Car hire in Gatwick, United Kingdom

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Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find Gatwick car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

Find the best car rental locations in Gatwick

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The most popular car rental companies in Gatwick

Choose from the best car hire companies in Gatwick

Hiring a car in Gatwick: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyDrivalia
Most popular carCompact, SUV
Average daily priceR 1,272

How to book the best car rental deals in Gatwick

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Gatwick car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Gatwick

  • Need a cheap rental car in Gatwick? With prices averaging R 1,272 a day, you're headed for some big savings. Whether you're after a go-anywhere compact, a large SUV, or something in between, we round up all the top deals to get you real value.

  • Leave high costs in the dust by reserving your wheels in October. With average daily rates of R 603, it's the cheapest month to rent a car in Gatwick.

  • Snap up a cheap rental car in Gatwick by booking in advance. You're more likely to get a better deal and more choice.

  • Rent your wheels from Green Motion, Europcar or Drivalia. These are some of the most popular providers offering car hire deals in Gatwick.

  • Whether you choose Green Motion or another supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Gatwick car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as a paid add-on.

  • Booking one-way could land you a discount on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be relocated. Just click 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for rent in Gatwick.

  • Save money on fuel by choosing a car hire in Gatwick that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect the car with a full tank and bring it back full, so you're only paying for what you use.

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

Compare car hire types in Gatwick

  • Small: Whether you're darting along city streets or just planning a quick trip, a cheap rental car in Gatwick from this category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to great mileage and easy handling.

  • 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 come with a bit of extra room compared to smaller cars.

  • Large: You've got the kids, the suitcases, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the space to fit it all without breaking a sweat. Perfect for long-distance journeys, this Gatwick car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a better view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're winding through tough terrain or zipping along smooth highways, many come with all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.

  • Van: If you're after a car for rent in Gatwick that fits a small crowd (and their suitcases), a van is the roomy solution. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a great choice for group travel, business needs or moving.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers your out-of-pocket costs if your Gatwick car hire is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, you'll be glad to have it if something goes wrong. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are equal, so make sure you know exactly what's included.

  • Travel smarter when you rent a car in Gatwick by adding some handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to make wrong turns a thing of the past, or reverse cameras that make parking feel effortless.

Good to know

  • The minimum age to rent a vehicle in the United Kingdom is typically 21 years old. However providers may have their own rules, so always double-check your rental company's terms to see what applies to you.

  • Add a car seat to your Gatwick car hire booking if you're planning to travel with the kids. Guidelines vary from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their age, size and weight is always the safest way to go.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Gatwick

  • Lock in an awesome car hire deal in Gatwick and then get ready to explore the city's biggest attractions, like World Duty Free(Gatwick Airport, North Terminal) and World Duty Free(Gatwick Airport, South Terminal). Driving may not necessarily be the best way to reach them, but you'll want to tick off these highlights before you go anywhere else.

  • Take your time getting to know Gatwick by staying at Sofitel London Gatwick or Travelodge Gatwick Airport Central.

  • London should be on your to-do list if you're eager to see The British Museum and Westminster Abbey. This city is around 40 kilometres north of central Gatwick.

  • They know how to treat guests at The Z Hotel Piccadilly and Safestay London Elephant & Castle, two reliable accommodation options in London.

  • Add Reading to your trip lineup. Pick up your cheap car hire in Gatwick and drive around 64 kilometres north-west to discover leading attractions like Reading Abbey Ruins and Reading river cruise Thames.

  • Pentahotel Reading and Easyhotel Reading are comfy places to stay in Reading if you've got more than a quick stop in mind.

  • Want to head even further out? Cardiff is a top road trip destination that's about 209 kilometres west of Gatwick. Plan to make a few pit stops at Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National History Museum.

  • Look for a room at Sleeperz Hotel Cardiff or Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre. They're an ideal base for exploring everything Cardiff has to offer.

Frequently asked questions

The cheapest car to rent in Gatwick is a compact SUV. The most popular is Compact, SUV.
The cheapest car hire companies in Gatwick are currently Drivalia and Green Motion.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Gatwick is currently October.
If you're looking for freedom to explore Gatwick, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Gatwick that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Gatwick.
Most places – Gatwick included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Drivalia, Hertz and Routes Car Rentals offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Europcar as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van hire is available in Gatwick.