Auto Europe

  • UNITED KINGDOM
  • Contact our Rental Specialists

    CHEAP CAR HIRE IN NEWQUAY

    Car Rentals Worldwide
    Alamo Rental Car
    Avis Car Rental
    Budget Rental Car
    Dollar Car Rental
    Europcar
    Hertz
    National Car Rental
    Sixt Rent a Car
    Car Rentals Worldwide
    Why Book With Us
    • Compare Companies for the Best Rates
    • Free Cancellation 48hrs before Pick up
    • No Credit Card Fees
    • Available 7 Days a Week
    • 24,000 Pick-up Locations Worldwide

    Car hire in Newquay – Exploring the Cornish Coast

    Car hire in Newquay

    With its long stretches of magnificent sandy coastline and plenty of traditional seaside charm, Newquay prides itself on being a quintessentially British holiday town in one of England's most idyllic locations. Situated in the heart of north-east Cornwall, a land of hidden treasures and picture-perfect Atlantic vistas, its expansive beaches are a haven for families during summer and a magnet for surfers and other water sports enthusiasts throughout the rest of the year.

    Well established as a fishing port by the turn of the 15th century, Newquay represents a county with a truly unique identity and a remarkable heritage dating back thousands of years. Wherever you travel to from Newquay, you are rarely more than a few miles from the sea and visitors can enjoy miles of captivating coastline with an exciting array of marine wildlife. Away from the coast, Newquay has much to interest the curious explorer, from quiet Cornish villages with thatched houses to palatial buildings set in the heart of the countryside surrounded by intricately landscaped gardens.

    Besides its distinctly vibrant holiday atmosphere, Newquay has an abundance of unmissable attractions for all ages, such as the Blue Reef Aquarium (one of the best in the UK) and Lappa Valley, an area famous for its steam railway. The town is also a haven for surfers, from beginners right through to the world's top professionals who make a beeline for Newquay's Fistral Beach located on the western edge of town. Plus there's the tasty 'cream tea' and ubiquitous 'Cornish pasty' to enjoy in Newquay and all other parts of Cornwall.

    With a car hire in Newquay you'll have all the appeal of being in the UK's number one holiday region, with photogenic fishing villages tucked into the ragged cliffs and coast roads stretching as far as the eye can see. Newquay is in an excellent position for visitors looking to embark on some great day trips to some lovely nearby towns, most notably Padstow (a place with a beautiful harbour lined by restaurants renowned for their fine gastronomy) and Bodmin Moor, without doubt one of Cornwall's most scenic landscapes. Penzance and Plymouth are also within easy striking distance of Newquay by car.

    If you are looking for an affordable car rental in Newquay, make sure you book with Auto Europe online today. Our exceptional customer service and longstanding vehicle hire partnerships assure our customers the best savings and highest quality of service. You can book now through our search engine at the top of this page or call our rental specialists on +44 123 3225 114 and they will be more than happy to find you the best deal for your forthcoming trip to Cornwall.

    For more information on renting a vehicle in Newquay, click on the car hire related topics listed below:

    Suppliers Car Hire FAQs Travel Guide

    Where to pick up a car hire in Newquay

    By working with all the world's top car hire providers, Auto Europe can offer you a wide choice of locations in and around Newquay, meaning that you can pick up your vehicle in the city centre and be on your way in a few minutes. Besides the choice of international car hire companies operating at Newquay Airport, there are several conveniently-located suppliers' offices in other parts of the city. To help you make the right choice, our state-of-the-art booking engine allows you to do an extensive search to find the best vehicle and the most suitable pick-up point for your trip. Once you've keyed in your dates, an interactive map will come up with all the available locations for cheap car rental in Newquay.

    Newquay Airport

    Located just 5 miles from the town centre, Newquay Airport is linked by regular flights from all over the UK, including London and several overseas destinations. Flying to Cornwall offers visitors a suitable alternative to the long journey by train or car, which is why many travellers prefer to arrive by air before hiring a vehicle at the airport or the town. NWQ's facilities are wide-ranging and include free Wi-Fi and modern cafés selling fresh coffee, sandwiches and a choice of locally-produced snacks and cakes. There's car parking close to the terminal (both short- and long-stay) and round-the-clock assistance for passengers of reduced mobility.The cra hire supplier desks are located just outside the arrivals hall.

    Newquay Airport (NWQ)
    Website: cornwallairportnewquay.com
    Address: St Mawgan, Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 4RQ, UK
    Telephone: +44 1637 860 600


    Book with the best car hire suppliers in Newquay

    Auto Europe is a leading international car hire company currently offering a vast selection of convenient pick-up and drop-off locations in 180 different destinations around the world. Thanks to our many years of experience dealing with all the global and local car rental companies, we can offer you the best standard of service and cheapest prices on the market.

