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Compare Brighton car hire

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Search for the best car hire deals in Brighton

As one of the UK’s most popular – and frankly coolest – seaside towns, Brighton is the perfect spot for a getaway in 2025. Getting there is easy by train but, if you want to see more of the Sussex coast during your stay, hiring a car in Brighton city centre or at nearby Gatwick Airport could be ideal.

Hiring a car in downtown Brighton

It’s easy to hire a car in Brighton itself. Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, Thrifty, and Europcar are all located along the seafront or nearby, and you can also look for deals with local firms such as Choice Vehicle Rentals, Strafford Self Drive and Practical Car & Van Rental Brighton. If you're arriving by train, you'll also a find few options outside the Brighton and London Road Brighton stations.

Fast facts about hiring a car from Gatwick Airport

Gatwick Airport (LGW) is the closest major airport to Brighton, and a prime place to pick up a car. Most major car hire brands have branches here, including Avis, Hertz and Enterprise. Compare prices on car rental and you can bag some really cheap deals. It’s an easy 45-minute drive to the centre of Brighton.

There are two terminals at Gatwick (North and South) with a free shuttle that ferries you between the two in a matter of minutes. Most of the car rental offices are located just outside the South Terminal arrivals hall, but there are a couple of rental options at North Terminal, including a second Hertz branch.

Car rental companies operating at Gatwick Airport in 2025 include:

  • Enterprise (Tel: +441293 609090)
  • Hertz (Tel: +44843 309 3030)
  • Avis (Tel: +44344 544 6001)
  • Sixt (Tel: +44844 499 3399)
  • Europcar (Tel: +44371 384 3408)

Driving in Brighton

Brighton's narrow streets and one-way systems can make navigating tricky if you’re unfamiliar with the city, though you can always fall back on the universal rule of seaside towns: heading downhill will bring you to the sea. Away from the tightly-clustered streets of the town centre things are relatively simple, with Preston Road/London Road and the A270 providing the main arteries out of town. They'll carry you out into the South Downs, and also connect to the A27, the fast road running east-west across the south coast.

Parking in Brighton is plentiful but car parks and pay-and-display options can be expensive and quickly fill up, especially on weekends. Cheaper parking by the sea can be found outside the central zone if you go past Yellowave Beach Sports or west of Hove Street. If you don’t fancy finding parking spots in Brighton itself, there’s a free Park-and-Ride option at Withdean Sports Complex (signposted from the A23).

Driving into Brighton on the A23 during peak times and on weekends (Saturdays in particular) can be stressful and you can expect lots of traffic. That goes double for summer weekends. It’s best to avoid driving at these times or consider parking further out.

Recommended day trips from Brighton

Arundel Castle

Driving time: 50 minutes

This majestic building dates back to the 11th century. Beautifully restored and remodelled, it regularly hosts historical re-enactments and events such as the summer Jousting and Medieval Tournament Week. If you want to see another Sussex castle, try Hever Castle (famous for its connection to Anne Boleyn, one of Henry VIII's ill-fated wives). It's a little further afield on the northern edge of High Weald National Park.

Camber Sands

Driving time: One hour 30 minutes

Brighton’s pebbles may be pretty but if you prefer a softer stretch of beach, Camber Sands makes the ideal day trip. It’s just over 50 miles (80 kilometres) east, past Eastbourne and Hastings, but is well worth the drive as it’s the only place you’ll find proper sand dunes in East Sussex. Perfect for a walk in winter or a sunbathe and swim in summer, it’s also close to charming Rye, whose historic centre includes a former home of the author Henry James.

Lewes

Driving time: 25 minutes

If you came to Brighton for the independent cafes, shops and art galleries, you'll love Lewes too. It's surrounded by the scenery of the South Downs, and packed with winding alleys and historical sights, including the ruins of Lewes Castle and the former home of Anne of Cleves (yet another of Henry VIII's wives). The town also boasts legendary Sussex brewery Harvey's, whose ales are on sale at many of Lewes’s pubs.

Important information

Fair fuel policy

A fair fuel policy (also known as full-to-full or same-to-same) means you’ll only pay for the fuel you use. All car rental deals compared on TravelSupermarket come with a fair fuel policy, so you can book your hire car safe in the knowledge there will be no nasty surprises at drop-off. More information on TravelSupermarket’s commitment to fair fuel policies can be found here.

