London City Centre Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

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What you need to know for your London City Centre car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around London City Centre

Renting a car in London City Centre offers you the freedom to explore the city's attractions at your own pace. With a vehicle, you can conveniently visit landmarks such as Hyde Park, a beautiful urban park perfect for families and outdoor activities, and the historic Buckingham Palace, which provides a rich cultural experience. Additionally, Tower Bridge, another iconic site, is easily accessible by car. The flexibility of having a rental car means you can manage your luggage with ease, making it a practical choice for families or those with multiple bags. Beyond the City Centre, you can venture to nearby destinations like Canary Wharf, located 7 km away, where you can explore the Museum of London Docklands, or Covent Garden, just under 1 km away, known for its vibrant atmosphere and attractions like Piccadilly Circus and Big Ben. A rental car allows you to create a travel itinerary that suits your needs, whether you're interested in family-friendly outings or cultural experiences throughout London and its surroundings.

Most popular car rentals in London City Centre

  • Compact: This car type is perfect for accommodating up to 5 travellers with space for up to 3 medium suitcases. The Compact is an excellent choice for solo travellers, couples, or families, offering the freedom to navigate the busy streets of London City Centre with ease. Its smaller size makes parking simpler, allowing you to explore the city without the hassle of finding large parking spaces.
  • Midsize SUV: Ideal for families, couples, or small groups, the Midsize SUV comfortably seats up to 5 travellers while providing ample room for up to 3 large suitcases. This option combines the benefits of spacious interiors and additional luggage capacity, making it suitable for longer journeys or when travelling with more gear. With its robust build, the Midsize SUV is also great for tackling varied terrain while exploring the area.
  • Economy: The Economy car option is designed to accommodate 5 travellers and offers space for up to 2 medium suitcases. This choice is well-suited for solo travellers, couples, or families looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on comfort. The Economy car provides an efficient way to navigate London City Centre, allowing you to manage your luggage with ease while enjoying flexible travel plans.

Top rated car suppliers in London City Centre

  • Budget: Budget has 2 rental locations within the London City Centre, providing a convenient option for travellers seeking flexibility. Known for its Compact and Economy vehicles, Budget caters to those looking for economical choices while exploring the city. Customers appreciate the straightforward rental process and the ease of managing luggage, making it a practical choice for visitors.
  • Alamo Rent A Car: With over 5 rental locations in the London City Centre, Alamo Rent A Car is highly regarded for its excellent service and a well-maintained fleet. The most booked vehicles include Midsize SUVs and Compacts, perfect for those needing space or efficiency. Travellers often highlight the quick pickup process and friendly staff, ensuring a hassle-free experience while navigating the city's attractions.
  • Europcar: Europcar boasts 3 rental locations in the London City Centre, offering a diverse selection of vehicles, including popular Midsize and Standard SUVs. This supplier is praised for its competitive pricing and the cleanliness of its cars. Customers frequently mention the efficient drop-off process, making Europcar an appealing choice for those on a tight schedule or looking for ease during their journey.

Where to stay around London City Centre

  • London City Centre: As the heart of the metropolis, London City Centre offers a diverse range of activities for family, city, and culture-themed experiences. You can explore landmarks like Buckingham Palace, a historic palace suited for cultural holidays, and enjoy the sprawling greenery of Hyde Park, perfect for outdoor family adventures. With a variety of nearby restaurants, drinking pubs, and wineries, there's no shortage of dining options to enhance your stay.
  • Covent Garden: Located less than 1 km from London City Centre, Covent Garden is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, making it ideal for family and cultural experiences. Visitors can enjoy shopping in the market, catching a show at the theatre, or exploring local landmarks like Big Ben and Piccadilly Circus. This neighbourhood is also home to numerous restaurants and pubs, ensuring you're never far from delightful food and drink options.
  • Canary Wharf: Situated 7 km from London City Centre, Canary Wharf is known for its modern skyline and bustling commercial hub. It offers a unique blend of family, culture, and entertainment-themed experiences. Key points of interest include the impressive One Canada Square skyscraper and the Museum of London Docklands. Visitors can also enjoy a vibrant dining scene featuring restaurants and drinking pubs, making it an attractive area to stay while exploring the capital.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around London City Centre

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer driving, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to identify the ideal match for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in congested areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to making a booking.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements stipulate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others might provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which can also be acceptable. Just ensure that you return the car empty in this case.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: You will often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car from airports, although this may be worthwhile for the convenience it offers.
  7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It’s straightforward to add car rental insurance when booking with Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan to embark on long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s licence is required to hire a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around London City Centre

The best time to rent a car in and around London City Centre is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is at its lowest. March and May also offer decent value, with slightly lower prices and moderate demand. However, July tends to be the busiest month, with slightly high prices and moderate demand. December is typically the most expensive time for rentals, with higher demand levels, making it a busy period for car rentals in the city.

