Every year, millions of people choose to visit the beautiful city of York, with its meandering medieval streets, independent shopping and timeless historic attractions. But if you’re a visitor to our home city, whether that’s for business, a holiday or visiting friends, you may be considering hiring a car to explore the local area.
Whether you’re planning a trip to this historic city, already on the train on your way here or simply weighing up your transport options for that York wedding in six months’ time, we thought we’d answer some of the questions we’re asked time and time again as York car hire specialists.
Read on to find out how you can quickly and easily pick up a hire car from York Station and how you can know if you need to hire a car on your trip.
Can I hire a car at York station?
Yes, you can hire a car at York Station. We have two York car hire branches, one of which is located just around the corner from the station at Queen Street, York, YO24 1AD. Our York Station car hire pick-up point is just a few minutes’ walk from the platforms and easy to find.
Our opening hours are 8am to 1pm, Monday to Saturday. Out-of-hours collection can be arranged for an additional fee, providing extra flexibility when needed. We aim to make the process as straightforward as possible, ensuring your vehicle is ready when you arrive.
York Station has direct trains from London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Hull and many other major cities, making it the perfect hub from which to explore both the city and the wider Yorkshire region.
Simple steps for hiring a car from York station
We’ve streamlined the entire process to make hiring a car in York as easy as possible for our customers.
Step one: submit an online form
First, complete our online form. Our team will get in touch with a range of vehicle options to suit your needs. It only takes a couple of minutes to complete, and once submitted, we’ll provide bespoke choices based on your travel dates, budget and preferences.
Step two: choose your vehicle
Next, select your vehicle. After receiving your options, take your time to pick the one that best suits your requirements. Whether you need something compact for city driving or a larger vehicle for a family trip, you can decide what will make your visit to York as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Step three: pick up your hire car
Once everything is confirmed, all that’s left is to collect your chosen vehicle, get behind the wheel, and hit the road! With a smooth collection process and everything ready for you, you can focus on enjoying your visit to York.
Do you need to hire a car in York?
York car hire is a great way to see the city and the surrounding area. But how do you know whether hiring a car is the right choice for your visit?
If you’re coming to the area and wondering whether to give car hire a go, here’s how to tell if it’s the ideal option for you.
If you’re just visiting the city centre
Most of York city centre is easy to explore on foot. The city walls, the minster and other attractions are just a few minutes’ walk from each other, so if you’re planning on staying within this compact area, you may not need to hire a car.
However, because York is so well positioned, hiring a car gives you the flexibility to travel beyond the city centre and make the most of your time, without relying on public transport or fixed schedules.
Remember, parking in York can be tricky, so it’s always worth checking whether your accommodation offers parking or where the nearest car park is located.
If you plan on visiting the outskirts of the city
The historic city of York offers plenty of sights to see and things to do, and not all of them are within the city centre. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend break, a business trip or a longer stay, car hire in York gives you the freedom to travel on your own schedule.
Public transport can work well within the city centre, but once you want to explore further afield, your options become more limited. Taxis can also be costly, particularly if you’re travelling as a family or covering longer distances. If you’re planning to visit the outskirts of the city, even just a few miles away, hiring a car is often the most convenient and cost-effective choice.
If you’re planning a shopping trip
If you’re planning a shopping trip in York, having a vehicle can make things considerably easier. Popular retail destinations such as Monks Cross and York Designer Outlet are both located outside the immediate city centre and aren’t always the most convenient to reach by public transport.
With your own car, you can park nearby, shop at your own pace, and store your purchases securely in the boot. There’s no need to carry heavy bags onto buses or worry about timetables – you’re free to enjoy the day on your terms.
It’s also worth noting that large supermarkets are limited in the city centre. If you’re staying for a while and need to do some food shopping, you’ll need to travel outside of town, making a car the ideal choice.
If you’re planning on venturing out of the city
Hiring a car in York allows you to explore beyond the city walls and tourist hotspots, giving you the freedom to experience all that Yorkshire has to offer.
The Yorkshire Dales make for the perfect day trip from the city, as do Castle Howard, Whitby and Harrogate – attractions that aren’t always easily accessible by public transport.
Car hire York station
Hiring a car from York Station is a straightforward and convenient way to start your trip in our wonderful city and the surrounding area. With our pick-up point located close to the station, you can collect your vehicle as soon as you arrive — no waiting, no bus rides, and no dragging your bags around the city centre.
Once on the road, you’ll have access to everything that the city and Yorkshire as a whole have to offer, from historic attractions to world-class shopping, countryside villages to coastal towns, and beyond.
If you’re planning a visit to York and would like to discuss car hire, our team is always here to help. Simply complete a car rental form or contact a member of our team on 01904 557 536, and we’ll get you on the road.
