CAR HIRE IN LONDON

Whether you’re arriving in London via train or plane, we have you covered with car rental locations across the city. Search our A–Z list of London car hire locations to find the most convenient option for you. Flying in or out of London? No problem. We have easily-accessible, 24-hour vehicle drop-off locations at Gatwick Airport South, London City Airport and London Heathrow (T3–4 and T5). And with full, fee-free cancellation guaranteed, all you have to do is look forward to hitting the road.

There are a couple important things you need to know when driving in London. First, while we try to make your driving experience in the city as comfortable as possible, there is still a lot of traffic. The busy streets are full of cars and cyclists, with over half a million cycle journeys across London every day. If you want to avoid the city centre, you can get on the M25, also known as the London Orbital, to circle the outskirts of the city. Part of Zone 1 in central London has a congestion charge due to the heavy traffic as well as a speed restriction of 20mph (31km/h). Second, several London hire locations fall inside or just on the outskirts of the Congestion Charge zone.

Congestion Charge 
Drivers entering central London must have permits when driving within the congestion zones (look out for the Congestion Charge signs). The charge is payable on a daily basis. The official site has maps and full details on pricing, when you need to pay and how to pay the charge.

Dartford Crossing
You will see notifications about a charge as you pass through the Dartford Crossing. You don’t need to do anything, or pay the fee in advance, as we will make the payment on your behalf. The crossing fee will be charged to the payment card registered to your rental within 14 days of the authority notifying us of the crossing, with no additional costs included.

Our large range of London hire cars means that no matter where you are or what you’re doing, you’ll always have the perfect vehicle to accompany you on your London adventure. If you’re planning to swerve through London’s quaint streets in style, then our range of small cars might be right up your alley. Or perhaps you’re planning to explore Greater London with the kids in tow? Our range of large cars and people carriers will be more your style. Explore the full Avis car rental fleet and find a ride to suit every occasion.

The UK capital has so much to offer. Park your London car rental in the city and explore numerous attractions such as world-class museums, landmarks, shops and a wide variety of restaurants. 

Popular Attractions

It wouldn’t be a trip to London without a visit to the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Luckily, many of London’s hot spots are conveniently car-friendly. If you’re planning to visit the Queen at Buckingham Palace, you can park at the safe and secure Q-Park Victoria – just a short walk away from the palace itself. Or if royal jewels pique your interest, The Tower of London is only a short, scenic walk away from secure underground parking via The Circle. Parking at Q-Park Westminster is also perfect for hitting a few hot-spots at once: take in the iconic Big Ben, Palace of Westminster, Downing Street and Whitehall in one go. 

Museums and Culture
London is sometimes described as a city of villages. It's made up of distinct neighbourhoods – from upmarket Chelsea and Hampstead, to decadent Soho and edgy Shoreditch. Many neighbourhoods boast a variety of museums, like the Tate Modern in Southwark or the National Portrait Gallery in Covent Garden. On your trip, make sure to visit the independent bookshops and delicatessens of Notting Hill, as well as see the famous blue door from the movie, in west London. You can also visit east London by taking a cruise boat out to Greenwich to visit the Cutty Sark and Maritime Museum, the Meridian line and the Royal Observatory or simply cruise there on your own in your Avis rental car.

Shopping
Don't miss the opportunity to take advantage of London’s ample retail options from restaurants to street markets. There is the ever-famous Oxford Street for the traditional London experience but there’s much more to the city. Try Old Spitalfields market or Brick Lane in east London for new and vintage clothing, furniture and bric-a-brac; Camden Lock in north London for original designer clothes, one-off artwork and furnishings; and Borough Market in south London for an extensive selection of international foods. If your interest lies in antiques, head over to Portobello Road, West London, on a Saturday and explore the antiquities of one of London’s most renowned streets.

Nightlife
While the capital of the United Kingdom is alive during the day it is no less busy at night. London's Theatreland, centred on Shaftesbury Avenue, is famous worldwide. The city has numerous music venues which frequently attract world class acts and performers. Be sure to make the most of the cultural experiences on offer and enjoy the swift travel experience with Avis while you are in London.

Which side of the road?
In the United Kingdom, please drive on the left side of the road.

Country driving laws

• Mobile phones may only be used with a headset or hands-free device
• There is a congestion charge payable when driving in London
•  Use the outside lane to overtake on motorways and dual carriageways, however, only overtake on the right side of the road. Overtaking on the left could result in prosecution for dangerous driving. 

   

• Zebra crossings (black and white stripes on the road) give pedestrians right of way to cross the road

Speed Limits
All speed signs will be in miles per hour (mph).
For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers:

Urban areas:
lowest 20 mph (31 km/h, for congested city centres like central London) and usually 30mph (48km/h) Motorways: 70 mph (112 km/h)
Rural areas: 60 mph (96 km/h). Unless indicated by road signs.


Child safety / Seatbelt laws

• It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt
• Children aged under 12 or less than 135cm tall must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size

Please note, it is the child’s parent / guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.

This road rules information is for provided for general guidance only. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk.

