Car Hire in Durham
Your gateway to the historic North East. Book your Durham car hire for the best price with UK Car Rental.
Your Guide to Car Rental in Durham
Durham is the perfect starting point for exploring the spectacular North East of England. While the historic city centre itself is a walker's paradise, hiring a car in Durham gives you the ultimate freedom to break away from public transport timetables and discover the region's true hidden gems at your own pace.
From the world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage sites of Durham Cathedral and Castle to the dramatic, sweeping landscapes of the surrounding countryside, having your own vehicle turns a simple city break into an unforgettable road trip. Here are three highly recommended drives you can take right from the city centre:
The Durham Heritage Coast
Leave the city behind and head east toward the North Sea. The Durham Heritage Coast has been transformed into a stunning stretch of dramatic cliffs and hidden bays.
- Drive to Seaham to hunt for world-famous sea glass.
- Walk the coastal path at Nose's Point.
- Route: A easy 25-minute drive via the A690 and A19.
The North Pennines AONB
Known as 'England’s last wilderness', the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a driver's dream of sweeping moorlands, deep dales, and dark skies.
- Visit High Force, one of England's most spectacular waterfalls.
- Stop in the historic market town of Barnard Castle.
- Route: Head west on the A689 for stunning rural driving.
Living History Trail
County Durham is packed with sprawling historical sites that are difficult to reach by train, making a rental car essential for history buffs.
- Explore Beamish, the Living Museum of the North.
- Roam the medieval deer park at Raby Castle.
- Route: Just 20 minutes north via the A167 to reach Beamish.
Why rent a car for your County Durham trip?
While the East Coast Main Line connects Durham to London and Edinburgh beautifully, the local rural bus networks into the Durham Dales and along the coast can be infrequent. A rental vehicle guarantees you can fit multiple remote attractions into a single day trip.
Driving in Durham: Need-to-Know
The Durham City Congestion Charge: Durham was actually the first city in the UK to introduce a congestion charge! If you plan to drive your rental car up the historic peninsula (towards the Castle and Cathedral) between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday to Saturday, you will need to pay a daily Road User Charge.
Where to Park: Durham's medieval streets weren't built for modern cars. We highly recommend using the Prince Bishops Car Park for central access, or utilizing the excellent Park and Ride facilities (Belmont, Sniperley, or Howlands) on the outskirts of the city to save your rental car from tight squeezes.
Discover Durham City: Top Attractions
Make the most of your car hire by exploring the historic heart of the city. Park up securely and take a stroll to these iconic local landmarks before heading out on your wider North East road trip.
Durham City Castle
Perched prominently above the River Wear, this magnificent Norman fortress is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Now a college for Durham University, visitors can take guided tours to explore its grand halls and centuries of rich political history.
Durham Town Hall
Located right in the historic Market Place, the Town Hall is an architectural gem. Step inside to discover the spectacular medieval Great Hall and uncover the stories of the powerful Prince Bishops who once ruled the region.
Durham Market Hall
Operating since 1851, this vibrant Victorian indoor market is home to over 40 local traders. It's the perfect pit-stop to pick up fresh local produce, artisan foods, and snacks for your road trip.
Durham Car Hire – Expert Local FAQs
Driving in Durham City
The Durham Road User Charge is a £2 daily fee applied to vehicles entering the historic Durham Peninsula (Saddler Street, the Castle, and the Cathedral) between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday to Saturday. If you drive your rental car into this zone during these hours, you must pay the charge online via the local council by midnight the same day to avoid a penalty notice being sent to your rental company.
For central access, the Prince Bishops Car Park or Walkergate Car Park are highly recommended. However, to avoid medieval city traffic entirely, Durham offers excellent Park and Ride services at Belmont (DH1 1SR), Sniperley (DH1 5RA), and Howlands (DH1 3TQ). Parking is free at these sites; you only pay for the bus ticket into the city centre.
The outskirts of Durham and the A1(M) are very straightforward to navigate. However, the historic city centre features narrow, cobbled streets, tight one-way systems, and pedestrianized zones. We advise parking in a designated city car park or using the Park and Ride rather than attempting to navigate the immediate Cathedral perimeter.
If you have a 'full-to-full' fuel policy, the most convenient petrol stations near the city centre are the Tesco Extra filling station in Dragonville (DH1 2XA) just off the A690, or the Shell garage on the A690 at Belmont. Both are ideal for topping up just before returning your vehicle.
Pick-up Locations & Transport Links
While there are no rental desks directly on the platform, major providers are located within a 5 to 10-minute taxi ride from Durham Railway Station. Some suppliers offer a "meet and greet" service at the station if booked in advance.
The two closest major airports are Newcastle Airport (NCL), located about 25 miles north via the A1(M), and Durham Tees Valley Airport (MME) (also known as Teesside International), roughly 24 miles south. Both airports feature extensive, on-site car rental facilities and make excellent alternative collection points if you are flying into the North East.
Yes, one-way car hire is very popular from Durham due to its location on the East Coast Main Line and A1(M). You can collect your vehicle in Durham and drop it off at airports or city locations across the UK. A one-way drop fee is usually included in your quoted price.
Yes, but caution is advised. The North Pennines is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty located just west of Durham. During winter months, high-altitude rural roads like the A689 can experience sudden snow or ice. We recommend renting an SUV or ensuring you check local weather warnings before embarking on rural driving between November and March.
Policies & Requirements
Yes, if you hold a UK driving licence. You must generate a "share driving licence" check code from the DVLA website within 21 days of picking up your vehicle. This allows the rental company to check your licence for points or endorsements.
Yes, several rental partners in Durham accept a standard bank debit card (Visa or Mastercard) for the security deposit, provided the card is in the main driver's name and has sufficient funds. Always check the supplier's specific terms, as some may require additional ID or comprehensive insurance purchases if you do not have a credit card.