London Airport cheap car hire

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

Our data shows that July is the cheapest month to rent a car from London Airport. It’s around 37 € a day in July, compared to the yearly average which is 37 € a day.
Cheapest month avgJuly • 37 €
Yearly avg price37 €

Car hire near London Airport

Consider travelling into London to pick up your car - we found car hire deals from pick-up points in London from €49.

The most popular car rental companies in London Airport

London Airport car hire: Facts on the fly

Average daily price117 €
Most popular carCompact, 4-5 doors
Cheapest price found49 €
Cheapest month to rentJuly
Providers at London Airport8
Most popular providerBudget
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 Airport car hire deals

How to get the best car hire deal in London Airport

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

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

  • Whether you need a small car for zipping through the city streets or an SUV for a road trip, we'll help you find a cheap London rental car. Pick from options averaging 117 € a day and get going for less.

  • Daily rental prices at London start from just 49 €.

  • Staying on a bit longer? Pick up a weekly rental from 339 € and see more than just the top attractions in London.

  • Timing is everything when it comes to finding a cheap YXU car hire. Book about three weeks before you travel to land the best price.

  • Get behind the wheel with Alamo, Avis or National, some of the most trusted providers at London.

  • Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your London car hire policy, whether you book with Alamo or another supplier. Some may charge separately for it instead of including it in the base rental.

  • Booking one-way could snag you a cheaper rate on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be relocated. Just click 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in YXU.

  • Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in London with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No hidden refueling charges at drop-off either.

  • Want to explore without worrying about the number of miles you clock up? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and travel as far as you like without the extra costs.

Best value car hire options right now

  • Taking the top spot for value is this company, with prices averaging 176 € a day.

  • Taking second place is this provider, offering daily rates of around 104 €.

  • The third option also keeps costs reasonable. Expect to pay roughly 187 € a day for one of their rentals.

  • Need a car that covers most travel plans? The Compact rental category is the number one choice for travellers at YXU.

Compare car hire types from London (YXU)

  • Small: Whether you're zipping around busy cities or taking a quick trip, this cheap London rental car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect easy handling and great mileage.

  • Medium: Not too small, not too big, this just-right ride is calling your name. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of fuel efficiency and interior space and are popular with couples and small families.

  • Large: You've got the kids, the bags, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the space to carry it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for longer drives, this YXU car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and better visibility of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged backcountry or cruising down long stretches of highway, many come with all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.

  • Van: If you need a car for rent in London that can handle a small crowd (and their luggage), a van has space where it counts. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're best suited for group travel, business needs or moving.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers what you'd otherwise have to pay if your YXU car hire is damaged or stolen. While not compulsory, you'll be glad to have it if something goes wrong. Keep in mind that policies differ from one provider to another, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.

  • Travel smarter when you rent a car in London by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to keep your trip on track, or reverse cameras that upgrade your parking game.

Good to know

  • Check each company's age requirements before booking your car rental in Canada. Rules can vary, and added fees or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' box and enter your age to browse your options.

  • Add a car seat to your YXU car rental booking if you're travelling with small kids. Rules vary from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their size, weight and age is always the safest choice.

  • Bring the right documents to keep the pick-up process smooth. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (not a screenshot or digital version) plus another photo ID. Bring a credit card with enough balance for the deposit too. If anything else is expected, it'll be listed in your booking.

  • Driving in Canada might take some adjustment for first-time visitors. Keep in mind you'll need to stick to the right side of the road.

  • Make sure you stay within the local speed limits. In general that's around 45kph in urban areas and 95kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.

  • The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Canada is 0.08%. Since alcohol's effects vary from person to person, the only way to be sure you're safe to drive is to avoid drinking.

  • The Canadian dollar (CAD) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day expenses and activities. Pay with a card where you can, but have some cash handy when electronic payments aren't an option.

Drive smarter from the start

  • Shift gears and go after you've picked up your YXU car hire. Central London is about 10 kilometres to the southwest if that's on your route.

  • During rush hour, expect the drive from London to the centre to take as long as 25 minutes.

  • One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 5pm. Make driving easier by avoiding peak periods in general.

  • You can also pick up a car hire in London. If you don't need a vehicle right after you arrive, hold off until you're in the city and save on rental costs.

Hit the road: Where to drive from London (YXU)

  • Start with some of the standout attractions in London, such as Forks of the Thames River and Fanshawe Pioneer Village. Whether you drive or choose a different way to get there, you'll want to explore these highlights before moving on.

  • Kitchener should be on your itinerary if you're eager to see Schneider Haus National Historic Site and Centre In The Square. This city is about 72 kilometres northeast of YXU.

  • Or jump in your London car hire and head for Cambridge. Roughly 80 kilometres northeast of the airport, Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory and Cambridge Centre for the Arts are major attractions that are worth going out of your way for.

  • Want to stretch this drive a little longer? Hamilton is a popular road trip destination that's around 97 kilometres east of YXU. Dundurn Castle and Bruce Trail make perfect pit stops.

Hiring a car at London Airport: FAQs

On average, car hire from London Airport is around 117 € per day.

No. It's a little higher than Canada's average daily car rental price, which is around 135 €.
Budget, National, Avis, Thrifty, Alamo, Hertz, Enterprise, and Turo cars and vans are all available for pick up at London Airport.

Currently, the lowest price for car hire at London Airport we found is 49 €. And the cheapest rate for car hire nearby is from 49 €.

It can often be cheaper to hire a car from somewhere near to London Airport, especially if there's an extra airport pick-up fee. But when you consider the cost of travelling from London 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 Airport and drop it off in another location, which can save you time and money.

The most popular according to travellers is Avis, with a 4.6 rating for things like cleanliness, customer service and value. The cheapest company is currently Thrifty.

Currently, it looks like Alamo has the cheapest car hire deal in London Airport – for 52 € per day. Alamo also has car hire deals from 54 € per day.

Although you can often find a cheaper car hire deal away from London 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 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 Airport from 204 € per day.

When you rent a car near London 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 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 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 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.