Car Rental Barnstaple

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Barnstaple

Renting a car in Barnstaple offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans, making it a popular choice for tourists. You can visit key attractions such as Arlington Court, a historic building that provides a glimpse into local culture, or spend a relaxing day at Heddon's Mouth Beach, perfect for beach experiences. For scenic views and outdoor activities, Croyde Bay Beach is just 9 miles away, ideal for enjoying the coastline.

A rental car also allows you to explore nearby cities like Bideford, located 8 miles from Barnstaple, where you can discover Clovelly Village and Instow Beach. Braunton, only 5 miles away, features stunning spots like Saunton Sands and Woolacombe Beach. Even Fremington, located in the Barnstaple area, offers great outdoor experiences. Whether you're traveling with family or seeking adventure, having a car ensures you can make the most of your time in this beautiful region.

Most popular car rental in Barnstaple

• Mini: The most booked car option in Barnstaple, the Mini is perfect for solo travelers or couples. It comfortably accommodates up to 4 travelers and has space for up to 2 small suitcases. This compact car is ideal for navigating the charming streets of Barnstaple while providing the freedom to explore attractions at your own pace. With its easy luggage management, the Mini allows for flexible travel plans, making it an excellent choice for your rental experience.

Top rated car suppliers in Barnstaple

• Enterprise: Known for its convenience, Enterprise has one rental location in Barnstaple, making it easy for travelers to access their vehicles. The most booked cars with this supplier are Economy and Midsize SUVs, perfect for those looking to explore the area comfortably. With a focus on customer satisfaction, renting from Enterprise allows you to manage your itinerary with ease and enjoy the flexibility that comes with having your own vehicle.

Where to stay around Barnstaple

• Bideford: Located 8 miles from Barnstaple, Bideford offers travelers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures and scenic beauty. Visitors can explore local attractions such as Clovelly Village and Clovelly Harbour, both of which are perfect for a picturesque vacation. Enjoy recreational areas and hiking trails, or relax at the nearby beaches including Instow Beach. Bideford also features food and drink options for those with a sweet tooth, making it a great stop for a taste of local chocolate.
• Braunton: Just 5 miles from Barnstaple, Braunton is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience stunning scenery. Key highlights include Saunton Sands, Croyde Bay Beach, and Woolacombe Beach, all of which provide ample opportunities for beach vacations and outdoor activities. Visitors can also enjoy recreational areas and several golf courses nearby, ensuring a well-rounded experience for all types of travelers.
• Combe Martin: Situated 9 miles from Barnstaple, Combe Martin is a charming village known for its outdoor adventures and scenic landscapes. Visitors can explore the beautiful Ilfracombe Harbour and relax at popular beaches like Woolacombe Beach and Saunton Sands. The area also features a variety of local wineries and bars, perfect for those looking to unwind after a day of exploration. Combe Martin’s proximity to national parks and nature reserves makes it ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Barnstaple

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you need an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect fit for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it's wise to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you’re more likely to secure lower rates and enjoy better availability, especially during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically come with lower rental costs and are easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size cars strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 years old may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the best option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but it may be worth it for the added convenience.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It’s easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to steer clear of extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Barnstaple

The best time to rent a car in and around Barnstaple is January and February, when prices are slightly low and demand is low, making it the best value period. June also offers slightly low prices with low demand, providing another good opportunity. However, March tends to be the most expensive month, with prices rising and demand increasing. April and May follow closely behind, as both months see higher demand and slightly elevated prices.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	42.6°F (5.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
February	42.8°F (6.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
March	44.6°F (7.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
April	47.8°F (8.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
May	52.5°F (11.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
June	57.7°F (14.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
July	60.8°F (16.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
August	60.4°F (15.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
September	57.9°F (14.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
October	53.6°F (12.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
November	48.2°F (9.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	45.1°F (7.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Barnstaple

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Barnstaple into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Barnstaple and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Barnstaple

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Barnstaple. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Barnstaple

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book .

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

We all love being rewarded

One Key members save 10% or more on select hotels, cars, activities and vacation rentals. Not only that, earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands: Expedia, Hotels.com and VRBO. Learn more and join today.

Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals