Compare Nottingham car hire

• Min. age required to hire a car: 21–25
• Which side of the road: Left
• Credit card requirements: A debit or credit card is usually accepted

Any additional requirements: Drivers under 25 may have to pay a surcharge

Nottingham is home to numerous well-known car hire companies. Most of them are concentrated in the city centre, but there are options further out, too. They include:

• Europcar: +44 371 384 5925
• Enterprise: +44 115 985 0999
• Hertz: +44 843 309 3056
• Sixt: +44 207 018 8246

While you can pick up a car on the day, it usually costs more than booking in advance. There will also be fewer cars to choose from, so compare deals online and book as early as you can.

Driving in Nottingham can be a little tricky if you’re unfamiliar with the city. Pedestrianised zones, one-way roads, bus lanes and tramlines are among the obstacles you’ll need to keep an eye out for, especially around Canal Street.

As with any major city, congestion can slow you down too. The A25 Ring Road, A60 and University Boulevard are all best tackled outside of rush hour.

When you’re ready to explore the city, there are plenty of places to park. Choose from multi-storey options in the Victoria Centre, Trinity Square and Broad Marsh for easy access to the centre. Or, if you’re planning a long stay, consider a park-and-ride instead.

Parking is also free with a valid tram ticket at seven sites across the city, including Clifton, Hucknall and Wilkinson Street.

Exploring the surrounding cities is just as straightforward. Get onto the M1 northbound to visit Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester. Or head southbound towards Leicester and Birmingham.

If you’re planning on nipping around Nottingham by road, a compact hire car will make light work of the busy, sometimes narrow streets. For longer trips, consider an SUV, which offers a more comfortable cruise.