How to find a cheap car hire deal in Gatwick
Pick up a cheap rental car in Gatwick for an average of R 2,711 a day and drive away happy. We do the hard work for you by searching all the major providers, making it easy to compare prices and book.
R 563 is the cheapest daily price listed for a rental in Gatwick.
Staying a little longer and want to explore beyond the usual highlights? R 2,500 is the best rate for a weekly rental.
To score the best price on a Gatwick car hire, it's smart to book in advance. Rates generally rise as your travel dates get closer, and waiting too long might mean missing out.
Green Motion, Europcar and Drivalia are some of the top-ranked providers in the city. They're a great starting point for comparing offers.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Gatwick car hire policy, whether you go with Green Motion or a different supplier. Some companies might not include it in the base price and instead sell it separately.
Booking one-way could snag you a cheaper rate on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between branches. Just click 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Gatwick.
Avoid any surprise charges by booking a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, paying only for what you use.
Roam without limits by choosing a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can go as far as you want without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
In the number-one spot for value is this company, with average prices of R 1,389 a day.
Coming in next, this provider offers daily rates of around R 1,443.
The third option also comes in as one of the cheaper suppliers. Drive off in one of their rentals for roughly R 2,269 a day.
If you're still weighing up which ride is right for you, consider something from the Premium rental category. It's the most commonly booked type of vehicle in Gatwick.
Compare car hire types in Gatwick
Small: Whether you're darting along city streets or taking a quick trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect good fuel efficiency and easy handling.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, comfort and fuel efficiency. Easy to manoeuvre around cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they work well for most plans.
Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and enhanced tech features, this Gatwick car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier rear seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV goes wherever you do. It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for backroads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and advanced safety features.
Van: Featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Gatwick handles big loads and group travel with ease. They're roomy, hardworking, and ready for whatever your trip demands.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something you should consider. If you're in an accident, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a big excess fee. Different Gatwick car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.
From GPS units to reverse cameras, the right extras can make all the difference on the road. Consider which features will help you make the most of your trip when you rent a car in Gatwick.
Good to know
To rent a car in the United Kingdom, you generally have to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may rent vehicles to younger drivers for an extra fee, so always go over the policies before confirming your booking.
Add a car seat to your Gatwick car hire reservation if you're planning to travel with the kids. Rules change from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their age, weight and size is always the safest way to go.
Make sure you have the necessary documents when you get to the rental counter. As a rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.
If you're new to driving in the United Kingdom, keep in mind that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.
Local speed limits are usually about 40kph through urban areas and around 100kph on highways. Check the road signs, as limits may vary.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United Kingdom is 0.08%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, it's best to skip drinks entirely so you remain legal to drive.
One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 5pm. Make driving easier by avoiding peak periods in general.
You'll be using the British pound (GBP) on your trip here. As well as your credit and debit cards, consider taking some cash for minor purchases.
English is the language spoken by most people in this country.
Best hotels in Gatwick for drivers
Spend less time circling for a parking space and more time settling into the comfort of Langshott Manor - Luxury Hotel Gatwick. Around 3 kilometres from central Gatwick, it comes with parking, a laundry and internet access.
The Red Lion & Cellar Room, Betchworth also works well for a trip built around driving. It features accessible parking, along with Wi-Fi and a garden. Make this your base and you'll be roughly 10 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse through the range of hotels in Gatwick for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to tailor your results to your trip. You can even use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to include places with charging facilities.
After you've found a car hire deal in Gatwick and your hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. World Duty Free（Gatwick Airport, North Terminal）, World Duty Free（Gatwick Airport, South Terminal） and Lacoste are the perfect introduction to the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Gatwick
Around 40 kilometres north of central Gatwick, London should be on your itinerary. Make your way to can't-miss sights like The British Museum and Westminster Abbey.
They've got hospitality down to a fine art at The Colonnade Hotel and Britannia International Hotel Canary Wharf, two accommodation options with parking in London.
Or pick up your cheap car hire in Gatwick and travel around 64 kilometres northwest to Reading. Featuring Reading Abbey Ruins and Reading river cruise Thames, its attractions make a strong case for visiting.
Pentahotel Reading and Novotel Reading Centre are comfortable places to stay in Reading if you're hanging around for a while. Choose one of these and take the hassle out of finding a spot for your ride.
Keep things moving and road-trip it to Cardiff, about 209 kilometres west of Gatwick. First, visit Cardiff Castle, then spend some time at St Fagans National History Museum.
The only thing calling your name now is a bed. Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre and Holland House Hotel & SPA Leisure Club By Sunday Cardiff have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Cardiff.
