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Finding a car rental in London is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of brands across the UK with no booking fees. Pick up at Heathrow, Gatwick or central London, filter for automatics or one-way car hire and head out to Oxford, Brighton or the Cotswolds. If you plan to drive into central London, check the Congestion Charge and ULEZ rules before you go.
London has several car rental locations, each with its own pros and cons.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Heathrow Airport |
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| Gatwick Airport |
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| City Centre Locations ( Victoria , King's Cross) |
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On average, car rentals in London cost around £50 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from £14 per day.
Compare pickup spots: Airport desks add premium location fees around 10-15%. City pickups (Victoria, King’s Cross) avoid that, but check opening hours.
Be flexible with dates: Midweek pickups often price better in London. For July–August, book 2-3 months ahead; in winter, 3-4 weeks is usually fine; spring/autumn aim for 4-6 weeks.
Pick a smaller car: Economy/compact models are cheaper, easier to park, and friendlier on London’s tight streets. Comfortable with a manual? Manual is usually cheaper than automatic.
Cut the add-ons: Use your phone instead of renting a GPS, keep to one named driver if you can, and check young driver surcharges before you commit.
Avoid central charges: Plan routes and parking to skip the £15 Congestion Charge zone and pricey Zone 1 parking. Park on the edge and jump on the Tube for central sights.
Fuel smart: Most rentals are full-to-full. Refuel before returning and avoid the few, pricier central London stations.
London has strict parking rules and various charges for driving in the city centre.
| Area | Parking Options | Regulations |
|---|---|---|
| Central London (Zone 1) |
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| Outer London |
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Key Driving Regulations:
Parking Restrictions:
Book a rental car to easily:
Cotswolds – villages, market towns
Stonehenge – stone circle, Visitor Centre
Do I need to pay the Congestion Charge if I drive a rental car in central London? Yes, you have to pay the £15 daily Congestion Charge if you drive in the zone during its operating hours. The rental company won't pay this for you. You can pay online or using the official app beforehand, on the day you travel or by midnight three days after. If you pay after the day you travel, the charge is £17.50.
What documents do I need to rent a car in London? You'll need a valid driver's licence and a credit card for the deposit. They accept foreign licences if they are in English, but if yours isn't, you should bring an International Driving Permit. If you have a UK licence, some companies might also ask you for proof of address.
Is it better to rent from an airport or a city location in London? It depends on your plans. Airport locations let you pick up your car straight away and are open 24/7, but they charge extra airport fees. City locations don't have an airport surcharge and you can avoid driving through outer London, but they are only open during business hours (like 8am-6pm).
What happens if I get a traffic or parking fine in my rental car? The rental company will charge your credit card for the fine plus a service fee of about £30. To avoid this, make sure you follow all traffic and parking rules and if you get a parking ticket, you should pay it online within 14 days.
Are there any toll roads in or around London? The Dartford Crossing on the east side of the M25 costs £2.50. They use your number plate to bill you automatically. You must pay for the crossing online by the end of the next day. The Congestion Charge and ULEZ are not really tolls, but charges you have to pay for driving in some parts of London.
What type of car is best for driving in London? A smaller compact or economy car is best for getting around London's narrow streets and finding a park. You should think about getting an automatic if you're not comfortable changing gears while you get used to driving on the left side of the road.
Can I return my rental car after hours? Many London rental offices let you drop the car off after closing time using a secure key box. If you do this, you should take photos of the car's condition and the fuel gauge as proof. Make sure the photos show the date. You are still responsible for the car until the office opens again and the staff check it in.
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