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Hire a car in Carlisle with Hertz
Hiring a car in Carlisle is the best way to discover the Great Border City, which connects picturesque Cumbria with the majestic scenery of the Lowlands.
There are many vehicles to choose from in the Hertz range. If you see yourself driving around the national parks surrounding Carlisle, you may choose a spacious 4x4 or a family hatchback. Alternatively, you could get your fix of fresh country hair from behind the wheel of a stylish convertible.
Once you’ve selected from our broad range, you’ll be able to pick up the keys at our vehicle collection point at Carlisle train station.Then you’ll be exploring the boundless scenery surrounding Carlisle – and out to Dumfries or Newcastle.
Or you may just plan to explore Carlisle itself, as many tourists have. After all, it’s been named the happiest place to live in the UK.
Benefits from day one.
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- Up to 10% off the base rate on rentals in select countries
Up to 10% discount applies to base rates in the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Benelux. 5% applies for the rest of the world. The discount applies to the base rate quoted (excluding taxes and any other charges). It does not apply to affiliated rates or rates that are already discounted.
- Add your spouse as a second driver without an extra fee
- Earn points redeemable toward free rental days and upgrades
Points are earned on per day time and mileage charges only. Free rental days cover base rate (time and mileage) only. Taxes, optional extras and any other fees are excluded. One-car-class upgrade applies to Compact, Intermediate, Standard & Full-size rentals with a maximum upgrade to a Premium. Additional terms and exclusions apply
- Skip the counter and go straight to your car
You can skip the counter once your membership is activated after your first rental. Available at select locations only.
Benefits from day one.
Join 
for free.
- Make travel feel golden with Hertz Gold+
Ready to get more from every drive? Hertz Gold+ is our free loyalty program that turns everyday car rental into rewards. Get instant perks and seamless pickups.
- Skip the line, choose your ride, and go
Skip the rental counter at selected locations – just head to your car and go. At selected US rental locations, you can also choose from a wider selection of cars, including exclusive vehicles for top-tier members.
- Earn points to redeem for free rental days
Earn free rental days with every booking. The more you rent, the faster you unlock elite status.* *Points are earned & redeemed on the base rental rate only. Taxes, fees, & options are excluded. Additional terms apply.
- Share the drive for free
Add your spouse or partner as an additional driver for free.
Carlisle car rental driving guide
Parking in Carlisle
- Castle Car Park (CA3 8AN) is open 24/7, and is close to Carlisle Castle, Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, and Carlisle Cathedral.
- Stanwix Car Park (CA3 9DJ) is also open 24/7, and is close to Eden Spring, Cavendish Park, and Rickerby Park.
- Stoney Holme Golf Club Car Park (CA1 1LS) is right by Stoney Holme Golf Club, Brunton Park, and Melbourne Park. It's open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Key roads in Carlisle
- The M6 motorway starts at the Scotland-England border, just south of Gretna, and continues east of Carlisle towards Manchester and Liverpool.
- The A689 goes around the west and north of the city, heading east,where it joins with the A69 to lead towards Hadrian's Wall.
- The A595 joins the A689 in the south-west of Carlisle. It stretches west towards the coastline and down to the Lake District.
How to get from Carlisle to Solway Coast AONB
It takes 35 minutes to drive the 14 miles from Carlisle to Solway Coast AONB when following these directions:
- Leave the car rental car park and turn onto Lancaster Street.
- Take a left on to Crown Street and then use the second exit at the roundabout to reach Currock Street.
- Go straight over the roundabout to join James Street, turn left, then drive over Nelson Bridge.
- Stay on this road and then turn right on to the B5299, keeping left to join the A595.
- Take the second exit at the roundabout on to the B5307, which will take you all the way to the Solway Coast.
How to get from Carlisle to Lake District National Park
The Lake District is just over half an hour’s drive from Carlisle, depending exactly which of the national park’s 2,362 square kms you want to explore. To reach:
- Keswick – head south-west along the A595. After Bothel, take a left onto the A591, then follow the A66 to reach Keswick in around 55 minutes.
- Penrith – drive south-east out of Carlisle, along the M6, around a 30-minute journey.
- Kendal and Windermere – continue on the M6 past Penrith, turning onto the A6 after Shap. It takes around one hour to reach Kendal and it’s 15 minutes further to Windermere.
Why Hertz?
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Found a lower rent? We’ll match it and give 10% off of that base rate.
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Plans change. Cancel for free up to 2 days before pick-up.
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A quick guide to Carlisle
The Halston Aparthotel
20–34 Warwick Road, Carlisle CA1 1AB
Housed in a landmark Edwardian building, The Halston offers chic, self-catering apartments with stylish interiors. Guests can enjoy dining at the on-site Penny Blue restaurant, known for its creative tapas and grill dishes.
Crown Hotel Wetheral
Steele's Bank, Wetheral, Carlisle CA4 8ES
Located in the picturesque village of Wetheral, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and leisure facilities, including a 12-metre pool. It's an ideal base for exploring the surrounding countryside.
ibis Carlisle City Centre
Portlands, Botchergate Car Park Postcode: CA1 1NT, Carlisle CA1 1RL
Conveniently situated near the train station, the ibis offers modern rooms with free Wi-Fi. It's a practical choice for travelers seeking central accommodation.
Alexandros Greek Restaurant and Deli
68 Warwick Road, Carlisle CA1 1DR
Run by a Greek family passionate about their roots, Alexandros offers a taste of the Aegean with hearty portions and time-honored recipes. From melt-in-your-mouth moussaka to perfectly grilled souvlaki, the food is as authentic as the warm welcome you’ll receive.
Thin White Duke
Devonshire Street, Carlisle CA3 8LG
Housed in a converted warehouse with eclectic décor, The Thin White Duke blends comfort food with contemporary flair. Their changing seasonal menu is matched by a well-crafted cocktail list, making it a go-to for relaxed dinners and late-night bites.
Penny Blue
20–34 Warwick Road, Carlisle CA1 1AB
Tucked inside the stylish Halston Aparthotel, Penny Blue delivers a refined yet unpretentious dining experience. You can expect inventive small plates and standout steaks that balances the classics with bold modern twists.
Carlisle Castle
Castle Way, Carlisle CA3 8UR
A medieval fortress with over 900 years of history, Carlisle Castle has served as a military stronghold and prison. Visitors can explore the keep, battlements, and exhibitions detailing its storied past.
Carlisle Cathedral
The Abbey, Carlisle CA3 8TZ
Founded in 1122, this cathedral features stunning Gothic architecture, including the largest Flowing Decorated Gothic window in England. The intricate stone carvings and medieval choir stalls are highlights.
Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery
Castle Street, Carlisle CA3 8TP
Recently reopened after extensive redevelopment, Tullie House offers exhibits on Roman history, fine art, and natural sciences. The museum is housed in a Grade I listed Jacobean mansion.
FAQs about car hire
Do I need to make a reservation in advance for a Hertz car rental in Carlisle?
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