Cheap Car Rental in Liverpool

Tips for renting a car inexpensively in Liverpool

Looking for a cheap car rental in Liverpool? With Economybookings, you can easily compare multiple providers to find the best possible deal across England. Whether you're planning to explore the city's rich cultural heritage or take a drive through the surrounding countryside and coastal areas, a quick comparison can save you time and money.

• Compare pickup locations – Select the broader city instead of a specific location to unlock more deal options, including off-airport savings.
• Slightly adjust pickup times and dates – Even changing your booking by an hour can reveal lower rates.
• Choose economy or compact cars – These vehicle types are usually the most budget-friendly.
• Book early – Peak travel seasons like summer (June to August) and the winter holiday period often see higher prices, so reserving in advance helps secure better rates and availability.

Tips when renting a car in Liverpool

• Age, licence and documentation: you must be at least 23 in the UK and have had your licence for at least 1 year; however, many rental companies have a strict no under-25’s policy, and some suppliers allow drivers from age 21 in certain vehicle classes. Non-UK residents may also need an International Driving Permit, particularly if their licence has unrecognisable characters or script.
• Insurance and excess cover: basic rental usually, but not always, includes Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection (TP). Independent excess insurance can often be cheaper compared to desk offers.
• Fuel policy: ‘Full-to-full’ (same-to-same) is the most common policy; ‘full-to-empty’ often results in inflated charges.
• Location and booking strategy: airport hires include premium surcharges; using off-airport locations and shuttles can slash prices significantly. Book early and watch for price drops, as some sites allow free cancel-and-rebook to take advantage.
• Inspect, document, and dispute: do a detailed walkaround and check the bodywork, tyres, lights, and equipment. Photograph all existing damage and note on the rental form. On return, photograph again and get a signed checkout record to guard against post-return disputes.
• Car type: opt for a small car for easier parking and narrow roads.
• Pick up your car at Liverpool Airport or outskirts for easier access.

Driving tips in Liverpool

• Drive on the left and overtake on the right.
• Roundabouts are common – give way to traffic coming from the right.
• Flash your headlights as a polite signal (e.g., to let someone pass), not as aggression.
• Horn use is rare; only use in case of emergencies or warnings.
• Stay in the left lane on motorways unless overtaking and don’t hog the middle lane.
• UK motorway hard shoulders are only for emergencies, unless part of a “smart motorway” scheme.
• Use parking apps like RingGo or JustPark to find/pay for legal spots in and around the city.
• Avoid yellow lines: single = time-limited, double = no parking anytime.
• Popular fuel stations: Shell, BP, Esso, Tesco (supermarkets often cheaper).
• Keep your license, rental papers, and insurance with you at all times.
• Driving while holding a smartphone or sat-nav in hand is illegal—£200 fine + 6 points. Your sat-nav must be in a proper holder within clear view.
• The M57 circles Liverpool and is useful for reaching suburbs, but expect heavy traffic during peak hours.

Speed limits

In the UK, speed limits are typically 30 mph (48 km/h) in built-up areas, 60 mph (96 km/h) on single carriageways, and 70 mph (112 km/h) on dual carriageways and motorways. Liverpool follows these national limits, but some areas, especially residential zones, enforce 20 mph limits. Always watch for posted signs, as limits can vary depending on local rules and road conditions.

Road signs

UK road signs follow international standards and are usually clear and well-placed. They’re primarily in English and use symbols for quick understanding. Speed limit signs are in miles per hour (mph). In Manchester, look out in particular for signs marking bus lanes, no-entry zones, and school streets, which may have time-based restrictions.

• Navigating Liverpool city centre, especially around Georgian Quarter, Baltic Triangle, and Edge Hill, demands careful attention.
• Red-bordered circular signs prohibit certain maneuvers (e.g. no-entry, restricted turns); blue circular signs stipulate mandatory actions or minimum speeds.
• Triangular warnings highlight hazards like sharp junctions, tram crossings, and pedestrian-heavy zones, while yellow boards signal temporary conditions such as roadworks or diversions.
• Within Liverpool, bus lanes are strictly enforced with cameras and fines, especially on roads like Leeds Street and Lime Street. Parking areas, Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs), and pedestrian zones are densely signposted, so reading “No Waiting” vs “No Stopping” and observing time restrictions is essential to avoid fines and rental company penalties. Always back up your observations with clear photos when parking or stopping, as signage can be dense and timing confusing.

