cornwall?

Choosing the right car depends on where you plan to drive. A small hatchback is great for navigating city traffic and finding parking spaces in coastal towns, while an SUV or estate offers more comfort and boot space for family days out with wetsuits and beach gear.

If you are unfamiliar with UK roads or prefer a relaxed drive, automatic car hire in Plymouth is a practical choice. An automatic helps make stop-start driving near the city centre or cruising along the A38 much easier.

Popular Car Categories and What They're Good For

Vehicle Category	Best Used For near Plymouth	Popular Examples	Why Choose This?
Small Hatchbacks	Town driving, station commutes, everyday errands.	Fiat 500, Vauxhall Corsa, Ford Fiesta	Easy to manoeuvre, fits into smaller parking bays, and low on fuel consumption.
Estate Cars	Family trips, carrying luggage, prams, or outdoor gear.	Skoda Octavia Estate, Ford Focus Estate	Practical boot space without the larger footprint of a heavy SUV.
SUVs & Crossovers	Trips across the county, family holidays.	Nissan Juke, Kia Sportage, Ford Kuga	Raised driving position for good visibility on country roads.
Executive Saloons	Business travel across the South West, corporate meetings.	BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Mercedes C-Class	Quiet cabin, refined ride, and a smart appearance for business appointments.
7-Seater People Carriers	Group travel, larger families, day trips to the beach.	Volkswagen Touran, Ford Galaxy	Plenty of seating, flexible luggage layouts, and comfort on longer journeys.
Electric Vehicles (EVs)	Clean driving around Devon and Cornwall.	MG4 EV, Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf	Smooth driving experience and no local tailpipe emissions.

Where to Pick Up Your Hire Car in Plymouth

Car rental depots are well placed around Plymouth, giving you direct access to key routes like the A38 and A374.

Provider / Depot	Location / Access	Best Suited For	Key Details
Enterprise Rent-A-Car	Commercial Road (PL4 0LE)	Local residents, city access	Positioned near Coxside and the Barbican, offering quick access to the city centre.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car	Strode Road, Plympton (PL7 4AY)	A38 drivers	Located just off the Devon Expressway on the Strode Business Park.
Europcar / Local Branches	Near City Centre	Rail arrivals, wider choice	Located a short drive or bus journey from Plymouth Railway Station.

Getting to Your Rental Branch

• By Train: Plymouth Railway Station (North Road) is a main stop on the line between London Paddington and Penzance. The local commercial depots are a short taxi ride or bus journey from the station.
• By Bus: Local bus routes run between the city centre, Coxside, and Plympton, stopping close to the rental depots.
• By Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside Plymouth station and around the city centre, making it easy to reach depots slightly further out.

What Documents Do You Need to Hire a Car in the UK?

When collecting your rental vehicle, have the following items ready to ensure a smooth handover:

• Valid Driving Licence: A full photocard licence held for at least 12 months. International visitors should bring their domestic driving licence along with an International Driving Permit (IDP) if the licence is not in English.
• DVLA Check Code (UK Licence Holders): Obtain a share code from the GOV.UK website within 21 days before your rental starts so the counter staff can verify your driving record.
• Proof of Address: Two utility bills or bank statements dated within the last 3 months matching the address on your licence.
• Payment Card: A credit or debit card in the main driver’s name for the deposit and rental charges.
• Age Verification: Most standard car classes require the driver to be at least 25, though younger drivers aged 21 to 24 can rent specific models subject to a daily young driver fee.

Understanding Car Hire Insurance and Excess

Understanding rental protection options helps you make the right choice for your trip:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Standard UK rentals include basic CDW, capping your financial responsibility for vehicle damage to an excess amount.
• The Excess Amount: This is the maximum you would pay out of pocket before insurance covers the remainder, usually between £1,000 and £1,500 depending on the vehicle class.
• Excess Protection / Super CDW: You can purchase optional excess reduction products at the counter to lower your excess to zero, giving you reassurance while driving.
• Independent Excess Insurance: You can also take out standalone excess insurance before picking up the car. If you do, the rental provider will still place a pre-authorisation hold on your card, and you can claim back any charged damage costs from your policy provider later.

Straightforward Car Hire with 1st UK Car Rentals

Nobody likes turning up to a rental desk only to be hit with extra charges or pushy sales tactics when all they want to do is grab the keys and go.

