How to find a cheap car hire deal in London Stansted Airport (STN)
Just arrived in town? Grab a cheap London Stansted Airport rental car and hit the road for around R 1,447 a day. From solo getaways to family escapes, we'll match you with a rental that works for you.
Daily rental prices at London Stansted Airport start from just R 451.
Planning a longer stay in London? Book a weekly rental from R 1,293 and organise some day trips or detours.
Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding a cheap STN car hire. Book about four weeks before your departure date to score the best price.
Green Motion, Drivalia and Europcar are popular providers at London Stansted Airport.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your London Stansted Airport car hire policy, whether with Green Motion or another supplier. Some may leave it out of the standard package and offer it as an extra.
Booking one-way could land you a discount on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Just select 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in STN.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in London Stansted Airport with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No hidden refueling charges at drop-off either.
Hit the road without watching the miles and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you drive as far as you want.
Best value car hire options right now
You get the best value with this company, with average prices at R 1,782 a day.
Next up is this provider, which offers daily rates of around R 1,598.
https://www.skyscanner.co.za/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/u-save/317 also claims a spot among the most affordable suppliers. Pick up one of their rentals for roughly R 1,619 a day.
Want a car that makes sense for everyday trips? The Economy rental category comes in as the leading choice for travellers at STN.
Compare car hire types from London Stansted Airport (STN)
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap London Stansted Airport rental car gets you moving without breaking the bank. These agile, fuel-efficient rides are good for city driving and short trips.
Medium: A top choice when you want something that has a few more features but is still easy to drive. This category includes compact and intermediate models that offer a little extra leg space compared to smaller options.
Large: You've got the bags, the kids, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the capacity to pack it all in without breaking a sweat. Ideal for long-distance journeys, this STN car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: SUVs are made for plans that change mid-journey. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and country routes alike.
Van: If you need a car for rent in London Stansted Airport big enough for a small crowd (and all their stuff), a van will do the job. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a great choice for group trips, business needs or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your STN car hire lets you drive with confidence. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of damage or theft. Insurance policies aren't the same across all rental providers, so take the time to shop around.
Make travel easier when you rent a car in London Stansted Airport by adding some handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to be your trusty co-pilot, or reverse cameras that upgrade your parking game.
Good to know
Generally, you have to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in the United Kingdom. Some providers still accept younger drivers — just expect some extra rules or charges. Check the companies' terms and conditions before you book.
Add a car seat to your STN car hire booking if you're travelling with small kids. Requirements change from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their age, size and weight is always the safest choice.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when collecting your rental car: a valid driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card that can cover the security deposit. Debit cards aren't commonly accepted. The full set of requirements will be laid out in your booking.
If you're new to driving in the United Kingdom, don't forget that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's usually around 40kph in urban areas and 100kph or so on highways. Always go with what's posted on the road signs.
In the United Kingdom, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you expect to drink, leave the driving to someone else or take another form of transport.
Drive smarter from the start
Get into the fast lane once you've grabbed the keys to your STN car hire. You've got the freedom to take any route you choose, but if you're off to central London, it'll take you about 1 hour 5 minutes to travel the 56 kilometres or so southwest.
In rush hour, expect the drive from London Stansted Airport to the centre to take up to 2 hours 5 minutes.
One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 5pm. Make travel easier by steering clear of peak periods.
Don't need a set of wheels the moment you land? Consider collecting a car hire in London instead of at the airport. That way, you won't pay for days you don't use.
For even more options, browse the car hire options at London Heathrow Airport or car rentals from London Gatwick Airport. These airports also serve London.
Hit the road: Where to drive from London Stansted Airport (STN)
Start with some of the top attractions in London, such as The British Museum and Westminster Abbey. Whether you roll up in your rental or get there another way, set aside time for these highlights before leaving town.
Buckle up and make tracks to Reading. Around 97 kilometres southwest of STN, you'll find must-sees like Reading Abbey Ruins and Reading river cruise Thames.
Add Luton to your travels too. Roughly 48 kilometres west of the airport, drive there in your London Stansted Airport car hire to explore standout attractions like The Walled Garden and Cowslip Meadow Nature Reserve.
Up for a bigger adventure? Cardiff is a popular road trip destination that's around 241 kilometres west of STN. Cardiff Castle and St. Fagans National Museum of History are the perfect pit stops.
