Car hire in London, United Kingdom

Our data shows that October is the cheapest month to rent a car in London. It’s around Rs11,782 per day in October, compared to the yearly average of Rs16,966 per day.

Cheapest month avgOctober • Rs11,782

Yearly avg priceRs16,966

Select your London pick-up location

There are 559 car hire providers in London. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

Car hire pick-up spots in London

Compare car hire prices at airports, train stations and in different neighbourhoods across London. You might find a better price, or the perfect pick-up point nearby. Start your journey where it suits you.

Filter locations

Bloomsbury

41 car hire locations

From

Rs1,866

per day

Soho

41 car hire locations

From

Rs1,866

per day

Fenchurch Street Station

From

Rs21,550

per day

Marylebone Station

14 car hire locations

From

Rs23,691

per day

London Heathrow Airport

35 car hire locations

From

Rs9,631

per day

London City Airport

22 car hire locations

From

Rs10,242

per day

Driving in London: What to expect on the road

Documents you'll need

You’ll need a valid licence and possibly an IDP.

To drive in London, you’ll need a driving licence held for at least a year. If it’s not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required. Most car hire companies also ask for a passport and credit card.

Navigating city driving

Expect one-way streets and left-hand driving.

Driving in London means handling narrow roads, bus lanes, and one-way systems. Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to avoid restricted zones and live traffic hotspots.

Tolls, emissions zones and charges

Central London has tolls and emissions charges.

The Congestion Charge and ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) apply in central London. Not all rental cars are exempt, so always check. Most fees can be paid online or in the TFL app. Some routes include toll roads.

Parking your car in London

Parking is limited and often expensive.

Many parking areas in London are residents-only or require pay-by-app. Look for multi-storey car parks, park-and-ride options, or hotels with parking. Avoid red routes, bus lanes, and loading zones to dodge fines.

Finding fuel or charging points

Fuel is available — EV charging needs planning.

Petrol stations in London are common but pricier in central zones. For electric vehicles, use Zap-Map or PlugShare to find EV charging stations in London. Some require local apps or cards — check access before your trip.

Local driving style and tips

Traffic moves fast and cameras are everywhere.

London drivers are direct and fast-paced, especially during peak hours. Give way at zebra crossings, take care at roundabouts, and avoid yellow box junctions. Traffic cameras are widespread and fines apply for hire cars.

Find London car hire deals

The most popular car rental companies in London

What's the most popular car to hire in London?

Based on recent Skyscanner data, the Fiat 500 is the most popular car to hire in London, with prices starting from Rs1,866 per day. The Volkswagen Golf and similar models are also popular drives in London.

Fiat 5007% chose this

Volkswagen Golf7% chose this

Volkswagen Polo6% chose this

Peugeot 2086% chose this

London's cheapest car hire providers

Sixt has the cheapest car hire in London right now, with prices from Rs1,866 per day. You'll save an average of Rs1,809 per day when you book with them.

Sixtfrom Rs1,866 per day

U-Savefrom Rs2,772 per day

Green Motionfrom Rs3,118 per day

Drivaliafrom Rs5,134 per day

Cheapest providerSixt

Book with them to save aroundRs1,809 per day

Choose from the best car hire companies in London

Hiring a car in London: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.

Most popular car hire company	Green Motion
Most popular car	Large, fullsize SUV
Average daily price	Rs80,403
Best time to book	3 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in London

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 London car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in London

Whether you need a small car for cruising the city streets or bigger wheels for bigger plans, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in London. Pick from options averaging Rs80,403 a day and get on the road for less.
Daily rental prices in London start from just Rs1,866.
For longer trips, pick up a weekly rental from Rs13,062 and fit more into your itinerary.
If smart timing is part of your strategy, book around one week ahead to score the best price on a London car hire.
Find your perfect ride with Green Motion, Surprice or U-Save. They're some of the most well-known providers in the city.
Whether you go with Green Motion or a different supplier, double-check the coverage on your London car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.
Booking one-way could score you a discount on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be relocated. Simply choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in London.
Avoid any unexpected fees by booking a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, and pay only for what you use.
Hit the highway without counting the miles and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you explore further.

Best value car hire options right now

You'll find the best deal with this company. Prices average Rs25,152 a day.
Taking second place is [this provider]([this provider), offering daily rates of around Rs15,124.
The third option won't stretch your budget either. You'll pay roughly Rs14,913 a day with this supplier.
After a car that's a safe bet for most journeys? The Large rental category is the crowd favourite among travellers visiting London.