 

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconDemandprice iconPricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly High
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High

Information on Car Rentals

 
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Frequently asked questions

How much is a rental car per day in London City Centre?
The lowest daily price for a rental car in London City Centre within the past seven days was . In the comfort of your own set of wheels, it's easy to cruise to whichever sights are calling your name.
What happens if I need to cancel my London City Centre car reservation?
Don't stress. You should be given a full refund if you let us know a minimum of six hours ahead of the collection time. Your itinerary contains information about this, and so does our Customer Service Portal. Not all bookings will receive a refund though, so you may want to go over your rental policy.
What types of cars can I rent in London City Centre?
Ease of parking, affordability and superb mileage are just a few reasons compact vehicles are the top choice in London City Centre. Their smaller size makes them ideal for getting around the city. They're a great fit for couples, solo travellers and families on a budget. Of course, how you cruise around is your call! Go even smaller with a mini or economy, or give yourself more space with an intermediate or a full-size. Looking for luxury? Browse our premium options.
Where can I go on a road trip from London City Centre?
There are so many things to do in London City Centre, but head further afield and you'll find even more magic. Grab a set of wheels and you can cruise around the surrounding region at your leisure. Add these awesome drives to your itinerary:

  • Oxford is approximately 80 kilometres from London City Centre. Notable tourist spots like Christ Church College deserve to be at the top of your list here.
  • Around 177 kilometres away, Bristol is also a favourite with wanderers. Be sure to take in Cabot Circus Shopping Centre while you're in town. It's one of the reasons people love this city.
  • Norton Priory Museum is approximately 274 kilometres from London City Centre and is one of the region's most breathtaking nature spots. Stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh air.

How do I find the best car rental deals in London City Centre with Expedia?
Check ratings and reviews, choose your car type and compare offers from top providers. Expedia makes it easy to score the best deal on your rental wheels. Combine your London City Centre car rental with flight or hotel bookings and drive off with even more in your wallet.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in London City Centre?
If you're 21 and above, you can rent a vehicle in London City Centre. Keep in mind that rental companies will charge young drivers an extra fee, which is meant to cover the higher accident or damage risk involved. Also, young motorists are usually restricted from renting larger vehicles and luxury cars. Browse the terms and conditions before booking to avoid any surprises when you collect the keys.
What do you need to rent a car in London City Centre?
Your driver's licence and a credit card in the same name are necessities. Don't want to take out the company's insurance plan? In that case, you're also likely to need proof of your own coverage. Rules can differ between suppliers, so be sure to read through your policy.
What side of the road do you drive on in London City Centre?
Unlike the United States, people in London City Centre drive on the left-hand side. Having the driver's seat and some other controls on the opposite side can also take a bit of getting used to. Spend some time familiarising yourself with the vehicle and its quirks before driving away.
What is the cheapest car rental in London City Centre?
We looked into prices over the last seven days and found that the cheapest daily rate was . The second lowest price to rent a set of wheels in London City Centre was a day. These rates were available on Expedia, with a rental starting date within the next year. Prices and availability are subject to change and additional terms apply.
Can I rent a car for a month or longer in London City Centre?
Expedia makes it easy to find an affordable long-term rental in London City Centre. Simply click through to our long-term car rental deals page, enter your trip preferences and compare the offers.
Where can I find a London City Centre car rental if I am younger than 25?
If you're a younger driver looking to rent a car in London City Centre, we recommend reading the policies of the various rental companies you're interested in. Some may rent to drivers under the age of 25, some may not. Surcharges may apply if you're aged between 21 and 24. To escape any nasty surprises at the rental counter, make sure you know what those charges are if they apply to you.

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