How to find a cheap car hire deal in London Heathrow (LHR)
Turn the key on your trip with a cheap London Heathrow rental car. With prices averaging R 1,264 a day, it gives you freedom without the high price tag. From zippy compacts to roomy SUVs, we'll help you find the right rental for less.
Daily rental prices at London Heathrow start from just R 146.
Staying a little longer in London? Book a weekly rental from R 1,018 and pack more sights into your itinerary.
Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding a cheap LHR car hire. Book around one week before your departure date to score the best price.
Surprice, U-Save and Green Motion are some of the most popular providers at London Heathrow.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your London Heathrow car hire policy, whether you go with Surprice or a different supplier. Some may charge separately for it instead of including it in the base rental.
Choosing a one-way car hire can be the key to finding a deal. Simply select 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in LHR. Providers sometimes have to move vehicles from one branch to another, which means you can lock in some awesome one-way prices.
Avoid any unexpected charges by choosing a car hire in London Heathrow with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start and end your trip with a full tank, and only pay for what you actually 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 like with no extra cost.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll get the best value deal with this company, with average prices at R 1,054 a day.
Not too far behind, this provider offers daily rates of around R 1,042.
The third option also stacks up well on price. Drive off in one of their rentals for roughly R 2,906 a day.
If you're having trouble deciding what kind of wheels you need, consider something from the Compact rental category. It's the most frequently booked type of vehicle at LHR.
Compare car hire types from London Heathrow (LHR)
Small: These cheap London Heathrow rental cars may be small in size, but they pack a big punch. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to manoeuvre, light on fuel, and perfect for city runs or weekend trips.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the rental that's juuuust right! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are popular with small families and couples.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this LHR car hire category. Also known as full-size, they pack plenty of power for open-road performance. The extra legroom and comfort make them a top choice for groups of friends and families.
SUV: When the urge to explore hits, an SUV's all in. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for backroads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also come with extra space and advanced safety features.
Van: If you need a car for rent in London Heathrow big enough for a small crowd (and all their gear), a van has space where it counts. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're best suited for group trips, moving or business use.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers what you'd otherwise have to pay if your LHR car hire is stolen or damaged. While not compulsory, it's worth considering for extra protection. Just remember that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you know exactly what's offered.
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 Heathrow.
Good to know
Generally, you have to be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle in the United Kingdom. Some providers still accept younger drivers — just be prepared for extra fees or rules. Check the suppliers' terms and conditions before you book.
Add a car seat to your LHR car rental reservation if you're travelling with small kids. Regulations change from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their age, weight and size is always the safest choice.
You'll need to bring a few things when collecting your rental car: an official driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds for the security deposit. Debit cards aren't commonly accepted. Any extra must-haves will be shown in your booking.
If it's your first time driving in the United Kingdom, remember that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.
Keep within local speed limits of about 40kph through built-up areas and around 100kph on highways. Road signs will indicate if the limit is different.
In the United Kingdom, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you're planning to drink, hand the keys to someone else or find a safe alternative way to get around.
You'll be using the British pound (GBP) here. Along with your bank cards, have some cash on hand for minor purchases.
Drive smarter from the start
The real fun starts once you've grabbed the keys to your LHR car hire. You've got the freedom to take any route you choose, but if you're off to central London, it'll take you about 45 minutes to travel the 24 kilometres or so east.
The drive from London Heathrow to the city centre during rush hour can take up to 1 hour 30 minutes.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times for traffic around this destination. Try to avoid peak travel times generally for a more relaxed drive.
Don't need a set of wheels straight away? Consider picking up a car hire in London instead of at the airport. That way, you won't pay for days you don't use.
You'll find car hire at other airports around London too. For more choice, explore the car hire options at London Gatwick or car rentals from London Stansted.
Hit the road: Where to drive from London Heathrow (LHR)
Before you move on, do some sightseeing around London first. Major highlights like The British Museum and Westminster Abbey set the tone for your whole journey.
Reading should be on your to-do list if you're eager to see Reading Abbey Ruins and Forbury Gardens. This city is about 40 kilometres west of LHR.
Alternatively, hop in your London Heathrow car hire and head roughly 48 kilometres north to Luton. Featuring Someries Castle and Stockwood Discovery Centre, its highlights live up to the buzz.
Not done driving yet? Bristol is a popular road trip destination that's about 145 kilometres west of LHR. Banksey and Clifton Suspension Bridge are the perfect pit stops.