Flying to London? Think about an airport pick-up

Make arrival day easier by booking a car hire at London Heathrow Airport. If you're flying to London through this hub, simply collect your wheels after landing and get moving. The drive to the city centre is about 24 kilometres and takes around 45 minutes.
Flying in somewhere else? You can pick up a car hire from London Gatwick Airport just as effortlessly. The centre is 48 kilometres or so away and takes roughly 1 hour to get to by car.
Browse through the rental car options at London Stansted Airport if your journey starts here. Central London is around 56 kilometres away, or about 1 hour in your rental from the airport.

Compare car hire types in London

Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in London puts you on the road for less. These agile, fuel-efficient cars are ideal choices for city driving and short trips.
Medium: A solid choice when you need something that's easy to drive but doesn't skimp on 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 fit it all in without a hassle. Perfect for long-distance journeys, this London car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: SUVs are your four-wheel ticket to adventure. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and rugged backroads alike.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in London big enough for a small crowd (and their luggage), a van is the practical pick. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a solid pick for group travel, moving or business needs.

Insurance and optional extras

Choosing excess insurance for your London car hire gives you peace of mind. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of theft or an accident. Insurance policies can vary from one provider to another, so compare before you book.
Upgrade your ride with handy extras like a navigation system or mobile Wi-Fi. They can make your journey easier and more relaxed when you rent a car in London.

Good to know

The minimum age to rent a car in the United Kingdom is typically 21 years old. However some providers set their own rules, so always double-check your rental company's terms to be sure you satisfy the requirements.
Kids coming with you? Car seat laws vary from one location to another, and the best setup may depend on their weight, height and age. Find out if you need to add one to your London car rental reservation.
Make sure you have the necessary documents when you get to the rental desk. As a general rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking confirmation will spell it all out.
Get familiar with your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, find the lights and blinkers, and get a feel for its handling before you drive away. And don't forget to stay on the left side of the road in the United Kingdom.
Keep within local speed limits of about 40kph in urban areas and around 100kph on highways. Road signs will indicate if the limit is different.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United Kingdom. The safest choice for staying legal to drive is to not drink at all.
Aim to travel outside high-traffic periods for a smoother run in general. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the British pound (GBP) on your trip here. Along with your debit and credit cards, consider bringing some cash for minor purchases.

Best hotels in London for drivers

Offering parking, The Soho Hotel, Firmdale Hotels makes it easy to come and go as you please. This hotel is around 3 kilometres from central London and also comes with a bar and ironing services.
The Milestone Hotel - London gets things right with parking and features like an airport shuttle and a pool. It's roughly 6 kilometres from the city centre.
Need more ideas for your trip? Browse the full list of hotels in London. You can refine your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If your car's electric, there's also an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
After you've found a car hire deal in London and the right hotel, it's time to plan where to go first. The British Museum, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben are a memorable introduction to what the city has to offer.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from London

Around 64 kilometres west of central London, Reading deserves a place on your itinerary. Steer straight toward must-see sights like Reading Abbey Ruins and Forbury Gardens.
You'll be well looked after at Pentahotel Reading and Novotel Reading Centre, two comfortable accommodation options with parking in Reading.
Alternatively, pick up your cheap car hire in London and drive about 48 kilometres northwest to Luton. Featuring Someries Castle and Stockwood Discovery Centre, its highlights live up to the buzz.
Luton has some good places to stay such as Thistle Express London Luton and Holiday Inn Express London - Luton Airport by IHG. Both are practical choices for guests with cars.
Stretch your journey and road-trip it to Bristol, about 177 kilometres west of London. First, visit Banksey, then head to Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Check out the room availability at Mercure Bristol Holland House or Future Inn Bristol. Make one your base for exploring everything Bristol has to offer. They also come with parking.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to hire a car in London?

The average car hire cost in London is Rs80,403 per day or Rs343,032 for a seven-day rental. If you're looking for a cheap deal, the lowest price we found is Rs1,866 per day for Medium hire from Firefly. Need a specific type of car? Here's how prices compare:
Economy
Average price: Rs34,519 per day.
Cheapest price found: Rs2,551 per day.
SUV
Average price: Rs64,294 per day.
Cheapest price found: Rs1,866 per day.
Premium/Luxury
Average price: Rs84,004 per day.
Cheapest price found: Rs4,341 per day.
Electric
Average price: Rs89,393 per day.
Cheapest price found: Rs16,522 per day.

