Car Hire Newquay

Car Hire

Newquay has long been known in the UK as the surf capital of the country. It is located in southwest England in County Cornwall, a region within a peninsula with the Celtic Sea to the north and west and the English Channel to the south. This is a premier resort destination in England and much of the economy here is based on tourism. Many attractions can be reached on foot, but having your own car means you drive to the many beaches here and visit the stunning surrounding countryside.

Who to Book With
When you get the time before you head to Newquay, compare a few rental car prices online to determine availability during the high season and catch great deals. Several car rental firms are found in Newquay, including international firms like Avis, Alamo, National, Europcar and Hertz. The offices of these car rental companies can be found around town, mainly in the airport and in the downtown area.

Best Time to Go
Newquay enjoys a mild maritime climate, and temperatures remain pleasant even in the height of summer or winter. It can get very hot in the summer with temperatures climbing up to 31°C, prompting the thousands of tourists that descend to enjoy the beaches of the city.

Need to Know Essentials
During the retrieval of the rental vehicle, the following must be submitted:

- The credit card of the person who made the booking
- Rental booking confirmation
- A national licence (or an International Driving Permit)
- ID to prove age

For more info read our FAQ's.

Driving
There are a number of major and secondary roads that connect Newquay to the cities and towns of Southwest England. The main access road from Newport Cornwall Airport in the north is the A3059, while the main road leading to the southern English coast is the A3058. Car parks are available in the many guesthouses, lodges and hotels in the area. It’s best to check with your chosen accommodation if it can provide a parking spot.

Those looking for more information on driving in the UK can see this guide.

Transport

Getting around by public transport is not a problem in this prominent seaside destination. Local buses, as well as intercity buses, are run by a number of companies, and the train station at Newquay is connected to the national railway via Par, with direct and frequent services in the summer. Taxi companies also have many locations in the city centre.

Trains
Newquay is part of the national network of trains, with services here run by Southwest Trains. The branch line from the station in Par terminates at Newquay Railway Station. In the summer, there are intercity services from London as well as CrossCountry services running from Par direct to Newquay. Local trains provide services on Sundays.

Taxis
Many cab companies are located right within downtown area. 123 Taxis provide taxi and minibus services in Newquay and across greater Cornwall. A2B Newquay Travel has a range of vehicles in its fleet, including those suitable for big groups. Other companies with locations in the city centre include Carminow Cabs, Fleet Cabs and 10-11 Taxis.

Buses
The main bus operator is the National Express Group, which provides coaches to many parts of England. Locally in Newquay, buses are operated by Western Greyhound, FirstGroup and Summercourt Travel. The hub for buses in Newquay is the station at Manor Road.

Exploring

The beaches are the main attractions in this region, and the area in and around Newquay is home to no less than nine. The most popular ones are those close to the centre such as Fistral Beach. A good daytrip from Newquay is Land’s End, the most southerly point of Britain. This a great coastal drive finished at a signpost that proclaims you have reached the “end of England”.

Recommended Drives

Fistral Beach - This is the most prominent and most popular beach in Newquay. It is a short drive west from the city centre and bound by two landmarks—Towan Head, a headland to the north, and the Pentire Point East in the south. The beach is quite sandy and offers great breaks for surfing.

Crantock Beach - This is located farther south of the city centre along the scenic coastline. Because it is farther from the action, it is relatively quiet, and the beach is equally stunning, if not more so, than those in Newquay centre.

Land's End - This is the area at the very tip of England’s southwest. A headland is located here with a signpost that proclaims that this is the “end of the England”. A visitor centre can be found in Land’s End, while the road to the north leads to John o'Groats in the Scottish Highlands.