    Hertz - Car Hire Information Europcar - Car Hire Information Keddy - Car Hire Information

    Should you require additional information about the car hire companies we work with or their policies, for example out of office pick up or questions regarding age restrictions, our car rental specialists are just a phone call or e-mail away and happy to assist you.


    Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Newquay

    Contact Us

    This section features the most frequent questions asked by people booking a car hire in Newquay. Scroll down for important tips relating to a wide range of essential car hire topics, such as credit cards, coverage, tolls, traffic and much more. If you need any more information, please call our reservations team on +44 123 3225 114 and they will be happy to help you with your reservation and assist you with your travel itinerary.


    Do I need a credit card to rent a car in Newquay?

    Yes. Visitors to Cornwall who rent a car in Newquay are always required to present the local supplier a valid credit card (note: not a debit or pre-paid card) in the main driver's name when they arrive to collect their vehicle. This is because the car rental company will need to place a security deposit for the duration of the contract period, the amount of which is specified on the voucher. When the car is returned at the end of the rental agreement, the deposit is promptly released back onto the card once it has signed off as being in the same condition as when it left the pick-up station. Please note that in the case of vehicles in the luxury category, some suppliers might request at least two major credit cards (ie Mastercard, Visa, Diners and American Express), both in the main driver's name. It's important to make sure that there are enough funds on the card to cover the deposit, otherwise your car rrental might be at risk. For a list of the most common questions please visit our credit cards and deposits section. To find all the credit card-related details when making a search in the Auto Europe booking engine, just click on the blue and white info icon (i) in the car details.

     

    What insurance do I need for my car rental in Newquay?

    Whenever you make a quick search in the Auto Europe booking engine, the prices quoted always include the minimum amount of legally-required car hire coverage, comprising Liability Insurance, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection (TP), either with or without excess depending on the supplier. It is important to note that CDW does not cover evry single part of the vehicle, in which we strongly recommend Auto Europe's popular Full Damage & Theft Protection policy which can be added with a single click at check-out. Please be aware that sometime when you arrive to collect your car rental in Newquay the local car hire staff might try to sell you their own insurance, which is completely optional, such as Personal Accident Insurance (PAI), Personal Effects Coverage (PEC), Super CDW, Seguro Relax Insurance and Roadside Assistance, among others. It is important to note that Auto Europe cannot refund the cost of any additional insurance purchased at the time of collecting the vehicle. Please do not hesitate to call our rental specialists on +44 123 3225 114 if you have any questions. All the necessary details relating to car hire coverage can easily be found in the Auto Europe search results by clicking on the blue and white info icon (i). For more information, please read our dedicated blog post on the subject for a general overview of the types of car hire coverage available.

     

    How is the traffic in Newquay?

    When it comes to driving in Cornwall, the answer is yes – generally speaking, it's quite safe. The roads are usually well-maintained and the scenery can be stunning. The main route into and out of Newquay is the A392 which gives travellers direct access to the long sandy coastline of north-east Cornwall and many of the main attractions in and around Newquay. Take a look at our dedicated UK driving guide for lots of useful information relating to getting around Newquay and the rest of the country by car.

     

    Where can I park my car hire in Newquay?

    Newquay has a number of council-run car parks and privately-owned car parks, both of which normally operate under the ‘pay and display’ system. Newquay offers free parking from 4pm to 9am the following morning in many of the local car parks (look for the Cornwall Council branding). Newquay is also part of the excellent Cornwall Council county-wide Rover ticket which can be used for one week in any Cornwall Council long-stay car park in the town and elsewhere in the county. Please note that the Rover ticket is not valid in any other reserved or permit places and does not guarantee a parking place.

     

    Do I need to pay tolls when driving my car hire in Newquay?

    Not in the Newquay area but if you decide to travel further then you might need to pay a toll depending on where you go. For instance, a toll is payable for the Tamar Bridge in one direction only (from Saltash in Cornwall to the city of Plymouth in the neighbouring county of Devon. Further afield, tolls are payable on the Batheaston Bridge on the A4 near Bath in Somerset and the Clifton Suspension Bridge on the B3129 outside Bristol. For further information on using tolls in the UK, please consult the Gov UK tolls site.


    Newquay Travel Guide

    One of the UK's top travel destinations, Newquay offers visitors a lively holiday atmosphere along with plenty of English charm. One of its main attractions is surfing, for which the famous Fistral Beach delivers on all levels. Newquay is also well situated for people who want to discover Cornwall with their own transport, with most places (including Land's End) easily accessible by road.

