How to find a cheap car hire deal in London Gatwick (LGW)
Whether you need a small car for zipping around town or an SUV built for road trips, we'll help you find a cheap London Gatwick rental car. Pick from options averaging Rs33,714 a day and get on the road for less.
Daily rental prices at London Gatwick start from just Rs2,938.
Staying a little longer in London? Book a weekly rental from Rs20,565 and fit more into your itinerary.
Timing is everything when it comes to finding a cheap LGW car hire. Book about three weeks before your departure date to score the best price.
Check out the offers available with Green Motion, U-Save and Drivalia. They're the most popular providers at London Gatwick.
The coverage Green Motion or another company offers for your London Gatwick car hire can differ, so be sure to go over the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra fee.
Booking one-way could land you a discount on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Just choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in LGW.
Avoid any unexpected charges by booking a car hire in London Gatwick with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start and end your trip with a full tank, paying only for what you use.
Hit the road without watching the miles and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and choose 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you explore without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value for money comes from this company, with average prices coming in at Rs13,442 a day.
Next in line, this provider offers daily rates of around Rs16,249.
The third option also helps keep costs down. Expect to pay roughly Rs15,648 a day for one of their rentals.
The Compact rental category is a reliable choice if you're not sure what sort of ride you need. It's also the vehicle type that's rented the most at LGW.
Compare car hire types from London Gatwick (LGW)
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap London Gatwick rental car makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These agile, fuel-efficient rides are perfect for city driving and short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, fuel efficiency and space. Easy to manoeuvre in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they make sense for just about any journey.
Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and improved tech features, this LGW car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV answers. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for backroads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and advanced safety features.
Van: If you need a car for rent in London Gatwick big enough for a small crowd (and their luggage), a van will do the job. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a solid pick for group travel, moving or business use.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something you should consider. If your car is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a big excess fee. Different LGW car hire providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the details before booking.
Make driving easier when you rent a car in London Gatwick by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to be your trusty co-pilot, or reverse cameras that upgrade your parking game.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a car in the United Kingdom is generally 21 years old. However individual providers may do things differently, so check your rental company's policy to find out what applies to you.
If you've got the kids in tow, check if you need to add a car seat to your LGW car rental booking. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to ride.
Bring the right documents to keep the pick-up process smooth. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no digital copies) and a second photo ID. Have a credit card ready for the deposit too. If anything extra is required, you'll find it in your booking.
Driving in the United Kingdom can seem unfamiliar if it's your first time. Don't forget all vehicles travel on the left side of the road.
Keep within the local speed limits. Usually that's around 40kph in built-up areas and 100kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
In the United Kingdom, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you expect to drink, pass the keys to someone else or find a safe alternative way to get around.
You'll be using the British pound (GBP) for everyday expenses on your trip. You may find it helpful to carry a mix of cards and cash so you always have a backup option.
Drive smarter from the start
Kick off the real journey once you've collected the keys to your LGW car hire. You've got the freedom to explore wherever you want, but if you're heading for central London, it's about 40 kilometres to the north.
The drive from London Gatwick to the centre during rush hour can take as long as 2 hours 5 minutes.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times for traffic around this destination. Try to avoid busy hours generally for a smoother drive.
You can also get the keys to a car hire in London. If you don't need a vehicle right after you arrive, hold off until you're in the city and save on rental costs.
For even more choice, compare the car hire options at London Heathrow or car rentals from London Stansted. These airports also operate flights into London.
Hit the road: Where to drive from London Gatwick (LGW)
Start with some of the most popular attractions in London, such as The British Museum and Westminster Abbey. Whether you drive or find an alternative way there, you'll want to see these highlights before leaving town.
Around 64 kilometres northwest of LGW, Reading belongs on your itinerary. Steer straight toward can't-miss sights like Reading Abbey Ruins and Forbury Gardens.
Or jump in your London Gatwick car hire and set off for Luton. About 80 kilometres north of the airport, Someries Castle and Stockwood Discovery Centre are popular attractions that make the drive totally worth it.
Not ready to hit the brakes just yet? Set out for Bristol, around 177 kilometres west of LGW. From Banksey to Clifton Suspension Bridge, it makes for a well-rounded adventure.
