Compare Nottingham car hire

Even at its most modern, Nottingham still has a touch of mystery, with a hilltop castle looming above it and a network of caves running beneath. If you're on the trail of its biggest legend, a hire car in Nottingham is a must: the best Robin Hood sites are clustered around Sherwood Forest, an hour away by road.

There are several car hire companies in and around Nottingham, including big brands such as Avis, Hertz, Enterprise and Europcar, so it's worth shopping around to see who has the best deals on 2025 rentals.

The majority of rental sites are dotted around the perimeter of Nottingham’s main shopping zone, which lies between the Intu Victoria and Intu Broadmarsh malls, with Old Market Square and St Peter’s Square in the middle. Just south of Intu Broadmarsh, around Nottingham station, you'll find Hertz, East Mids Hire, Enter-prise Rent-A-Car and Europcar – all good options if you're arriving by train.

Flanking the shopping area to the east are the historic Lace Market and hip Hockley neighbourhoods, which have a few more options, including Click and Drive on the edge of Hockley.

You’ll also find Budget and Avis at the bottom of Maid Marian Way, the main road that separates the shopping zone from Nottingham Castle.

Just 14 miles (22.5 kilometres) outside of Nottingham, East Midlands Airport (EMA) has plenty of car hire options from big name brands including Avis, Hertz and Enterprise.

Compare car hire prices online before you travel, complete your paperwork and collect your car from just outside the terminal building. Getting to Nottingham is easy: use the M1 or the A453 to make your way into the city; the journey time is around 25 minutes.

Approved car hire providers with desks at East Midlands Airport include:

• Avis/Budget (Tel: +44344 544 6005)
• Enterprise (Tel: +441332 812 828)
• Europcar (Tel: +44371 384 0293)
• Hertz (Tel: +44843 309 3024)

Nottingham is enclosed by a ring road of well-marked A roads, which makes getting to the city centre really easy, no matter which direction you're coming from.

Driving in the shopping zone is best avoided thanks to a tricky combination of one-ways, pedestrian-only streets and the tram system. In any case, it’s not necessary as all the central attractions and shops are easily walkable from the numerous car parks on the edge of the city centre.

The Lace Market car park is handiest for the distinctive Nottingham Contemporary Art Centre and the Nation-al Justice Museum, as well as trendy Hockley and the Motorpoint Arena. You’ll also find car parks at Intu Vic-toria and the Trinity Square entertainment complex next to it, and several between Intu Broadmarsh and the train station.

Thanks to the tram network, Nottingham has some excellent park-and-ride options on its outskirts, including Forest Recreation Ground in the north and Clifton in the south. These are, inevitably, much cheaper than parking in the centre.

Sherwood Forest

Driving time: One hour

Nottingham is famous for its associations with Robin Hood, the legendary outlaw – but his stomping ground was Sherwood Forest, near the market town of Mansfield. Pop into Nottingham’s Robin Hood Experience on Friar Lane before driving to Sherwood Forest to see the 800-year-old Major Oak, which is said to have shel-tered this local hero and his band of merry men.

Wollaton Hall and Deer Park

Driving time: 10 minutes

If you fancy a taste of the countryside without straying far from the city centre, head for this vast estate, whose house featured as Wayne Manor in The Dark Knight Rises. The grounds are home to a scenic lake, a large playground and a population of free-roaming deer. Nottingham Industrial Museum is also on the site.

Wheelgate Park

Driving time: 30 minutes

This theme park aimed at under-10s is a must for those visiting Nottingham with kids. North of Nottingham, on the way to Sherwood Forest, it has a farm and an outdoor waterpark to add to the fairground fun. It also has two large indoor play areas, making it a great day out in all weather.

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.