Car Rental - Derby

Car rental in Derby lets you see central England from behind the wheel – for business or leisure.

Located in the heart of the UK, Derby is a vibrant city with a proud manufacturing heritage. The Industrial Revolution began here, and the city is now the home of Rolls-Royce’s aeroplane engine business.

The city offers a blend of old and new, from the atmospheric streets of the Cathedral Quarter to the revamped areas along the picturesque River Derwent. Hop in your Derby rental car to reach Nottingham in just 25 minutes.

By reserving a rental car in Derby, you’ll be able to discover one of the East Midlands’ most creative cities, along with the glorious Peak District National Park.

We have several car rental pick-up points in Derby, including at Derby Train Station, so you can soon be on your way to discovering the rolling countryside.

When you rent a car in Derby, there are no hidden extras to pay.

Derby is a thriving, modern city boasting a rich and fascinating history that’s beautifully illustrated in its museums and buildings. There are plenty of shopping and cultural attractions to keep you busy – whether you’re here for business, pleasure or a little of both. When you rent a car, it’s easy to see more of Derby’s treasures.

Start your adventure in the Cathedral Quarter, Derby’s historic, cultural and commercial heart. The magnificent cathedral is the undisputed star of the show in this part of the city, having been founded in the 10th century before a revamp 800 years later.

Admire the Gothic façade and crane your neck even further back to see the top – it has the second highest bell tower in the country. Head inside and climb more than 180 steps to the top of the Tudor tower for fantastic views across the city. If you time your visit right, you may hear the 16th century bells ringing – they’re the oldest of their kind in the world.

As well as being of historical interest, Derby’s Cathedral Quarter is a great place to shop with lots of independent and specialist stores selling designer and vintage clothes, jewelry, crafts, contemporary artwork and more.

Spend time browsing the stores lining these ancient streets, before taking a break for lunch in one of the many funky little cafés and restaurants. Jack Rabbits is one of the best, a quaint eatery serving up delicious sandwiches, savory pancakes and homemade cakes. Hop in your rental car to dive back in to sightseeing in Derby.

Take a stroll through Silk Mill Park. Nestled on the banks of the Derwent River opposite the cathedral, this small, grassy expanse is home to Derby’s famous Silk Mill. Built in the early 18th century, the mill was the first large-scale factory in the world and sparked the beginning of the Industrial Revolution.

A short walk from here is Derby Museum and Art Gallery, which features the largest collection of artworks by the celebrated local 18th century artist, Joseph Wright. The museum also houses intriguing archaeological artefacts, most notable of which are a 3,400-year-old Bronze Age longboat and a pair of Egyptian mummies.

The Quad is the perfect answer to a typical British rainy day. Escape the elements and head inside this eye-catching creative hub, which is home to a cinema, art gallery, workshop and café. Browse the works from local artists or grab a box of popcorn and enjoy a movie.

A short drive north from Derby city center by rental car, you’ll find some of England’s most glorious and spectacular scenery – the Peak District National Park. Hiking trails are sprinkled across the moorland and hills, including the Pennine Way, which at more than 250 miles is the UK’s longest footpath. If you’re up for a challenge, make for Kinder Scout, the highest peak in the national park.

Among the rugged landscape, you’ll find idyllic villages and market towns. Buxton is one of the most picturesque, with its elegant Georgian and Victorian architecture. Meander through the spa town and admire its clutch of Regency buildings, before taking a stroll through the pretty Pavilion Gardens. When you rent a car in Derby, it’s one hour to the north.

Another must-visit is Chatsworth House, one of England’s finest stately homes. Inside the regal 17th-century property you’ll find sweeping staircases and opulent rooms filled with antique furniture and portrait paintings, while outside you can explore the lush, landscaped gardens, with fountains, statues and waterfalls. There are parking lots on site, plus EV charge points locally. Ideal if you opt for electric car rental.

Unlock all the hidden gems of the Midlands with car rental in Derby.

Derby is one of the best-connected cities in the UK, only a short distance from the M1, the main route from London to the north of England and Scotland. Highways here are known as ‘motorways’ and marked with an ‘M’.

When you rent a car in Derby, it’s easy to reach a wide range of destinations.

The A601 ring road makes it easy to drop in and out of the city center. If you’re looking to visit Derby Cathedral, you’ll find it on Cathedral Road with parking available on Full Street. There are plenty of other large parking lots for your rental car in and around Derby, close to all the main sights and malls, so you should never have to walk too far.

The city of Nottingham is only 30 minutes away via the A52 and worth a stop for its impressive castle alone. Rent a car and take the M1 north from Derby and in just over an hour, you’ll reach the Yorkshire city of Sheffield. Alternatively, if you head south via the A42 and M42, Birmingham, one of the best shopping destinations in the UK, is also an hour’s drive away by rental car.

Although the nearby major cities are a huge draw, the biggest magnet for tourists to Derby is the Peak District. By rental car, follow the A6 north and you should be in this dramatic national park in 50 minutes. The pretty market town of Bakewell, famed for its sweet puddings, is one of the easiest places to visit from Derby, or head to regal stately home Chatsworth House, which is also close by.

While in the UK, you’ll drive on the left-hand side of the road and it’s mandatory for all passengers to wear seatbelts. The speed limit in built-up areas is 30mph, which goes up to 60mph on main roads and 70mph on two- and three-lane highways. Other limits can apply so keep an eye out for signs, which display the limits in miles per hour.

Renting a car in Derby is a great way to kickstart vacations, family visits and road trips.