London Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around London

Renting a car in London offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for families or those travelling with luggage, as a rental car allows for easy management of your belongings while visiting iconic attractions. With your own vehicle, you can effortlessly drive to Hyde Park for a relaxing outdoor experience, Buckingham Palace to immerse yourself in culture, or Tower Bridge to appreciate its historic significance.

Additionally, having a car makes it convenient to explore popular neighbourhoods such as Canary Wharf, where you can visit One Canada Square and the Museum of London Docklands, or the vibrant Covent Garden, home to attractions like Piccadilly Circus and Big Ben. Navigating through London is manageable, and with a rental car, you can create a flexible itinerary that suits your interests, whether you seek family-friendly activities or cultural experiences. This way, you can make the most of your visit while enjoying the comfort and convenience that a rental car provides.

Most popular car rentals in London

• Midsize SUV: Accommodates 5 travellers with up to 3 large suitcases, making it an excellent choice for families, couples, or small groups. The spacious interior allows for comfortable travel while providing ample room for luggage. This option is perfect for those who value both comfort and capacity, especially when planning to explore attractions in and around London at your own pace.
• Economy: This car type accommodates 5 travellers with up to 2 medium suitcases, making it ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families looking for a budget-friendly option. The economy car offers a practical solution for navigating London’s streets, providing flexibility and ease of travel without compromising on comfort. Its compact size also allows for easier parking in busy areas.
• Compact: The compact car is designed to accommodate 5 travellers with up to 3 medium suitcases. This option is well-suited for solo travellers, couples, or families who appreciate the balance of space and manoeuvrability. It provides a comfortable ride while being easy to handle in urban settings, making it a popular choice for those wanting to explore London and its vicinity with convenience.

Top rated car suppliers in London

• Hertz: With 10 rental locations throughout London, Hertz is a popular choice for travellers seeking flexibility. Known for friendly service and clean vehicles, this supplier has an overall rating of 7 out of 10. Their most booked models include Midsize SUVs and Compacts, making it easy to find the right fit for your journey. Renting from Hertz allows you to explore the attractions of London at your own pace.
• Budget: Budget operates more than 5 rental locations in London, offering convenience for those looking to rent a car. With an overall rating of 7 out of 10, Budget is recognised for providing good value. Their most popular vehicles include Compact SUVs and Midsize cars, making it a suitable option for various travel needs. Budget's competitive pricing and accessible locations make it a reliable choice for your trip.
• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo Rent A Car has over 5 rental locations in London, making car rental easy and accessible. They are particularly known for their Midsize SUVs and Compact SUVs, catering to a range of preferences. While their overall rating is not specified, Alamo's focus on customer satisfaction ensures a pleasant rental experience. With their convenient locations, you can enjoy exploring London with ease.

Where to stay in London

• London City Centre: London City Centre is a vibrant neighbourhood ideal for family and culture-themed experiences. You can enjoy a variety of activities such as shopping and visiting theatres, all within close proximity to iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge. For outdoor relaxation, Hyde Park offers a beautiful urban park setting. The area is also rich in dining options, including local restaurants and pubs, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
• Canary Wharf: Known for its modern skyline, Canary Wharf is a bustling area popular with families and culture enthusiasts. Visitors can explore key attractions such as One Canada Square and the Museum of London Docklands, both offering a glimpse into the city's rich history and entertainment scene. The neighbourhood boasts a variety of shopping areas and dining options, including pubs and restaurants, making it a great choice for those seeking a lively atmosphere.
• Hammersmith and Fulham: Hammersmith and Fulham is a family-friendly borough offering a blend of city life and outdoor activities. Attractions such as the BBC Television Centre and the nearby urban park provide opportunities for cultural exploration and relaxation. The area is also known for its shopping and dining options, with numerous restaurants and pubs available. Notably, both Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace are within reach, adding to the allure of this vibrant neighbourhood.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilize filters on Expedia to help you discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it is advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are likely to obtain lower rates and better availability, especially during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller cars typically come at a lower rental cost and are easier to park in busy areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—may not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid incurring extra charges. This is usually the most favourable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling choices, which are acceptable as well—just ensure 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, but it may be worthwhile for the added convenience.
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 in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It is straightforward to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to steer clear of extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is required to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around London

The best value period to rent a car in and around London is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. This month is followed closely by March and November, which also offer fairly reasonable rates and lower demand. June and July see a rise in prices and demand, making them the busiest months for rentals. December, however, stands out as the most expensive month, with average demand continuing through the holiday season.

