London Airport car hire

Compare car hire deals at London Airport from across the web

Find the best car hire price, fuel policy and more from hundreds of providers

Book with flexibility. Look for cars with free cancellation in case your plans change.

Car hire near London Airport

Consider travelling into London to pick up your car - we found car hire deals from pick-up points in London from R 573.

The most popular car rental companies in London Airport

London Airport car hire: Facts on the fly

Average daily priceR 813
Most popular carEconomy, 4-5 doors
Cheapest price foundR 573
Cheapest month to rentNovember
Providers at London Airport8
Most popular providerAlamo
Best time to book1 week before

Driving in London: What to expect on the road

Documents you'll need
You’ll need a valid licence and possibly an IDP.
To drive in London, you’ll need a driving licence held for at least a year. If it’s not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required. Most car hire companies also ask for a passport and credit card.
Navigating city driving
Expect one-way streets and left-hand driving.
Driving in London means handling narrow roads, bus lanes, and one-way systems. Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to avoid restricted zones and live traffic hotspots.
Tolls, emissions zones and charges
Central London has tolls and emissions charges.
The Congestion Charge and ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) apply in central London. Not all rental cars are exempt, so always check. Most fees can be paid online or in the TFL app. Some routes include toll roads.
Parking your car in London
Parking is limited and often expensive.
Many parking areas in London are residents-only or require pay-by-app. Look for multi-storey car parks, park-and-ride options, or hotels with parking. Avoid red routes, bus lanes, and loading zones to dodge fines.
Finding fuel or charging points
Fuel is available — EV charging needs planning.
Petrol stations in London are common but pricier in central zones. For electric vehicles, use Zap-Map or PlugShare to find EV charging stations in London. Some require local apps or cards — check access before your trip.
Local driving style and tips
Traffic moves fast and cameras are everywhere.
London drivers are direct and fast-paced, especially during peak hours. Give way at zebra crossings, take care at roundabouts, and avoid yellow box junctions. Traffic cameras are widespread and fines apply for hire cars.
Find London Airport car hire deals

How to get the best car hire deal in London Airport

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy after you've touched down in London Airport. 

How to find a cheap car hire deal in London International Airport (YXU)

  • Just got off the plane? Grab a cheap London International Airport rental car and be on your way for around R 813 a day. From short drives to cross-country jaunts, we'll help you find a rental that suits your trip.

  • Leave high costs in the rearview by reserving your ride in December. With average daily rates of R 604, it's the cheapest month to rent a car in YXU.

  • If you want to get the timing right, book around three weeks ahead to score a cheap YXU rental car.

  • Alamo, Avis and National are some popular providers at London International Airport.

  • Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your London International Airport car hire policy, whether with Alamo or any other supplier. Some may charge separately for it instead of including it in the base rental.

  • Look into getting a one-way rental. You might be able to pick up a bargain if the provider needs to move cars between branches. Find the best available rates for a car for rent in YXU by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'

  • Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in London International Airport with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. You also avoid the high fees rental companies charge for refueling.

  • Want to explore more without worrying about how many miles you rack up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like without the extra fees.

  • Kick off the real journey once you've collected the keys to your YXU car hire. You've got the freedom to follow your own road, but if you're off to central London, it'll take you about 20 minutes to cover the 11 kilometres or so south-west.

  • You can also book a car hire in London. If you don't need a vehicle right away, hold off until you're in the city and avoid paying for unused rental days.

Compare car hire types from London International Airport (YXU)

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap London International Airport rental car puts you on the road for less. These compact, fuel-efficient cars are perfect for city driving and short trips.

  • Medium: Not too big, not too small, it's the definition of just right. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of fuel efficiency and interior space and are great for small families and couples.

  • Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and improved tech features, this YXU car hire option includes full-size cars. With larger back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.

  • SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV answers. It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for highways, country roads, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and advanced safety features.

  • Van: If you're after a car for rent in London International Airport that can handle a small crowd (and all their stuff), a van has room where it matters. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a solid pick for group excursions, moving or business needs.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers your out-of-pocket costs if your YXU car hire is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, it's worth considering for extra protection. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.

  • Level up your ride with extras like a reverse camera and GPS unit. These add-ons can turn your drive into a smoother experience when you rent a car in London International Airport.

Good to know

  • Are you a younger driver? Check each provider's age requirements before booking your rental in Canada. Rules can vary, and extra charges or restrictions may apply. At the start of your search, simply uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' box and enter your age to browse your options.

  • If the kids are tagging along, check if you need to add a child car seat to your YXU car hire booking. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to travel.

Hit the road: Where to drive from London International Airport (YXU)

  • You'll want to take in the leading attractions in London before doing anything else. Forks of the Thames River and Labatt Memorial Park are a great way to kick things off.

  • Buckle up and make tracks to Kitchener. Around 72 kilometres north-east of YXU, it's home to must-see sights like Oktoberfest Platz and M.R. Good Family Trailway (Grand River Trail Head).

  • Add Cambridge to your travel plans. Around 80 kilometres north-east of the airport, drive there in your London International Airport car hire to explore top attractions like Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory and Devil's Creek Trail.

  • Ready to go the extra mile? Hamilton is a top road trip destination that's about 105 kilometres east of YXU. Dundurn Castle and Bruce Trail are ideal pit stops.

Hiring a car at London Airport: FAQs

On average, car hire from London Airport is around R 813 per day.
No. It's a little higher than Canada's average daily car rental price, which is around R 855.
Budget, National, Avis, Alamo, Hertz, Thrifty, Turo, and Enterprise cars and vans are all available for pick up at London Airport.
Currently, the lowest price for car hire at London Airport we found is R 573. And the cheapest rate for car hire nearby is from R 574. It can often be cheaper to hire a car from somewhere near to London Airport, especially if there's an extra airport pick-up fee. But when you consider the cost of travelling from London Airport to the pick-up location, and back again at the end of your stay, collecting your wheels as soon as you touch down might still work out more economic, faster and easier.
Yes – you can hire a car when you touch down in London Airport and drop it off in another location, which can save you time and money.
The most popular according to travellers is Avis, with a 1.0 rating for things like cleanliness, customer service and value. The cheapest company is currently Enterprise.
Although you can often find a cheaper car hire deal away from London Airport, remember to consider: extra cost of public transport, a taxi to your hotel, or on to that pickup location on top of that price.
Yes. We understand that plans can change last minute, or you might even find a better car rental deal from London Airport. That's why we highlight the rental cars you can book now and cancel later when you search.
We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals in and around London. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in London Airport.
When you rent a car near London Airport, most major providers require you to be at least 21 years old. Some companies charge an extra fee if you're under 25, so make sure you check before booking.
You can book car hire at London Airport in three simple steps. First, explore the range of available cars, from family-friendly SUVs to small compact cars. Next, narrow down your choices by comparing features like fuel policy, mileage and customer reviews to find the best deal. Then, once you’ve found the perfect car, you’ll be redirected to the provider’s website to book, with no extra fees.
The documents you need to rent a car at London Airport vary depending on the car hire provider. In most cases, you’ll need a valid driving licence, photo ID and a credit card. You can check with the car hire provider when you book.
Finding the best car hire deal at London Airport is quick and easy with Skyscanner. First, explore the range of available cars, from family-friendly SUVs to small compact cars. Next, narrow down your choices by comparing features like fuel policy, mileage, and customer reviews to find the best deal. Then, once you’ve found the perfect car, you’ll be redirected to the provider’s website to book, with no extra fees.