Car Rental Barnstaple

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Barnstaple

Renting a car in Barnstaple offers travelers the freedom to explore the stunning countryside and heritage sites at their own pace. Whether you're a countryside explorer, heritage traveler, or outdoor enthusiast, having a rental car allows for easy luggage management and flexible travel plans. You can venture to nearby attractions like Saunton Sands, a beach experience located 7 miles away, or enjoy the scenic beauty of Croyde Bay Beach, just 9 miles from Barnstaple. Families can visit The Big Sheep, a theme park also situated 9 miles from the city, ensuring a fun day out. Additionally, with a rental car, popular destinations such as Bideford—home to Clovelly Village and Instow Beach just 8 miles away—become easily accessible. You can also explore Charles, featuring attractions like Exmoor National Park and Arlington Court, or visit West Down, which is only 6 miles away and boasts Ilfracombe Harbour and Woolacombe Beach. The convenience of having a car enhances the experience, allowing you to discover the beauty of Barnstaple and its surroundings effortlessly.

Most popular car rentals in Barnstaple

• Compact SUV: This versatile option fits up to 5 travelers and accommodates up to 3 medium suitcases, making it ideal for solo adventurers, couples, or families. The compact SUV provides a comfortable ride while allowing you to navigate the scenic countryside around Barnstaple with ease. Its spacious interior is perfect for those carrying luggage or outdoor gear, ensuring you can explore the area at your own pace without compromising on comfort.
• Economy: The economy car is another popular choice, fitting up to 5 travelers and offering space for up to 2 medium suitcases. This option is perfect for solo travelers, couples, or families looking for an efficient and budget-friendly vehicle. The economy car is easy to maneuver, making it suitable for both city driving in Barnstaple and country roads. It's a practical choice for those who want to explore the area without the need for excessive space or luxury.
• Mini: Ideal for smaller groups, the mini car fits up to 4 travelers and accommodates up to 2 small suitcases. This option is perfect for solo explorers or couples who prefer a more compact vehicle. The mini car is agile and easy to park, making it an excellent choice for navigating Barnstaple's quaint streets and nearby attractions. Its smaller size does not compromise on the fun of exploring, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the countryside without extra bulk.

Top rated car suppliers in Barnstaple

• Enterprise: With 1 convenient rental location in Barnstaple, Enterprise is a top choice for travelers seeking flexibility. Known for their reliable service, they offer popular vehicle options, including Compact SUVs and Economy cars, making it easy to explore the area at your own pace.

Where to go in and around Barnstaple

• Bideford: Located 8 miles away from Barnstaple, Bideford is a charming city known for its outdoor and adventure experiences. Travelers can explore the scenic beauty of Clovelly Village and Clovelly Harbour, perfect for a beach vacation. For those who enjoy recreational activities, Instow Beach offers a delightful spot for relaxation and fun. The best times to visit Bideford are in April and from July to August, with slightly lower visitor numbers from October to December.
• Charles: Situated in the Barnstaple area, Charles is a quaint village that attracts visitors year-round. It is particularly popular from July to September. Nature lovers can immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes of Exmoor National Park, ideal for adventure and outdoor activities. Other highlights include the North Devon Hawk Walks and the historic Arlington Court, making it a great spot for culture seekers as well.
• West Down: Just 6 miles from Barnstaple, West Down is a picturesque village that offers outdoor and eco-friendly experiences. Best visited from July to September, this area is known for its beautiful beaches like Woolacombe Beach and Croyde Bay Beach, perfect for those looking to enjoy the sun and surf. Visitors can also explore the scenic Ilfracombe Harbour, adding to the area's appeal for nature enthusiasts and beach lovers alike.

10 tips to save on your Barnstaple car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and desired features. Whether you need an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly options, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best fit for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices 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 rates and enjoy greater availability, especially during peak 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 offer a reasonable compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
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 usually the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which can be acceptable as well. Just ensure that you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind if unforeseen issues arise during your trip. It's easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

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 at its lowest. Following these months, March and April offer moderate pricing with average demand. However, September stands out as the most expensive month, with high demand and slightly high prices, making it a busy time for car rentals. October continues this trend, showing similar pricing and demand levels.

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	Average
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	Average
July	60.8°F (16.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	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	High	Slightly High
October	53.6°F (12.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Slightly High
November	48.2°F (9.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
December	45.1°F (7.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average

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.

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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