Car Hire London: Compare car rental London offers from airport and city pick-ups, and learn what to check before you drive.
London is one of the world’s best-connected cities, so you may wonder if you need a car at all. For exploring the centre, the Tube and buses are hard to beat. But if you are landing with heavy luggage, travelling as a family, or planning to see the English countryside, car hire in London gives you freedom that trains and coaches can’t match.
This guide explains when it makes sense to rent a car in London, what the rules are, and how to avoid unwelcome charges. When you’re ready, use the search box above to compare car rental London offers for your dates.
Do you need a car in London?
Be honest about your plans, because it will save you money.
A car is worth it if you are:
- Taking day trips or touring beyond the city
- Travelling with children, car seats or lots of luggage
- Staying outside central London, where public transport is slower
- Visiting several towns in one trip
- Arriving late at night or leaving very early
You can probably skip it if you are:
- Staying only in central London
- Planning to see the main sights in a few days
- Not confident about driving on the left in busy traffic
A popular compromise is to explore the city by public transport, then rent a car in London only for the days you leave it.
Where to pick up your rental car
You can collect a car from many places:
- Heathrow (LHR): the busiest airport, with all the major suppliers
- Gatwick (LGW): convenient for the south and the coast
- Stansted (STN), Luton (LTN) and London City (LCY): useful depending on your flight
- Rail stations and city branches: such as those near Paddington, Victoria, Euston and King’s Cross
Airport desks are convenient, but city branches are sometimes cheaper. If you are not driving on day one, collect the car on the day you leave London. That way you avoid paying for a car that sits in an expensive car park.
What you need to rent a car in London
Requirements vary by supplier and by where your licence was issued, so read your booking conditions. In general, expect to need:
- A full, valid driving licence. Many visitors can drive in the UK on their home licence for a limited time, but some need an International Driving Permit. Check the current government guidance for your country before you travel.
- Your passport or photo ID.
- A credit card in the main driver’s name, normally used for the security deposit.
- To meet the age rules. Many suppliers set a minimum age of 21 or 23, and drivers under 25 often pay a young driver fee. Enter the true age when you search so the price is accurate.
Driving in London: the rules to know
Drive on the left. Take your time at roundabouts, which are common, and remember to give way to traffic already on the roundabout.
ULEZ. London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone now covers all London boroughs. Vehicles that don’t meet emissions standards must pay a daily charge. Rental cars are usually compliant, but ask your supplier to confirm for the car you are given.
Congestion Charge. Driving in central London during charging hours can mean a daily fee. Check Transport for London for the current area, times and price, and make sure you pay by the deadline, because penalties for missing it add up quickly.
Dartford Crossing. If you head east or north of the capital over the Thames, there is a charge for using the crossing, and it must be paid online. Ask your supplier whether they add it to your bill or you must pay it yourself.
Other points:
- Speeds are shown in miles per hour, and many streets have 20 mph limits.
- Bus lanes and yellow box junctions are monitored by cameras.
- Fines and charges are linked to the car’s registration, so the rental company will pass them on, sometimes with an admin fee.
Parking in London
Parking in central London is limited and expensive. Look for signs showing times and restrictions, and never leave a car on double yellow lines. Many hotels offer parking at an extra daily cost, so ask before you book. If you are driving into the centre, a car park on the edge of the city and a short Tube ride is often cheaper and easier.
Manual or automatic?
Manual cars are the standard in the UK and usually cost less to hire. If you want an automatic, book early, because there are fewer of them, especially at busy times. Electric and hybrid cars are increasingly available too, which can help with city charges, but check charging options along your route.
Great day trips from London by car
- Windsor: the castle and riverside town are less than an hour away
- Oxford and the Cotswolds: university spires and honey-coloured villages
- Brighton: a lively seaside city on the south coast
- Bath and Stonehenge: history and Georgian architecture to the west
- Canterbury: its cathedral and medieval streets in Kent
- Cambridge: colleges, punting and a compact centre
How to save on car hire in London
- Book early, especially for summer and school holidays.
- Compare full terms, not just the headline price: fuel policy, mileage, excess and cancellation rules.
- Choose a smaller car. Compact cars are cheaper, use less fuel and fit narrow streets and parking spaces.
- Avoid renting in the centre if you don’t need to, as city charges and parking can add up.
- Take photos of the car before and after your rental, including the wheels and windscreen.
For more ideas, read our guide to how to save money on car hire.
Frequently asked questions
Is it a good idea to rent a car in London?
It depends on your plans. For central London, public transport is better. For trips outside the city, a rental car is far more convenient.
Do I need an International Driving Permit?
It depends on where your licence was issued. Check the current UK government guidance before you travel.
Are rental cars ULEZ compliant?
Most are, but ask your supplier to confirm, because charges apply if the vehicle doesn’t meet the standard.
Can I rent a car in London if I’m under 25?
Often yes, but you may pay a young driver fee and some cars may be unavailable.
Is manual or automatic more common?
Manual. Book automatics early if you prefer one.
Ready to find your car?
Enter your pick-up point and dates in the search box at the top of this page to compare car hire London deals, check the terms and choose the right car for your trip.