Chelmsford car hire
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Cheap car rentals in Chelmsford
KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Chelmsford
- The city of Chelmsford lies midway between the capital London and the city of Colchester and this part of Essex County is striated with major roads like the M11, M25 and A12, coursing in all directions. Discovering the small towns and villages in this region is best managed with a car hire in Chelmsford, which affords the flexibility of making unscheduled stops and detours in places unreachable by public transportation. Southend-on-Sea is a 20-mile trip east via the A130/A127, and Mersea Island is 27 miles via the A12.
- London Southend Airport (SEN) and London Stansted Airport (STN) are two airports 20 miles outside of the city, so either one is a good choice to collect your car hire in Chelmsford. Options are limited at London Southend, but there’s a handful at London Stansted including Alamo and Avis. The car hire area at London Southend is located on the Ground Floor of the terminal building neat Costa, whereas you’ll need to ride the free shuttle bus to the Car Hire Village at London Stansted. The shuttle stop is situated forecourt of the terminal building and departs every 10min.
- Lying within the London commuter belt, many Chelmsford residents work in the capital and that translates to heavy commuter train traffic, as well as significant vehicular and pedestrian movement not to mention motorcycle and bike riders.
- Within the city, secondary roads like the A1016 or B1007 will experience tie-ups and you should expect gridlock along primary roads, such as the A12, A130 and A414 leading in/out of the city. You can take the A12 practically all the way to London from Chelmsford and that doesn’t bode well if you’re on the carriageway during morning and evening rush hour traffic. Avoid this central vein from 06:00-09:00 for southbound traffic and from 18:00-21:00 northbound to escape the congestion. If you intend on driving south, the A414 or the A130 are alternates routes, which may provide some relief.
- Book your rental car in Chelmsford at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Economy rental cars in Chelmsford are around 53% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Chelmsford
What type of car is recommended for driving in Chelmsford?
Whether you drive a compact, SUV or luxury saloon you shouldn’t experience any major headaches driving around Chelmsford in your hired car. As such, the type of vehicle you choose comes down to budget and number of passengers along for the ride. Generally, smaller cars are easier to park, with better mileage per litre.
What’s the speed limit in Chelmsford?
The legal speed within Chelmsford city limits is 30mph, unless you encounter posted signs which dictate otherwise. Dual carriageway roads, such as the A12, A130 and A414, all carry a top speed limit of 60mph and if you find yourself on the M11 or M25 then you’re good for a tidy 70mph. As always, observe proper driving etiquette at all times and be mindful of traffic cams and CCTV near major junctions to avoid possible fines.
Where are the best places to park in Chelmsford?
On-street parking under the auspices of Chelmsford City Council is pay and display and has a 2h limit, which costs £1.20, otherwise you pay in 15-minute instalments. After 18:00-20:00 Monday through to Saturday, you can usually park in these areas (for example Victoria Road and Waterloo Lane) for free and on-street parking is free all day on Sunday. Alternatively, you can use one of the private parking concerns like NCP or Q-Park if it’s more convenient.
How much is the price of fuel in Chelmsford?
The average price of fuel in Chelmsford is $11.33 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of uel costs between $136 and $181, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular car hire in Chelmsford?
Economy (Kia Rio or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Chelmsford.
Which hire car agencies are at Heathrow airport (LHR)?
Car hire companies onsite at Heathrow airport include Hertz, GREEN MOTION, DRIVALIA, SURPRICE CAR RENTAL, Europcar, Routes Car & Truck Rentals, Sixt, Avis, Budget and U-Save.
Which hire car agencies are at Gatwick airport (LGW)?
Car hire companies onsite at Gatwick airport include Hertz, Routes Car & Truck Rentals, Budget and U-Save.
Which hire car agencies are at Stansted airport (STN)?
Car hire companies onsite at Stansted airport include GREEN MOTION, DRIVALIA, Alamo, Routes Car & Truck Rentals and Budget.
Which hire car agencies will pick you up at Heathrow airport (LHR)?
Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Heathrow airport to off-airport locations include Hertz, GREEN MOTION, Europcar, Alamo, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Sixt, Avis and Budget.
Which hire car agencies will pick you up at Gatwick airport (LGW)?
Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Gatwick airport to off-airport locations include Hertz, GREEN MOTION, Europcar, Alamo, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Sixt, Avis and Budget.
Which hire car agencies will pick you up at Stansted airport (STN)?
Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Stansted airport to off-airport locations include Hertz, GREEN MOTION, Europcar, Alamo, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Sixt, Avis and Budget.
How can I find car hires near me in Chelmsford?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does an Economy car hire cost in Chelmsford?
An Economy car hire in Chelmsford costs $33 per day, on average.
How much does a Compact car hire cost in Chelmsford?
A Compact car hire in Chelmsford costs $35 per day, on average.
How much does a Standard car hire cost in Chelmsford?
A Standard car hire in Chelmsford costs $39 per day, on average.
Chelmsford car rental reviews and directory All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car rental booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Europcar
10.0
Wonderful
Read 1 reviewCleanliness
10.0
Comfort
10.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
10.0
Value for money
10.0
One location in Chelmsford
Locations in Chelmsford
3 Montrose Road
+44 371 384 9984
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
stephen, Sept 2022
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
8.0
Very Good
Read 1 reviewCleanliness
8.0
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.0
Value for money
6.0
One location in Chelmsford
Locations in Chelmsford
Roxwell Road
+44 1245 344555
Filters
Reviews
8.0 Very Good
Anonymous, Dec 2022
Firefly
9.6
Wonderful
One location in Chelmsford
Locations in Chelmsford
23 Robjohns Road
+44 843 309 3018
Filters
No reviews available
keddy by Europcar
8.1
Very Good
One location in Chelmsford
Locations in Chelmsford
3 Montrose Road
+44 371 384 9984
Filters
No reviews available
Sixt
7.2
Good
One location in Chelmsford
Locations in Chelmsford
Transit House, Brockley Road
+44-844-4993399
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No reviews available
Hertz
6.9
Okay
One location in Chelmsford
Locations in Chelmsford
23 Robjohn Road
+44 843 309 3018
Filters
No reviews available
2 locations in Chelmsford
Locations in Chelmsford
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Chelmsford
Locations in Chelmsford
1 Brockley Rd
+44 844 499 3399
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No reviews available
One location in Chelmsford
Locations in Chelmsford
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Chelmsford
Locations in Chelmsford
Jones Of Chelmsford
+44 1245 350453
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No reviews available
Car hire locations in or near Chelmsford
Good to know
Most popular car type | Economy |
|---|
When to book a car hire in Chelmsford
Everything you need to know for your car rental in Chelmsford
Chelmsford car hire information
| Pick-up location | Chelmsford |
|---|---|
| Car types | |
| Hire locations | 11 |
| Airport locations | 0 |