Leeds car rental guide
Top 10 Car Rental Companies in Leeds
The best car rental companies in Leeds are Sixt, Europcar, Hertz. Prices start from €29/day for an economy car, the minimum age is 21, and airport pickup adds about 10%.
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Ranked comparison
Top 10 rental companies in Leeds
Ranked by customer rating, price transparency and pickup convenience. Each opens a pre-filled search.
#1
Sixt
Editor’s pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €350Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€31/day
all-in estimate
View Sixt deal
#2
Europcar
Top ratedFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €350Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€30/day
all-in estimate
View Europcar deal
#3
Hertz
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €350Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€32/day
all-in estimate
View Hertz deal
#4
Avis
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €350Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€30/day
all-in estimate
View Avis deal
#5
Budget
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€27/day
all-in estimate
View Budget deal
#6
Enterprise
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €350Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€33/day
all-in estimate
View Enterprise deal
#7
Alamo
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €350Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€28/day
all-in estimate
View Alamo deal
#8
National
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €350Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€34/day
all-in estimate
View National deal
#9
Yorkshire Car Hire
Local pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €250Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€24/day
base rate
View Yorkshire Car Hire deal
Prices are indicative market estimates · Last checked 2026-07-21 · 2 public sources (DiscoverCars + market data)
Price guide
Prices by car type in Leeds
| Car type | From / day | Example | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | €29 | Vauxhall Corsa | 4 |
| Compact | €35 | Ford Focus | 5 |
| SUV | €51 | Nissan Qashqai | 5 |
| Minivan (7-seat) | €74 | Ford Galaxy | 7 |
| Luxury | €89 | Audi A4 | 5 |
Pickup locations
Where to pick up a car in Leeds
Airport — Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA)
LBA sits about 14km northwest of Leeds city center, roughly a 30-minute drive, with rental desks in the terminal building.
Downtown — Leeds city center
Downtown desks near the city center suit travelers who want a car to reach the Yorkshire Dales, Harewood House, or destinations beyond the walkable core.
Fees
Fees at a glance
| Fee | Typical amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Airport surcharge | ~10% of base rate | LBA airport pickup |
| Young-driver fee (21–24) | £10–18/day | Drivers under 25 |
| Additional driver | £5–9/day | Per extra driver |
| Clean Air Zone charge | £8–10/day | Older diesel vehicles entering central Leeds |
| High-season peak surcharge | 15–30% above base rate | Summer weekends and Dales touring season |
| Refundable deposit | £250–400 | Standard hold at pickup |
Local intelligence
Things to know before renting in Leeds
- Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) sits about 14km northwest of the city center, a roughly 30-minute drive, with rental desks inside the terminal.
- The Royal Armouries museum and Leeds Kirkgate Market are walkable from the center, so a car is more useful for sights further out.
- Leeds is a practical gateway to the Yorkshire Dales National Park, about a 45-minute drive northwest, where a car is essential for touring.
- Leeds operates a Clean Air Zone covering the city center — check your rental car's emissions class before driving in.
- Leeds prices are shown in EUR for consistency across the site, even though the local currency is pounds sterling (GBP).
- Harewood House, a stately home and gardens, is about a 20-minute drive north of the city center and popular for day trips.
- The Peak District is reachable by car in under an hour from Leeds, making the city a solid base for hiking day trips.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Leeds
Do you need a car in Leeds?
The city center and Kirkgate Market are walkable, but a car is useful for the Yorkshire Dales, Harewood House, and the Peak District.
How far is Leeds Bradford Airport from the city center?
About 14km, roughly a 30-minute drive, with rental desks inside the terminal.
Is there a low-emission zone in central Leeds?
Yes, the city center has a Clean Air Zone — check your rental vehicle's emissions class before driving in.
Can I drive to the Yorkshire Dales from Leeds?
Yes, about a 45-minute drive northwest, and a car is the best way to explore the Dales at your own pace.
What currency are prices shown in for Leeds?
Prices are shown in EUR for consistency across the site, though the local currency is pounds sterling (GBP).
Is parking easy in central Leeds?
Central parking fills up on weekends and match days — park-and-ride or edge-of-center car parks are more reliable.
What is the cheapest car type in Leeds?
Economy cars like a Vauxhall Corsa start around €29/day. An SUV starts around €51/day.
Nearby trips
