Car Rental Cardiff

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Car Rental Cardiff

Also known as the ‘City of Arcades’, Cardiff is the lively capital of Wales and is most popular for its historic shopping galleries. Explore Cardiff Castle and Cardiff Bay and catch a match at the Principality Stadium. Want to venture further? Drive to the Brecon Beacons for the breathtaking scenery or visit the Glamorgan Heritage Coast for a seaside escape.

We offer budget-friendly, safe, and comfortable options, including hybrid, electric, petrol, and diesel cars. Enjoy the convenience of your own vehicle—choose car rental in Cardiff with Dollar Car Rental and explore Cardiff at your own pace!

  • Budget Friendly

    Rent a car in any category at competitive, transparent rates with no hidden costs.

  • Flexibility and Convenience

    Rent a car quickly and hassle-free online for a day or longer - perfect for city trips, family visits, company outings, or moving.

  • Rental Locations Nearby

    Convenient European car rental locations, easy pick-up and drop-off at airports, train stations, city centers, and business parks.

  • Professional staff

    Experience top-notch service and dedicated customer care when renting a car with us.

Parking in Cardiff

Park your car hire in Cardiff at:

  • St David’s Dewi Sant Car Park: Multi-storey paid parking lot near St David’s Shopping Centre. Close to Cardiff Queen Street railway station.

  • Sophia Gardens Car Park: A paid car park near Bute Park and the Principality Stadium, within walking distance of Cardiff Central railway station.

If you rent an electric car in Cardiff here are some charging points:

  • ESB Energy Charging station on Penarth Road

  • MFG Charging Station on Newport Road

Speed Limits in Cardiff

When you hire a car in Cardiff, it's important to keep the speed limit of the city in mind to avoid fines and legal action. As of 2023, Wales became the first nation in the UK to adopt a default speed limit of 20 mph.

And so, whether you’re driving in the city centre, busy areas, or residential streets, the speed limit will be 20 mph.


Key Roads in Cardiff

  • A48(M) & A48 – This important motorway links Cardiff to Newport and the M4, passing through Roath and Llanedeyrn. It’s perfect for quick access to the city or a smooth drive towards Bristol.

  • A4232 – Acting as Cardiff’s southern bypass, this road connects the M4 at Junction 33 to Cardiff Bay, making it a convenient route to the waterfront and city center.

  • Newport Road (A4161) – Running through the heart of Cardiff, this road stretches from the city center to the eastern suburbs, lined with shops, restaurants, and business hubs.


Traffic in Cardiff

Here’s what to keep in mind when you hire a car in Cardiff.

  • Busy Roads: The A48(M), A4234, and Newport Road (A4161) often experience heavy traffic, especially during peak hours.

  • Rush Hours: Expect congestion on weekdays between 7 am and 10 am and 4 pm and 7 pm, especially near the city center and key junctions.

Places to See in Cardiff

The city is packed with must-visit attractions, from historic landmarks to modern hotspots. With your car rental in Cardiff, you can explore the city with ease and park conveniently near top sights. Here are three places you won’t want to miss:

1. Cardiff Castle: A blend of Roman and medieval history, this iconic landmark is right in the city centre. Parking is available at nearby Cardiff Westgate and Cardiff Greyfriars.

2. Cardiff Bay: A lively waterfront area with restaurants, the Wales Millennium Centre, and boat tours. Drive down and park at Q-Park Cardiff Bay, a secure paid parking facility close to the area.

3. St Fagans National Museum of History: A fascinating open-air museum showcasing Welsh heritage. It’s just a 15-minute drive from the city, with paid on-site parking.

Hire a car in Cardiff and explore the city’s best attractions—comfortably and affordably.

Things to Do in Cardiff

Cardiff is a city full of history, culture, and exciting experiences. Here are three must-do activities:

  • Cruise Cardiff Bay: Hop on a boat tour and take in stunning views of Cardiff’s waterfront. From the iconic Wales Millennium Centre to the historic Pierhead Building, this relaxing ride offers a unique perspective of the city.
  • Drive to Brecon Beacons: Just an hour’s drive from Cardiff, this national park is perfect for a day trip. Explore rolling hills, scenic trails, and hidden waterfalls.
  • Try Traditional Welsh Cuisine: Visit Cardiff Market, an impressive Victorian structure that has been around since the 1700s. Shop from local independent businesses and sample products ranging from authentic Welsh cuisine to artisan coffee.

Shopping in Cardiff

Cardiff is a shopper’s delight, offering everything from modern malls to charming markets. Whether you’re hunting for a trendy outfit, local crafts, or unique souvenirs, there’s something for everyone. Here are some top spots to explore:

  • St. David’s Shopping Centre: A large mall that has popular brands, independent boutiques, and plenty of dining options.
  • Cardiff Market: A bustling indoor market perfect for picking up fresh local produce, baked goods, and quirky finds.
  • Jacob’s Market: A treasure trove for antique lovers, filled with vintage books, collectibles, and artwork.

Nightlife in Cardiff

Cardiff comes alive after dark. With a rental car, you can explore the city’s nightlife safely and conveniently, whether you're heading to a restaurant or an open-air event.

  • Alcotraz Cardiff: Cell Block Nine-One: This immersive prison-themed place is located in the heart of the Welsh capital.
  • Riverside Dining at The Deck: Enjoy a relaxed evening with delicious food and scenic waterfront views at this charming floating restaurant.

Book a car rental in Cardiff and enjoy the city’s nightlife on your schedule.

Long Drive from Cardiff to Birmingham

Here is the route for a picturesque 1-hour drive to Birmingham after you hire a car in Cardiff:

  • Take Newport Rd/A4161 and Eastern Ave/A48 to A48(M)
  • Take M4 and M5 to Aston ExpressWay/A38 in Birmingham
  • Take Corporation St and Aston St/B4133 to Potter St
  • Lastly, take a left onto Potter St, and you’ve reached Brimingham
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FOR RENTALS IN ITALY - from 15th Nov to 15th Apr many cities in specific Italian regions are required by law to restrict rentals to only those vehicles equipped with snow chains or winter tyres. To comply with these regulations, Dollar equipped vehicles with snow chains - the price is included in the rental charges as Winterisation fee. Hence, for these vehicles there’s NO NEED TO BOOK snow chains as Extra.

IMPORTANT: Please check the rate details of your quotation on the right of this web page to verify if your booking includes Winterisation fee before booking snow chains in Italy.