Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Chelsea
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Chelsea
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Chelsea
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Chelsea
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.
Chelsea is an upscale area in London, known for its fashionable boutiques, fine dining, and cultural attractions. While public transport is available, renting a car provides flexibility and convenience for exploring Chelsea and its surrounding areas.
Explore Hidden Gems. A rental car allows you to discover the lesser-known attractions and charming streets of Chelsea at your own pace.
Convenient for Shopping. With ample boot space, a rental car makes it easier to transport your purchases from Chelsea's high-end boutiques and markets.
Easy Access to Nearby Areas. A car provides easy access to other desirable areas of London, such as Kensington, Knightsbridge, and Fulham, all a short drive away.
Before booking a rental car in Chelsea, familiarise yourself with the rental terms and conditions, including age requirements, licence policies, insurance coverage, and fuel policies.
Area
Approximately 1.68 square miles
Population
Approximately 42,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summer time
Ideal for
Shopping and exploration of surrounding areas
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Chelsea require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with some requiring a minimum age of 25 for certain vehicle types. Surcharges may apply for young drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required, and international visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English. Ensure you have your passport and a credit or debit card in your name.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and theft protection are available. A security deposit is held on your credit card and refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage while others have restrictions. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons such as GPS and child seats.
Average economy-class car rental in Chelsea starts from £25 / $31 / €30 per day.
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €24 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $13 / €12 per day
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €36 per day
7 Seater:
from £40 / $50 / €48 per day
Automatic:
from £22 / $28 / €26 per day
SUV:
from £15 / $19 / €18 per day
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.
Low season (November to February): Often brings discounts on rental rates.
Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
To book a car in Chelsea, compare prices, select a suitable vehicle, and carefully review the rental terms and conditions to avoid any surprises.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison sites to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle needs.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a car that suits your needs, whether it’s a compact car for city driving or a larger vehicle for family trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid unexpected charges.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure vehicle availability by booking well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and any other required documents when collecting your rental.
Chelsea offers a blend of upscale residential areas, high-end shopping, and cultural attractions. Driving in Chelsea requires an awareness of traffic regulations, parking restrictions, and local driving conditions.
Chelsea is known for its exclusive boutiques, fine dining restaurants, and art galleries. As part of London, it is subject to the city's traffic regulations, including congestion charges and low emission zones. Renting a car can be useful for exploring Chelsea and its surrounding areas, but it's important to be aware of the local traffic laws and parking restrictions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Saatchi Gallery
A contemporary art museum showcasing cutting-edge exhibitions.
King's Road
A famous shopping street with designer boutiques and trendy cafes.
Chelsea Physic Garden
A historic botanical garden with a collection of medicinal plants.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use services like Q-Park and NCP for secure parking options in Chelsea.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available, but they can be costly and time-limited, especially in central areas.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride services outside the city centre and taking public transport to Chelsea.
Gas Stations in Chelsea
Limited Availability in the Centre
Fuel stations are relatively scarce in the central areas of Chelsea.
Major Brands on Outskirts
Look for BP, Shell, and Esso stations along the main roads and highways on the outskirts of Chelsea.
Use Navigation Apps
Use Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby gas stations in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Chelsea
Use Contactless Payment
Pay for buses and the Underground with a contactless bank card or Oyster card for fast and convenient travel.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Stay alert for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly in the busy shopping areas.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:00–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM) when roads are often heavily congested.
Major Bus Stations
Chelsea Bus Garage
Primarily serves local bus routes within Chelsea and surrounding areas.
Railway Stations
Sloane Square Station
Provides access to the District and Circle lines on the London Underground.
South Kensington Station
Offers connections to the Piccadilly, District, and Circle lines.
Airports
Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Located approximately 15 miles west of Chelsea, it is easily accessible via the M4 motorway.
Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Situated about 28 miles south of Chelsea, accessible via the M23 and A23.
London City Airport (LCY)
Located in the Docklands area, offering short-haul flights primarily for business travellers.
Renting a car in London is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before getting behind the wheel.
If you're from the UK, your standard licence is sufficient. International visitors can typically use their home-country licence for up to 12 months, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is needed for the security deposit. Some rental companies may only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or other form of identification may be required for international renters.
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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 Chelsea 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.
Chelsea was fantastic! Having a car made exploring the coast so easy, and I truly relaxed.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 25.11.2024
Family vacation in Chelsea was wonderful! Getting around with our rental car was a breeze. So convenient.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 17.07.2025
Pretty relaxed, really
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 30.11.2024
Chelsea was amazing! Exploring with the family and our car was so convenient and fun.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 21.07.2025
Wonderful weekend getaway! Getting around was effortless, and Chelsea charmed us.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 09.11.2024
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Pretty chill, really
Mike Jones
Reviewed: 28.03.2025