Enterprise

Car & Van Hire - Bradford

Enterprise car hire locations - Bradford

Planning a trip to Bradford? Enterprise offers convenient car and van hire options to help you explore the city and the surrounding Yorkshire countryside. Whether you’re visiting for business, a cultural break or a family holiday, having your own vehicle makes it easier to discover everything Bradford has to offer. Choose from economy cars for city driving, spacious SUVs for comfort, or 7- and 9-seater people carriers for family trips. Automatic and manual options are available, along with petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric models. Add extras like GPS, child seats or additional drivers to make your trip easier. For bigger tasks, our modern vans are ideal for moving house, DIY projects or business use, with flexible hire options and one-way rentals for convenience.

From historic landmarks to scenic drives through the Pennines, there’s plenty to enjoy. With Enterprise, you can choose from a wide range of cars and vans to suit your plans, so you can travel comfortably and make the most of your time in West Yorkshire.

Airport Locations

Neighbourhood Locations

Discover Bradford with Enterprise

Bradford is a vibrant city in West Yorkshire, known for its rich industrial heritage and diverse cultural scene. Once the wool capital of the world, it now blends Victorian architecture with modern attractions and green spaces. The city is home to museums, art galleries and theatres, as well as easy access to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire. Starting your journey with a hire car or van from Enterprise gives you the freedom and time to explore Bradford and its surroundings. From historic streets to countryside escapes, Bradford is a gateway to Yorkshire’s character and charm.
 

Car Hire in Bradford

Hiring a car in Bradford is a fantastic way to navigate the city. Bradford sits close to the Pennine hills, making it ideal for scenic drives and day trips. Just 6 km away is Saltaire, a beautifully preserved Victorian village and UNESCO World Heritage Site, perfect for history and architecture lovers. Head 15 km north to Ilkley for walks on the famous moor and views across the Wharfe Valley. For a longer trip, the Yorkshire Dales National Park is about 30 km away, offering rolling hills, stone villages and walking trails. With a hire car, you can also visit Haworth, home of the Brontë sisters, only 14 km from Bradford. Whether you choose an SUV for rural roads or an automatic car for city driving, Enterprise makes it easy to enjoy the best of West Yorkshire.
 

Van Hire in Bradford

Van hire in Bradford is a practical choice for many situations. If you’re moving house or transporting furniture, a spacious van can make the job easier. Bradford’s thriving retail scene includes large stores and markets, so hiring a van is ideal for picking up bulky items or equipment. For businesses, vans are useful for deliveries or event setups across the city and beyond. Planning a group trip? A 7-seater or 9-seater people carrier offers plenty of room for passengers and luggage, making it perfect for family outings or team travel. Enterprise provides a range of van sizes to suit different needs, from compact models for lighter loads to larger vehicles for big moves. Whatever your plans, van hire gives you flexibility and convenience in Bradford.
 

What to See and Do in Bradford

Victorian offices and mill in Little Germany, Bradford, West Yorkshire.

Historical Interest

Bradford’s history is reflected in its impressive landmarks. Visit the National Science and Media Museum to explore the story of photography, film and television. Stroll through Little Germany, a district filled with ornate Victorian warehouses built during the city’s textile boom. Don’t miss Saltaire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site created by Sir Titus Salt, where you can admire grand mill buildings and riverside walks. Bolling Hall, one of Bradford’s oldest houses, offers a glimpse into centuries of local life.

Cartwright Hall in Lister park, Bradford, Yorkshire viewed from the Mughal water gardens.

Activities for Families

Families will find plenty to enjoy in Bradford. Lister Park is a favourite for its playgrounds and boating lake, while Cartwright Hall inside the park hosts art exhibitions suitable for all ages. The National Science and Media Museum has interactive galleries and an IMAX cinema that children love. For outdoor fun, take a trip to Roberts Park in nearby Saltaire or ride the historic Shipley Glen Tramway. These attractions combine learning with entertainment for a memorable day out.

Bradford, Bombay Stores

Shopping and Art

Bradford offers a mix of high street shopping and independent boutiques. The Broadway Centre is the city’s main retail hub, while Darley Street Market is great for fresh produce and street food. For something unique, explore Bombay Stores for South Asian fashion or browse gifts at Radstudio in Saltaire. Art lovers should visit Cartwright Hall Art Gallery and Impressions Gallery for contemporary exhibitions. Salts Mill in Saltaire combines shopping with culture, featuring works by David Hockney alongside bookshops and cafés.  

Bradford, Akbar cafe restaurant, curry house

Food and Drink

Bradford is renowned as the Curry Capital of Britain, with authentic South Asian restaurants lining Leeds Road and the city centre. MyLahore and Akbar’s are popular choices for traditional dishes with a modern twist. Italian classics can be found at Mamma Mia, a family-run favourite for pizza and pasta. For lighter bites, Darley Street Market offers global street food, while independent cafés serve artisan coffee and homemade treats. The city’s diverse food scene reflects its rich cultural heritage.
 

Dramatic night shot of Bradford City Hall reflected in the mirror pool in the city park.

Annual Events and Festivals

Bradford hosts a lively calendar of events throughout the year. The Bradford Literature Festival in summer brings authors and speakers from around the world for talks and workshops. Food lovers can enjoy Taste BD, the city’s food and drink festival held in May. The BD:Festival celebrates music and arts with performances across the city, while the Yorkshire Games Festival at the National Science and Media Museum attracts gaming fans every autumn. These events showcase Bradford’s creativity and community spirit.
 

Top 5 Driving Tips for Bradford

1. Watch for Bus Lanes

Bradford has several bus lanes, especially near the city centre. Check signs for restricted hours, as driving in these lanes at the wrong time can lead to fines.

2. Prepare for Hills

The city’s terrain includes steep roads, particularly around residential areas and routes towards the Pennines. Practise hill starts and keep a safe distance from vehicles ahead.

3. Mind the Roundabouts

Bradford features large and complex roundabouts such as Five Lane Ends. Approach slowly, choose the correct lane early and signal clearly when exiting.

4. Low Emission Zones

While Bradford does not currently have a full congestion charge, clean air zones apply to certain vehicle types. Check your vehicle compliance before travelling.

5. Plan for Busy Times

Traffic can be heavy during rush hours and near shopping areas. Use route planners to avoid congestion and allow extra time for parking in the city centre.
 

Bradford Car Hire FAQs

For more FAQs, please visit our FAQ page.