How to find a cheap car hire deal in Cardiff Airport (CWL)
Looking for a cheap Cardiff Airport rental car? You're exactly where you need to be. With prices averaging $435 a day, we compare all the best offers so you can book faster, spend smarter, and hit the road happy.
Cruise off with savings by reserving your wheels in October. With average daily rates of $78, it's the cheapest month to rent a car in CWL.
Timing is everything when it comes to finding a cheap CWL rental car. Book around four weeks before you travel to land the best prices.
Europcar, Keddy By Europcar and Enterprise are some of the top providers at Cardiff Airport.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Cardiff Airport car hire policy, whether with Europcar or a different supplier. Some companies might not include it in the base price and instead sell it separately.
Look into booking a one-way rental. You might be able to land a bargain if the provider needs to move vehicles between sites. Discover the best available rates for a car for rent in CWL by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire at Cardiff Airport with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise refueling fees tacked on at the end either.
Hit the road without counting the miles and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you roam without limits.
Once you've grabbed the keys to your CWL car hire, it's time to create your own itinerary. Central Cardiff is about 27 kilometres north-east and a drive of around 30 minutes if that's where your trip starts.
Don't need a set of wheels immediately? Consider collecting a car hire in Cardiff instead of at the airport. That way, you won't be paying for days you don't use.
Compare car hire types from Cardiff Airport (CWL)
Small: These cheap Cardiff Airport rental cars may be small in size, but they live up to big expectations. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to drive, great on mileage, and perfect for city runs or weekend trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, fuel efficiency and space. Easy to handle in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they're a great all-rounder.
Large: You've got the bags, the kids, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the space to fit it all in without a hassle. Perfect for long-distance journeys, this CWL car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV goes wherever you do. It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for highways, country roads, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and advanced safety features.
Van: If you're looking for a car for rent in Cardiff Airport that can handle a small crowd (and their luggage), a van is the practical pick. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a solid pick for group travel, moving or business needs.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something you should consider. If you're in an accident, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a big excess fee. Different CWL car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the details before booking.
Make driving easier when you rent a car in Cardiff Airport by adding a few nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to make sure you never miss a turn, or reverse cameras to park like you're pulling off a choreographed routine.
Good to know
Usually, you have to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in the United Kingdom. Younger drivers can sometimes still qualify — just be prepared for extra fees or rules. Check the suppliers' terms and conditions before you book.
Add a car seat to your CWL car hire booking if you're travelling with small kids. Rules can change from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their age and size is always the safest approach.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Cardiff Airport (CWL)
Before leaving town, sightsee around Cardiff first. Highlights such as Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National History Museum set the tone for your whole journey.
Around 56 kilometres east of CWL, Bristol deserves a place on your itinerary. Steer straight toward must-see sights like Banksey and Banksy's You Don't Need Planning Permission to Build Castles in the Sky.
Or collect your Cardiff Airport car hire and take off to Newport. Roughly 32 kilometres north-east of the airport, Newport Castle and Riverside Park are big attractions that are worth going out of your way for.
There's plenty of road left if you're up for more. Motor on to Manchester, about 241 kilometres north of CWL. From Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour to Royal Exchange Theatre, it's the grand finale your trip deserves.
