In this article, I explain what you need to know about car rental in London.
Here you'll find
- Where to rent a car
- Documents required to do so
- The average price of a car rental in London
- My rental tips and tricks
- Practical information: rates, savings, etc.
- Excursion ideas
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about car hire in London, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Car rental London : article summary
Where to rent a car in London
The first question you might ask about renting a car in London is : is this a good idea? The English capital is known for its heavy traffic and city-center restrictions, and driving in London can be an intense experience.
But for travellers planning to leave the cityIf you want to explore the surrounding area, or even take a full road trip around the country, renting a car in London is an excellent option!
Cities like Cambridge, Brighton or Canterbury are well worth the trip, and you're free to discover them, with a car.
For car rental in London, you can choose between :
- Branches located in London airports
- Downtown rental agencies
- Those on the outskirts
Among the best known are Alamo, Drivalia, Europcar, Keddy, Hertz, Sixt and Aviswith some fifteen companies offering this service in the capital.
Car hire in London: how much will it cost in 2025?
Contrary to what you might think, car rental rates in London are not excessive. They vary according to several criteria - type of vehicle, length of rental, the season in which you will visit the city - and I give you the average rates, as an indication:
- From €32 to €36 / day on average, in off-peak periods: January, February (cheapest), March, October and November
- Between 37€ and 57€ / day during the most popular tourist seasons: April, May, June, July (the most expensive), August, September and October. December
You can add the price of petrol (around €1.80 / liter in 2025) and any insurance, to calculate your budget.
If you plan ahead and compare offers, you can find rentals at 20 per day. To do so, use the comparison tool available on our partner site.
What documents do I need to rent a car in London?
Here are the documents and conditions for renting a car in London, to help you arrive well prepared.
What documents do rental agencies ask for?
You will need to present :
- A driver's license Valid driver's license. Permits for any additional drivers. Please note that a French driver's license is accepted, but an international license may be required depending on your nationality.
- A identity document (identity card / passport)
- A credit card. If you book online, the card must be the same as the one you used to make the reservation.
Who can rent a car in London?
All visitors to over 21 can rent a car in London. As a general rule, 2 years' driving experience is required to rent a car.
Please note, however, that additional charges may apply for under-25s, depending on the type of vehicle chosen.
Car hire London: Practical tips and recommendations
I'd like to give you some additional information that will be useful when renting a car in the English capital.
How to get the best rental rates?
The best option, to take advantage of the most advantageous rates, is to compare offers in advance and book online. The earlier you book, the lower the rates.
I invite you to use the services of our partner, to compare and reserve your vehicle. This will enable you to up to 70% in savingsYou'll benefit from a 24/7 assistance service, as well as free cancellation in the event of a change of plan.
How long do I rent for?
The average duration of a car rental in London is 7 days because travelers who choose this solution often take a road trip, going from town to town.
It is possible to return the vehicle to a different branch of the one you're renting in, which is very practical!
If you're visiting the capital for a while short staybut still want to get out of town once or twice, there's nothing to stop you opting for 1 or 2-day rental.
What about driving in London?
We drive on the left! After a little getting used to, it's not so different. As for the rest, driving in city centers is not always pleasant, and traffic regulations can complicate matters.
Please refer to my article on driving in Londonto find out more.
Where to park in London?
There are a number of parking in LondonIn the center of town or on the outskirts, close to metro stations. This can be very convenient.
But if you really want to simplify your life, I recommend you book a hotel with parking !
Where to go by car from London: my suggested excursions!
We've seen it: there's no shortage of excursions outside London!
In addition to the cities mentioned above, I recommend you visit Oxfordfor a guaranteed change of scenery. From its castle to its prison, through its gardens and its famous universityIt's a visit that will leave a lasting impression.
Enjoy the discovery!
What to do in London in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special London guide.
It's free and in PDF format.
All you have to do is tell me below which e-mail address you'd like to receive it at.
EDIT: you can't enter your email?
Take the quiz at the top of this article and you'll be able to register your email address to receive the special London guide!
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