We have great offers for daily, weekly and long term rentals in Colchester. Find the cheapest prices online, for your future Car Hire in Colchester in 4 quick easy steps. Book now at the lowest possible rates only with a small down payment and pay the rest when you pick up the car.

  • Customer benefits:
  • Quality & Expertise
  • Free amendments before rental start
  • Free cancellation up to 48h before rental
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Club Member Discount

Flexible Booking Process

No need for huge up-front costs. Search for the best deal for you in Colchester and book it with only a small advance payment, you will pay the remaining amount during the car pickup time.

Free Extras & Cancellation

In case your plans change you can cancel or do minor modifications for free up to 48 hours before your rental starts. We will also include all special offers in Colchester and surcharges from our partners on the final price.

Quality & Expertise

We constantly evaluate our partners in the level of service they provide in Colchester so we can ensure the quality of service you will receive.


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Why rent a car in Colchester?

Renting a car in Colchester offers the flexibility to explore the town's rich historical sites, such as Colchester Castle and the Temple of Claudius, at your own pace. With a vehicle, you can easily venture into the surrounding Essex countryside, visiting attractions like the East Anglian Railway Museum or the coastal beauty of Mersea Island.

Public transportation options in Colchester are available but may not provide direct access to all points of interest, especially those in more rural areas. Having a car ensures convenient travel to both popular destinations and hidden gems, enhancing your overall experience in the region.

Car rental tips for Colchester

  • Colchester is served by several car rental agencies, many of which are located in the town centre or near the train station. Booking in advance can secure better rates and ensure vehicle availability.
  • When driving in Colchester, be aware of one-way systems and pedestrian zones in the town centre. A GPS or updated map can assist in navigating these areas efficiently.
  • If planning to visit rural attractions or coastal areas, ensure your rental agreement allows for travel on all road types, as some country roads can be narrow and less maintained.
  • Before setting off, familiarise yourself with UK driving laws, such as driving on the left side of the road and the use of roundabouts, to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

FAQs about renting a car in Colchester

What is the recommended car type/category?

A compact or mid-sized car is recommended for navigating Colchester's mix of urban streets and rural roads. These vehicles offer ease of parking and fuel efficiency, making them suitable for both city driving and countryside excursions.

What are the parking options?

Colchester offers various parking options, including on-street parking, public car parks, and park-and-ride facilities. It's advisable to check for any parking restrictions or fees, especially in the town centre.

What's the speed limit?

In the UK, the national speed limits are 70 mph (113 km/h) on motorways, 60 mph (97 km/h) on single carriageways, and 30 mph (48 km/h) in built-up areas. Always observe local signage, as speed limits can vary, especially near schools and residential areas.

Popular attractions

  • Colchester Castle: A Norman castle featuring the largest keep in Europe, built atop the foundations of the Roman Temple of Claudius. The castle houses a museum with exhibits spanning from the Roman era to modern times.
  • Colchester Zoo: Home to over 200 species, including rare and endangered animals, the zoo offers interactive exhibits and conservation programs. It's a family-friendly destination with various themed areas and activities.
  • Hollytrees Museum: Located in an 18th-century house, this museum showcases 300 years of history through decorative arts and toys. It also serves as Colchester's Visitor Information Centre.
  • Castle Park: A Victorian park built on Roman foundations, featuring a boating lake, miniature golf, and a play area. The park hosts various events throughout the year and offers picturesque gardens for relaxation.
  • Firstsite: A contemporary art gallery presenting a diverse range of exhibitions and events, promoting local and international artists. The venue also offers workshops and educational programs.

More places to visit

  • Mersea Island: Known for its seafood, especially oysters, and beautiful coastal scenery, Mersea Island offers beaches, sailing, and a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Dedham Vale: An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Dedham Vale inspired the paintings of John Constable and offers picturesque landscapes and charming villages.
  • East Anglian Railway Museum: Located in Chappel, this museum showcases the history of railways in the region with vintage locomotives and carriages.

Highly recommended by our customers

All Car Hire Brands in Colchester

Experience the difference with rentals from trusted brands. We focus on quality and customer satisfaction, so you can enjoy every mile of your journey.

8.28 / 10

Enterprise Car Hire

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National Car Hire

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Alamo Car Hire

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SIXT Car Hire

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Budget Car Hire

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Hertz Car Hire

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Europcar Car Hire

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Thrifty Car Hire

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Keddy Car Hire

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AVIS Car Hire

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Firefly Car Hire

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: This company has yet to receive any customer evaluations.

Find a car according to your needs


Small / Economy

You want a small, fuel-efficient vehicle for your trip? We provide a large range of options for you to select from. Save money while still getting a reliable vehicle!

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Hybrid / Electric

A hybrid car rental gives you the option to travel using different kinds of power, save energy, and cut down on emissions. Get where you need to go without constantly stopping for gas.

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Prestige Cars

Renting a luxury car gives you the chance to drive your dream car at an affordable price. This puts you in the driver’s seat of luxury cars from internationally renowned brands.

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Stationwagon / Minibus

You are on a family vacation or group outing? Our minibus and station wagons are perfect for the job. Minivans and 7-9 seaters are designed to provide a comfortable ride for everyone to enjoy.

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Colchester: Most popular locations



The cheapest car rental deals


Displayed prices are the best daily rates found by our customers during the last two weeks. (Subject to change)

Website advantages

  • Destinations in almost every city in the world.
  • Competitive prices from trusted car rental brands
  • Genuine customer evaluation scores for each brand
  • Multilingual website

Customer benefits

  • Free amendments before rental start
  • Free cancellation up to 48h before rental
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Club Member Discount

One ways are supported! You want to pick up your car and return it to a different location, we can do it!

No hidden fees with us! Select your preferences and see the total prices before booking! Any extra fees that may apply because of driver's age or late pick up time selection, will always be included on the total price.

No need for full payment! Book your car with just a small amount and give the rest upon pick up.