Car hire in Cardiff City Centre

Cardiff packs a lot into a compact city centre, from the castle walls and Principality Stadium to the cafés of the Victorian arcades. Beyond it, the Wye Valley, the Brecon Beacons and the south Wales coast are all within reach by road. Hiring a car in the city centre means you can take in the capital first, then head out when you are ready.

With Avis, you can book online, collect your car quickly and keep your plans flexible with free cancellation on eligible bookings. A quality fleet means there is something to suit a weekend away or a longer stay, and Avis Preferred members can enjoy extra benefits as they go.

Choose your car, pick up at Cardiff city centre and start exploring Wales on your own terms. Here's more information about car hire in Cardiff.

Our Cardiff location near Cardiff Central Railway Station offers a quality fleet for every kind of trip. A compact car suits city streets and tight parking, while an estate or SUV gives you more room for luggage and for longer drives into the Brecon Beacons or along the Gower coast. For families, a people carrier gives everyone room.

Add the extras you need when you book, including GPS navigation, child safety seats and additional driver cover. Our friendly team is on hand to help you choose the right car for your plans.

What are the age requirements for hiring a car in Cardiff? 

The minimum age depends on the country and the car group you choose, and a young driver surcharge may apply to drivers under 25. Check the rental terms shown during booking for the exact requirements. Drivers also need a full, valid driving licence, so bring yours when you collect the car. 
 
Can I pick up my hire car in Cardiff and return it to another location? 

Yes. One-way rental with Avis lets you collect your car in Cardiff and return it to another Avis location. Availability and any one-way fee depend on your route, so check when you book. Many Avis locations also offer 24-hour drop-off, which makes one-way trips more flexible. 
 
Is it worth hiring a car in Cardiff? 

Yes, if you want to see more than the city. Cardiff itself is compact and easy to explore on foot, but castles, mountains and beaches are all within easy reach by car. You can see Castell Coch, the Brecon Beacons and the Gower coast without worrying about train or bus timetables. 
 
What is parking like in Cardiff? 

Cardiff city centre has multi-storey car parks and pay and display bays. On match and event days at the Principality Stadium, roads and car parks near the centre fill up quickly, so allow extra time and plan ahead. Look out for signs and payment instructions, as rules can vary from one area to the next. 
 
What type of car should I hire for Cardiff? 

A compact car suits city streets and tight parking. For longer trips with family or luggage, or for narrow country lanes in the hills, an estate or SUV is more comfortable. You can choose your preferred car group and add any extras you need when you book. 
 
 

In the UK you drive on the left. Wales has a default 20 mph speed limit on most built-up roads, so watch for signs as you pass through towns and villages. Road signs appear in both Welsh and English.

On match and event days around the Principality Stadium, roads in the city centre get busy, so allow extra time. In the hills and on rural roads, expect narrow lanes and sheep, and take your time on bends.

For the full rules, see our UK road rules guide. 
 

Cardiff Castle sits in the middle of the city, with Bute Park right beside it. Head down to Cardiff Bay for waterfront restaurants and the Wales Millennium Centre, then take a stroll along the barrage.

With a car you can go further. Castell Coch, a fairytale hilltop castle, is around 15 minutes north, and the open-air museum at St Fagans is close by. Within an hour you can be walking in Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons) or on the sandy beaches of the Gower. Caerphilly Castle, one of the largest in Britain, is also a short drive away and makes a good half-day trip.

Back in the city, finish the day with dinner in Cardiff Bay as the lights come on over the water. 
 
 

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.

Avis helps you explore South Wales with less fuss. Book direct and you get the benefits below, whatever the length of your trip.

• Fully flexible
  Enjoy fee-free flexible booking with full cash refunds and no vouchers.

• Savings on coverage
  When you choose Avis Inclusive you can experience total peace of mind with no extras or surprises. Pay one upfront price for free Roadside Assistance Plus and 25% discount on comprehensive zero-excess cover.

• Loyalty benefits
  Join our free loyalty programme Avis Preferred, and benefit from priority service, discounts and more.
   
• Faster collection
  Save time at the counter by registering your details in advance with our simple and free QuickPass. You could be on the road sooner than you think.