Find the perfecr car hire at London Gatwick Airport
The United Kingdom’s second largest airport, handling more than 45 million passengers every year, Gatwick Airport is a convenient springboard into London’s skyscraping architecture and vibrant culture.
Its proximity to the major motorways that lead out of the buzzing English capital make Gatwick Airport a gateway into the quintessential British towns scattered throughout London’s leafy peripheries, as well as the pretty beaches along the south coast, including the spirited shores of Brighton.
Where to find Avis at Gatwick Airport (LGW)
If you’re flying into Gatwick, once you get to arrivals follow the yellow Car Rental signs down to the ground floor. Take a right out of the building and you’ll find the Car Rental building approximately a minute’s walk away.
For those arriving into the North Terminal, there’s a free 24-hour shuttle service available. Located next to the South Terminal train station, it’ll get you to the Avis counter in 10 minutes.
Please note, if you’re being dropped off at the airport to collect your vehicle, there is now a drop off and pick up zone charge applicable.
Returning your vehicle outside our store opening hours? Our Gatwick Airport returns map provides clear instructions on how to use our out of hours drop box.
Avis services at Gatwick Airport South Terminal
Whether you’re in need of a large SUV for your family or an eco-friendly electric vehicle to zip around the city, 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
Add the extras you need when you book, including GPS navigation, child safety seats and additional driver cover. Our friendly team is on hand to help you choose the right car for your plans.
Plan your journey: How to get from Gatwick Airport to central London by car
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, depending on traffic. Add another 30 minutes if you’re aiming for central London. Which route you take will depend on which part of London you’re travelling to:
Via M23 and A23 - Direct route
Best for: Central, South or West London (Westminster, Soho and Lambeth)
Via M23 and M25
Best for: East or Southeast London (Canary Wharf, Greenwich and London Bridge)
Gatwick Airport car rental FAQs
What are the age requirements for hiring a car at Gatwick Airport?
The minimum age depends on the country and the car group you choose, and a young driver surcharge may apply to drivers under 25. Check the rental terms shown during booking for the exact requirements. Drivers also need a full, valid driving licence, so bring yours when you collect the car.
Can I pick up my hire car at Gatwick Airport and return it to another location?
Yes. One-way rental with Avis lets you collect your car at Gatwick Airport and return it to another Avis location. Availability and any one-way fee depend on your route, so check when you book. Many Avis locations also offer 24-hour drop-off, which makes one-way trips more flexible.
Can I return my hire car late at night at Gatwick Airport?
Yes. Gatwick Airport South Terminal offers 24-hour vehicle drop-off, so you can return your car whenever your flight allows.
Is it worth hiring a car at Gatwick Airport?
Gatwick is well connected to London by train, so a car is not essential if you are staying in the city. It comes into its own for the south coast, the Sussex countryside and the Surrey Hills, where public transport is more limited. Brighton is around 40 minutes away by car.
Will I pay the London Congestion Charge if I drive into London from Gatwick?
Gatwick sits outside the Congestion Charge zone, but the charge applies if you drive into central London, and it is payable daily. The official Transport for London site has maps and full details. All vehicles in our fleet meet ULEZ emissions standards and are exempt from the ULEZ charge.
Tips for driving in London
Whether you’re going to be driving in the UK for the first time or simply want to brush up on your highway code, check out our helpful guides:
London Congestion Charge
This hire station is not in the London Congestion Charge zone, but 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.
London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)
In a bid to improve air quality, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has been expanded to cover all of Greater London. We’re pleased to say that all the vehicles in our fleet meet the ULEZ emissions standards and are exempt from the ULEZ 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.
Other nearby locations
Explore London with your hire car
Londoners will tell you their city is the greatest city in the world and it’s hard to argue with them.
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.
Road trips from London
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 Southern coastal towns. 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.
Why choose Avis for your Gatwick Airport South Terminal car hire?
- Fully flexible
Enjoy fee-free flexible booking with full cash refunds and no vouchers.
- Fully flexible
- Savings on coverage
When you choose Avis Inclusive you can experience total peace of mind with no extras or surprises. Pay one upfront price for free Roadside Assistance Plus and 25% discount on comprehensive zero-excess cover.
- Savings on coverage
- Loyalty benefits
Join our free loyalty programme Avis Preferred, and benefit from priority service, discounts and more.
- Loyalty benefits
- Safety first
From our well-maintained fleet to protecting your data, we take safety seriously. That means before each rental our vehicles are safety checked and cleaned in line with hygiene protocols.
- Safety first
- Faster collection
Save time at the counter by registering your details in advance with our simple and free QuickPass. You could be on the road sooner than you think.
- Faster collection
- VIP treatment
Get priority counter service on collection with Avis Preferred. At our larger locations you can use our Avis app to go straight to your car where the keys will be waiting for you.
- VIP treatment