Very straightforward. Sensible staff. The one thing I would say is that the necessity of getting the DVLA code so that they can view the licence is not very clear on the documentation. I don't hire cars regularly and was unaware of this relatively new requirement. As it happened I was able to get my NI number to make the request for the code on the spot. Without it, I would have been truly stuffed.
Some Peterborough car providers already include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection Waiver into the hire price but not all of them. We recommend always be aware of your coverage when hiring a car in Peterborough.
Keep in mind that car rental insurances often have a deductible clause, which is the amount you’ll have to pay if something happens during the time of your rental. If you want to avoid unwanted surprises, you should consider adding a no-deductible option to your Peterborough car rental.
A car hire in Peterborough offers better mobility and convenience than public transport when it comes to exploring the multitude of parks, as well as cultural and historical places of interest the city has to offer. Additionally, its flat topography makes it ideal for motor transport. When compiling your sightseeing list, visits to the grand Elton Hall (about 10 miles) or the spectacular Burghley House (approx. 15 miles) should rate as top choices. For a breezy afternoon diversion, the 41-mile drive down to Cambridge via the A1/A14 is an excellent adventure.
London Luton Airport (LTN) is the closest major airport to the city (48 miles) and therefore one of the best places to get a car hire in Peterborough if you are commuting by plane. To arrive at the Car Hire Centre you’ll need to board the free shuttle bus, which leaves Bay C of the terminal bus station located just outside the terminal exit and across the street.
Since it’s not a major tourist destination you shouldn’t expect major traffic queues or gridlock along city streets and highways, but that doesn’t mean you won’t encounter a few now and then. The downtown area is pockmarked with attractions, businesses and institutions so moderate to heavy pedestrian, bike and motorcycle flow should be anticipated. Areas to avoid during the usual rush hour periods include the A15 (Bourges Boulevard), A47 (Soke Parkway) and A1139 (Frank Perkins Highway), which are the main highways flowing vehicles in and out of the city.
The peak period for the normal morning rush is 07:00-09:00 and the huge Boongate Roundabout just outside City College Peterborough is one area that should be avoided during these hours. The A15 near Queensgate Shopping Centre might be tricky between 13:00-15:00 and the evening rush period between 18:00-20:00 is busiest on the A47 and A1139. If your travel plans take you across either of these arteries, have a back-up route in case of emergencies.
25% of our users found a car hire in Peterborough for £30 or less
Book your car hire in Peterborough at least 2 weeks before your trip in order to get a below-average price
Mini car hires in Peterborough are around 75% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about car rentals in Peterborough
Some car hire companies in Peterborough which have updated their car rental health and safety policies due to COVID-19 to make sure vehicles are clean and disinfected include Europcar, Avis and Budget
On average a hire car in Peterborough costs £41 per day.
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest car hires were found at Europcar (£34/day) and Enterprise (£61/day). In the last 72 hours the cheapest hire car price was found at Europcar London Road Service Station PE2 8AN (1 miles from the city centre).
The average price of fuel in Peterborough is £6.97 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between £84 and £111, depending on the car size.
Mini (Hyundai i10 or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Peterborough.
The only car hire company onsite at Cambridge airport is keddy by Europcar.
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
A Mini car hire in Peterborough costs £17 per day, on average.
A Economy car hire in Peterborough costs £20 per day, on average.
A Intermediate car hire in Peterborough costs £22 per day, on average.
In Peterborough, cars are most frequently hired at keddy by Europcar London Road Service Station (1 miles from city centre).
On average a car hire in Peterborough costs £286 per week (£41 per day).
On average a car hire in Peterborough costs £1,226 per month (£41 per day).
Most car hire providers in Peterborough offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car hire in Peterborough, check out KAYAK's car hire insurance guide.
Present-day Peterborough is a modern city, which means that most vehicles should have little difficulty on streets in the city centre. Of course, small economy cars and compacts are always easier to manage and park, but you do sacrifice a bit of comfort when compared with an SUV or other luxury vehicle.
The mandatory speed limit on all city streets within the precincts of Peterborough is 20mph. In certain areas outside populated zones or commercial districts, speeds can increase to 30mph to ease the flow of traffic. The A15, A47 and A1139 all carry maximum limits of 50mph, which can increase the further outside the city you drive. Boongate Roundabout is a prime area where CCTV and traffic cams are in effect, so be wary of yielding vehicles, cyclists and motorcycles in the area.
Peterborough City Council offers on-street metered parking on several of its streets. These pay-and-display areas are always short stay and though the tariff is constant (£1.50) the time limit can vary from 30min up to 2h. Please note that between 20:30-08:00 on-street parking is free throughout the city, if you can find a spot. The Council also administers a dozen or so car parks where you can leave your Peterborough car hire and enjoy daytime or evening pleasures. The rate at these garages ranges from £1-£2 per hour and a few are multi-storey facilities.