Car rental in Cornwall

Cornwall offers stunning coastal drives along dramatic clifftops and hidden coves that are best accessed with your own transport. A car rental provides the freedom to explore remote beaches, charming fishing villages, and historic sites at your own pace throughout this southwestern peninsula. Having a vehicle allows you to discover Cornwall's rugged coastline and inland moors without being restricted by limited public transport schedules.

Cornwall has very few toll roads, with most major routes being free to use. The Tamar Bridge connecting Cornwall to Devon charges a small toll for crossing, but this is typically only relevant when travelling to or from Cornwall rather than within the county. Local roads throughout Cornwall, including coastal routes near Newquay and Falmouth, are generally toll-free for exploring the region.

A rental car in Cornwall is perfect for family holidays exploring beaches around Newquay and the Eden Project near Camborne. Wedding celebrations often benefit from having transport to reach remote venues and accommodate guests travelling between Cornwall's scattered locations. Business trips and romantic getaways also become more convenient with a car, allowing access to Cornwall's diverse attractions from coastal Falmouth to inland heritage sites.

The Atlantic Highway follows Cornwall's north coast from Devon through Newquay, offering spectacular ocean views and access to surfing beaches. The south coast route connects Falmouth to Plymouth via picturesque harbours and fishing villages, showcasing Cornwall's maritime heritage. The Saints Way provides an inland alternative, crossing Cornwall from Padstow to Fowey through ancient landscapes and historic market towns like Camborne.

The coastal road between Newquay and St Ives offers breathtaking clifftop views and access to golden sandy beaches perfect for family outings. Driving through Cornwall's interior reveals rolling countryside, stone circles, and traditional villages that showcase the region's Celtic heritage. The route around the Lizard Peninsula provides dramatic coastal scenery with opportunities to visit England's most southerly point and charming fishing harbours.

Start your Cornwall road trip by identifying key destinations like Newquay for beaches, Camborne for mining heritage, and Falmouth for maritime attractions. Book accommodation in advance, especially during summer months, and plan your route to include both coastal drives and inland exploration of Cornwall's moors and valleys. Consider seasonal factors like weather and daylight hours when planning your itinerary, allowing flexibility for spontaneous discoveries along Cornwall's winding country lanes.

Pack a detailed map or ensure your GPS is updated, as Cornwall's rural roads can be narrow and winding with limited mobile signal in some areas. Bring weather-appropriate clothing since Cornwall's coastal climate can change quickly, and pack snacks and water for longer journeys between towns. Keep your fuel tank topped up as petrol stations can be sparse in remote areas, particularly when exploring Cornwall's more isolated coastal regions and moorland areas.

To book a car on Turo in the UK, you must create a Turo account, be 21 years old or older, have a valid driver's licence, and get approved to drive on Turo. When you're booking your first trip, you'll go through a quick approval process by entering your driver's licence and some other information. In most cases, you'll get approved immediately, and you'll be set for every future road trip, business trip, and family holiday!

You can get discounts and cheap car hire on Turo. On your Account page, make sure you've checked the box to receive email notifications, and enable push notifications from the Turo app in your phone settings — we'll send you occasional promotions, discounts, and deals on car hire.