CAR HIRE IN WALES

With Avis Car Rental, you can explore Wales easily and conveniently with the freedom to experience all that this magical country has to offer. As famous for its castles, mountains, rugged coastline and wildlife as it is for its vibrant towns and villages and friendly welcome, Wales is also known for its hwyl (pronounced hoo-ell), Welsh for sense of fun, energy and enthusiasm.

At around 6.2 times smaller than England but with a much lower population, meaning lighter traffic, Wales is the perfect destination for a road trip. A good road network is waiting to carry you over the mountains and beyond. Even the historic capital Cardiff boasts a relaxed, friendly vibe.

You’ll find renting and collecting a hire car with Avis in Wales is fast and easy, meaning you can spend more time exploring the Welsh countryside from the comfort of your perfect rental vehicle.

Whether you are travelling to Wales for business or leisure, our friendly, efficient Avis teams are ready to provide the perfect rental car for your trip. If you want to travel across the country to another UK destination you can select our one-way car rental option giving you total freedom to shape your trip. Book direct with Avis and you’ll benefit from flexible bookings with free cancellation, a fleet of quality rental vehicles and speedy collection to get you on the road quickly plus we’ve a free loyalty programme with a host of travel benefits you’ll love.

Our car rental offices in Wales are located in South Wales in the principality’s vibrant capital, Cardiff and just outside at Cardiff Airport where a fast, efficient check-in and drop-off make your onward journey as smooth as possible. You can also rent a car in England at both Bristol Airport and Birmingham Airport as well as London Heathrow Airport, which are within easy reach of the Welsh border. However you travel to Wales, our car hire offices and friendly Avis team are waiting ready to help you.

Hiring a car is a popular and easy way to explore Wales. The country has a good, well-maintained road network from coast to coast while routes from the north to the south of the country are winding and spectacular.

If you have just arrived in the country, be aware that in Wales and across the rest of the UK, you’ll be driving on the left-hand side of the road. Some key road rules in Wales include that using hands-free mobile devices is permitted but it’s illegal to hold and use any device that can send or receive data while driving.

At zebra and parallel crossings, you must give way to pedestrians and cyclists.

The official speed limits in Wales for a car are:

• Urban areas – 20-30mph (32-48km/h) unless otherwise stated
• Highways – 60mph (96km/h) unless stated on local signs.
• Motorways – 70mph (112km/h).

What are the age requirements for hiring a rental car in Wales?

The minimum age to rent a car in Wales and the rest of the UK is 23. Age restrictions also vary by vehicle and some selected car groups are not available to drivers under the age of 25.

There is currently no maximum age for hiring a rental car, so long as you have had a full, valid, licence for at least 1 year. Some additional steps may be required for those who are over the age of 75 on the date of the scheduled return. 

What documents do I need to hire a car in Wales?

To hire a car in Wales you just need to bring your:

•           Driving licence

•           The credit card used to make your booking (if it's a high value vehicle two payment cards must be provided, one of which needs to be a credit card),

•           Proof of any discount (such as a frequent flyer or Avis Preferred card),

•           Photo ID for international rentals (such as a passport or driving licence) taken in the last 10 years.

Can I pick up my rental car in Wales and return it to another location?

One-way car rental with Avis makes it easy to go from A to B without driving full circle. That means you can collect your Avis hire car from one of our locations in Wales and then return it to an Avis office elsewhere in the UK. Many of our offices offer a 24-hour drop-off facility, which makes a one-way car hire hassle-free and very user-friendly. Simply check out our many available one-way journeys and start planning your route. When you are ready to book, just specify your destination in the booking panel and we will arrange it for you.

Is it worth hiring a car in Wales?

While many parts of coastal Wales are easy to get around on public transport by train on Transport for Wales, if you want to travel inland, it is worth hiring a car to explore. Renting a car from one of our Avis locations in Wales gives you the freedom and flexibility to enjoy independent travel. A hire car enables you to follow your own timetable, to divert off the main routes and stop off along the way. You might also want to explore further afield and even plan a UK road trip.

What is parking like in Wales?

There is a good mix of free and paid-for parking in the urban areas of Wales including the main centres, Cardiff, Swansea and Newport. Be aware that in peak season, parking in popular coastal locations like Mumbles along the Gower Peninsula, along with other towns and on the Pembrokeshire Coast like Tenby and St Davids, can be in high demand so you are advised to plan your trip in advance and research opportunities to park just outside the main centres.

Do I need winter tyres to drive in the UK?

No, there is no legal requirement for passenger cars in the United Kingdom to be equipped with winter tyres. However, most of our cars in our Cardiff rental hubs will have winter tyres available.

Can you hire a car by the day in Cardiff?

You can enjoy affordable rates when you book one-day car rental with Avis. Submit your trip details into the online booking form so you can see the available vehicles and their one-day car rental cost.

What is the best car to hire in Cardiff?

If you are staying in the city centre, you may feel more comfortable in a compact model that will be easy to park. Heading out of the city on a longer trip? Consider a smart convertible from our Prestige range or give your family a comfortable ride in an SUV or family-sized saloon.

Cardiff is a dynamic city steeped in culture, offering visitors a special blend of world-class entertainment and scores of historic landmarks. Not only that, but the city’s location means there are plenty of opportunities to explore some of the best Welsh countryside, which is best explored by car.

The first port of call in Cardiff should be a tour of the majestic 11th century Cardiff Castle, situated in the heart of the city and surrounded by idyllic parkland. Explore 2,000 years of heritage, then head to Cardiff Bay, one of Europe’s largest waterfront developments with an eclectic mix of classic and contemporary architecture. Wander out to the barrage and take in superb views with the Bay to your left and the Severn estuary to your right.

Cardiff is also a shopper’s paradise, with many beautiful Victorian arcades housing independent boutiques, cafes and galleries. The Norwegian Church is a must see for fans of Roald Dhal, while sci-fi fans might want to tick off the Doctor Who Exhibition.

For sporting enthusiasts, a visit to the Principality Stadium is a chance to sample the city’s longstanding sporting culture. The stadium hosts major international sporting events and is the home of the world-famous Wales national rugby union team.

Despite its compact size, Wales makes a big impression. From the cosmopolitan capital city of Cardiff to the breathtaking landscapes of the Black Mountains, Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia, there’s something to spark every traveller’s interest.

With a hire car you are free to explore beyond the city limits on your own schedule. Take a scenic drive through the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park, the site of the highest mountain range in southern Britain. Innumerable trails along open ridges, on peaceful towpaths and through picturesque woods, offer walks for all levels of ability.

Showstopping sights

A showstopping sight on your tour is the caves of Dan yr Ogof. These natural caves were sculpted over millions of years by an underground river and consist of a labyrinth of passageways and vast chambers full of impressive stalagmites and stalactites.

Alternatively, Hay-on-Wye, the second-hand bookshop capital of the world and a prime spot for river sports, is on the other side of Brecon Beacons park.

The Gower Peninsula is another area of outstanding beauty just over one hour’s drive from Cardiff, offering visitors the chance to see epic sandy beaches, dramatic limestone cliffs and ancient woodlands.

Cardiff is also less than an hour’s drive from the vibrant city of Bristol, which in turn is only 35 minutes from the historical town of Bath, a spa destination since Roman times.

While Wales is a passionate rugby nation, outdoor sports feature heavily on the tourist trail. There is so something for everyone with hiking, mountain biking, zip wiring, white-water rafting, climbing and potholing, fishing, horse riding and even golfing breaks growing in popularity.