Folkestone car hire

A scenic, sleepy coastal town where the pace of life never seems to advance much beyond sedate, Folkestone in Kent is one of the best places to visit for anyone looking for a taste of 'Olde Worlde' Britain. Book car hire in Folkestone to make the most of your time in this part of England.

When you visit Folkestone, car rental opens up a whole new brochure of holiday experiences and adventures...

Located on the south coast of England, in the Shepway region of Kent, Folkestone is a popular and traditional holiday resort, complete with sandy beaches, bobbing fishing boats, soaring rollercoaster rides and all the family-friendly attractions of the pier and promenade. It is also home to the Leas Lift - a hydraulic funicular railway built in 1885. But while Folkestone is, in many ways, a well-preserved relic of Britain's past, the town's lively drinking, dining and dancing scene means that younger people visiting the town will have plenty to keep them occupied during a stay.

For families, Eltham Valley Railway Museum is a popular spot, with its pleasant gardens, steam trains and quacking ducks; while Westhanger Castle, whose ruins sit on a high peak overlooking the town, is a popular picnic spot. Folkestone Battle of Britain Museum, with its wartime artefacts and historical aircraft, is popular with children, as well as adults with an interest in national history.

Those who choose to explore Folkestone on foot can follow the walking trails along the scenic Lower Leas Coastal Park, which takes in stunning coastal scenery as well as the famous Leas Lift - the water-balanced funicular railway that remains in full working order nearly 200 years since it was built. The Coastal Park trail also leads to an amphitheatre that hosts regular live music shows during the summer and an adventure playground that is a big hit with kids.

The nearest major airport to Folkestone is Kent International Airport (MSE/EGMH), which lies less than 30 miles from the town. There are bus and taxi connections to Folkestone and car hire can be arranged at the airport. Folkestone is also the home of a Eurotunnel terminal, which links this corner of England to Calais, in France, in around 35 minutes. Hop on “le shuttle” in Calais and pick up your Folkestone hire car when you arrive on British soil. Or, if travelling by ferry, you can pick up your hire car at the port of Dover.

There are also downtown locations, in and around Folkestone town centre, at which you can collect your rental vehicle.

To find the best price on car rental in Folkestone, use TravelSupermarket's search tool.

If you book car hire, Folkestone can be just the starting point for journeys into the rolling green hills and historical sites of England...

There are many scenic spots to be seen around Folkestone and car hire is a great way to explore the surrounding coastline. You could, for example, take in iconic sights such as the famous White Cliffs of Dover, which are an easy drive from Folkestone. Samphire Hoe, a dramatic manmade water reserve at the base of the cliffs, offers walking trails with spectacular views and forms part of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The British weather is famously unpredictable. but visitors have the best chance of visiting Folkestone in the sunshine during the months of June, July and August, although as this is peak school holiday season in Britain, this period also sees the town at its busiest and accommodation at its most expensive.

The late spring months of April and May can be wonderful times to visit - with flowers coming into bloom and birds twittering away - while the autumnal colours of October make this another good time to catch Folkestone at its most scenic, while avoiding the main tourist season.

Don't forget to visit Canterbury and its amazing cathedral, as well as other famous attractions in Kent, such as the Historic Dockyard in Chatham and the seaside town of Whitstable, not forgetting its famed juicy oysters, while further afield you can access destinations such as Brighton and London in less than two hours thanks to the ease and convenience of your hire car.

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.