Europe > 🇬🇧 England
The city by city Car or no Car advice for England can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in England; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in England?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in England?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.🏙️ Main Cities in England
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|
Should You Rent a Car in England? 🚗🌿
England offers an impressive mix of historic cities, countryside villages, coastal landscapes, and modern transport networks. Whether you’re visiting London’s museums, the Cotswolds’ rolling hills, or the rugged coastline of Cornwall, transport choices can shape your entire experience. So, should you rent a car in England? It largely depends on where you plan to go and how much flexibility you want.
🚆 When You Don’t Need a Car
England has one of the most efficient public transport systems in the world. Trains connect cities and major towns quickly, while buses and the London Underground make urban travel effortless.
✅ Ideal Car-Free Situations
| Destination | Why You Can Skip the Car | Best Transport Option |
|---|---|---|
| London | No need to drive; congestion charge + limited parking | Tube, bus, train |
| Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool | Well-served by public transport | Tram, bus, walking |
| Oxford & Cambridge | Historic centres restrict vehicles | Park-and-ride, walking |
| Bath & York | Compact UNESCO heritage cities | Train + walking |
➡ City travel is faster without a car, and driving is often discouraged.
🚗 When Renting a Car Is a Good Idea
The real beauty of England lies beyond the cities — in its villages, coastlines, national parks, and heritage sites. In these regions, driving offers unmatched flexibility and scenic pleasure.
✅ Benefits of Renting a Car
| Benefit | What You Can Explore |
|---|---|
| Total flexibility | Discover rural pubs, castles, and countryside walks |
| Scenic drives | Enjoy the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Cornwall |
| Village access | Reach places not served by trains |
| Family friendly | Easier when travelling with luggage or children |
🚙 Best Regions for Self-Drive
| Region | Highlight | Driving Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Cotswolds | Honey-stone villages & tearooms | Slow, scenic backroads |
| Lake District | Lakes, fells, country inns | Winding mountain roads |
| Cornwall & Devon | Beaches & cliffs | Coastal driving |
| Yorkshire Dales | Stone walls & walking trails | Quiet rural roads |
| Hadrian’s Wall Region | History & open landscapes | Wide countryside routes |
🚦 Driving in England – What to Expect
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You drive on the left-hand side
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Roads are well-maintained and well-signposted
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Motorways (M-roads) are fast but may have traffic
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Country lanes can be narrow with passing places
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Parking is limited and often charged in city centres
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Fuel stations are common; EV charging is expanding rapidly
🚘 Car Rental Availability
You’ll find major international agencies such as Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Europcar, and Budget at airports and major railway stations.
🚕 Alternatives to Renting a Car
| Transport Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Train | Fast intercity travel | Extensive network |
| Bus/Coach | Budget travel | National Express and Megabus |
| London Underground | City transport | Efficient and iconic |
| Taxi/Uber | Urban travel | Easy to book anywhere |
| Guided tours | Rural day trips | Ideal for non-drivers |
🧭 Conclusion
So, should you rent a car in England? If your plan is to explore rural England—charming villages, historic estates, coastal drives, and national parks—renting a car gives you complete freedom and takes you beyond the railway map. However, if you are focused on major cities like London, Manchester, or Oxford, public transport is faster, cheaper, and much more convenient. Ultimately, should you rent a car in England? It depends on whether your trip is about countryside exploration or a primarily city-based itinerary.
