$50 Car Rental Durham

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Durham

Renting a car in Durham allows you the freedom to explore this historic city and its surrounding attractions at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and enjoy flexible travel plans, making it a popular choice for tourists. You can visit key sites like the stunning Durham Cathedral and the romantic Durham Castle, both located within the city. If you're interested in a cultural experience, the Beamish Open Air Museum, situated just 8 miles away, offers a fascinating glimpse into history. Additionally, a car makes it convenient to explore nearby cities such as Chester-le-Street, only 5 miles away, which features Pelaw Grange Greyhound Stadium and Finchale Priory. Lanchester and Framwellgate Moor are also within easy reach, each offering their own unique attractions, including more visits to the Beamish Open Air Museum and the scenic beauty of the area. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures or cultural experiences, a rental car in and around Durham provides the flexibility and convenience you need for a memorable trip.

Most popular car rentals in Durham

• Compact SUV: This option accommodates 5 travelers with up to 3 medium suitcases. It's ideal for solo travelers, couples, or small families looking for a flexible vehicle that can handle varying terrain while providing ample space for luggage and comfort during your journey around Durham.
• Economy: Perfect for 5 travelers with up to 2 medium suitcases, the Economy car is a great choice for solo travelers, couples, or families. Its smaller size makes it easy to navigate narrow streets and find parking in busy areas, ensuring a hassle-free experience as you explore Durham's attractions.
• Standard Van: Accommodating up to 8 travelers and allowing for 6 large suitcases, the Standard Van is perfect for large families or groups. This vehicle offers the space needed for everyone and their belongings, making it an excellent choice for traveling together and enjoying Durham's sights without worrying about luggage constraints.

Top rated car suppliers in Durham

• Enterprise: Enterprise is a top choice for travelers in Durham, offering one rental location in the area. Known for its excellent customer service, Enterprise provides a seamless rental experience with friendly staff and a wide selection of vehicles. The most popular options among customers are Midsize SUVs and Economy cars, making it a versatile choice for various travel needs. With the flexibility to explore Durham and its surroundings at your own pace, Enterprise stands out for its reliability and convenience.

Where to stay in and around Durham

• Chester-le-Street: Located 5 miles from Durham, Chester-le-Street offers a vibrant atmosphere with options for culture-themed experiences and outdoor adventures. Travelers can explore attractions like the historic Finchale Priory and the Beamish Open Air Museum. For relaxation, local spas and body treatment venues are available, along with a variety of dining options at nearby restaurants and bars.
• Bishop Auckland: Situated 9 miles from Durham, Bishop Auckland is ideal for those seeking scenic outdoor adventures. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the adventure-filled Hamsterley Forest. Cultural attractions such as Auckland Castle also await discovery. The area features several coffee shops and bars for enjoyable dining experiences.
• Haswell: This charming village is located within the Durham area, providing a cultural experience for travelers. With highlights like the impressive Durham Cathedral and historic Durham Castle, Haswell is perfect for those interested in history and architecture. The Angel of the North, a striking piece of public art, adds to the cultural landscape of the area, making it a rewarding stop for visitors.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car to save money, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect vehicle for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to lock in lower prices and enjoy a wider selection, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are generally more affordable to rent and easier to navigate in crowded areas. Mid-size vehicles strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or luxury models—might be unavailable. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most favorable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can also work, but be sure to return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs an extra fee, but the convenience may justify the cost.
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 in case something goes wrong during your trip. It's easy to add car rental insurance when you book with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, look for rental options that include unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
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 Durham

The best value period to rent a car in and around Durham is December, when prices are moderately low and demand is high. January and February are usually quieter months, with lower demand, though January sees higher prices. March offers lower prices and demand, making it another good option. However, June tends to be the most expensive month, with moderately high prices and high demand, while July also experiences similar demand levels at average pricing.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	38.8°F (3.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Moderately Low
February	39.9°F (4.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
March	42.3°F (5.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Moderately High
April	45.7°F (7.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
May	50.7°F (10.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
June	56.3°F (13.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately High
July	59.7°F (15.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
August	59.4°F (15.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately High
September	55.9°F (13.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately Low
October	50.7°F (10.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	44.6°F (7.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	40.5°F (4.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Moderately Low

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Durham

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Durham

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Durham. 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 Durham

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $50.

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.

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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