You don't need a car to get around Bath itself, the centre is compact and walkable, parking is limited and expensive, and the city's Clean Air Zone charges older, non-compliant vehicles to drive in. Hiring a car makes more sense for specific day trips that aren't well served by rail, such as Cotswold villages or cross-country routes to Stonehenge or Wells. Here's where to hire, and how to decide if it's worth it.
Why you probably don't need one in the city
Bath's historic centre is small enough to walk across in well under half an hour, its streets are narrow and often one-way, and central parking is limited and priced to discourage all-day stays. If you're driving an older or larger vehicle, it's also worth checking it against Bath's Clean Air Zone before you plan to bring it into the centre; our Clean Air Zone guide covers who's affected. For getting around day to day, see our parking guide for where the sensible options actually are, most visitors are better off without a car for the duration of their stay in Bath itself.
When renting actually makes sense
The case for hiring a car is strongest when you're planning a day trip to somewhere the railway doesn't reach conveniently. Several of the Cotswolds' best-known villages, for instance, have no station at all, and getting to them by public transport means a bus connection or two rather than a direct train. Cross-country routes, like Stonehenge or the Wells and Cheddar area, also tend to work better with your own car than trying to piece together buses and coach tours.
| Day trip | Better by train | Better by car |
|---|---|---|
| Bristol | Yes, direct and very fast | - |
| Cotswold villages (Castle Combe, Lacock) | Limited, no direct rail | Yes, several aren't on the railway |
| Stonehenge | Tour or coach option usually needed | Yes, more flexible timing |
| Wells and Cheddar | Bus connection needed | Yes, more direct |
For the train-based version of these trips, see our guides to Bath to the Cotswolds, Bath to Stonehenge and Bath to Wells and Cheddar, and weigh those against the flexibility a hire car gives you.
Where to hire a car in Bath
A handful of the major national brands serve Bath directly:
- Hertz has a desk at Bath Spa railway station on Dorchester Street, which is convenient if you're arriving by train and want to pick up a car straight away.
- Enterprise has a branch on Lower Bristol Road, a short taxi or bus ride from the centre, with weekday hours (roughly 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, shorter on Saturday and Sunday).
- Europcar and other national brands also serve Bath, typically through counters at or near the station, or via delivery and collection arrangements, so it's worth comparing a booking aggregator alongside going direct to check what's actually available on your dates.
Practical tips
- Book a small, manoeuvrable car if you're planning to drive into any of the villages around Bath; several have narrow lanes and tight parking that reward a compact vehicle over anything larger.
- Check one-way fees before you book if you're planning to pick up in Bath and drop off elsewhere, such as after a trip that continues on to Oxford or London; most companies offer this but charge extra for it.
- Rent for the day, not the whole stay, if your only reason for a car is a single day trip. This avoids paying for parking in Bath itself on the days you don't need it.
- Check your vehicle's Clean Air Zone compliance if you're planning to drive back into central Bath after your trip; rental fleets are usually modern enough to comply, but it's worth confirming with the hire company if you're unsure.
FAQs
Do I need a car to get around Bath itself? No. The centre is compact and walkable, parking is limited and pricier than out-of-town options, and the Clean Air Zone charges older, non-compliant vehicles to drive in. Most visitors are better off without a car for the city part of their stay.
Where can I hire a car in Bath? Hertz has a desk at Bath Spa railway station, and Enterprise has a branch on Lower Bristol Road. Other national brands, including Europcar, also serve the city, often through nearby depots or delivery services.
Which day trips from Bath actually need a car? Villages like Castle Combe and Lacock, and cross-country routes such as Stonehenge or Wells and Cheddar, are generally easier with your own car since they're not directly on the railway.
Can I pick up a car in Bath and drop it off somewhere else? Most companies offer one-way hire between branches, but expect an extra fee for it, so check this before booking if your trip continues elsewhere.
Is parking difficult if I hire a car and stay in central Bath? Yes, central parking is limited and more expensive than out-of-town Park & Ride options, which is why many visitors hire a car only for the specific day they need it rather than for their whole stay.
Will a rental car be affected by Bath's Clean Air Zone? Rental fleets are usually recent, compliant vehicles, but if you're unsure, check the vehicle's registration against the zone's checker, or ask the hire company directly, before driving into the centre.