We are one of the UK's largest independent car rental providers. We keep things clear and simple. The price you see online reflects the core cost of your rental, so you can plan your travel expenses with confidence.

If you are planning longer drives across the South West, look out for deals that include a free additional driver so you can share the time behind the wheel without paying extra daily fees.

We work with established global operators and trusted local depots around Plymouth to provide clean, well-maintained cars backed by transparent rental terms.

A Few Handy Tips Before You Hit the Road in Plymouth

• The Tamar Bridge Toll: If you drive west into Cornwall via the A38, you will cross the Tamar Bridge. The crossing into Cornwall is free, but you must pay a toll (currently £3.00 for a car) on the return journey heading east back into Plymouth. Card payments are accepted.
• A38 Devon Expressway: The A38 is the main dual carriageway connecting Plymouth to Exeter and the M5. It can become very busy on Fridays and Saturdays during the peak summer season as visitors arrive and depart.
• Rural Roads: Once you head towards Dartmoor or the smaller coastal coves, roads are often narrow, single-track lanes. Look ahead for passing places, and remember to reverse if you are the closest vehicle to one.
• Refuelling Near Depots: Most rentals use a "full-to-full" fuel policy. There are large supermarket petrol stations in Plymouth, including Sainsbury's at Marsh Mills, making it easy to top up before returning your vehicle.
• Vehicle Inspection: Take two minutes to check the car's exterior and wheels before driving away from the depot. Take photos or a short video on your phone to record any existing marks on your paperwork.

Common Questions About Hiring a Car in Plymouth

Does Plymouth have a Clean Air Zone or emissions charge?

No. There are no Clean Air Zones or low emission charging zones in Plymouth or the wider Devon area. You can drive freely without worrying about daily emissions tolls.

Do I have to pay extra to add another driver?

If your selected booking includes an additional driver deal, there is no extra charge. Otherwise, rental providers typically charge a daily fee (usually around £15 to £19 per day) to add another person to the insurance policy.

Can I use a debit card to rent a car in Plymouth?

Yes, several suppliers in the area accept Visa and Mastercard debit cards for the rental payment and deposit hold, provided the card is in the main driver's name and you meet their standard identification criteria.

Can I hire a car if I'm under 25?

Yes. Drivers aged 21 to 24 can hire cars from economy and compact categories, though a standard daily young driver fee will apply at the rental counter.

Local Travel & Area Information

Exploring Plymouth & Devon by Car

Set on Plymouth Sound and bordered by the rivers Tamar and Plym, Plymouth is defined by its maritime history. The PL postcodes give you direct access to the A38, making it easy to travel east towards Exeter, west across the Tamar into Cornwall, or north onto the heights of Dartmoor National Park.

While train and bus links connect the main towns, public transport to remote beaches, moorland walks, and coastal villages can be infrequent. Having your own hire car gives you the freedom to visit Torquay, country pubs, and local gardens without working around bus schedules.

Why Hiring a Car in Plymouth is the Best Way to Travel

Taking heavy bags, beach gear, or shopping onto buses and trains can be inconvenient, and taxis for longer day trips quickly add up.

If you are travelling for business, a rental car provides an efficient way to visit clients across Devon and Cornwall. For family holidays and weekend breaks, a roomy estate or SUV gives everyone comfortable seating and plenty of space for luggage, prams, or walking boots.

Clean Air Zones and Driving Charges

Driving around Plymouth is straightforward.

As mentioned, there are no Clean Air Zones anywhere in the city. The only notable road charge in the immediate area is the Tamar Bridge toll, which applies to vehicles travelling eastbound from Cornwall into Devon. The rest of the road network allows you to travel freely between the main towns and coastal locations.

Driving in Plymouth: A Quick Local Guide

Main Roads Around Plymouth

• The A38 (Devon Expressway): The primary route running east to west, connecting Plymouth to Exeter and the M5, and west across the Tamar Bridge into Cornwall.
• The A386: Heading north from the city centre, this route takes you towards Tavistock and the western edge of Dartmoor.
• The A374: The main local route connecting the A38 at Marsh Mills into the city centre via Embankment Road and Exeter Street.
• The A379: Heading east towards Plymstock, Brixton, and on towards Kingsbridge and Dartmouth.

Traffic and Peak Travel Times

Traffic on local roads flows well for most of the year but can become heavy during the summer holidays, particularly on the A38 and the A386 heading out of the city. Checking live traffic updates before setting off is helpful during peak season.