    Best day trips with my car rental in Newquay

    With its prime seaside location on Cornwall's scenic north-east coast, Newquay is the ideal base from which to explore the county on four wheels. Nearby Bodmin Moor is the perfect place to unwind after visiting all the local attractions in the heart of the Cornish countryside and stop for a leisurely lunch in one of the small villages situated within its boundary. For those wishing to go further with their car rental in Newquay, why not take advantage of Auto Europe's value-added features, including our popular Free Additional Driver and One-way Car Hire offers running throughout the year.

    Truro

    Just 13 miles (half an hour) from Newquay lies Truro, the only city in Cornwall and the perfect day-trip destination. Situated right in the heart of the county, it is dominated by its huge Gothic-style cathedral which incorporates the old parish church of St Mary's built in 1518. Other major tourist highlights include the Royal Cornwall Museum devoted to the history, culture and geography of Cornwall and Victoria Gardens which are filled with exotic trees, shrubs and flowers.

    Launceston

    Heading north-east along the A392 and A30 brings you Launceston, a charming town famous for its ancient castle built by the half-brother of William the Conqueror at the beginning of the 11th century. Part of the town wall is still in existence and many old monuments such as two old bridges across the River Kensey (one mediaeval and the other built in 1580) are worth seeing. Launceston is also popular for its steam railway which operates as a tourist attraction during the summer months.

    Tintagel

    Tintagel is a small village dramatically situated on Cornwall's Atlantic coast about a 30-minute drive from Newquay on the A39. It is world-famous for its medieval fortification (Tintagel Castle) located on the peninsula of Tintagel Island close to the village. The castle was built by Richard, 1st Earl of Cornwall, in the 13th century and has a long association with the many legends that surround King Arthur, a central figure in the medieval history of Great Britain.

    Bodmin Moor

    Located to the north-east of Newquay, Bodmin Moor is protected area of prime Cornish landscape covering some 80 square-miles of unparalleled natural beauty. This vast expanse of craggy moorland is home to several wonderful driving routes which are easily manageable for travellers who rent a car in Newquay. The A30 runs right through Bodmin Moor, connecting with several minor roads that lead visitors to its many attractions, which include Bodmin Town where several excellent museums, galleries, handicraft shops and restaurants are located.

    What to do in Newquay

    Newquay is much more than cream teas and tasty Cornish ice cream, it is one of England's most popular seaside towns. Families with young children cannot miss the superb Blue Reef Aquarium, arguably Newquay's top tourist attraction, while nearby Newquay Zoo also ranks as one of the best in south-west England. Whether you surf or not, the sight of the Atlantic waves punding away just off Newquay's spectacular Fistral Beach will provide a lasting memory for many years to come.

    • Blue Reef Aquarium: With over 40 naturally-themed displays, the excellent Blue Reef Aquarium offers an amazing undersea experience in the world’s seas and oceans. Visitors can enjoy very close encounters with stingrays, seahorses, tropical sharks and numerous other maritime creatures, with the added excitement of being able to immerse themselves alongside a huge tank linked by an underwater walk-through tunnel. Besides seeing rare blacktip reef sharks and a giant Pacific octopus, it's also possible to take part in interactive talks and feeding demonstrations with the keepers.

    • Newquay Zoo: Covering a total of 13 acres, Newquay Zoo is one of Cornwall’s most popular tourist attractions. It currently features 130 different species, such as penguins, zebras, civets, macaws and wildebeest. Other favourites include lemurs, meerkats, marmosets and monkeys. Few young visitors can resists the outdoor play areas and Tarzan Trail, nor the Tropical House, Gems of the Jungle and the Oriental Garden. For a moment of peace and quiet in the heart of the zoo, why not head for the Secret Garden located opposite the Lazy Lion Grill.

    • Trenace Gardens: These large, intricately-kept gardens rank as one of Newquays top attractions for locals and visitors alike. The rose beds are glorious and paths perfectly maintained paths, plus visitors can enjoy a genuine cream tea experience in the restored Trenance Heritage Cottages. A small museum recounts the history of the gardens in bygone years and right next door lies a popular boating lake where pedalos and rowing boats can be hired for people who want spend time exploring the lake.

    • Fistral Beach: One of England's most famous beaches, Fistral has earned itself a glowing reputation around the world as a surfer's hotspot due to the high quality of its Atlantic breakers. Set to the a dramatic backdrop of sand dunes and soaring cliffs, Fistral Beach hosts first-class surfing championships, plus it's a popular place to take lessons and start surfing for the first time. At day's end, some of the best sunsets can be enjoyed from the relaxed setting of the International Surf Centre's café.

    Useful links

    Newquay Tourist Information