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Hiring a car in Plymouth
Britain’s Ocean City is a welcoming coastal destination that proudly celebrates its rich maritime history. Whether you’re visiting for a day or a weekend, there’s plenty to see and do in Plymouth, from the cobbled streets of the Barbican district to the fascinating creatures of the National Marine Aquarium.
Hire a car in Plymouth to enjoy the city and beyond without the hassle of public transport. Renting a vehicle grants you the freedom and flexibility to explore Dartmoor’s wild tors, enjoy seafood in Salcombe, and relax on Cornish beaches at your leisure.
Fast facts
- Min. age required to hire a car: 21
- Which side of the road: Left
- Credit card requirements: Debit or credit cards accepted
Any additional requirements: You may have to pay a young driver's surcharge if you’re under 25
Plymouth city centre pick-up
Plymouth has plenty of car hire firms to choose from. Most of the big names are located around the docks, which are within easy reach of the city centre. They include:
- Europcar: +44 371 384 0238
- Hertz: +44 843 309 3061
- Enterprise: +44 175 222 5193
- Thrifty: +44 175 220 7207
Airport pick up
Plymouth does not have its own airport. The nearest airports to the city are Cornwall Airport Newquay (NQY) – approximately 74km (46 miles) away – and Exeter Airport (EXT), around 80km (50 miles) away. You can hire a car at either one.
Car hire providers at Cornwall Airport Newquay include:
- Hertz: +44 843 309 3053
- Europcar: +44 371 384 3415
- Enterprise: +44 184 153 1701
Opening hours vary between 8am and 6pm. Europcar and Enterprise are open Monday to Sunday, while Hertz is closed on Saturdays.
Car hire companies at Exeter Airport include:
- Avis: +44 344 544 6015
- Budget: +44 344 544 6015
- Europcar: +44 371 384 3407
Avis and Budget are both closed on Sundays. Europcar is open between 9am and 6pm on weekends.
Driving in Plymouth
If you’re a confident driver, getting around Plymouth in a hire car is easy. That said, there are a few quirks worth knowing about.
The city centre has several one-way systems, particularly around Royal Parade and the Barbican. Traffic also builds up at peak times, especially on the A38, which links Plymouth to Exeter and the M5. In summer, roads to Dartmoor and Cornwall tend to get congested, particularly along scenic coastal routes.
You’ll find plenty of places to park your hire car in central Plymouth, with large car parks at Drake Circus and the Theatre Royal. While there are fewer car parks along the waterfront, on-street spaces are available near the picturesque Plymouth Hoe.
The city’s three park-and-ride sites offer a convenient way to avoid busy central roads too.
If you’re in the mood for a proper road trip, England’s southwest doesn’t disappoint. Highlights include charming villages like Polperro and Widecombe-in-the-Moor. Both are less than an hour from Plymouth by car, depending on the traffic.
