The Shard Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental around The Shard

Renting a car around The Shard offers significant freedom and flexibility for your sightseeing adventures in London. With a rental vehicle, you can explore nearby attractions at your own pace, making it easier to manage your luggage and adapt your travel plans as needed. Not far from The Shard, you can visit the historic Tower Bridge, located less than 1 km away, which provides a cultural experience. If you fancy a trip to the iconic Big Ben, it's a short drive of 3 km from your location. Additionally, the modern London Bridge, also less than 1 km away, is another excellent spot to include in your itinerary. Having a car allows you to navigate the bustling streets of London and the London City Centre, where you can experience famous sites such as Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace with ease. Furthermore, the vibrant Canary Wharf is only 4 km away, offering attractions like One Canada Square and the Museum of London Docklands. Whether you're seeking urban experiences or historical insights, a rental car makes exploring the area around The Shard both convenient and enjoyable.

Most popular car rentals near The Shard

• Compact: The Compact car is a popular choice for those visiting The Shard, accommodating up to 5 travellers along with 3 medium suitcases. This option is perfect for solo adventurers, couples, or families seeking an economical and easy-to-manoeuvre vehicle. With its size and practicality, a Compact car allows you to navigate London's streets effortlessly while enjoying the freedom to explore nearby attractions at your own pace.
• Midsize SUV: Ideal for families, couples, or small groups, the Midsize SUV accommodates 5 travellers and up to 3 large suitcases. This car type offers a balance of space and comfort, enabling you to travel with ease while providing ample room for luggage. Renting a Midsize SUV around The Shard means you'll have the flexibility to embark on spontaneous excursions without worrying about space constraints.
• Fullsize SUV: When travelling in larger groups, the Fullsize SUV is the perfect option, accommodating 6 travellers with the capacity for either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This car type is designed for families or groups who require more space and comfort during their travels. Choosing a Fullsize SUV near The Shard ensures that everyone can enjoy the journey together, with enough room for all your belongings and an enjoyable driving experience.

Top rated car suppliers near The Shard

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo features 5 rental locations, with the nearest just 2 km away from The Shard. This supplier is popular among travellers for its efficient service and well-maintained vehicles. The most booked cars include Midsize SUVs and Compacts, making it a suitable choice for various travel needs. Many customers appreciate Alamo's streamlined pickup process and the cleanliness of their cars, ensuring a pleasant rental experience.
• Sixt: Sixt operates 2 rental locations, with the closest being 4 km from The Shard. Known for its modern fleet, Sixt offers a selection of Compact and Midsize SUVs that cater to different preferences. Travellers often commend Sixt for its competitive pricing and the quality of the vehicles. The ease of booking and the attentive service provided by the staff further enhance the rental experience for customers.
• Enterprise: With over 5 rental locations, Enterprise is conveniently situated just 1 km from The Shard. This supplier is favoured for its outstanding customer service and flexible rental options. The most popular choices among customers are Midsize SUVs and Compacts, which provide comfort and practicality. Enterprise consistently receives positive feedback regarding its helpful staff and smooth check-in process, making it an excellent option for both leisure and business travellers.

Where to stay near The Shard

• London City Centre: Staying in London City Centre places you right at the heart of the action, with The Shard as a stunning focal point. This vibrant neighbourhood offers a plethora of activities, including shopping areas, theatres, and various dining options. Nearby attractions like Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, and Tower Bridge are all accessible, making it ideal for family, city, and culture-themed experiences.
• Canary Wharf: Located 4 km from The Shard, Canary Wharf is a bustling district known for its modern skyscrapers and entertainment venues. Perfect for travellers interested in culture and entertainment, it features theatres and a lively shopping scene. Explore notable sites like One Canada Square and the Museum of London Docklands, while enjoying the local dining options, including restaurants and drinking pubs.

10 tips to save on your car rental around The Shard

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you're in need of an SUV for added space, a convertible for those summer days, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilise filters on Expedia to discover the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's wise to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you're more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy greater 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 crowded 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 surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This could also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favourable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure that you return the car empty in this case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
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 unexpected costs and provides peace of mind should anything unforeseen occur during your trip. It's easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan to embark on long road trips, seek out rentals offering unlimited mileage to steer clear of extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car around The Shard

The best value period to rent a car around The Shard is February, when both prices and demand are low. March also offers a similar advantage, making it a great option for budget-conscious travellers. Following these months, April through June maintain average pricing and demand. In contrast, July sees a spike in demand and prices, making it one of the busiest times for rentals. December, often the most expensive month, also experiences high demand, rounding out the year with elevated rental costs.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	40.5°F (4.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	41.7°F (5.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
March	45.0°F (7.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
April	49.5°F (9.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	55.0°F (12.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
June	61.0°F (16.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
July	64.9°F (18.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Slightly High
August	64.6°F (18.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	60.4°F (15.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly Low
October	54.5°F (12.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	47.1°F (8.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly High
December	42.8°F (6.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Slightly High