Car hire in Stansted, United Kingdom

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

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

Find the best car rental locations in Stansted

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The most popular car rental companies in Stansted

Hiring a car in Stansted: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyEuropcar
Most popular carIntermediate/Standard, SUV
Average daily priceR 2,364
Best time to book2 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Stansted

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 Stansted car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Stansted

  • Pick up a cheap rental car in Stansted and be on your way for around R 2,364 a day. From short drives to open-road adventures, we'll match your plans with the right wheels.

  • August is the cheapest month to rent a car in Stansted. With average daily rates of R 586, you can keep your spending in low gear.

  • Book early to secure a cheap rental car in Stansted. Along with better prices, you're more likely to get the vehicle you actually want.

  • Green Motion, Drivalia and Keddy By Europcar are some of the most popular providers offering car hire deals in Stansted.

  • The coverage Green Motion or another company includes with your Stansted car hire can differ, so be sure to check the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will apply a surcharge for it.

  • Booking one-way could land you a cheaper deal on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved around. Simply choose 'Return car to a different location' when looking for a car for rent in Stansted.

  • Spend less on fuel by choosing a car hire in Stansted with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect the car with a full tank and return it full, so you only pay for what you use.

  • Want to explore more without stressing about the number of miles you clock up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like without the extra charges.

Compare car hire types in Stansted

  • Small: These cheap rental cars in Stansted may be small in size, but they're big on practicality. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, light on fuel, and just the thing for city driving.

  • Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the Goldilocks of rentals! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are good for couples and small families.

  • Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and extra tech features, this Stansted car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.

  • SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV says, 'let's go.' It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for backroads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also come with extra space and improved safety features.

  • Van: Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Stansted is built to handle heavier loads and bigger groups. They're tough, versatile, and ready for whatever task you throw at it.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Adding excess insurance to your Stansted car hire gives you peace of mind. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of damage or theft. Insurance policies can vary from one provider to another, so check how each one stacks up.

  • Make driving easier when you rent a car in Stansted by adding some handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to make sure you never miss a turn, or reverse cameras that take the pain out of parking.

Good to know

  • To rent a car in the United Kingdom, you generally have to be at least 21 years old. Some places may rent vehicles to younger drivers at an extra cost, so always go over the policies before locking in your ride.

  • Bringing the kids with you? Car seat regulations differ from place to place, and the right setup may depend on their height, weight and age. Find out if you need to add one to your Stansted car hire booking.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Stansted

  • Don't leave town without discovering some of the city's best attractions, like Aubrey Buxton Nature Reserve (SSSI) and Stansted Skatepark.. Lock in a car hire deal in Stansted and then start working on your sightseeing game plan.

  • When you're ready to rest your head, Novotel London Stansted Airport and Ramada London Stansted Airport are stays that'll make you feel at home in Stansted.

  • Keep travelling to London. Around 48 kilometres south-west of central Stansted, you'll find must-sees like The British Museum and Westminster Abbey.

  • Comfy accommodation options in London include The Z Hotel Piccadilly and Safestay London Elephant & Castle.

  • Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Stansted and then set out for Reading. Roughly 97 kilometres south-west of Stansted, Reading Abbey Ruins and Reading river cruise Thames are big attractions that make the drive more than worth it.

  • Relax after a big day out in Reading at Pentahotel Reading. Or hit the brakes and recharge at Easyhotel Reading.

  • When the drive's been this good, why hit the brakes? Set out for Cardiff, around 241 kilometres west of Stansted. From Cardiff Castle to St Fagans National History Museum, it'll round out your trip nicely.

  • Time to think about catching some z's. Sleeperz Hotel Cardiff and Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre are waiting for you in Cardiff.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Stansted will set you back around R 2,373 per day or R 5,584 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Stansted is an intermediate crossover (similar to SUVs). The most popular is Intermediate/Standard, SUV.
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 Stansted is currently August.
On average, around R 5,584. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Stansted is R 5,537.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Stansted for a whole month is R 17,570. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Stansted, 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 Stansted 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 Stansted.
Most places – Stansted 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. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is R 837 per day. The average price per day is around R 2,655.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Europcar, National and Hertz offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Yes – van hire is available in Stansted.