Cambridge has no airport of its own — London Stansted is the closest at around 22–30 miles, with every rental company reached by a free shuttle to an off-site Car Rental Village. Cambridge’s proposed congestion charge was scrapped in 2023, so there’s nothing to pay driving into the city today. From here, Ely is just 15 miles away. Compare suppliers on DiscoverCars before you land.
Key Takeaways
- Cambridge has no airport – Stansted (~22–30 mi) is the closest major option.
- Stansted rental is off-site via a free shuttle, running roughly every 10 minutes.
- Cambridge’s proposed congestion charge was formally scrapped in September 2023 – no scheme operates today.
- Ely cathedral city is ~14–17 miles, about 25–35 minutes via the A10.
- Economy cars run roughly £25–£60/day at Stansted.
Collecting Your Car at Stansted for Cambridge
Stansted has no in-terminal rental desks. Hertz, Avis, Budget, Sixt and the other major brands all operate from an off-site Car Rental Village, reached by a free shuttle bus from the terminal forecourt that runs roughly every 10 minutes (a 5–7 minute ride). Build 15–20 minutes into your plans between landing and driving away. Luton, about 35–40 miles from Cambridge, uses a similar off-site shuttle model.
No Congestion Charge in Cambridge — the Scheme Was Scrapped
Cambridge is worth flagging precisely because a charge was seriously planned and then abandoned. The Greater Cambridge Partnership proposed a ’Sustainable Travel Zone’ congestion charge — £5/day for cars, up to £50 for HGVs — originally floated for 2027/28 with possible phasing from 2026.
The scheme was formally scrapped in September 2023 after 58% of respondents opposed it in consultation and the plan lost council political support. There is no indication of revival for 2026; the partnership is pursuing parking policy, road hierarchy and bus improvements instead. As things stand, driving into Cambridge costs nothing beyond the rental itself.
Best Road Trips From Cambridge
| Destination | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Ely (cathedral city) | ~14–17 mi | ~25–35 min via A10 |
| Lavenham (Suffolk) | ~25 mi | ~45 min |
| Bury St Edmunds | ~27 mi | ~45 min |
UK Rental Rules That Apply in Cambridge
The UK drives on the left, and most rental fleets are manual transmission — automatics are less common, cost roughly 10–30% more, and should be booked well in advance. A US or other English-language licence is valid for UK driving for up to 12 months from entry, and an International Driving Permit isn’t legally required for US licence holders, though some suppliers still ask, so check your voucher.
UK rentals bundle a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) into the base rate, which caps your liability at an Excess (the UK term for a deductible) rather than the car’s full value. CDW typically excludes tyres, the windscreen, the undercarriage, and mirrors — the gap an Excess Waiver closes. Minimum age is generally 21, with a young driver surcharge of about £15–£40 per day for drivers aged 21–24.
How Much Does a Rental Car Cost in Cambridge?
Expect roughly £25 to £60 per day for an economy car in Cambridge, with airport pickups running about 18% higher than city-centre branches. Automatics carry a premium and limited stock, so book early.
Tips for Renting a Car Near Cambridge
- Allow 15–20 minutes for the Stansted shuttle to the Car Rental Village.
- No congestion charge currently applies in Cambridge – the 2023 plan was scrapped.
- Book automatics early; UK fleets are majority manual.
- Head to Ely or the Suffolk villages rather than driving in the historic centre, which has narrow streets and limited parking.
- Compare Stansted and Luton pickup options if your flight allows either.
Ready to compare rental prices near Cambridge?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK rental cars come with automatic transmission?
Most UK rental fleets are manual by default. Automatics are available but less common, typically cost 10 to 30% more per day, and should be booked well in advance because supply is limited.
Is a US driving licence valid for renting a car in Cambridge?
Yes. A US licence is valid for driving in the UK for up to 12 months from entry because it is in English, and an International Driving Permit is not legally required. Some rental companies still request one, so confirm with your supplier before you travel.
Is there a congestion charge in Cambridge?
No. A ‘Sustainable Travel Zone’ congestion charge was proposed for Cambridge but formally scrapped in September 2023 after strong public opposition. No scheme operates today, and there’s no indication it will be revived for 2026.
What airport should I use to rent a car for Cambridge?
London Stansted is the closest major airport at about 22 to 30 miles. All rental companies there operate off-site, reached by a free shuttle bus roughly every 10 minutes. Luton, about 35 to 40 miles away, is a similar alternative.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links to DiscoverCars. If you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Facts verified September 2026 — rental terms and local driving charges change without notice, so confirm at booking.