London Southend Airport cheap car hire

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How much does London Southend Airport car hire cost throughout the year?

Our data shows that September is the cheapest month to rent a car from London Southend Airport. It’s around 40 € a day in September, compared to the yearly average which is 54 € a day.
Cheapest month avgSeptember • 40 €
Yearly avg price54 €

Car hire near London Southend Airport

If it's easier for you, there are lots of car hire pickup locations in London from €6.

The most popular car rental companies in London Southend Airport

London Southend Airport car hire: Facts on the fly

Average daily price139 €
Most popular carCompact, SUV
Cheapest price found33 €
Cheapest month to rentSeptember
Providers at London Southend Airport7
Most popular providerU-Save
Best time to book1 week before

Driving in London: What to expect on the road

Documents you'll need
You’ll need a valid licence and possibly an IDP.
To drive in London, you’ll need a driving licence held for at least a year. If it’s not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required. Most car hire companies also ask for a passport and credit card.
Navigating city driving
Expect one-way streets and left-hand driving.
Driving in London means handling narrow roads, bus lanes, and one-way systems. Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to avoid restricted zones and live traffic hotspots.
Tolls, emissions zones and charges
Central London has tolls and emissions charges.
The Congestion Charge and ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) apply in central London. Not all rental cars are exempt, so always check. Most fees can be paid online or in the TFL app. Some routes include toll roads.
Parking your car in London
Parking is limited and often expensive.
Many parking areas in London are residents-only or require pay-by-app. Look for multi-storey car parks, park-and-ride options, or hotels with parking. Avoid red routes, bus lanes, and loading zones to dodge fines.
Finding fuel or charging points
Fuel is available — EV charging needs planning.
Petrol stations in London are common but pricier in central zones. For electric vehicles, use Zap-Map or PlugShare to find EV charging stations in London. Some require local apps or cards — check access before your trip.
Local driving style and tips
Traffic moves fast and cameras are everywhere.
London drivers are direct and fast-paced, especially during peak hours. Give way at zebra crossings, take care at roundabouts, and avoid yellow box junctions. Traffic cameras are widespread and fines apply for hire cars.
Find London Southend Airport car hire deals

How to get the best car hire deal in London Southend Airport

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy after you've touched down in London Southend Airport. 

How to find a cheap car hire deal in London Southend (SEN)

  • Searching for a cheap London Southend rental car? The booking magic happens here. With prices averaging 139 € a day, we compare all the best offers so you can book faster, spend smarter, and hit the road happy.

  • The cheapest daily price for a rental at London Southend is 33 €.

  • Staying a little longer? Grab a weekly rental from 225 € and say yes to more adventures across London.

  • Book early to snag a cheap SEN car hire. On top of better deals, you'll be choosing from the full lineup, not what's left.

  • Browse the available offers with Enterprise, a popular provider at London Southend.

  • Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your London Southend car hire policy, whether you go with Enterprise or a different supplier. Some companies might not include it in the base price and instead sell it separately.

  • Booking one-way could land you a discount on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Simply choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in SEN.

  • Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in London Southend with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. You'll also skip the costly refueling charges rental agencies tack on.

  • Hit the highway without counting the miles and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you roam without limits.

Best value car hire options right now

  • You get the best value with this company, with average prices at 78 € a day.

  • Sitting in second place is this provider, which offers daily rates of around 90 €.

  • The third option won't stretch your budget either. You'll pay roughly 129 € a day with this provider.

  • The Compact rental category is a dependable pick if you're not sure which ride is right for you. It's also the vehicle type that's rented the most at SEN.

Compare car hire types from London Southend (SEN)

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap London Southend rental car makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These nimble, fuel-efficient cars are excellent for short trips and city driving.

  • Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the kind of rental even Goldilocks wouldn't second-guess. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are good for couples and small families.

  • Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and enhanced tech features, this SEN car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.

  • SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV answers. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for highways, backroads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and improved safety features.

  • Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in London Southend effortlessly handles larger loads and group travel. They're roomy, reliable, and ready to tackle whatever task lies ahead.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something you should consider. If you're in a collision, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying an expensive excess fee. Different SEN car hire providers have different insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the details before booking.

  • From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can make all the difference on the road. Consider which features will help you make the most of your trip when you rent a car in London Southend.

Good to know

  • You usually have to be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle in the United Kingdom. Being younger isn't always a deal-breaker — just expect some extra fees or restrictions. Check the suppliers' terms and conditions before booking.

  • Travel plans include the kids? Car seat laws vary by location, and the right setup may depend on their age, weight and height. Find out if you need to add one to your SEN car rental reservation.

