Hire a car in London
London is the UK’s largest car hire market, with rental locations spread across six international airports, major railway stations, and several downtown neighborhoods. The city’s extensive road network provides easy access to Windsor, Oxford, Cambridge, the Cotswolds, Bath, and the South Coast, making London a popular starting point for short drives and cross-country road trips.
Car Hire Hub brings together the capital’s key rental locations in one place. Compare deals from leading international and local suppliers, explore a wider fleet, and choose the pickup point that best matches your itinerary. From Heathrow and Gatwick to King’s Cross, St. Pancras, Victoria, and Central London branches, finding the right rental location becomes much simpler when everything is organized in one place.
Having your own vehicle brings along flexibility to continue beyond the city as per your travel plans. Many travelers pick their vehicle in London before driving to Scotland, Wales, or other parts of England, while one-way rentals make it convenient to return the car in a different city if your journey does not end where it began.
Major car rental companies in London
London is home to a wide network of car rental companies, with pickup locations available at airports, railway stations, and downtown branches. On our platform, you can compare offers from trusted international and local suppliers, making it easier to find a vehicle that matches your travel plans.
Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Europcar, Green Motion, Hertz, National, Sixt, and Thrifty.
Popular car rental categories in London
London's diverse road network makes every car category useful in its own way. Smaller vehicles are ideal for city driving and short getaways, while larger models are better suited to family holidays and longer journeys across the UK. Here are popular car hire categories most frequently booked in London.
Mini cars
Mini cars
Best for solo travelers and couples exploring Central London, Greenwich, and Richmond. Easy to park, fuel-efficient, and well-suited for driving in busy city streets.
Economy cars
Economy cars
A popular choice for budget-conscious travelers visiting Windsor, Cambridge, and Brighton. Comfortable for short to a couple of hours drives while keeping fuel costs low.
Compact cars
Compact cars
Perfect for small families and couples planning trips to Oxford, the Cotswolds, or Canterbury. Offers extra cabin and luggage space without compromising on easy handling.
SUVs
SUVs
Perfect for families and groups heading to Snowdonia, the Lake District, or the Scottish Highlands. Provides ample luggage space, a higher driving position, and added comfort for longer journeys.
Luxury cars
Luxury cars
Popular among business travelers and those celebrating special occasions in Mayfair, Windsor, or the Cotswolds. You get premium interiors, advanced technology, and a lavish driving experience altogether.
Convertibles
Convertibles
Best enjoyed on scenic drives through the South Downs, the Jurassic Coast, and the Cotswolds, especially during spring and summer. Its stylish design makes every journey more memorable.
Minivans/Vans
Minivans/Vans
Ideal for large families, group tours, and airport transfers to Stonehenge, Bath, and the Peak District. Extra seating capacity and ample luggage space make them a practical choice for big groups and longer trips.
Top car rental locations in London
London offers car hire services across major airports, railway stations, and popular neighborhoods, giving travelers plenty of flexibility when planning their journey. Airport locations are a convenient choice if you are flying into London, while downtown branches and railway station pickup points are ideal for those spending a few days in the city before continuing their trip by road.
Top airport locations
- Heathrow Airport (LHR)
- Gatwick Airport (LGW)
- London City Airport (LCY)
- London Stansted Airport (STN)
- London Luton Airport (LTN)
Top downtown and railway station locations
- King's Cross
- St Pancras
- Paddington
- Kensington
- Wembley
Flexible car rental deal types
Short-term car rental
(one day/weekend)
Ideal for city breaks, business meetings, or day trips from London. A short-term booking gives you the flexibility to visit places such as Windsor, Oxford, Brighton, or the Cotswolds without depending on train schedules or guided tours.
Long-term car rental
(weekly to months)
A practical choice for extended holidays, temporary relocation, work assignments, or students staying in London for several weeks or months. Long-term deals often provide better value for longer durations while offering the freedom to travel across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Last-minute car rental
(spontaneous trips)
Unexpected travel plans or a sudden change in itinerary do not have to disrupt your journey. Last-minute booking options are available across London's airports and downtown locations, making it easy to find a vehicle even on short notice.
Holiday car rental
(peak seasons)
If your plans are a festive getaway, a summer road trip, or a family vacation, holiday bookings are popular during school breaks, bank holidays, and Christmas, offering convenient access to the Lake District, Cornwall, the Scottish Highlands, and the South Coast.