Tolls and restricted zones

As of now, Liverpool does not implement a city-wide congestion charging or Low Emission Zone. Visitors can freely drive into the city centre, though occasional temporary restrictions apply during events (such as concerts or football cup finals), when access to certain road sections may be limited or enforceable by move-on orders. Toll charges may appear if your journey extends beyond Merseyside, such as when crossing bridges or tunnels near Widnes, Runcorn, or on routes into the Wirral, but these are rare and often limited to major infrastructure outside Liverpool. If traveling beyond the city limits, confirm with the rental company whether such tolled roads are included or require manual plate registration to avoid post-hire penalty fees.

The M6 Toll (north of Birmingham) is the nearest major toll route if you're heading south. Payment is via card or contactless at booths. As always, plan your route in advance and check whether any restrictions apply to your rental car.

Discover Liverpool by car

Liverpool is a dynamic northern city known for its music, football, and industrial heritage, but it also makes a great base for exploring the wider North of England. With a rental car, you can reach rugged national parks, historic towns, and coastal escapes all within a few hours.

Renting a car in Liverpool opens access to both the vibrant city centre and the scenic countryside beyond. Drive along the waterfront near Albert Dock, parking to walk the Royal Liver Building, Tate Liverpool or the Cavern Quarter. For cultural variety, head southeast to the historic Georgian Quarter or north to Formby Beach’s sand dunes and pinewoods, which is home to rare red squirrels. Take the A565 southward to picturesque Crosby Beach and Antony Gormley's “Another Place” iron statues. For a deeper rural excursion, follow the A5209 west toward Cheshire: quaint villages like Frodsham and Chester offer medieval architecture, canal-side walks, and Gothic cathedrals. All these drives involve well-maintained A- and B-roads with accessible parking and modest traffic, making day trips seamless.

When to Visit

Liverpool is a year-round destination, but the best time to explore by car is between June and September, when the weather is mild and the days are long. Travelling during the winter will allow you to enjoy some off-peak prices, but some of the smaller roads may be susceptible to black ice coverage, which makes for difficult driving conditions. Summers can exceed 25 and winters can be cold and wet, so make sure to pack appropriately for the time of year.

Languages & Communication

English is spoken everywhere in Liverpool. It’s a multicultural city, so you may also hear Urdu, Punjabi, Arabic, Chinese and various European languages in many neighbourhoods. Most signage is in English, and visitors rarely face language barriers.

Currency & Payments

Liverpool uses the British Pound (£). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially contactless payments, which are common at fuel stations, parking machines, and tolls. ATMs are easy to find throughout the city and suburbs.

Top driving routes from Liverpool

Liverpool is perfectly located for some of Northern England’s most scenic drives:

• The Wirral Peninsula Circuit: heads across the River Mersey via the Queensway Tunnel or James Street Ferry to explore views over the river, seaside villages like West Kirby, and quiet lanes leading to Parkgate marshlands.
• The Chester & Cheshire Loop: can be reached in under one hour, taking you through historic Chester with its city walls, then west into Cheshire villages such as Tarporley and Holt, via rolling B‑roads lined with hedgerows and thatched cottages.
• The Formby and Crosby Coastal Drive: hugging Merseyside beaches, pinewoods, and the famous iron statues at Crosby Beach, which is ideal for scenic stops and nature walks.
• Ainsdale and Southport to Lytham St Annes route: you can drive past sand dunes, golf courses, and Georgian seaside towns all within an hour. These drives are thoughtfully linked, easy to map, and offer excellent stops: coastal views, nature reserves, cafés with local produce, or historic pubs.

These routes are ideal for day trips or weekend escapes, with well-maintained roads and unforgettable views.