What kind of vehicle do you need? A large SUV for a big family? An eco-friendly compact car to zip around the city? Whatever you’re looking for, Avis car hire in Gatwick will have you covered. Our vehicles offer practicality, performance and comfort, so you can enjoy your trip as much as possible. Get in touch for more information about the exact models that are available.

Gatwick airport is located around 30 miles south of London. In your Avis hire car it’ll take you just over an hour to get into the capital, dependent on traffic. Add another 30 minutes if you’re aiming for central London. Scout London’s iconic landmarks—such as majestic Buckingham Palace, the contemporary 310m-high Shard and historic clock tower Big Ben or sail over London’s skyline in the London Eye to take in the lot.

Looking for something family friendly? London has a huge variety of museums and galleries, and most have permanent collections that are free to enter. The Natural History Museum is great for kids and offers unrivalled displays, including the impressive skeleton of Hope the Blue Whale suspended from the ceiling in Hinze Hall. Culture buffs should make a beeline for the British Museum, stacked with relics of bygone civilisations.

Succeeding the Bronze and Iron Age settlers who inhabited the banks of the River Thames around 3,000 years ago, it was the Roman Empire that first sowed the seeds of London’s refined and dynamic culture. Fast-forward a couple of millennia, and the metropolis’ reputation as leading design and world-class gastronomic hub precedes it. The story of the city's expansion can be seen in its architecture, from celebrated old buildings such as Big Ben and St Paul's to modern marvels, such as The Shard and Canary Wharf. Shop the achingly chic flagships along Bond Street, or the more purse-friendly Oxford Street, and chase your spree with something delicious from the thousands of eateries that punctuate the city.

There is so much to see and do in London. We’d particularly recommend spending some time in Greenwich, a delightful suburb in the south of London boasting the Cutty Sark, Greenwich University, the Maritime Museum and a fantastic bohemian market. If you’re looking to explore London by night, head to Soho where you’ll find great bars and clubs, and London’s bustling theatre district. 

Londoners will tell you their city is the greatest city in the world and it’s hard to argue with them. 

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
• 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 mph.

For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers:

• Urban areas: 30 mph (48 km/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 135 cm 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.

With car hire at Gatwick Airport, the bohemian lanes of Brighton are just a 45-minute drive away. The colourful seaside town is fringed by pebble-strewn shores and dotted with characterful boutique stores and fun drinking dens. Sample battered cod and chips to aptly cap an experience here—or source the British classic from another of the coastal-hugging towns skirting the base of England. The chalky cliffs framing Kent’s attractive coves—including Botany Bay—and the grassy sand dunes rolling out around Sussex are within a comfortable driving distance.

Alternatively, for a glimpse of charming English countryside, there are plenty of historic strongholds easily accessed from Gatwick Airport. Enjoy panoramic views of the tumbling landscapes surrounding the picturesque town of Guildford from the top of the Great Tower, a remnant from the medieval Guildford Castle. Hikers can ramble across the verdant South Downs National Park, easily accessible from Winchester. A destination that’s renowned for its myths and legends, its grandiose medieval cathedral is where King Arthur’s famous round table stands.

With so much of England’s historic south to discover, hire a car with Avis from Gatwick Airport to access all of it.

Where to go near Gatwick

• EXPLORING THE SOUTH COAST OF ENGLAND

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• A COUNTRY PUB ROAD TRIP THROUGH THE WEST COUNTRY

How do I collect my hire car at London Gatwick airport?

When you land at Gatwick Airport, head from the Arrivals hall to our desk. One of our members of staff will process your booking, and then you may proceed to collect your vehicle at the Car Rental Centre.

Can I return a rental car to the airport?

If you've rented a car from a different Avis hub but wish to return it at Gatwick Airport, then you must arrange your return prior to the commencement of your rental agreement. If you return your car to the airport without specifying in your rental contract, a fee will apply.

Do I need winter tyres to drive in the UK?

No, there is no legal requirement for passenger cars in the United Kingdom to be equipped with winter tyres.