Car Hire Chichester

Car Hire

Chichester is a classic English cathedral city located in West Sussex with a rich history stretching back as far as the days of the Roman Empire. As time has progressed, Chichester has acquired a well-balanced mix of modern attractions while still successfully retaining its old charm. Tourists with car rental can explore both the city and others that surrounded it in southern England, including the UK capital London.

Who to Book With
There are three car hire companies in the area, all located in the suburbs of Chichester and on industrial estates. Enterprise, Chichester Car & Van Rental and Panther Truck Rental all compete for customers. Online booking in advance of arrival is the best way to secure a good deal.

Best Time to go
Summer (from June to August) and spring (March to late May) are regarded as the best periods to spend time in Chichester, as this is when weather is at its most pleasant. Especially during summer, making hotel and rental vehicle arrangements in advance is advised.

Need to Know Essentials
To collect a rental car, make sure you have the following documents with you:

- A valid UK driving license
- Another photo ID, such as passport
- The credit card used for booking
- Printed confirmation of rental if possible

For more info read our FAQ's.

Driving
Chichester will pose few problems for those looking to drive around this quaint market town. Finding parking spaces is a different matter entirely, however, as the council-designated spots can fill up quickly, especially during the week. This is why many of those that leave their vehicle in the town centre often use private parking lots or car parks at train stations and the like.

See our guide to the UK for more information on driving in this country.

Transport

Chichester town centre is compact enough to be navigated on foot, but any trips into the surrounding countryside or to other towns in West Sussex and beyond requires the aid of car hire. Those that wish to take a break from driving or haven't arranged a vehicle can rely on either buses or taxis to transport them.

Trains
Chichester's train station is located to the south of the town centre. It has trains running to and from other southern cities such as Bristol, London, Portsmouth, Southampton and Brighton. These services are mainly provided by First Great Western and Southern Railways.

Taxis
Taxis can be caught from the rank located outside the train station or pre-ordered with companies such as Dunnaway's Taxis. Other firms in the town include Starline Minicabs, Station Taxis, Apple Cars and lucky8s Taxis. The majority run on the meter, but longer journeys out of town usually require fixed fares to be agreed upon.

Buses
Numerous bus companies operate in and out of Chichester, mainly supplying transport around the town and to others in West Sussex. While RJB handles Midhurst and Petersfield, Stagecoach deals with Worthing, Midhurst and the south coast. Compass Bus covers Worthing, Shoreham, Burgess Hill, Pulbourough and Horsham, while Emsworth and District serves Southbourne and Havant.

Exploring

Chichcester's attractions are mainly historical. Its cathedral, the only one in the country visible from the sea, has stood in its original place since 1075. Many parties like to take a stroll along the city walls before making their way to the Pallant House Gallery, which displays an eclectic mix of art in the setting of a Georgian house. However, there are also plenty of daytrips to be enjoyed outside of town.

Recommended Drives

Arundel - A classic picturesque English town with plenty of attractions despite its small size, is easy to get to from Chichester for those with car rental. The town is perhaps most famous for its castle, although it is rivalled by a handful of other great attractions.

Emsworth - This small fishing town can be reached via a steady drive along the A27 from Chichester. Unsurprisingly, it boasts some of the best seafood in the country, served in its many pubs and restaurants. This destination is noted for its food festival, which usually takes place in the first couple of weeks of September.

Bognor Regis - Reached by Bognor Road, has been popular with British holidaying families for decades. This is as authentic as an English seaside town gets. Those that enjoy time here may also want to consider visiting the nearby Selsey Bill.