Free CancellationBest Price GuaranteeNo Hidden Fees24/7 Multilingual SupportCar rental in London - Search, Compare, and Save
Free CancellationNo Hidden FeesPick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Cheapest Car Hire Rates in London
London
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
London
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
London
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
London
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in London?
London is a dynamic city with world-famous landmarks, rich history, and endless things to see and do. While public transport is an option, renting a car offers flexibility and convenience, especially if you plan to explore beyond the city.
Easy Access to Top Attractions. Many must-see destinations are just a short drive away. A rental car lets you visit these places without relying on train schedules or tour groups.
More Comfort and Convenience. If you're travelling with family, have a lot of luggage, or are on a business trip, having your own car makes getting around much easier than navigating crowded stations or waiting for taxis.
Cost-Effective for Groups. For families or groups, it's simply more budget-friendly than buying multiple train or bus tickets, especially for longer trips outside London.
Travel at Your Own Pace. Public transport follows fixed routes and timetables, but with a rental car, you can go where you want, when you want. Whether it's a scenic countryside drive or a spontaneous day trip, you have full control over your itinerary.
Rental Terms and Conditions in London
Before booking a rental car in London, make sure you meet the minimum age (usually 21+), have a valid licence (IDP may be required), and understand insurance, deposit, mileage, and fuel policies. Additional fees may apply for extras or young drivers.
Area
1,572 square kilometres (607 square miles)
Population
Approximately 9 million residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during winter time
Ideal for
Short-term rental
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM –10 AM and 4 PM – 7 PM
Rating
5.0/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in London require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some providers may have a minimum age of 25 for certain vehicle categories. Young driver surcharges may apply for renters under 25.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required for all rentals. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English. A passport and credit or debit card in the driver’s name are also typically required.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but additional coverage options, such as collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection, are available. A security deposit is usually held on the renter’s credit card and refunded upon vehicle return.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals come with unlimited mileage, while others may have restrictions. Fuel policies vary—many require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in London – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £33 / $41.50 / €40
Electric:
from £15.29 / $19.25 / €18.50
Classic:
from £7.29 / $9.20 / €8.80
Executive:
from £24.28 / $30.60 / €29.40
7 Seater:
from £27.65 / $34.85 / €33.50
Automatic:
from £15.29 / $19.25 / €18.50
SUV:
from £7.72 / $9.75 / €9.30
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in London?
Compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms to avoid surprises. Book early for the best rates, especially in peak seasons. Don’t forget your licence, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site like rentycars.com to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or an SUV for longer trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About London
London is a dynamic mix of history, culture, and modern life. Ideal for sightseeing and day trips, it's best explored with an understanding of traffic rules, parking, and fuel access — especially if you're renting a car to venture beyond the busy city centre.
As the capital of the United Kingdom, London is one of the most exciting and historically rich cities in the world. It offers an extraordinary blend of ancient landmarks, royal traditions, modern attractions, and diverse cultural experiences. Whether you're visiting for sightseeing, shopping, or business, there’s something for everyone. While London has a robust public transport network, renting a car is a practical option if you plan to travel outside the city to places like the countryside, coast, or nearby towns. However, driving within London requires awareness — narrow streets, frequent one-way systems, congestion charges, and limited parking make inner-city driving less ideal. Before setting off, it’s important to review local traffic laws, fuel station availability, and parking regulations to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience during your visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Big Ben & The Houses of Parliament
Iconic Gothic architecture and the timeless chimes of London’s most famous clock tower.
Buckingham Palace
The monarch’s official residence — don’t miss the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Tower of London
A medieval fortress rich with history and home to the dazzling Crown Jewels.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use services like Q-Park, NCP, or JustPark for secure, citywide parking options.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but often costly and time-limited, especially in central areas.
Park & Ride
Leave your car outside the city and use public transport to access central London.
Gas Stations in London
Limited Availability in the Centre
Fuel stations are scarce in central areas — plan accordingly.
Major Brands on Outskirts
Look for BP, Shell, Esso, and Texaco along outer roads and highways
Use Navigation Apps
Tools like Google Maps or Waze help locate nearby stations in real time.
Useful Tips for Visiting London
Use Contactless Payment
Pay for buses and the Underground with a contactless bank card or Oyster card — fast and convenient.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Stay alert! London has dense foot and bike traffic, especially in the city centre
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (07:00–10:00 / 16:00–19:00) when roads are often heavily congested.
Key Transportation Hubs in London
Major Bus Stations
Victoria Coach Station
Located in the City of Westminster, it serves as the primary terminus for long-distance coach services, including those operated by National Express and other providers.
Railway Stations
London Waterloo
The busiest railway station in the United Kingdom, handling numerous commuter and regional services.
London Paddington
Serves destinations to the west, including Bristol and South Wales.
London King's Cross
Provides services to the north of England and Scotland.
London Liverpool Street
Connects to East Anglia and northeastern regions.
London Victoria
Offers routes to the south, including Brighton and Gatwick Airport.
Airports
Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Located approximately 24 kilometres (15 miles) west of central London, it is one of the busiest airports globally.
Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Situated about 45 kilometres (28 miles) south of central London, serving numerous international and domestic flights.
London City Airport (LCY)
Located in the Docklands area, primarily handling business travellers with short-haul flights.
Stansted Airport (STN)
Approximately 64 kilometres (40 miles) northeast of London, serving various European destinations.
Luton Airport (LTN)
Located about 56 kilometres (35 miles) north of central London, catering to both domestic and European flights.
London Southend Airport (SEN)
Situated around 68 kilometres (42 miles) east of London, serving select European destinations.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in London?
Renting a car in the United Kingdom is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need
If you're from the United Kingdom, your standard licence is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country licence for up to 12 months, but some may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters
Our Content Quality
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as London as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
London was fantastic! Exploring the city by car, then relaxing by the coast – perfect getaway.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 04.12.2024
London exceeded expectations! Getting around with a car was surprisingly easy, making sightseeing a breeze. Highly recommend!
Emily Brown
Reviewed: 17.08.2025
Summer in London was a dream! Having a car made everything so convenient. Highly recommend.
Jessica Davis
Reviewed: 16.06.2025
Pretty good, really.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 14.02.2025
London was amazing! First time there, and having a car made exploring so much easier. Highly recommend a visit!
Oliver Wilson
Reviewed: 06.11.2024
After years away, London felt fresh and exciting. Having a car made everything so effortless; highly recommend!
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 30.08.2024
Pretty chill, actually.
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 01.12.2024