Car Rental Durham University

Reasons to book a car rental around Durham University

Renting a car around Durham University provides excellent freedom and flexibility for sightseeing and exploring the area. With a rental vehicle, you can visit key attractions at your own pace, such as the historic Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle, both located less than 1 mile away. For those interested in culture, these sites are ideal destinations. You can also venture to the Beamish Open Air Museum, a fascinating historic village just 9 miles away, enhancing your adventure experience.

A rental car is particularly convenient for travelers with luggage or families, making it easy to manage your belongings while visiting various sites. Additionally, you can explore nearby cities like Shincliffe and Langley Moor, both within 1 mile of Durham University, that offer more cultural experiences. This flexibility allows you to create your own travel itinerary without relying on public transportation. Overall, having a rental car enhances your trip to Durham University, providing an opportunity to engage with friendly people and historical sites, and ensuring that you can see everything the area has to offer comfortably.

Most popular car rentals near Durham University

• Compact: The Compact car is perfect for solo travelers, couples, or families of up to 5 people. With the ability to accommodate up to 3 medium suitcases, this option is ideal for navigating the charming streets around Durham University. Its size makes it easy to park while still providing enough space for luggage, making it a popular choice for those looking to explore the area comfortably.
• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV is a fantastic option for families, couples, or small groups, accommodating up to 5 travelers with room for 3 large suitcases. This vehicle offers extra space and comfort, making it well-suited for longer journeys or when traveling with more luggage. Its versatility is especially beneficial for those planning to explore various attractions around Durham University at their own pace.
• Economy: The Economy car is an excellent choice for solo travelers, couples, or families, accommodating up to 5 people and up to 2 medium suitcases. This option is not only budget-friendly but also provides the convenience of easy maneuverability in urban settings near Durham University. Its compact size allows for efficient parking and fuel savings, making it a smart choice for those looking to make the most of their car rental experience.

Top rated car suppliers near Durham University

• Enterprise: For maximum convenience, Enterprise has 4 rental locations near Durham University, with the nearest being less than 1 mile away. This accessibility makes it an excellent choice for travelers seeking flexibility. Enterprise offers a diverse range of vehicles, with the Midsize SUV and Compact SUV being the most booked options. Enjoy the freedom to explore surrounding attractions at your own pace while managing your luggage effortlessly.
• Europcar: Europcar features 1 rental location situated 12 miles from Durham University, providing another solid option for car rentals. Known for its reliable service, Europcar offers popular vehicles like the Compact SUV and Midsize SUV, catering to various travel needs. This supplier is ideal for those who don’t mind a short drive to pick up their rental, allowing for an enjoyable road trip experience around the beautiful region surrounding Durham University.

Where to stay near Durham University

• Durham: Staying in Durham offers easy access to Durham University and a rich cultural experience. Explore iconic landmarks such as the stunning Durham Cathedral and the historic Durham Castle, both within walking distance. The city is surrounded by beautiful outdoor spaces, perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers. With various dining options, including restaurants and bars, you can enjoy local cuisine after a day of exploration.
• Chester-le-Street: Located 6 miles from Durham University, Chester-le-Street is an excellent choice for those looking to immerse themselves in culture and history. Key highlights include the Pelaw Grange Greyhound Stadium and Finchale Priory. The city also boasts several dining and bar options, making it convenient for evening outings. With spa facilities available, it's a great spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
• Bishop Auckland: Situated 8 miles from Durham University, Bishop Auckland is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Attractions like the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Hamsterley Forest provide ample opportunities for exploration. Additionally, Auckland Castle offers a cultural experience. The city features cozy bars and coffee shops, perfect for relaxing after a day filled with activities in the nearby national parks.

10 tips to save on your car rental around Durham University

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for warm weather, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal option 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 vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re more likely to obtain lower prices and better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are less expensive to rent and easier to maneuver and park in crowded areas. Mid-size vehicles strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters older than 70. Always verify the age restrictions 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 most favorable option. Other policies may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling choices, which can be convenient as well. Just ensure that you return the vehicle 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 extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for transactions.
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. Adding car rental insurance is a straightforward process when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan to embark on lengthy road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s license is necessary to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car around Durham University

The best value period to rent a car around Durham University is March, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. February is also a quieter month, with low demand and average pricing. Following March, April through June sees average prices and demand, making it a reasonable time to rent as well. However, August tends to be the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and high demand, while July and early September also reflect average demand and pricing levels.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	38.8°F (3.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Slightly 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	Average	Slightly Low
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	Slightly 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	Slightly High
September	55.9°F (13.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	50.7°F (10.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly High
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	Slightly Low