Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
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Westminster
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Westminster
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Westminster
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Westminster
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.
Westminster is a vibrant area with iconic landmarks and historic sites. While public transport is readily available, renting a car offers unparalleled flexibility and convenience, especially if you plan to explore beyond the immediate city centre.
Explore Iconic Landmarks. A rental car allows easy access to Westminster's famous landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament without being restricted by public transport schedules.
Comfort and Convenience. Travelling with family or luggage? A rental car provides a comfortable and convenient way to navigate the city and its surroundings without the hassle of crowded trains or buses.
Cost-Effective for Groups. For families or small groups, renting a car can be more economical than purchasing multiple train or bus tickets, especially for day trips outside of Westminster.
Freedom to Explore. Public transport follows fixed routes, but with a rental car, you have the freedom to explore at your own pace. Whether it’s a spontaneous visit to a nearby park or a day trip to the countryside, you control your itinerary.
Before booking a rental car in Westminster, ensure you meet the minimum age requirements, possess a valid driver's licence, and understand the rental company's insurance, deposit, mileage, and fuel policies. Additional fees may apply for extra services or young drivers.
Area
Approximately 21.48 square kilometres (8.3 square miles)
Population
Around 220,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during British Summer Time
Ideal for
Exploring landmarks and day trips
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic from 7 AM to 10 AM and 4 PM to 7 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Westminster require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some may have a minimum age of 25 for specific vehicle types, with young driver surcharges applicable for those under 25.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is essential. International visitors might need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence isn't in English. A passport and a credit or debit card in the driver's name are generally required.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals usually include basic insurance. Additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and theft protection are available. A security deposit is typically held on the renter's credit card, refunded upon the car's return.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies differ; many require returning the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may occur for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras such as GPS devices or child seats.
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
Peak season (June to August): Experiences higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often sees discounts on car rentals
Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Compare prices, select the appropriate car, and carefully review the rental terms to avoid any unforeseen issues. Book early for the best rates, particularly during peak seasons. Remember to bring your licence, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison website to find the best deals based on your travel dates and preferred vehicle type.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a car that suits your specific needs, whether it's an economy car for navigating city streets or an SUV for longer journeys.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to prevent unexpected charges.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure better vehicle availability by making your reservation well in advance, particularly during peak travel periods.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Remember to bring your driver's licence, credit card, and a valid form of identification when collecting your rental car.
Westminster is a blend of history, culture, and modernity. Exploring its landmarks and surrounding areas is best done with an understanding of local traffic regulations, parking options, and fuel availability, particularly if you plan on venturing beyond the bustling city centre.
As a central district of London, Westminster offers attractions and rich cultural experiences. Renting a car is a practical choice if you plan to explore beyond the immediate vicinity. However, driving in Westminster requires awareness due to narrow streets, one-way systems, and potential congestion charges. Before you start, familiarise yourself with local traffic laws, parking regulations, and fuel station locations to ensure a smooth visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Buckingham Palace
The official residence of the monarch, known for the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Houses of Parliament & Big Ben
Iconic symbols of British governance and architecture.
Westminster Abbey
A historic church with royal coronations and burials.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Utilise services like Q-Park or NCP for secure parking options throughout the city.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but can be expensive and time-limited, especially in central areas.
Park & Ride
Consider leaving your car outside the city centre and using public transportation to access Westminster.
Gas Stations in Westminster
Limited Availability in the Centre
Fuel stations are not as common in central areas, so plan your refuelling stops accordingly.
Major Brands on Outskirts
Look for gas stations from major brands like BP, Shell, and Esso along the roads and highways outside the immediate centre.
Use Navigation Apps
Utilise apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby gas stations in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Westminster
Use Contactless Payment
Pay for public transport with a contactless bank card or Oyster card for convenience.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Be attentive to pedestrians and cyclists, especially in busy areas.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during peak hours (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM) when traffic congestion is highest.
Major Bus Stations
Victoria Coach Station
A central hub for long-distance coach services.
Railway Stations
Westminster Station
A London Underground station served by the Circle, District and Jubilee lines.
Victoria Station
A major railway and London Underground station.
Charing Cross Station
Provides rail services to South East London and Kent.
Airports
Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Located approximately 24 kilometres (15 miles) west of Westminster.
Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Situated about 45 kilometres (28 miles) south of Westminster.
London City Airport (LCY)
Located in the Docklands area, primarily serving business travellers.
Renting a car in the UK is generally straightforward, but there are several essential requirements you need to meet before you can hit the road. Here’s a summary:
If you are a UK resident, your standard UK driving licence is sufficient. Visitors from other countries can typically 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. Some may charge extra fees for drivers under the age of 25.
A valid credit or debit card in the primary driver’s name is necessary for the security deposit. Some rental agencies may only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or other form of official identification may be necessary, particularly for renters from outside the UK.
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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 clients rate such place as Westminster 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.
Pretty good, I guess.
Oliver Brown
Reviewed: 01.04.2025
Exploring Westminster was a breeze! Having a car made it so easy to see everything. Highly recommend!
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 12.05.2025
Westminster was fantastic! Renting a car made getting around so much simpler. The only downside was the rather underwhelming cafe we stopped at for lunch – bland sandwiches.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 13.12.2024
Westminster was amazing! So much history. The crowds near the Abbey were a bit overwhelming, though.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 10.11.2024
Pretty chill, actually.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 24.02.2025
Westminster was delightful! Getting around in my rental car was perfect for sightseeing.
Evelyn Davis
Reviewed: 12.03.2025
Westminster exceeded expectations! Easy to navigate with a car; so much to see.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 03.05.2025
Pretty relaxed, overall.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 25.01.2025
Westminster was great; renting a car made exploring easy. The Palace gift shop was a bit pricey, though.
Ava Smith
Reviewed: 02.11.2024
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Pretty decent, really.
Noah Thompson
Reviewed: 03.04.2025