Parking and Electric Vehicle Charging in Plymouth

Plymouth offers a mix of on-street parking, dedicated council-run car parks, and multi-storey facilities.

Local Parking Facilities

Car Park	Location / Access	Best For	Details
Drake Circus Car Park	Charles Street	City centre, shopping	A large, secure multi-storey car park located right above the main shopping mall.
Theatre Royal Car Park	Derry's Cross	Theatre, local access	A useful multi-storey car park situated near the Theatre Royal and city centre.
Elphinstone Car Park	The Barbican	Harbour, restaurants	Convenient surface parking available close to the historic Barbican area and waterfront.

Charging Your Electric Rental Car

If you are driving an electric hire car, charging facilities in the area include:

• City Car Parks: Fast EV chargers are installed in several Plymouth City Council car parks, including Drake Circus and Theatre Royal.
• Supermarkets: Large supermarkets like Sainsbury's at Marsh Mills feature fast EV charging bays for customers.
• Major Roads: Rapid charging points are located at service stations along the A38 heading towards Exeter or Cornwall.

10 Great Places to Drive from Plymouth

Picking up a car in Plymouth puts you in a great spot to explore the South West:

1. Dartmoor National Park (Princetown)

15 miles | About a 30-minute drive

Drive north along the A386 to reach the wild landscapes of Dartmoor. Visit the visitor centre in Princetown, walk among the granite tors, and spot the wild Dartmoor ponies.

2. Looe and Polperro

20 miles | About a 40-minute drive

Cross the Tamar Bridge into Cornwall and head west to explore the working fishing port of Looe, followed by the picturesque, car-free harbour village of Polperro.

3. Salcombe

25 miles | About a 50-minute drive

Head east via the A379 to visit this popular coastal town. Known for its sailing waters, sandy beaches, and independent shops, it is a great spot for a day by the sea.

4. Buckland Abbey (National Trust)

10 miles | About a 25-minute drive

Drive north to visit the former home of Sir Francis Drake. Explore the historic house, the massive Great Barn, and the peaceful estate gardens.

5. Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park

20 miles | About a 45-minute drive (via the A38)

You can drive around the estuary via the Tamar Bridge or take the foot ferry from Stonehouse. The large country park features beautiful formal gardens and views back across to Plymouth.

6. Cotehele (National Trust)

15 miles | About a 35-minute drive

Cross into Cornwall to visit this Tudor house with no electricity, preserving its historic atmosphere. Walk the estate down to the River Tamar and the restored sailing barge.

7. The Eden Project

40 miles | About a 1 hour-drive

Drive west via the A38 and A390 to explore the famous biome domes. The site houses the largest indoor rainforest in the world and offers educational exhibits on sustainability.

8. Burgh Island and Bigbury-on-Sea

18 miles | About a 40-minute drive

Head east to the coast to see the tidal island that inspired Agatha Christie. You can walk across the sand at low tide or take the unique sea tractor when the tide is in.

9. Torquay and the English Riviera

35 miles | About a 50-minute drive

Take the A38 and A380 east to visit Torquay. Enjoy the palm-lined promenade, the marina, and local attractions like Kents Cavern and Torre Abbey.

10. Tintagel and the Lizard Peninsula

60 miles | About a 1 hour 30-minute drive

If you want a longer road trip, drive west deep into Cornwall to explore the ruins of Tintagel Castle, linked to the legend of King Arthur, set on a rugged stretch of coastline.

Things to See Right in Plymouth

If you have some time before setting off on a longer drive, check out these local spots:

• Plymouth Hoe: A large public space offering views across Plymouth Sound. It is home to Smeaton's Tower lighthouse and the statue of Sir Francis Drake.
• The Barbican: Walk around the historic harbour area, featuring cobbled streets, Tudor buildings, the Mayflower Steps, and plenty of pubs and seafood restaurants.
• Royal William Yard: A former Royal Navy victualling yard designed by John Rennie, now transformed into a stylish hub of restaurants, cafes, and galleries.
• National Marine Aquarium: Located in Coxside, this is the UK's largest aquarium, featuring deep-water tanks, sharks, rays, and a focus on ocean conservation.

Compare live car hire deals in Plymouth, Devon, and Cornwall with 1st UK Car Rentals, and book your rental vehicle securely online today.