If you fancy a day trip out of the centre of London, why not head off in your Avis car rental to one of these destinations close by?

Windsor – in easy reach of London hire locations (26 mile/42km drive from central London)

A little over an hours’ drive from London, via the M4, is the riverside town of Windsor. Visit the magnificent Windsor castle, the family home of British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years and an undeniable piece of British history. Take a stroll along the Long Walk to the Copper Horse statue, for great views of the castle and surrounding area. Cross the town bridge over to Eton for a stroll along the high street, lined with medieval buildings and inns, and a catch a glimpse of the famous school, founded by King Henry VI in 1440.

Hire a London rental and explore Syon Park (10 mile/16km drive from central London)

Open to the public between March and October each year, Syon Park is in the London suburb of Brentford, and a 40-minute drive from central London. It’s one of the best-preserved historic houses in London. With its classical interiors, rooms full of precious art and history, as well as its gorgeous, landscaped gardens and parklands, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Henley-on-Thames by hire car (37 mile/60km drives from central London)

Famous for the annual Henley Royal Regatta, Henley is a picturesque town you can spend hours exploring. Go for afternoon tea and cruise along the river bank watching the boats sail by. From Central London it’s about an hour and 30 minutes’ drive, via the M4. A relaxed 37 mile trip in a comfortable Avis hire car.

Stonehenge – an awe-inspiring prehistoric monument 94 miles (150 km) from London

If you’ve never seen Stonehenge, the site is certainly worth a day trip from London. Shrouded in mystery and intrigue, the origins and significance of Stonehenge are largely unknown. Was it a burial ground, place of ritual or worship? Take a wander around the iconic site and decide for yourself. Located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, Stonehenge is about a 90 mile drive from London proper. Combine the trip with a visit to the nearby town of Bath – a city in Somerset renowned for its Roman-built baths and revered for its heritage, archaeology and outstanding examples of ancient engineering.

Eager to mosey through the British countryside and delight in all that London’s surrounds have to offer?

When should I visit London?

While London is beautiful all year round, you may want to avoid peak season – particularly if you’re planning to hire a car in London. If you visit London in spring, you can enjoy longer daylight hours and miss the frenzy of summer tourists. Temperatures are quite moderate and tend to range between 11° and 15°C (52° and 59°F). If you do decide to visit London during peak season, you can escape the sweltering heat with our air-conditioned London car rentals: the perfect way to comfortably navigate the city and its surrounds.     

How do I choose the right rental car for my stay in London?

Finding the perfect London rental car will depend entirely on your travel plans and individual needs.  With us, you will find a comprehensive range of rental cars for your every need – whether you’re looking for a compact car to cruise through London’s busy streets, a large car ideal for moving the entire family, or a luxury car perfect for impressing clients while on business trips.

What are the age requirements for hiring a rental car in London?

To drive our vehicles, you – and all your drivers – must be at least 21 years old and have held a full valid driver's licence for at least ½ year at the start of your rental. If you – or one of your drivers – are under the age of 25 when the vehicle is collected, a young driver surcharge will apply to each of you. There are no age restrictions as long as you have held a full valid driver's licence for at least ½ year.

Can I pick up my rental car in London and return it at another location?

Yes, with the Avis one-way rental that's not a problem. Pick up your one-way rental car at one of our locations throughout the United Kingdom or Europe and return it at another rental location at the end of your trip.

What measures does Avis take to ensure my safety?

We take the utmost care to provide the highest levels of safety at our facilities and in our vehicles. This includes using counter screens to observe social distancing protocols, providing hand sanitisers, and carefully cleaning every vehicle before each rental – with special attention paid to steering wheels, indicators, dashboards, hand grips, in-car entertainment controls, cup holders, centre consoles, and all door handles both inside and out. Read the Avis Safety Pledge for more info.

Weekend car hire in London

Avis makes weekend car hire in London simple. If you’re looking for weekend car hire in London, Avis not only gives you access to a superb range of vehicles, but our car hire branches are conveniently located across the city, as well as at airports and train stations. Simply select the pick-up location in London that suits you best to get you started on your trip.

Avis offers a vehicle for every type of weekend getaway, whether you’re planning a romantic weekend escape, you have a special occasion to attend, or you’re visiting friends or family. Show up in style in a sporty convertible, treat the whole family to a weekend away in a family-sized saloon, or opt for a great value compact economy car, among others. Not only that but you can also benefit from a choice of useful extras, such as unlimited mileage, GPS, child seats and the option to include additional drivers.

Avis van hire in London

What do you need to shift? Our new van rental fleet spans small hire vans, perfect for that weekend DIY project; medium vans, well-suited to hauling rolls of carpet, heavy floor tiles, or moving the kids to university; and large hire vans to accommodate some or all your worldly goods.

When you need to carry big loads and people, our six-seater van is the perfect answer. It comes equipped with rear parking sensors and cruise control for a relaxed driving experience, and boasts a multi-function display, USB ports and a plush interior. Just the job for a family adventure or a work trip.    
Discover Avis UK van rentals