The moment you arrive, we’ve got you covered. Whether you fancy a cute compact for an urban jaunt, an elegant saloon for a business trip or a spacious people carrier for a family holiday, your perfect vehicle awaits.We’ll pack all the extras you need to get the most from your venture – from sat nav and super-fast mobile Wi-Fi, to our tailored range of child seats.  And, you don’t have to drive full circle: why not make the most of one way car hire?

London City Airport is located less than 10 km from the iconic sights and attractions of London’s city centre. If you are heading into the capital, exit the airport onto Hartmann Road and then follow signs for the A1020, A1261 and A1203 which will take you towards London Bridge, the City of London and the West End. The A4200 will bring you up to north London, or use Southwark Bridge to cross the River Thames and take the A3 towards south London.

London’s Orbital Motorway, the M25, encircles most of London and is the best way to cross from one side of the city to another, without needing to go through the city centre. If you are heading away from London, the M20 will take you south-east towards Southampton, the M4 goes west towards Bristol  and the M1 is the key route for northern destinations.

Keep in mind that in central London there is a congestion charge at peak traffic times and some roads in and around London have tolls. Parking is plentiful and you’ll find both metered parking and long- and short-stay car parks throughout the city.

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 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.

Not only is London City Airport conveniently placed for central London, but its close proximity to the M25 connects it to many of Britain’s major motorways. So, if you’re planning to drive to destinations further afield, you’ll have quick access to many places.

Brighton is a must-visit destination, less than a two-hour drive south of London. Once you arrive, park up and put your best foot forward—it’s time to explore the city’s shopping, café culture and gorgeous seafront.

Just one hour straight up the M11 brings you to the historic city of Cambridge with its centuries-old buildings, famous university and charming pubs. Or if a country retreat is more your thing, a journey west along the M40 brings you to the unique beauty of the Cotswolds. From here you can drive on to Bristol to discover its cultural scene, or go sightseeing in Bath.

The M20 brings you directly down to Dover and the ferries for mainland Europe, while the M1 connects you to the north for destinations including Manchester and Leeds.

Avis Preferred: Our customer loyalty programme rewards our loyal customers with a series of benefits. We know your time is precious, and that’s why we prepare your paperwork in advance. When you come to our branch, you just need to show your driving licence – we won’t ask for your autograph. Sign up online before you travel – the programme is completely free.

Breakdown assistance: A breakdown in one of our vehicles is highly unlikely but our breakdown assistance service means you can tackle any journey worry-free.

Optional extras

Child seats: If you’re travelling with children, make sure you book child seats when you reserve your vehicle.

Satellite navigation: Driving in London can take a bit of getting used to, but with our satellite navigation system it needn’t be stressful. Make sure you’re on the right road from the word go by requesting this service when you make your booking.

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

When you land at London City 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?

I’ you've rented a car from a different Avis hub but wish to return it at London City 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. However, most of our cars in our London rental hubs will have winter tyres available.