What is the cheapest car to rent in London?

The cheapest car to rent in London is Medium, compact SUV. The most popular is Large, fullsize SUV.

What's the cheapest car hire company in London?

The cheapest car hire companies in London are currently Drivalia and Green Motion.

What's the cheapest month to rent a car in London?

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 London is currently September.

How much does week-long car hire cost in London?

On average, around Rs343,032. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in London is Rs13,062.

What about month-long car hire in London?

Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in London for a whole month is Rs897,963.

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!

How do I get the best value car hire in London?

If you're looking for freedom to explore London, 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 London that have free cancellation.

What happens if I need to cancel my car hire in London?

If you've booked car hire with free cancellation, you can usually cancel or change your booking without paying a fee. The deadline depends on the car hire company, but it's typically around 48 hours before pick-up. If you cancel after that, you may be charged. If your booking doesn't include free cancellation, you'll need to check the car hire company's cancellation policy. Depending on when you cancel, you might have to pay a fee or you won't get a refund.

Can I hire a car on the same day in London?

Yes. Most car hire companies in London offer same-day car hire. If you're looking for last-minute car hire in London, search for today's date on Skyscanner to compare what's available.

When's the best time to book car hire in London?

The best time to book car hire in London is usually as early as you can. Booking ahead often means cheaper prices and more cars to choose from. You can sometimes find a good last-minute deal, but it's never guaranteed and availability is often more limited.

What's a good price for car hire in London?

A good deal for car hire in London is usually around Rs60,302 per day or less. That's about 25% cheaper than the average price in London, which is Rs80,403 per day. The cheapest price we found in London is Rs1,866 per day with Firefly for Medium car hire.

Can I drive my hire car to another country?

It depends on the car hire company. Some companies in London will let you drive your hire car abroad, often for an extra fee, while others don't allow it. If you're planning to cross a border, check with the car hire company before you travel. Driving your hire car abroad without permission could invalidate your insurance or break the terms of your rental agreement.

Can I hire a car without a credit card in London?

It depends on the car hire company. Some accept debit cards, others require a credit card. Either way, you'll need enough money on your card to cover a security deposit which you'll get back when you return the car.

Can I book a one-way car hire in London?

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.

Is it worth renting a car in London?

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 London.

Can under 25s hire cars in London?

Yes, you can hire a car in London from the age of 21. You'll need a valid driving licence and the usual ID. If you're under 25, you might need to pay a young driver fee, and some car hire companies only let you book certain types of car. When you search on Skyscanner, just enter your age and we'll show you the options available.

How much does it cost to rent an economy car in London?

The cheapest price we found for an economy car is Rs2,551 per day. The average price per day is around Rs34,519.

I have young children. Can you hire car seats in London?

Of course. Most major car hire companies like Green Motion, U-Save and Drivalia offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.

What's the best car hire company in London?

The best car hire company depends on what's most important to you. If customer ratings are your priority, here are some of the highest-rated car hire companies in London, based on Skyscanner reviews. We've also included their average daily prices to help you compare your options.
Surprice
4.8/5 (from 1 reviews)
Average daily price: Rs38,176
Europcar
4.7/5 (from 2463 reviews)
Average daily price: Rs26,239
Budget
4.7/5 (from 1110 reviews)
Average daily price: Rs30,996

Do I need car hire excess insurance in London?

You don't have to get it, but it's worth thinking about. In London, the excess (what you pay if the car gets damaged or stolen) ranges from Rs559,809 to Rs1,122,232 depending on who you book with. The cost of excess insurance also varies by car hire company. You can buy excess insurance separately, which is usually cheaper than buying it through the car hire company.

How long do people usually hire a car in London for?

Most people hiring a car in London book it for 1 days. If you're deciding how long to go for, here's what you can expect to pay on average:
1 day: Rs80,403
1 week: Rs343,032
2 weeks: Rs686,064
1 month: Rs897,963
If your travel dates are flexible, try changing the dates and number of days when you're comparing prices on Skyscanner. A few extra days can sometimes work out cheaper.

Can I add an extra driver to my car hire in London?

Yes. Most car hire companies in London let you add an extra driver. You usually need to pay an additional driver fee which costs around Rs4,935 per day. The good news is that some companies like Turo include it at no extra cost.