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Hire a car in Cheltenham with Hertz
Hire a car in Cheltenham to discover the rural charm of the Cotswolds. Drive through beautiful rolling hills, vibrant villages and welcoming towns, as you explore the local landscape.
Discover the region’s character as you delve deeper into the spa town’s history. Or, visit one of Cheltenham’s many festivals dedicated to music, sport and more.
The town is only one hour from Bristol Airport. That means whether you’re staying in the scenic Cotswolds or just passing through, our collection point is within easy reach.
Not only does car rental from Hertz let you explore Cheltenham’s sights, it gives you the keys to explore more of the South West.
Nearby Gloucester has the UK’s largest remaining Roman villa, while the mysteries of Stonehenge in Salisbury wait to be uncovered just 90 minutes away.
Select the perfect vehicle for your trip, from family SUVs to sporty coupés, with Hertz.
Pickup locations in Cheltenham
- Cheltenham - Staverton - Staverton Garage
- Cheltenham - Now Self Storage
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- 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.
Cheltenham car rental driving guide
Parking in Cheltenham
- There are two Park & Ride schemes in operation around Cheltenham. One is situated at Arle Court, just off Junction 11 of the M5. While the other runs from Cheltenham Racecourse.
- There are more than a dozen council-managed car parks around Cheltenham town centre, which can be paid for using cash or card payment.
- The CitiPark multi-story lot near John Lewis on Albion Street offers five storeys and 345 spaces for parking.
Traffic in Cheltenham
Cheltenham experiences peak road traffic between 8am and 9.30am and again between 4.30pm and 7.00pm. Traffic tends to be heavily affected by events like the Cheltenham Horse Racing Festival, so check events websites before you travel.
Getting from Cheltenham to Bristol Airport
Bristol is the nearest airport to the city. It takes around an hour and 10 minutes to drive.
- Exit the airport and take the first exit at the roundabout after 3.9 miles to take the A38.
- When you reach Lime Kiln roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto the A4174 for 1.2 miles.
- At Gurney roundabout in 0.3 miles, take the second exit and join the A370 for 7 miles.
- Get on the M5 in Avonmouth from A38 and A4.
- Follow the M5 for 37.5 miles to Junction 11 outside Gloucestershire Airport.
- Continue on the A40 until you reach the A46 in town.
- Total distance and time: approx. one hour and 8 minutes (53 miles).
Roads and motorways
- The M5 motorway serves Cheltenham and surrounding areas, linking Exeter in the southwest to West Bromwich, near Birmingham, in the Midlands.
- The A40 and A4019 roads links Cheltenham to the M5 highway.
- The A40 also runs east through the Cotswolds to Oxford and connects west Wales to London in the east.
Driving rules and regulations
- In Cheltenham and around the UK, you must drive on the left-hand side of the road and use a right-side vehicle. Passengers must always wear a seatbelt. Children under 12 or shorter than 125cm must use a car seat too.
- Depending on what type of road you’re on, legal speed limits will vary. Signposts displaying miles per hour (mph) will indicate the maximum legal speed at which you’re allowed to drive.
- Residential roads and streets have a speed limit of 30mph (50km/h). Duel carriageways and motorways employ a typical 70mph (112km/h) speed limit, while single carriageway roads have a 60mph (96km/h) maximum speed.
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A quick guide to Cheltenham
Ellenborough Park
Southam Lane, Cheltenham GL52 3NJ
Close to Cheltenham Racecourse, this 15th-century manor turned luxury hotel offers elegant rooms, a full-service spa, and fine dining. You can relax in the outdoor heated pool or explore the beautifully landscaped grounds.
No. 131 The Promenade
131 Promenade, Cheltenham GL50 1NW
Situated near Montpellier Gardens, this boutique hotel combines Georgian architecture with contemporary design. You can enjoy individually styled rooms and dine at the on-site restaurant known for its seasonal British menu.
The Greenway Hotel & Spa
Shurdington Road, Cheltenham GL51 4UG
Located near the Cotswolds, this country house hotel offers luxurious accommodations, a renowned spa, and award-winning dining. You can unwind in the tranquil gardens or indulge in a relaxing spa treatment.
Le Champignon Sauvage
24-28 Suffolk Rd, Cheltenham GL50 2AQ
This Michelin-starred restaurant presents exquisite modern French cuisine, with a spotlight on seasonal and foraged ingredients. You can savor beautifully plated mains like venison loin or sea bass, all served in a refined, quietly elegant setting.
Prithvi
37 Bath Road, Cheltenham GL53 7HG
Celebrated for its upscale Indian dining, Prithvi serves dishes that balance bold spices with artistic presentation. You can enjoy delicacies like lamb shank rogan josh and tandoori scallops in a softly lit, tastefully decorated space perfect for special occasions.
The Coconut Tree
59 St Paul's Road, Cheltenham GL50 4JA
This lively eatery brings the spirit of Sri Lankan street food to life through sharing plates bursting with spice and texture. You can try signature dishes like chicken kotthu, coconut sambal, and spicy devilled prawns while soaking in the fun, graffiti-filled vibe.
Pittville Park and Pump Room
Pump Rooms, Cheltenham GL52 3AG
As Cheltenham's largest ornamental park, Pittville Park features lakes, playgrounds, and the historic Pump Room. You can enjoy leisurely walks, boating, and seasonal events in this picturesque setting.
Everyman Theatre
7, Everyman Theatre, 10 Regent St, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ
This historic theatre hosts a variety of performances, from drama to comedy and musicals. You can experience high-quality productions in an architecturally stunning venue.
The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum
51 Clarence St, Cheltenham GL50 3JT
Offering a diverse collection of art and historical artifacts, The Wilson provides insight into Cheltenham's cultural heritage. You can explore exhibitions ranging from fine art to local history.