How to find a cheap car hire deal in London
Searching for a cheap rental car in London? With prices averaging R 1,491 a day, you're in gear for serious savings. Whether you're after a zippy little number, a large SUV, or something in between, we round up all the top offers to make booking easy.
R 249 is the cheapest daily price you'll find for a rental in London.
Staying a little longer and want to explore beyond the usual highlights? R 930 is the best rate for a weekly rental.
Get the timing right and book around one week ahead to score yourself the best price on a London car hire.
Browse the offers available with Green Motion, Surprice and U-Save. They're among the top-rated providers in the city.
Whether you book with Green Motion or another supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your London car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others treat it as an add-on.
Booking one-way could score you a discount on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved around. Just choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in London.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your ride with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. No surprise fuel add-ons when you hand back the keys either.
Want to explore without stressing about the number of miles you clock up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra costs.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value for money comes from this company, with average prices at R 1,708 a day.
Coming in second, this provider offers daily rates of around R 1,318.
The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly R 1,290 a day with this supplier.
If you're not sure which ride is right for you, consider something from the Economy rental category. It's the most frequently booked vehicle type in London.
Flying to London? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're jetting into London, hit the road sooner by booking a car hire at London Heathrow Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 24 kilometres and takes about 45 minutes.
Or make an early exit with a car hire from London Gatwick Airport. Once you've collected the keys, it'll take roughly 1 hour to drive the 48 kilometres or so to the centre.
You'll also find some good rental car options at Stansted Airport. It's around 56 kilometres to central London from here, taking close to 1 hour on the road.
Compare car hire types in London
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in London is all about getting you on the road for less. These agile, fuel-efficient rides are excellent for short trips and city driving.
Medium: A reliable pick when you need something that's easy to drive but with a few more features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg room compared to smaller options.
Large: You've got the kids, the suitcases, the snacks, the everything. Large vehicles have got the capacity to pack it all in without breaking a sweat. Ideal for long-distance journeys, this London car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV answers. It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for country roads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and advanced safety features.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in London that can handle a small crowd (and their suitcases), a van is the roomy ride you need. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're best suited for group excursions, business needs or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the fee you'd have to pay if your London car hire is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, it can be a real lifesaver if something goes wrong. Keep in mind that policies differ from one provider to another, so make sure you know exactly what's included.
Take your ride to the next level with nifty extras like mobile Wi-Fi or a reverse camera. These features can make your trip easier and more enjoyable when you rent a car in London.
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 policy to make sure you meet the requirements.
Add a car seat to your London car hire booking if you're bringing the kids. Requirements change from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their age and size is always the safest way to go.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when collecting your rental car: your physical driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card that can cover the security deposit. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. Your booking will flag any other must-haves.
Driving in the United Kingdom can seem unfamiliar if it's your first time. Be aware that traffic travels on 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 obey the posted signs.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United Kingdom. The only sure way to stay legal to drive is to skip the drinks.
Try to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a faster run. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
The British pound (GBP) is the currency you'll be using for general expenses and activities. Pay with your card when you can, and keep some cash handy when electronic payments aren't possible.
The language most commonly used in this country is English.
Best hotels in London for drivers
Offering parking, 45 Park Lane-Dorchester Collection gives you the freedom to come and go as you please. This hotel is about 2 kilometres from central London and also comes with room service and car hire options.
The Soho Hotel, Firmdale Hotels is another practical pick for a trip that's big on driving. It features valet parking, plus a fitness centre and room service. Base yourself here and you'll be roughly 0.80 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse through the hotels in London for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find the right fit. You can even use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to include places with charging facilities.
Once you've found a car hire deal in London and the right hotel, all that's left is deciding where to head to first. Start your trip with must-see attractions like The British Museum, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from London
Around 56 kilometres west of central London, Reading belongs on your itinerary. Make your way to can't-miss sights like Reading Abbey Ruins and Reading river cruise Thames.
They've got hospitality down to a fine art at Pentahotel Reading and Novotel Reading Centre, two accommodation options with parking in Reading.
Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in London and then set out for Luton. Roughly 48 kilometres northwest of London, Cowslip Meadow Nature Reserve and Someries Castle are major attractions that are well worth the trip.
Relax after a big day out in Luton at Thistle Express London Luton or Holiday Inn Express London - Luton Airport. These hotels are a good choice for guests bringing their own car.
Not ready to hit the brakes just yet? Set out for Cardiff, around 209 kilometres west of London. From Cardiff Castle to St Fagans National History Museum, it's the grand finale your trip deserves.
Browse the room options at Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre or Holland House Hotel & SPA Leisure Club By Sunday Cardiff. They make it a breeze to discover everything Cardiff has to offer. They also offer parking.