No hidden fees

All rental deals compared on TravelSupermarket include mandatory fees (for example, one-way and young driver surcharges) in your rental quote at the time of booking, meaning you’ll know the full price of your car hire upfront.

Find answers to your questions

What's the average price of renting a car in Brighton?

A car hire in Brighton costs £39.21 per day on average, though prices will change depending on the car type you select

How many days ahead should I book to get the cheapest car hire price in Brighton?

According to our data, on average you should book 71 days ahead to get the cheapest price

Which supplier is the most booked in Brighton?

People who have used TravelSupermarket have booked more cars with Enterprise than any other supplier

Which car hire supplier is cheapest in Brighton?

In the past 30 days, Hertz (£29.68/day) and Keddy (£31.71/day) were the companies with the cheapest prices

What is the most popular type of car rented in Brighton?

Compact is the most frequently booked car hire type in Brighton.

How much does car rental in Brighton cost for a week?

On average a car rental in Brighton costs £274.47 per week (£39.21 per day).

How many days should I book my car hire for?

That depends on your holiday, but on average most TravelSupermarket users have booked their car for 4 days

How many suppliers does TravelSupermarket compare for car hire in Brighton?

In the last 30 days, TravelSupermarket has compared 7 companies to help find the best car hire deal for you in Brighton

What's a good price for a hire car in Brighton?

Based on our data, a car for £29.41 a day would be a good deal, as it's 25% lower than the average price

Things to know about car hire in Brighton

Most booked car typeCompact
Most booked supplierEnterprise
Average price£39.21/day
Good deal£29.41/day
When should I book?71 days ahead
How long do I need?4 days
Most commonly included policies
    Unlimited mileageFree cancellationTheft protectionCollision damage waiver
Best time to book car hire in BrightonTap on the month below to see the average daily price of car hire in Brighton per month
Feb£26.28
£70
£56
£42
£28
£14
£0

Top car rental companies in Brighton

    Europcar

    1 locations in Brighton, Brighton and Hove, England, United Kingdom

    Airport location: No

    Inclusions:

    Policies commonly offered by supplier. Always check your deal's terms and conditions for full inclusions.

    Free cancellation

    Local taxes included

    Unlimited mileage

    Collision damage waiver

    Theft protection

    From

    £14.03 /day

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    Hertz

    6 locations in Brighton, Brighton and Hove, England, United Kingdom

    Airport location: Yes

    Inclusions:

    Policies commonly offered by supplier. Always check your deal's terms and conditions for full inclusions.

    Free cancellation

    Local taxes included

    Unlimited mileage

    Collision damage waiver

    Theft protection

    From

    £17.54 /day

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    Enterprise

    3 locations in Brighton, Brighton and Hove, England, United Kingdom

    Airport location: No

    Inclusions:

    Policies commonly offered by supplier. Always check your deal's terms and conditions for full inclusions.

    Free cancellation

    Unlimited mileage

    Collision damage waiver

    Theft protection

    From

    £23.43 /day

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    Keddy

    1 locations in Brighton, Brighton and Hove, England, United Kingdom

    Airport location: No

    Inclusions:

    Policies commonly offered by supplier. Always check your deal's terms and conditions for full inclusions.

    Free cancellation

    Local taxes included

    Unlimited mileage

    Collision damage waiver

    Theft protection

    From

    £12.54 /day

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    Secret Deal

    1 locations in Brighton, Brighton and Hove, England, United Kingdom

    Airport location: No

    Inclusions:

    Policies commonly offered by supplier. Always check your deal's terms and conditions for full inclusions.

    Free cancellation

    Unlimited mileage

    Collision damage waiver

    Theft protection

    From

    £15.98 /day

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    Dollar

    2 locations in Brighton, Brighton and Hove, England, United Kingdom

    Airport location: No

    Inclusions:

    Policies commonly offered by supplier. Always check your deal's terms and conditions for full inclusions.

    Free cancellation

    Local taxes included

    Unlimited mileage

    Collision damage waiver

    Theft protection

    From

    £18.39 /day

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Policies commonly offered by supplier. Always check your deal's terms and conditions for full inclusions.