$53 Car Rental Durham

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Durham

Renting a car in and around Durham offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility, making it a favored choice for cultural explorers, heritage travelers, and countryside enthusiasts. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and enjoy spontaneous stops at the remarkable attractions that Durham has to offer. Notable sites include the historic Durham University and the stunning Durham Cathedral, both located within the city. For a broader cultural experience, you can drive 8 miles to visit the Beamish Open Air Museum, where history comes alive in a captivating setting. Your rental car also allows you to venture to nearby destinations such as Langley Park, which features all the highlights of Durham, or Stanley, home to the iconic Angel of the North and St. James' Park, just 8 miles away. Additionally, you can explore Bishop Auckland, located 9 miles from Durham, where you can immerse yourself in the rich beauty of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Whether you seek outdoor adventures or cultural immersion, a rental car empowers you to explore Durham at your own pace.

Most popular car rentals in Durham

• Compact SUV: A popular choice among travelers, the compact SUV fits up to 5 passengers and accommodates up to 3 medium suitcases. This vehicle is perfect for solo adventurers, couples, or small families looking to explore Durham at their own pace. With its versatile space, you can manage your luggage easily while enjoying the freedom to discover cultural and scenic attractions in the area.
• Midsize SUV: Ideal for families, couples, or small groups, the midsize SUV comfortably seats 5 travelers and holds up to 3 large suitcases. This option offers extra space for those who might have more gear or luggage to transport. Whether you're heading out for a day of exploration or a weekend getaway, the midsize SUV provides the versatility and comfort needed for your travels around Durham.
• Economy: The economy car is a smart option for those who prioritize budget and efficiency. It fits 5 travelers and accommodates up to 2 medium suitcases, making it suitable for solo travelers, couples, or small families. This car type provides a practical solution for navigating Durham's attractions while ensuring you have enough space for your essentials. Enjoy the ease of flexible travel plans with this economical choice.

Top rated car suppliers in Durham

• Enterprise: With 1 rental location in Durham, Enterprise is a top choice for travelers seeking flexibility. Known for its reliable service, the most booked cars include Midsize SUVs and Economy vehicles, catering to a variety of needs. Renting from Enterprise allows you to explore attractions in and around Durham at your own pace, ensuring a smooth and convenient experience.

Where to go in and around Durham

• Langley Park: Located in the area of Durham, Langley Park is a charming village ideal for adventure and outdoor experiences. The peak visitor seasons are March to April and July, making it a great time to explore local attractions such as the historic Durham University and the stunning Durham Cathedral. Don't miss the Beamish Open Air Museum for a taste of history. Nearby, you can find national and state parks, and recreational areas, perfect for enjoying the scenic beauty.
• Stanley: Situated 8 miles away from Durham, Stanley offers a mix of culture and outdoor activities. Peak visitor times occur in April, July, and September. Here, you can visit the Beamish Open Air Museum, a historic village worth exploring. The notable Angel of the North public art sculpture adds to the cultural experience. Additionally, St. James' Park is a historic sports stadium nearby, enhancing the area's cultural appeal.
• Bishop Auckland: Approximately 9 miles from Durham, Bishop Auckland is a city that provides a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and scenic beauty. Travelers often visit during peak months like April, July, and September. Key attractions include the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, ideal for nature lovers, and the historic Durham University and Durham Cathedral, both suitable for culture vacations. This city is an excellent choice for those looking to immerse themselves in local history and natural landscapes.

10 tips to save on your Durham car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and specific features. Whether you’re looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for warm-weather driving, or an economy car to save money, 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 advisable to secure your car well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you’re more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to navigate and park in crowded areas. Mid-size vehicles strike a nice 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 vehicle categories—like SUVs or luxury models—might not be available to them. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age restrictions prior to making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental companies require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you need to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most economical option. Other companies may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can also be convenient. Just remember to return the car empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies primarily accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Rental car insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind in case of unforeseen events 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 long road trips, seek out rentals with unlimited mileage to prevent any 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 Durham

The best value period to rent a car in and around Durham is December, when prices are moderately low and demand is high. Nearby months like September also offer moderately low prices and average demand, making them good options as well. Conversely, August is the most expensive month, with high demand driving up rental rates. July can also be busy and pricier, while January typically sees the highest demand, resulting in increased costs for rentals.

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	Average	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	Low	Average
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	Moderately 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	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 $53.

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