How to find a cheap car rental 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 AED 441 a day and get on the road for less.
Daily rental prices in London start from just AED 54.
For longer trips, pick up a weekly rental from AED 150 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 rental. 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 rental options right now
You'll find the best deal with this company. Prices average AED 587 a day.
Taking second place is this provider, offering daily rates of around AED 306.
The third option won't stretch your budget either. You'll pay roughly AED 410 a day with this supplier.
After a car that's a safe bet for most journeys? The Economy rental category is the crowd favorite among travelers visiting London.
Flying to London? Think about an airport pick-up
Make arrival day easier by booking a car rental 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 center is about 24 kilometers and takes around 45 minutes.
Flying in somewhere else? You can pick up a car rental from London Gatwick Airport just as effortlessly. The center is 48 kilometers 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 kilometers away, or about 1 hour in your rental from the airport.
Compare car rental 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 rental 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
Usually, you have to be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle in the United Kingdom. Younger drivers can sometimes still qualify — just expect some extra rules or charges. Check the companies' terms and conditions before you book.
If the kids are coming with you, check if you need to add a child car seat to your London car rental reservation. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to ride.
You'll need to bring a few things when collecting your rental car: a current driver's license, extra photo ID, and a credit card to cover the deposit amount. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Any extra must-haves will be shown in your booking.
Driving in the United Kingdom can take some adjustment if it's your first time. Keep in mind you'll need to stay on the left side of the road.
Keep within local speed limits of about 40kph through urban areas and around 100kph on highways. Road signs will indicate if the limit is different.
In the United Kingdom, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you're planning to drink, hand the keys to someone else or choose another way to travel.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times for traffic around this destination. Try to avoid rush hours if you want a smoother run.
The British pound (GBP) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day expenses and activities. Use cards when it's convenient, and keep some cash handy when electronic payments aren't accepted.
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 kilometers 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 kilometers from the city center.
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 rental 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 kilometers 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 rental in London and drive about 48 kilometers 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 kilometers 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.