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	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
March	45.0°F (7.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately 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	Moderately High	Slightly High
July	64.9°F (18.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately 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	Moderately High	Average
October	54.5°F (12.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	47.1°F (8.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
December	42.8°F (6.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High

Thanks to Expedia, car hire in London starts at only per day. With several factors coming into play, the total cost of car rentals in London depends on the type of car, the rental length and the dates you want to rent it. You can snag budget car hire in London by booking your getaway during the low season, from January to April. With more affordable rates on car rental, accommodation and airfares, you can also enjoy fewer crowds.

Finding some of the best deals for cheap car rentals in London

If you're on the hunt for cheap car hire in London, Expedia has got the goods. Get started by entering your travel dates and selecting the "Great deal" filter. With Expedia’s pocket-friendly prices on London rental cars, you can compare a range of options to suit your travel needs. Plus, when you pay in advance, you can spend less! London’s low season, January to April, offers additional discounts for an affordable holiday. This bustling British city is busy year round, but these few months boast some of the best prices on London car rental deals. This means that you can splurge a little extra on a musical theatre show or drinks at the pub! If you have a coupon or discount code, simply use our filters to find applicable car rental providers and enjoy exclusive prices.

Best car rental companies in London

When looking for vehicle hire in London, Expedia’s search function helps you narrow down the choices so you can find the car that’s right for you. The reputable car hire companies you can choose from include Enterprise, Hertz and Sixt and the options include everything from budget to luxury cars and 4WD and hybrid vehicles.

Best places to rent a car in London

If you’re flying directly to London, there are a few different airports to choose from. The United Kingdom’s capital city has six main airports including Heathrow (LHR), London City Airport (LCY), Gatwick (GBR) and Stansted (STN). Hiring a car from one of these airports offers a fuss-free journey through our booking process. Browse Expedia’s selection of rental cars in London, choose the best airport and get a booking today. From planning your route to travelling roads less known, you can’t beat the freedom of running to the rhythm of your own engine.

London car rental types

Whether you’re planning a day trip or a week-long getaway, finding the best car rental deals in London is easy with Expedia. If you want to get out of the city and embark on an adventure, an SUV car rental or midsize vehicle might be a better choice because they typically have more room so you can take your luggage with you. Smaller vehicles, such as an economy car or compact car, are affordable and versatile options that are best for fuel efficiency, parking in tight spaces and zipping around the city streets. If you’re planning a romantic London getaway, hiring a luxury car can help you set the mood and keep things classy.

Advice on car rental in London

If you’re planning to rent a car in London, you'll need to be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver's licence and credit card. While a handful of providers are willing to rent to drivers who are younger than 21 years old, the rental price will include a surcharge for younger drivers. If you're looking to splurge and want to hire a car in London, be prepared for higher age limits on large vehicles. This means that premium SUVs and luxury models won’t necessarily be available for all younger drivers. Before you book, be sure to read the fine print and check out the full terms, conditions and policies of London car hire on Expedia.

Benefits of booking a car rental in London with Expedia

No matter what type of getaway you’re planning, budget car hire in London is fuss-free with Expedia. With plenty of options on offer, our car rental deals in London can help you to make the most of your trip. Public transport is great up to a point but having your own vehicle means you aren’t restricted by timetables, buying tickets and battling queues. Plus, you can easily take your luggage with you Whether you want to explore the countryside or tick all the city highlights off your bucket list, Expedia can help you find the car to get you on your journey.

*Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms may apply.