Car Hire Manchester: Rent a car in Manchester and see the north. Compare car rental Manchester offers from the airport and city pick-ups, then see where the road can take you.
Manchester is a lively city of music, football, markets and canal-side restaurants, and it is also a gateway to some of England’s best scenery. The city centre is easy to explore on foot and by tram, but the Peak District, the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales are far easier with your own car. If you want to see more than the city itself, car hire in Manchester gives you that freedom.
Use the search box above to compare car rental Manchester offers for your dates.
Where to collect your car
- Manchester Airport (MAN): the busiest pick-up point, with the main suppliers on site or a short shuttle away
- City centre branches: useful if you are spending a few days in Manchester first
- Train stations: Piccadilly is the main one, handy if you arrive by rail
If you are staying in the centre for the first part of your trip, collect the car on the day you leave. City parking is limited and can be expensive.
What you need to rent a car in Manchester
- A full, valid driving licence (check current UK guidance on whether you also need an International Driving Permit)
- Your passport or photo ID
- A credit card in the main driver’s name for the deposit
- To meet the supplier’s minimum age, with a possible young driver fee under 25
Driving tips
- Drive on the left. Take care at roundabouts, which are very common.
- City traffic is busiest at weekday rush hours, so avoid arriving or leaving then if you can.
- Parking in the centre is paid and time-limited. Use car parks on the edge and take the tram in.
- Clean air rules can change, so ask your supplier whether any zone applies to your route.
- Speeds are in miles per hour, and cameras are widespread.
Day trips from Manchester by car
- Peak District: moorland, villages and walking routes, about an hour away
- Chester: a walled city with Roman history
- Liverpool: waterfront culture and music history
- Lake District: lakes and fells, roughly one and a half to two hours away
- Yorkshire Dales: dry-stone walls and waterfalls
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth hiring a car in Manchester?
For the city alone, trams and buses work well. For the Peak District, the Lakes and other day trips, a car is much more convenient.
Can I pick up at the airport?
Yes. Manchester Airport has several suppliers, and you can compare their offers in the search box above.
Manual or automatic?
Manual is standard in the UK. Book an automatic early if you prefer one.
Ready to go? Enter your dates above to compare car hire Manchester deals, check the terms and choose the right car.