Car hire in London
Renting a car in London itself is rarely necessary for city sightseeing — the public transport network is exceptional. Where a hire car genuinely...
Daily rate
GBP30–GBP80
Economy class. Add CDW excess insurance separately for full peace of mind.
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Should you rent a car in London?
Renting a car in London itself is rarely necessary for city sightseeing — the public transport network is exceptional. Where a hire car genuinely earns its keep is for day trips: the Cotswolds, the South Downs, Kent's castles and vineyards, or a longer road trip north. We explain where to pick up, what the Congestion Charge means for you, and which providers we recommend.
- Day trips to the Cotswolds, Bath, and the South Coast are vastly better with your own vehicle
- Kent and the North Downs Wine Region are hard to do properly by train
- Road trips to Scotland, Wales, or along the South Coast all start sensibly from London
- Picking up on departure day (from Heathrow or Gatwick) avoids driving in the city entirely
Compare car hire providers
We compare the main providers available in London. Prices vary: always check availability for your specific dates.
| Feature | Enterprise | Rentalcars.com | Hertz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free cancellation | |||
| No credit card required to book | |||
| Includes third-party liability | |||
| CDW available | |||
| Cross-border permitted | |||
| Under-25 drivers | Surcharge applies | Varies by supplier | Surcharge applies |
| Best for | Consistent quality, good customer service, multiple London locations Get a quote | Comparing prices across multiple suppliers at once Compare prices | Wide range of vehicles including vans and premium cars Get a quote |
Enterprise
Consistent quality, good customer service, multiple London locations
Customer rating: 4.2/5
Get a quoteDriving in London: what to know
Drive on the left — if you're from a right-hand traffic country, this requires conscious adjustment for the first hour
The Congestion Charge zone covers Central London and costs £15 per day (operational 7am–6pm Mon–Fri, 12pm–6pm weekends). Most rental cars are registered and you'll likely be invoiced separately — clarify this with your provider
Speed cameras are everywhere in London — speed limits are 20mph in most residential zones, 30mph on main roads
Do not drive in bus lanes during operational hours — fines apply and cameras are effective
Google Maps is reliable for London driving; it will route around congestion where possible
Park-and-Ride schemes on London's outskirts (near the M25) can save significant cost on day trips
Insurance: read before you book
Most major rental companies include third-party liability as standard. We strongly recommend taking Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) to reduce your excess, or purchasing third-party excess insurance before you travel (from around £3–5/day vs. the hire company's £10–20/day). Check whether your credit card provides rental car insurance — Amex and some Visa Infinite cards do. ULEZ applies throughout most of Greater London — almost all rental cars from major companies are ULEZ-compliant, but confirm before booking.
Pickup tips
- If you're flying in to Heathrow, picking up your car there avoids driving across London — see our Heathrow car hire guide
- In-city pickup locations cluster around major rail stations: King's Cross, Paddington, Victoria, and Waterloo all have Enterprise, Hertz, and National branches within walking distance
- Allow 30–45 minutes for the pickup process including inspection — photo everything before you drive away
- Return fuel policy: "full to full" is standard and most economical; avoid "full to empty" tariffs unless you're driving very long distances
Frequently asked questions
No — London's public transport is excellent and driving in the city centre is genuinely costly (Congestion Charge, parking). A hire car is most useful for day trips from London, not sightseeing within it.
ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) covers Greater London and charges vehicles that don't meet modern emission standards. The charge is £12.50/day for non-compliant vehicles. Almost all rental vehicles from major providers are ULEZ-compliant — confirm this explicitly when booking.
Some providers allow cross-channel travel (via Eurotunnel or ferry) but you must request this explicitly and there may be additional charges or vehicle restrictions. Confirm in writing before departure.
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