Opening times
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Address
Hire a car from London City Airport
Our London City Airport car hire branch is conveninetly located only a few minutes' walk from the DLR and in close proximity to all major motorways as well as top attractions like the O2 and the Excel Centre Docklands.
The Avis desk is located in the Car Rental building outside the Terminal. This can be found by leaving through the main entrance and turning left. Once inside the car rental building, the middle one of the three desks is Avis.
Once you have collected your rental vehicle, please proceed to the Avis Park which is directly in front of the Car Rental Building to collect your car.
Opening Times
| Monday | 08:00 - 13:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 13:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 13:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 16:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 20:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 14:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 14:00 |
Popular car hire locations around London
Driving from London City Airport
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.
Returning your hire car to Avis London City Airport
Following signs for A13 Docklands and City Airport.
If you are returning your car outside opening hours, park the car in the Avis Car Hire Returns bays. Make note of mileage, fuel reading and date of time of arrival on document wallet. Put the keys inside the document wallet and take paperwork out. If the airport still open, please leave the keys at the Airport Information Desks. If closed, you must press the buzzer at the door of the Terminal to summon security and leave the keys with security.
Beyond London City Airport
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 universities 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.
Don't forget the London Congestion Charge
London City Airport is not in the London Congestion Charge zone, but drivers entering central London must have permits when driving within the congestion zones between 7am and 10pm, 7 days a week (look out for the Congestion Charge signs). The charge is payable on a daily basis. The official site has maps and details on 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.
Driving rules in United Kingdom
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.
Rent with Avis for London City Airport car hire on your terms. Here's what to expect:
- Fully flexible car hire
Amend or cancel your booking for free should your plans change, and get a full refund.
- Price Promise
You'll always get our best prices when booking on this site, or we’ll refund the difference.
- Fully flexible car hire
- Peace of mind vehicle cover
Our Comprehensive Zero-Excess cover product means no need to pay or claim.
- Our safety pledge is our commitment to keeping you safe
We’ve partnered with Reckitt Benckiser, Columbia University and Hip Hop Public Health to ensure we take every step we can to maintain your safety.
- Peace of mind vehicle cover
- Avis Inclusive
Enjoy worry-free rental with our inclusive rental package. For one upfront price, get free Roadside Assistance Plus and zero-excess cover at a 25% discounted rate.
- Digital check-in
Get to your car quickly and safely with our digital check-in service. Reduce your time spent at the counter by providing your details in advance.
- Avis Inclusive
- Avis Preferred tier extensions
We’ve extended our Avis Preferred tier statuses for an additional year, so you won’t lose out on any of the benefits you’ve acquired over time.
- VIP treatment
Get priority counter service with Avis Preferred. And with the Avis app, at our larger locations you can go straight to your car where they keys will be waiting.
- Avis Preferred tier extensions
Services and additional extras
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.