  • You'll need to show some documents when collecting your car. As a general rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds for the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will tell you exactly what you need.

  • Spend some time getting acquainted with your rental. Fix your seat and mirrors, learn where everything is, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And remember to stay on the left side of the road in the United Kingdom.

  • Local speed limits are often about 40kph through urban areas and around 100kph on highways. Always check the posted signs, as limits may vary.

  • In the United Kingdom, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you're planning to drink, leave the driving to someone else or use public transport instead.

  • The British pound (GBP) is the currency you'll be using for everyday purchases and excursions. Use cards where you can, but carry a little cash when electronic payments aren't an option.

Drive smarter from the start

  • Once you've picked up the keys to your SEN car hire, the road is yours to conquer. Central London is about 64 kilometres west and a drive of around 1 hour 10 minutes if you choose to head that way.

  • Allow roughly 2 hours 20 minutes to get from London Southend to the city centre during peak travel times.

  • Try to travel outside high-traffic periods for a smoother run. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.

  • If you're not jumping into the driver's seat immediately, consider picking up a car hire in London instead of at the airport. Collect your ride when it makes sense for you and avoid paying for rental days you won't use.

  • Extend your search by exploring what's on offer at other London airports. Check out the range of car hire options at London Heathrow or car rentals from London Gatwick.

Hit the road: Where to drive from London Southend (SEN)

  • Begin with some of the top attractions in London, such as The British Museum and Westminster Abbey. Whether you drive or choose a different way to get there, set aside time for these highlights before moving on.

  • Reading has to be on your itinerary if you're eager to visit Reading Abbey Ruins and Forbury Gardens. This city is around 121 kilometres west of SEN.

  • Alternatively, take the wheel of your London Southend car hire and head roughly 80 kilometres northwest to Luton. Featuring Someries Castle and Stockwood Discovery Centre, its highlights live up to the hype.

  • Ready to go the extra mile? Bristol is a top road trip destination that's about 225 kilometres west of SEN. Banksey and Clifton Suspension Bridge are ideal pit stops.

Hiring a car at London Southend Airport: FAQs

On average, car hire from London Southend Airport is around 139 € per day.

No. It's a little higher than United Kingdom's average daily car rental price, which is around 317 €.
Hertz, U-Save, Green Motion, Enterprise, Drivalia, Street Rent a Car, and Turo cars and vans are all available for pick up at London Southend Airport.

Currently, the lowest price for car hire at London Southend Airport we found is 33 €. And the cheapest rate for car hire nearby is from 6 €.

It can often be cheaper to hire a car from somewhere near to London Southend Airport, especially if there's an extra airport pick-up fee. But when you consider the cost of travelling from London Southend Airport to the pick-up location, and back again at the end of your stay, collecting your wheels as soon as you touch down might still work out more economic, faster and easier.

Yes – you can hire a car when you touch down in London Southend Airport and drop it off in another location, which can save you time and money.

The most popular according to travellers is Enterprise, with a 4.7 rating for things like cleanliness, customer service and value. The cheapest company is currently U-Save.

Currently, it looks like Green Motion has the cheapest car hire deal in London Southend Airport – for 41 € per day. Green Motion also has car hire deals from 41 € per day.

Although you can often find a cheaper car hire deal away from London Southend Airport, remember to consider: extra cost of public transport, a taxi to your hotel, or on to that pickup location on top of that price.

Yes. We understand that plans can change last minute, or you might even find a better car rental deal from London Southend Airport. That's why we highlight the rental cars you can book now and cancel later when you search.

Yes, van hire is available at London Southend Airport from 33 € per day.

When you rent a car near London Southend Airport, most major providers require you to be at least 21 years old. Some companies charge an extra fee if you're under 25, so make sure you check before booking.

You can book car hire at London Southend Airport in three simple steps. First, explore the range of available cars, from family-friendly SUVs to small compact cars. Next, narrow down your choices by comparing features like fuel policy, mileage and customer reviews to find the best deal. Then, once you’ve found the perfect car, you’ll be redirected to the provider’s website to book, with no extra fees.

The documents you need to rent a car at London Southend Airport vary depending on the car hire provider. In most cases, you’ll need a valid driving licence, photo ID and a credit card. You can check with the car hire provider when you book.

Finding the best car hire deal at London Southend Airport is quick and easy with Skyscanner. First, explore the range of available cars, from family-friendly SUVs to small compact cars. Next, narrow down your choices by comparing features like fuel policy, mileage, and customer reviews to find the best deal. Then, once you’ve found the perfect car, you’ll be redirected to the provider’s website to book, with no extra fees.