London Stansted Airport cheap car hire

Compare car hire deals at London Stansted Airport from across the web

Find the best car hire price, fuel policy and more from hundreds of providers

Book with flexibility. Look for cars with free cancellation in case your plans change.

Find cheap car hire at London Stansted Airport

These are the lowest London Stansted Airport car hire prices we found across the internet over the next 30 days, and are subject to change.

Car hire near London Stansted Airport

If it's easier for you, there are lots of car hire pickup locations in London from €17.

The most popular car rental companies in London Stansted Airport

London Stansted Airport car hire: Facts on the fly

Average daily price66 €
Most popular carEconomy, 4-5 doors
Cheapest price found22 €
Cheapest month to rentJanuary
Providers at London Stansted Airport21
Most popular providerDrivalia
Best time to book1 week before

Choose from the best car hire companies near London Stansted Airport

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 Stansted Airport car hire deals

All you need to know about London

First time driving in London? Here’s a heads-up on local driving laws, London speed limits and more so you can stay on the right side of the road — and the rules.
Side of the roadLeft
CurrencyPound sterling
LanguageEnglish
Motorway speed limit70mph
Built-up area speed limit30mph
Age to rent a car21
The information here is based on our understanding as of July 2025. For the most current and accurate information, check official government sources.

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

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

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Stansted Airport (STN)

  • Just landed? Pick up a cheap Stansted Airport rental car and hit the road for around 66 € a day. From short drives to open-road adventures, we'll help you find a rental that keeps up with your trip.

  • January is the cheapest month to rent a car in STN. With average daily rates of 33 €, you can keep your spending in low gear.

  • It's all about timing when it comes to finding a cheap STN rental car. Book around four weeks before you travel to score the best prices.

  • Green Motion, Drivalia and Europcar are the most popular providers at Stansted Airport.

  • Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Stansted Airport car hire policy, whether you book with Green Motion or another supplier. Some companies offer it as a paid extra instead of including it.

  • Booking one-way could snag you a cheaper rate on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be relocated. Just select 'Return car to a different location' when looking for a car for rent in STN.

  • Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Stansted Airport with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. You also avoid the high fees rental companies charge for refueling.

  • Pack more into your journey by searching for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you go as far as you like with no extra cost.

  • Go from zero to adventure once you've collected the keys to your STN car hire. You've got the freedom to take any route you choose, but if you're off to central London, it'll take you about 1 hour to travel the 64 kilometres or so south-west.

  • If you don't need to drive right away, consider picking up a car hire in London instead of at the airport. Collect your ride when it suits you and only pay for the days you need.

Compare car hire types from Stansted Airport (STN)

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap Stansted Airport rental car gives you the freedom to explore for less. These compact, fuel-efficient rides are excellent for short trips and city driving.

  • Medium: A top choice when you want something that's easy to drive but doesn't skimp on features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg room compared to smaller options.

  • Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and extra tech features, this STN car hire category includes full-size cars. With bigger back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.

  • SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV answers. It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for highways, country roads, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and advanced safety features.

  • Van: Choose this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Stansted Airport that can handle the heavy stuff. With options like commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's equipment, luggage or groups of people.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but it's worth considering. If you're in an accident, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a big excess fee. Different STN car hire providers have different insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.

  • From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can make every mile feel easier. Consider which features will help you make the most of your trip when you rent a car in Stansted Airport.

Good to know

  • The minimum age to rent a vehicle in the United Kingdom is generally 21 years old. However providers may have their own rules, so always double-check your rental company's terms to know where you stand.

  • Planning a trip with the kids? Car seat rules vary according to the location, and the right setup may depend on their height, weight and age. Make sure you add the right one to your STN car hire booking.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Stansted Airport (STN)

  • Before leaving town, get in some sightseeing around London first. Top attractions like The British Museum and Westminster Abbey are the perfect warm-up to your travels.

  • Shift gears and make tracks to Reading. Around 97 kilometres south-west of STN, it's home to favourite sights like Reading Abbey Ruins and Reading river cruise Thames.

  • Or jump behind the wheel of your Stansted Airport car hire and head out to Luton. About 48 kilometres west of the airport, Cowslip Meadow Nature Reserve and Someries Castle are major attractions that are well worth the trip.

  • Keep things moving and road-trip it to Cardiff, around 241 kilometres west of STN. Make your first stop Cardiff Castle, then spend some time at St Fagans National History Museum.

Hiring a car at London Stansted Airport: FAQs

On average, car hire from London Stansted Airport is around 66 € per day.
No. It's a little higher than United Kingdom's average daily car rental price, which is around 36 €.
There are lots of car hire companies to choose from at London Stansted Airport - including Green Motion, Firefly, Drivalia, U-Save, Europcar, Routes Car Rental, Fox - Rent A Car, Easirent, and Goldcar.
Currently, the lowest price for car hire at London Stansted Airport we found is 22 €. And the cheapest rate for car hire nearby is from 17 €. It can often be cheaper to hire a car from somewhere near to London Stansted Airport, especially if there's an extra airport pick-up fee. But when you consider the cost of travelling from London Stansted 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 Stansted Airport and drop it off in another location, which can save you time and money.
The most popular according to travellers is Europcar, with a 4.7 rating for things like cleanliness, customer service and value. The cheapest company is currently Dollar.
Currently, it looks like Dollar has the cheapest car hire deal in London Stansted Airport – for 33 € per day. Hertz also has car hire deals from 37 € per day.
Although you can often find a cheaper car hire deal away from London Stansted 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 Stansted 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 Stansted Airport from 50 € per day.
When you rent a car near London Stansted 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 Stansted 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 Stansted 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 Stansted 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.