$50 Car Rental Durham

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Durham

Renting a car in Durham offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and create a travel plan that suits your needs. This flexibility is especially appealing for those seeking outdoor adventures and scenic experiences. Key attractions like Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle, both located within the city, are easily accessible by car. Additionally, you can venture to nearby destinations such as Chester-le-Street, just 5 miles away, where you can visit Pelaw Grange Greyhound Stadium and Finchale Priory. Lanchester and Framwellgate Moor are also within reach, featuring cultural sites such as Beamish Open Air Museum and more. The ability to travel freely allows you to explore these locations without the constraints of public transportation, making it a convenient choice for families, couples, or anyone looking to immerse themselves in the rich history and beautiful landscapes of Durham and its surroundings.

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: With a rental location in Durham, Enterprise is a popular choice among travelers seeking flexibility. They offer a diverse range of vehicles, with Midsize SUVs and Economy cars being the most booked options. Renting from Enterprise allows you to explore Durham and its surrounding attractions at your own pace, making it an ideal choice for a hassle-free experience.

Where to stay in and around Durham

• Chester-le-Street: Located 5 miles from Durham, Chester-le-Street offers a rich cultural experience with its historic landmarks such as the Pelaw Grange Greyhound Stadium and Finchale Priory. This city is ideal for those looking for outdoor adventures and cultural exploration, with nearby attractions including the Beamish Open Air Museum. Visitors can enjoy various dining options at local restaurants and bars, making it a convenient stay for travelers seeking both relaxation and activity.
• Bishop Auckland: Situated 9 miles from Durham, Bishop Auckland is perfect for those who appreciate outdoor scenery and adventure. With attractions like the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Auckland Castle, it offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The area is also known for recreational spaces and has a selection of coffee shops and bars for a pleasant dining experience. It's an excellent choice for travelers looking to immerse themselves in nature and history.
• Haswell: Located within the Durham area, Haswell is a quaint village that provides a cultural getaway. Key attractions include the stunning Durham Cathedral and the historic Durham Castle, both suitable for culture enthusiasts. The village also features the Angel of the North, a remarkable piece of public art. Haswell serves as a charming base for exploring Durham's rich history and cultural sites, making it a peaceful retreat 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 extra space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's wise to reserve your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re likely to secure lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars typically cost less to rent and are easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. 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'll need to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most economical choice. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can also be convenient. Just ensure you return the car empty in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at an airport 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 payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance while booking through Expedia is simple.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long 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 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. Surrounding months like February and April also offer average prices with low demand. However, June through August see higher prices and increased demand, particularly in June, which tends to be the most expensive month for rentals. July can also be busy, but prices may be more manageable as demand remains high.

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