Cross-country car rentals in London
London is a convenient starting point for exploring beyond the UK. Selected suppliers may allow cross-border travel, subject to their rental terms and prior approval. Following are popular cross-country trips, travelers often choose to travel:
| Route | Distance (approx.) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| London to Paris, France | 460 km | 6.5 to 7 hours |
| London to Strasbourg, France | 790 km | 9 to 9.5 hours |
| London to Lyon, France | 925 km | 10.5 to 11 hours |
| London to Bordeaux, France | 1,010 km | 11 to 12 hours |
One-way car rentals in London
A one-way car rental gives you the flexibility to collect your vehicle in London and return it to another city, making it a convenient option for multi-city holidays, business trips, and longer road trips. You do not have to retrace your route, rather, explore more of the UK at your own pace.
Drop-off locations within the city
Return your vehicle at a different location within the city, depending on supplier’s availability. Popular drop-off locations within city include:
- Heathrow Airport (LHR)
- Gatwick Airport (LGW)
- London City Airport (LCY)
- London Stansted Airport (STN)
- London Luton Airport (LTN)
Drop-off locations outside the city
If you are driving beyond London, you can choose from popular drop-off locations to complete your one-way trip. Here is a list of top 5 one-way rental options worth considering:
| Drop-off location | Distance (approx.) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | 205 km | 2.5 hours |
| Bristol | 190 km | 2.5 hours |
| Manchester | 335 km | 4 hours |
| Liverpool | 355 km | 4.5 hours |
| Edinburgh | 665 km | 7.5 to 8 hours |
| Glasgow | 670 km | 7.5 to 8 hours |
Top things to do in London
Having your own vehicle makes it easier to explore London - its historic landmarks and scenic countryside drives. Here are a few popular places worth adding to your itinerary.
Windsor Castle
Drive about an hour west to visit the world's oldest and largest occupied castle.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
Explore the making of Harry Potter experience, located around 35 km from Central London.
Hampton Court Palace
Discover the former residence of King Henry VIII, easily accessible by car from Central London.
Richmond Park
Enjoy one of London's largest royal parks, known for its open landscapes, cycling routes, and free-roaming deer.
The Cotswolds
Plan a day trip or weekend escape to picture perfect villages and scenic country roads, around two hours from London.
London’s car rental tips
Choose the right pickup point
Heathrow, Stansted, and Luton are convenient for starting road trips, while King's Cross, St. Pancras, and Paddington are better options if you are arriving by train.
Drive on the left
In the UK, traffic keeps to the left-hand side of the road, and most rental cars have right-hand so, make sure you are familiar with it and be careful when on road, especially if you are a first time traveler in London.
Watch for speed limits
Unless otherwise signposted, the national speed limits are 30 mph (48 km/h) in built-up areas, 60 mph (97 km/h) on single carriageways, and 70 mph (113 km/h) on dual carriageways and motorways.
Plan for parking in advance
Parking in Central London can be limited and expensive. Therefore, public car parks and Park & Ride facilities are often a more convenient option than on-street parking.
Be prepared for tolls and crossing charges
Most UK motorways are toll-free, but charges apply on routes such as the Dartford Crossing (Dart Charge). Payment is made online rather than at toll booths yet, you must check with your supplier about how toll charges are calculated.
Book early during peak travel seasons
Demand for rental cars is highest during summer holidays, Christmas, Easter, and major events such as Wimbledon and concerts at Wembley Stadium. It is highly recommended that you book your car at least 3 to 4 weeks prior to your travel dates.
Frequently asked questions
Some suppliers available through us offer no deposit or low deposit rental options. Availability varies by supplier, vehicle category, and payment method, so check the rental terms of the supplier before booking.
The minimum rental age is generally 21 years, although it varies by supplier and vehicle category. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge. However, always refer to the supplier's policies for clarity.
Most suppliers allow additional drivers for an extra fee. The additional driver must meet the supplier's age and licence requirements. But, it is always best to check with the supplier before confirming your booking.
An IDP may be required depending on your home country. It is advisable to check the supplier's licence requirements before finalizing your booking.
Many rental deals include unlimited mileage, while others may have limited mileage policy. Always review the supplier's mileage terms before confirming your booking.