Life is busy enough without having to worry about the details. You just want to feel the freedom of Cardiff’s rolling roads. We understand. That’s why we won’t hold you up.Whether you fancy a stealthy compact car for urban routes, a sleek saloon for that business trip, a dependable estate for a weekend in the country, or a herculean cargo carrier to haul large loads, we have the perfect hire vehicle for you.

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.

Which side of the road?
In the United Kingdom, please drive on the left side of the road.

Country driving laws

• Mobile phones may only be used with a headset or hands-free device
• There is a congestion charge payable when driving in London

• Use the outside lane to overtake on motorways and dual carriageways
• Zebra crossings (black and white stripes on the road) give pedestrians right of way to cross the road

Speed Limits

All speed signs will be in mph.

For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers:

• Urban areas: 30 mph (48 km/h)
• Motorways: 70 mph (112 km/h)

• Rural areas: 60 mph (96 km/h)

Unless indicated by road signs.

Child safety / Seatbelt laws

• It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt

• Children aged under 12 or less than 135 cm tall must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size

Please note, it is the child’s parent/guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.

This road rules information is for provided for general guidance only. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk.

Want a quick guide to the rules of the UK roads? We’ve unlocked them for your journey

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.

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 Celtic times.

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 snazzy convertible from our Prestige range or give your family a comfortable ride in an SUV or family-sized saloon.

Avis Cardiff van hire

What do you need to shift? Our van rental fleet spans small hire vans, perfect for that weekend DIY project; medium vans, well suited to hauling rolls of carpet, heavy floor tiles, or moving the kids to university; and large vans to accommodate some or all your worldly goods.   

Avis vans are now available from a selection of hub locations across the UK.

Find a van rental store