How to find a cheap car hire deal in London
Whether you need a small car for cruising the city streets or bigger wheels for bigger plans, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in London. Pick from options averaging $210 a day and get on the road for less.
Daily rental prices in London start from just $22.
For longer trips, pick up a weekly rental from $152 and fit more into your itinerary.
If smart timing is part of your strategy, book around one week ahead to score the best price on a London car hire.
Find your perfect ride with Green Motion, Surprice or U-Save. They're some of the most well-known providers in the city.
Whether you go with Green Motion or a different supplier, double-check the coverage on your London car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.
Booking one-way could score you a discount on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be relocated. Simply choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in London.
Avoid any unexpected fees by booking a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, and pay only for what you use.
Hit the highway without counting the miles and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you explore further.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best deal with this company. Prices average $111 a day.
Taking second place is [this provider](this provider), offering daily rates of around $84.
The third option won't stretch your budget either. You'll pay roughly $150 a day with this supplier.
After a car that's a safe bet for most journeys? The Compact rental category is the crowd favourite among travellers visiting London.
Flying to London? Think about an airport pick-up
Make arrival day easier by booking a car hire at London Heathrow Airport. If you're flying to London through this hub, simply collect your wheels after landing and get moving. The drive to the city centre is about 24 kilometres and takes around 45 minutes.
Flying in somewhere else? You can pick up a car hire from London Gatwick Airport just as effortlessly. The centre is 48 kilometres or so away and takes roughly 1 hour to get to by car.
Browse through the rental car options at London Stansted Airport if your journey starts here. Central London is around 56 kilometres away, or about 1 hour in your rental from the airport.
Compare car hire types in London
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in London puts you on the road for less. These agile, fuel-efficient cars are ideal choices for city driving and short trips.
Medium: A solid choice when you need something that's easy to drive but doesn't skimp on features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg room compared to smaller options.
Large: You've got the kids, the suitcases, the snacks, the everything. Large vehicles have got the capacity to fit it all in without a hassle. Perfect for long-distance journeys, this London car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: SUVs are your four-wheel ticket to adventure. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and rugged backroads alike.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in London big enough for a small crowd (and their luggage), a van is the practical pick. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a solid pick for group travel, moving or business needs.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your London car hire gives you peace of mind. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of theft or an accident. Insurance policies can vary from one provider to another, so compare before you book.
Upgrade your ride with handy extras like a navigation system or mobile Wi-Fi. They can make your journey easier and more relaxed when you rent a car in London.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a car in the United Kingdom is typically 21 years old. However some providers set their own rules, so always double-check your rental company's terms to be sure you satisfy the requirements.
Kids coming with you? Car seat laws vary from one location to another, and the best setup may depend on their weight, height and age. Find out if you need to add one to your London car rental reservation.
Make sure you have the necessary documents when you get to the rental desk. As a general rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking confirmation will spell it all out.
Get familiar with your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, find the lights and blinkers, and get a feel for its handling before you drive away. And don't forget to stay on the left side of the road in the United Kingdom.
Keep within local speed limits of about 40kph in urban areas and around 100kph on highways. Road signs will indicate if the limit is different.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United Kingdom. The safest choice for staying legal to drive is to not drink at all.
Aim to travel outside high-traffic periods for a smoother run in general. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the British pound (GBP) on your trip here. Along with your debit and credit cards, consider bringing some cash for minor purchases.
Best hotels in London for drivers
Offering parking, The Soho Hotel, Firmdale Hotels makes it easy to come and go as you please. This hotel is around 3 kilometres from central London and also comes with a bar and ironing services.
The Milestone Hotel - London gets things right with parking and features like an airport shuttle and a pool. It's roughly 6 kilometres from the city centre.
Need more ideas for your trip? Browse the full list of hotels in London. You can refine your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If your car's electric, there's also an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
After you've found a car hire deal in London and the right hotel, it's time to plan where to go first. The British Museum, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben are a memorable introduction to what the city has to offer.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from London
Around 64 kilometres west of central London, Reading deserves a place on your itinerary. Steer straight toward must-see sights like Reading Abbey Ruins and Forbury Gardens.
You'll be well looked after at Pentahotel Reading and Novotel Reading Centre, two comfortable accommodation options with parking in Reading.
Alternatively, pick up your cheap car hire in London and drive about 48 kilometres northwest to Luton. Featuring Someries Castle and Stockwood Discovery Centre, its highlights live up to the buzz.
Luton has some good places to stay such as Thistle Express London Luton and Holiday Inn Express London - Luton Airport by IHG. Both are practical choices for guests with cars.
Stretch your journey and road-trip it to Bristol, about 177 kilometres west of London. First, visit Banksey, then head to Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Check out the room availability at Mercure Bristol Holland House or Future Inn Bristol. Make one your base for exploring everything Bristol has to offer. They also come with parking.
