Looking for car hire in London? Rhino Car Hire lets you compare rental cars from multiple suppliers across London, including airport, railway station and city collection locations.
Whether you need a small car for a weekend, an automatic for an overseas visitor, a family-sized SUV or a vehicle for a longer UK road trip, compare available cars and rental conditions in one search.
London has a huge choice of collection points, so where you hire can make a significant difference to your journey. If you're flying into the capital, collecting at the airport may be the easiest option. If you're spending several days sightseeing in central London first, waiting and collecting from a city branch later can save you from paying for parking and driving a car you don't need.
Enter your dates and preferred London collection location to compare current car hire prices.
Car Hire Locations Across London
Rhino Car Hire compares rental cars at locations throughout Greater London, giving you the flexibility to collect your vehicle close to your airport, railway station, hotel or onward route.
Choosing the right collection point can save considerable time. If you're flying into London and leaving the city immediately, an airport location may be most convenient. If you're staying in central London first, a railway station or city branch may be a better option.
London Airport Car Hire Locations
Compare rental cars at London's major airports:
Central London & Railway Station Car Hire
If you're spending time in London before beginning your driving holiday, collecting a car near a major railway station or central London location can avoid paying for a vehicle while you're sightseeing.
Popular locations include:
West London Car Hire
West London collection points can be particularly convenient if you're heading towards the M4, M3, M40 or M25.
Locations include:
East & South London Car Hire
If you're staying outside central London, choosing a local collection point can save travelling back into the city simply to pick up your vehicle.
Locations include:
Use the links above to explore individual London car hire locations, or search your preferred area to compare the vehicles currently available.
Do You Need a Hire Car in London?
London has one of the world's most extensive public transport systems, and a rental car is generally unnecessary for visiting attractions in central London.
Car hire becomes much more useful when your plans extend beyond the centre.
Consider hiring a car if you're:
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Visiting family or friends around Greater London
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Staying outside the central transport zones
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Travelling with children or substantial luggage
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Visiting several business locations
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Taking day trips into the countryside
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Touring southern England
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Beginning a longer UK road trip
Choosing when and where to collect your car can make your London trip considerably easier.
Compare London Car Hire Companies
Rhino Car Hire compares vehicles from established rental companies operating across London.
Rather than comparing headline price alone, look at the complete rental package.
Check:
A slightly more expensive vehicle can sometimes represent better value once the complete rental conditions are considered.
What Type of Car Should I Hire in London?
Economy and Compact Cars
Small cars are particularly practical around London, where streets and parking spaces can be tight.
They're also economical for couples travelling around southern England.
Automatic Cars
Automatic rental cars are widely available in London and are particularly popular with overseas visitors.
If you specifically require an automatic, book ahead because availability can become limited during busy travel periods.
SUVs
SUVs provide additional passenger and luggage space for families and longer UK road trips.
7-Seater and People Carriers
Travelling as a family or group? Larger vehicles can be more economical than hiring two separate cars.
Check luggage capacity carefully when every passenger is travelling with a suitcase.
Electric and Hybrid Cars
Electric and hybrid rental cars are increasingly available across London.
If choosing an EV for a longer trip, consider where you will charge the vehicle and check the rental company's charging and return requirements.
Driving a Hire Car in London
London is straightforward to navigate once you're outside the busiest central areas, but visitors should understand the city's charging zones and parking restrictions before setting off.
London Congestion Charge
The Congestion Charge applies when driving within the designated central London charging zone during its operating hours.
It is separate from the Ultra Low Emission Zone.
Before driving into central London, check whether your route enters the charging zone and how any charge is handled by your rental company.
Ultra Low Emission Zone – ULEZ
London also operates the Ultra Low Emission Zone.
Most modern rental vehicles are likely to meet the required emissions standards, but don't assume this without checking.
Ask your rental supplier whether the vehicle is compliant and whether any road-user charges are included or must be paid separately.
Driving in the UK for Overseas Visitors
If this is your first time driving in Britain, remember:
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Traffic drives on the left
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The steering wheel is normally on the right
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Speed limits are shown in miles per hour
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Distances on road signs are generally shown in miles
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Roundabouts are extremely common
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Seatbelts must be worn
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Children must use an appropriate child restraint where required
Take particular care when leaving petrol stations, car parks and quiet roads, where it's easy to instinctively move onto the wrong side if you're accustomed to driving on the right.
What Do I Need to Hire a Car in London?
Requirements vary between rental companies and can also depend on where your driving licence was issued.
You'll normally need:
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A valid driving licence
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Appropriate identification
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A payment card accepted by the rental company
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Any additional documentation required by the supplier
Age limits, deposits and how long you must have held your licence also vary between companies and vehicle categories.
International visitors should check whether additional licence documentation is required.
Always read the rental conditions shown with your selected vehicle before booking.
One-Way Car Hire from London
You don't necessarily need to return your rental car to London.
One-way car hire can be particularly useful for UK touring holidays, allowing you to collect in London and return the vehicle elsewhere.
Popular possibilities include:
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London to Edinburgh
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London to Manchester
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London to Birmingham
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London to Bristol
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London to Cardiff
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London to Glasgow
You may also be able to collect from one London airport and return to another.
One-way availability and fees vary by rental company, so enter a different return location when searching to compare your options.
London Car Hire FAQs
How much does car hire in London cost?
London car hire prices change according to demand, collection location, rental duration and vehicle availability. Search your dates with Rhino Car Hire to compare current prices from available suppliers.
Is it worth hiring a car in London?
It depends on your plans. You generally don't need a car for sightseeing in central London, but hiring one can be extremely useful for travelling around Greater London, taking countryside trips or touring the rest of the UK.
Where is the best place to hire a car in London?
The best location depends on where you're staying and where you're driving next. Airport locations can be convenient for immediate onward travel, while city branches are often better if you're spending several days in London before beginning your road trip.
Can I hire an automatic car in London?
Yes. Automatic rental cars are available at many London locations. Search and filter the available vehicles to compare automatic options.
Can I hire a car at a London railway station?
Car rental locations are available close to several major London railway stations and transport hubs. Search your preferred station or area to see current collection options.
Can I return a London hire car somewhere else?
Yes, many rental companies offer one-way car hire. Enter your preferred return destination when searching to see availability and any applicable one-way charge.
Is ULEZ included with a London rental car?
ULEZ compliance and the handling of London road-user charges should be checked with the rental supplier. Don't assume charges are included in your rental price.
Can I take a London hire car to Europe?
Some rental companies permit UK rental cars to be taken into continental Europe, but prior permission, fees, insurance and additional documentation may be required. Check the cross-border conditions of the specific vehicle before booking.
Do I need a child seat in a London hire car?
UK law normally requires children to use an appropriate child car seat until they are 12 years old or 135 cm tall, whichever comes first. Check availability and pricing for child seats when booking.
Why Compare London Car Hire with Rhino Car Hire?
Rhino Car Hire lets you search rental vehicles across London and compare options from multiple car hire companies in one place.
Use your search results to compare:
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Current rental prices
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Supplier ratings
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Vehicle categories
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Airport and city collection locations
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Automatic and manual cars
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Fuel and mileage policies
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Rental conditions
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One-way options
Whether you're collecting a car after landing at Heathrow, leaving London from a city branch or beginning a longer tour of Britain, compare your options before choosing the rental that best fits your journey.
Compare Car Hire in London
Search your travel dates and preferred London collection point to see current rental cars and prices.
Compare London car hire with Rhino Car Hire and find the right vehicle for your journey.