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. This is especially beneficial for travelers looking to visit key attractions such as Arlington Court, a historic building perfect for cultural experiences, or Heddon's Mouth Beach, ideal for beach outings. With a rental car, managing luggage becomes more convenient, allowing for easier trips to places like Croyde Bay Beach, located 9 miles away, where you can enjoy stunning scenery and outdoor activities.

Having a car also facilitates visits to nearby cities like Bideford, just 8 miles from Barnstaple, known for Clovelly Village and Instow Beach, or Braunton, which is only 5 miles away and features popular spots like Saunton Sands and Woolacombe Beach. For those seeking adventure and outdoor experiences, a rental car provides an efficient way to explore the beautiful landscapes and attractions in and around Barnstaple, making it an ideal choice for families, solo travelers, or anyone looking to enjoy their trip without the constraints of public transportation.

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: With a rental location in Barnstaple, Enterprise is the top choice for travelers seeking convenience and flexibility. They offer a diverse range of vehicles, with Economy and Midsize SUVs being the most popular options. Renting from Enterprise allows you to explore attractions around Barnstaple at your own pace, making it an excellent choice for your trip.

Where to stay around Barnstaple

• Bideford: Located 8 miles from Barnstaple, Bideford offers a scenic experience with access to a national park and a nature reserve. Visitors can explore Clovelly Village for a quaint town atmosphere, enjoy the views at Clovelly Harbour, or relax at Instow Beach. This city is perfect for outdoor adventures, including hiking trails and recreational areas, making it a great choice for those seeking adventure and scenery.
• Braunton: Situated 5 miles from Barnstaple, Braunton is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring beautiful beaches like Saunton Sands and Croyde Bay Beach. The area is also known for its golf courses and recreational areas, offering a blend of adventure and relaxation. With its proximity to a national park and nature reserve, Braunton provides ample opportunities for exploration and appreciation of the stunning scenery.
• Combe Martin: Found 9 miles from Barnstaple, Combe Martin is a charming village known for its outdoor and adventure experiences. With attractions like Ilfracombe Harbour and Woolacombe Beach nearby, visitors can enjoy picturesque views and beach activities. The local amenities include wineries and bars, adding to the area's appeal for those looking to unwind after a day of outdoor exploration.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search based on vehicle type and features. Whether you’re looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, 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 with demand, so it's advisable to reserve your car well ahead of your travel dates. By booking early, you are more likely to secure lower prices and better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might be unavailable. This may also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age restrictions prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favorable option. Others might offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can work as well; just ensure you return the vehicle empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies accept only credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can protect you from unexpected costs and provide peace of mind in case anything unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is simple when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, search for rentals that include unlimited mileage to avoid additional fees.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is required to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Barnstaple

The best value period to rent a car in and around Barnstaple is January and February, when prices are slightly low and demand is low. June also offers slightly low prices and low demand, making it a good choice. However, March tends to be the most expensive month, with higher prices and average demand. April follows closely behind with similarly high costs and average demand, while May sees a notable increase in demand and prices.

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