Car Hire at Cardiff Airport
Cardiff Airport (CWL)
Find car rental at Cardiff Airport
Pick up your hire car from Cardiff Airport and take to the open road.
With your own set of wheels, the city and beyond is yours to explore as you please.
When you land at Cardiff Airport, exit the Arrivals Hall, descend the steps to pavement level, turn right and cross the road where you will see steps down to the Short Stay Car Park. The car rental building at is at the foot of these steps. There are Avis signs along the route.
Enjoy your Cardiff car hire with Avis.
Planning your journey from Cardiff Airport
From the airport, it’s a breezy 30-minute drive to Cardiff city centre.
The most impressive historical attraction in the city is Cardiff Castle, which has been modified over the centuries. Admire the different influences (Roman, Norman and Bute) on the architecture, which provides an aesthetically pleasing insight into Welsh history.
The Welsh are a very keen sporting nation, so be sure to check out the timetable for the city’s Millennium Stadium during your visit. You might catch a game of rugby while you’re in the city. It’s also possible to book a stadium tour.
To escape the hustle and bustle of city life, head to Penarth – officially a suburb of Cardiff (which also doubles as a quaint Victorian seaside town). A walk along the esplanade and the pier area, followed by a coffee at a cafe overlooking the sea, promises a relaxing afternoon.
Where to go from Cardiff Airport
When you arrive at Cardiff Airport, you’ll not only be well-placed to explore the capital city, but also a couple of others in neighbouring England. It’s possible to reach both Bath and Bristol within two hours in your hire car.
Bristol
From Cardiff Airport, you’ll easily reach Bristol in just over an hour by taking the M4. An alternative, creative city, Bristol’s streets are awash with street art. Spot authentic artworks from the likes of Banksy as you explore. With a growing reputation as a top food destination, Bristol is awash with fine cafes and restaurants. A number of exceptional museums live here too, including M Shed which chapters Bristol’s history.
Bath
Just a little further east (and an hour and 40 minutes from Cardiff Airport) is Bath. Officially a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bath is famed for its Roman and Georgian past – showcased on The Royal Crescent (a spectacular sweeping row of 30 terraced houses). Be sure to visit the Roman Baths, which are over 2,000 years old and draw on Britain’s only mineral hot springs. The Museum of Bath Architecture reveals more about the city’s development.
With your Avis hire car, two of England’s most celebrated tourist cities are yours to explore. Pick up the keys to your rental and make it memorable.
Driving rules in United Kingdom
Which side of the road?
In the United Kingdom, please drive on the left side of the road.
Country driving laws
- Mobile phones may only be used with a headset or hands-free device
- There is a congestion charge payable when driving in London
- Use the outside lane to overtake on motorways and dual carriageways
- Zebra crossings (black and white stripes on the road) give pedestrians right of way to cross the road
Speed Limits
All speed signs will be in mph.
For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers:
- Urban areas: 30 mph (48 km/h)
- Motorways: 70 mph (112 km/h)
- Rural areas: 60 mph (96 km/h)
Unless indicated by road signs.
Child safety / Seatbelt laws
- It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt
- Children aged under 12 or less than 135cm tall must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size
Please note - It is the child’s parent / guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.
This road rules information is for provided for general guidance only. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk.
Discover Avis car rental locations near Cardiff Airport
RECOMMENDED CAR RENTALS IN Cardiff
Scenic coasts or city streets, choose from a variety of vehicle types optimized for all kinds of roads.Mini Manual

Fiat 500 or Similar
Economy Manual

Vauxhall Corsa or Similar
Small Crossover Manual

Nissan Juke or Similar
Mini Manual

Fiat 500 or Similar
Economy Manual

Vauxhall Corsa or Similar
Small Crossover Manual

Nissan Juke or Similar
Renter Requirements
- Optional Coverages
- Credit Card Policies
- Debit Card Policies
- Drivers License
- Public Liability and Property Damage
- Age Requirements
- Avis First
- Cancellations/No Shows
- Delivery and Collection
- Fuel Policy
- ID Requirements
- Miscellaneous Information
- One Way Rentals
- Rental Options
- Returns
- Travel Into Other Countries
- Personal Accident and Effects Insurance (PAE)
Damage Waiver
In most cases, Damage Waiver is provided with the vehicle as standard. If it is included, it will be stated on your Rental Agreement Form (and in your booking confirmation).
Damage Waiver reduces the amount you pay for each clearly separate incident of damage if the vehicle is damaged (or the amount you pay to replace any keys, accessories or vehicle documents that are lost, stolen or damaged).
The amount you pay for each clearly separate incident of damage will be the lower of a) the applicable cost payable under the Theft, Loss, and Damages Policy; or b) the excess stated on your Rental Agreement Form.
Normally GBP 7.76 per day.
Northern Ireland:
Normally GBP 10.12 per day (If not included as standard)
Super Damage Waiver (SCDW)
An excess reduction product which reduces your damage waiver excess to zero (or, if higher, the amount shown on your Rental Agreement Form)
Normally between GBP 6.21 and GBP 30.28 per day.
Northern Ireland:
Normally GBP 22 for car groups A, B, C and N and GBP 24 for car groups D, E, F, and I.
Theft Protection waiver (TP)
In most cases, Theft Protection waiver is provided with the vehicle as standard. If it is included, it will be stated on your Rental Agreement Form (and in your booking confirmation).
Theft Protection waiver reduces the amount you pay if the vehicle is stolen during the rental period.
The amount you pay will be the lower of a) the applicable cost payable under the Theft, Loss, and Damages Policy; or b) the excess stated on your Rental Agreement Form.
Normally GBP 2.59 per day.
SuperTheft Protection waiver (STP)
An excess reduction product which reduces your theft protection excess to zero on cars and GBP 250.00 on vans.
Normally between GBP 1.53 and GBPP 7.46 per day.
Windscreen Protection
This protection reduces the amount you pay to zero if the windscreen is damaged while you're renting the vehicle. Having windscreen protection also means you won't pay a Damage/Loss/Repair Processing Fee.
Normally between GBP 5.00 and GBP 6.50 per day
Roadside Assistance Plus
This product provides roadside assistance without any additional costs being charged if you break down as a result of vehicle failure you have caused. Examples include
- Flat battries
- Flat tires
- Keys locked in the vehicle
- Running out of fuel
- Using the wrong fuel for the vehicle
Mainland UK:
GBP 6.00 per day (charged for a max 13 days to cover rental up to 28 days).
Northern Ireland:
GBP 9.28 per day
Protection packages - Zero/Reduced Excess includes Super Damage Waiver, Super Theft Protection, Windscreen Protection
Normally between GBP 29.99 to GBP 42.99 per day
Protection packages - Complete Protection includes Super Damage Waiver, Super Theft Protection, Windscreen Protection and Roadside Assistance Plus
Normally between GBP 39.99 to GBP 52.99 per day
