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Find competitive car rental prices at London Gatwick Airport (LGW) with Road Genius. Find live rates for SUVs, hatchbacks and minivans and reserve with no booking fees. Compare on-airport and off-airport car hire at the North and South Terminals, filter for automatics or MPVs and view total prices upfront before you book.
| Location or Provider Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| North Terminal | • Direct indoor access from North Terminal • Several major providers • Shorter walking distance |
• Busier counters during peak periods • Limited space can mean longer waits • Inconvenient for South Terminal arrivals |
| South Terminal | • Dedicated rental facility • More spacious counters • Good signage |
• Approximately 5-minute walk from terminal • Outdoor portion of walk (covered) • Requires inter-terminal shuttle from North Terminal |
| On-Airport | • More convenient location • Direct access from terminals • Faster pickup process |
• Premium location fee included in rates • Higher base prices • Can have longer queues |
| Off-Airport | • Generally lower rates • May offer equivalent vehicles • Can be less crowded |
• Shuttle or courtesy phone required • Additional transit time • May have limited hours |
To collect an on-airport rental, you walk from the counter to the car collection area. Some companies have desks in the terminal, but the cars are a short distance away. Follow signs or staff directions to your collection point.
On average, car rentals at London Gatwick Airport cost around €50 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €17 per day.
Compare on-airport vs off-airport and both terminals. Off-airport is often cheaper but adds shuttle time. Prices can vary between North and South Terminal, so check both.
For summer, Easter and UK bank holidays, book 2-3 months ahead. In quieter months, watch prices and book 3-4 weeks out when a good prepaid deal pops up.
Choose smaller, manual cars. They’re cheaper and easier to park in Sussex/Surrey towns. Automatics at LGW are limited and usually £10-15/day more.
If you’re staying in London first, don’t rent yet. Train into the city, then rent when leaving London to skip extra rental days, the Congestion Charge, and parking costs.
Use prepaid rates and compare the total price. Include airport location fees and any one-way fee. Mid-week pickups often price better than weekends.
Refuel off-airport before return. Stations in Horley are 5-10 minutes from LGW and usually cheaper than airport pumps. Keep the receipt.
| Parking Type | Location | Cost Estimate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Stay | Adjacent to terminals | Varies; check official rates | Pickup/dropoff or brief stays |
| Long Stay | Shuttle bus required (5-10 mins) | Varies; check official rates | Trips of several days |
| Premium Parking | Direct terminal access | Varies; check official rates | Convenience and speed |
| Off-Airport Parking | 10-15 minute shuttle | Varies; check provider rates | Economy option for longer trips |
Local Driving Tips: When returning rentals to Gatwick, follow "Car Rental Return" signs rather than general airport directions. Allow extra time to refuel before return, especially during busy periods.
London-Bound Drivers: Be aware of the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) covering all of Greater London. Most modern rental cars meet the standards and are compliant
M25 Variable Speed Limits: The M25 has active traffic management and variable speed limits displayed on overhead gantries. These limits are enforced by cameras
South Coast Routes: During summer weekends, coastal routes (particularly A23 to Brighton) can experience heavy traffic. Consider early morning or weekday travel when possible
Rural Parking: Many South Downs villages have limited parking. Look for designated car parks rather than assuming on-street parking is available
Rent a car so you can get to:
Brighton & South Coast – Brighton, Eastbourne, Worthing
Surrey Hills – AONB, Box Hill, Leith Hill
Seven Sisters Cliffs – Seaford, Birling Gap
Arundel Castle – Arundel town, River Arun
Hever Castle – Anne Boleyn, gardens
Winchester & South Downs – Winchester, South Downs NP
What are the opening hours for car rental desks at Gatwick Airport? Most major rental companies are open from about 6:00am to 11:00pm every day. Some companies can offer a 24-hour service for late arrivals if you arrange it beforehand.
How far in advance should I book a rental car from Gatwick Airport? To get the best prices and choice of cars, you should book at least 3-4 weeks ahead during normal times. For summer, holidays and busy travel times, it's best to book 2-3 months in advance.
Is there a difference between renting from North or South Terminal? Both terminals have rental desks for most of the same companies. You should choose the one in the terminal you arrive at, so you don't have to take the shuttle between them. The company usually charges the same price at both terminals.
Can I pick up a car at Gatwick Airport and return it in central London? Yes, you can do a one-way rental, but it usually costs extra. This can be handy to avoid a drive back to the airport if you finish your trip in London.
Is there a fee for using a credit card to rent a car at Gatwick? Most rental companies don't charge extra if you pay with a standard credit card. UK law stops them from adding surcharges for personal card payments. If you use a debit card, there might be different rules or you might need to pay a larger deposit.
What's the best route to drive from Gatwick to central London? The most direct way is to take the M23, which joins the A23. But if you're not going to the south of London, you could take the M25 and come in from another direction to avoid the city's busy central zones.
Are there any driving restrictions in the areas around Gatwick? There are not many driving restrictions right around Gatwick. The main thing you need to think about is the ULEZ zone when you get into Greater London. Most modern rental cars meet the standards, so you won't have to pay the ULEZ charge.
What happens if my flight to Gatwick is delayed and the rental desk is closed? You should call your rental company as soon as you can. Many companies keep an eye on flight times and might stay open for you if your flight is late. Some can arrange for you to pick up the car after they close for an extra cost.
Can I take a Gatwick rental car to mainland Europe? Some companies let you do this, but you need to set it up beforehand and pay extra. You'll have to ask for the right insurance and paperwork to drive overseas. You must sort this out when you book the car.
Is it better to rent a car at Gatwick Airport or in London if I'm staying in London first? If you're staying in London first, it's usually cheaper to take public transport into the city. You can then hire a car when you're ready to leave London. This way, you avoid paying for rental days you don't need, the Congestion Charge and expensive London parking.
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