If you are planning to visit Cambridge and the surrounding countryside, you may choose to drive therefore bring your own car or hire car in the city. Here are some top tips for driving in the city and where you can find places to park and hire a car.
Bringing your car to Cambridge: 
Cambridge is a relatively small city so quite easy to drive from A to B. It can be very busy, particularly at peak times. It is quite expensive to park in Cambridge, so you may wish to use one of the park and ride facilities around the city centre during your visit. Find details of car parks and also Park and ride facilities in our Car Parks in Cambridge post here. If you are bringing your own car, Cambridge is a relatively safe city. For extra peace of mind, you may wish to invest in a GPS car tracker so that you always keep an eye on your vehicle in live time.
Charge your car:
If you are driving an electric car, Cambridge City Council are keen to encourage the use of EV’s. You can find chargers in both the Grafton Centre Car Park (these are slow ones!) and also (faster chargers) at Queen Anne’s. Charging points are also at most of the Park and Ride sites around the city. Check Zap Maps for all of the available chargers and to check that they are in use.
Hiring a car in Cambridge:
If you are traveling to Cambridge by public transport or don’t have a car with you, you are able to hire a car and get out to see the nearby places out of the city. Here are the companies who offer hire cars.
Rent Direct:
379-381 Milton Road
The friendly team at Rent Direct can help you find a car (or van) for your trip. Short and long term rentals are available. You will get the best prices directly so contact them for a quote.
Practical Car and Van Rental:
74 Cowley Road
Practical Car and Van Rental are just a 5 minute walk from the train station so easy to get to. Long and short term rentals available. With over 25 years of experience, staff are well equip to offer help and advice regarding your trip.
Alley Cat Car and Van Rentals:
2 Mount Farm Business Centre, Worsted Lodge, Cambridge CB22 3AX
Alley Cat Car and Van Rentals have 3 branches. You will find the Cambridge branch just out of the city centre. Get a quote online for a fair and friendly rental.
Where to drive out of the city:
There are oodles of great places to drive out and see from Cambridge. We highly recommended a day in nearby cathedral city Ely, lovely Stamford and market town St Ives. If you are wanting to go further afield, you may consider a day trip to London, or the beautiful and not to be missed Norfolk coast. Both of these places are easily reached from Cambridge by car.
How about seeing the city on a bike? Hire a bike in Cambridge here. Cambridge tours here.
