Pick up your Gatwick rental car for a must-see tour around London and the UK
Home to Big Ben, the royal family, the Tower Bridge and myriad examples of remarkable architecture, London is a city rich with history and a place everyone needs to visit at least once. Spend hours walking the historic cobblestone streets where Shakespeare once lived and experience the energy that fuels this lively city. Fall in love with modern art and get swept away by Gothic cathedrals, castles and the monarchy.
London spans more than 1,500 square kilometres with over 7 million residents in almost 50 unique neighborhoods. Gatwick Airport is located 48 kilometres south of the capital city. Fly into this international hub, pick up your rental car and begin your journey across the United Kingdom.
Planning a trip to the United Kingdom can be overwhelming. Let us take care of some of that stress by making your rental car hire easy. Skip scouring the web for rental companies and rates, we find and compare the best deals from a range of international and national brands in just seconds. Utilise the handy filter bar to preference transmission type, car type and rental company to narrow your search.
There are multiple airports around London with hundreds of vehicle options. Be sure to enter your designated airport to compare deals or pick up from London city for more options. Choose from over 15 car hire brands at Gatwick Airport (LGW) including international names such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise and Hertz. Or choose from favourite European companies like Europcar and Sixt. Green Motion offers environmentally-friendly vehicles at affordable rates.
Book securely online with Airport Rentals, enjoy 24/7 customer service and pay no booking fees.
Gatwick Airport
As the second-busiest airport in the United Kingdom with over 40 million travellers passing through each year, Gatwick offers an array of shopping and dining across the North and South terminal. Grab a coffee from Starbucks, Joes Coffee House or Caffe Nero just to name a few. Top-chef Jamie Oliver dishes up Italian eats at his restaurant or stop by his coffee lounge or bakery. Go on a shopping spree at one of 52 stores located in the airport or hang out in one of many lounges. Free WiFi is available for 90-minutes and power points are plentiful.
Getting to London from Gatwick in your rental car
The airport is situated an hour south of London. Hop on the M25 or A3 highway for the fastest route. Expect long delays up to an additional hour during the morning and early evening rush hours. Hire a GPS with your car rental to find alternative routes into the city if traffic backs up. Picking up your car hire in the city? Head to London via bus, taxi or train.
Driving tips in the UK
Travelling by car across the United Kingdom is easy with numerous modern highways, but the cities tend to be trickier with one-ways and roundabouts. Here are a few tips for driving:
● Drive on the left-hand side in the Queen’s country.
● Never use a mobile phone when driving.
● Turning on red lights is illegal at all times.
● The right lane is the fast lane and passing lane.
● Use a GPS within city limits to assist with one-ways and traffic.
Gatwick airport offers nearby parking at both North and South terminal. Choose from valet, premium, long stay and short stay parking or pre-book your space online. Complimentary shuttle buses run from the long stay parking lots and include safe and secure car parks.
In London, as with many busy cities, parking may be more difficult. There are hundreds of car parks spread across the city plus street parking. Most streets offer free parking from 6:30pm to 8:30am before switching to a metered system. Always check the signs for restrictions and make sure to display your ticket as stated. On Sundays street parking is free in certain areas. It’s best to plan ahead and find a few car parks in your designated area to avoid driving in circles.
A quick guide to Gatwick Airport and in London
Accommodation near Gatwick Airport and in London
If you find yourself needing a hotel near the airport, book a room at:
If you’re heading to the city, accommodation is available at every corner. Find a neighborhood you’d like to explore and choose from 5-star hotels, apartments, hostels and more.
Annual Events
In one of the busiest cities in the world, there is always a fun event or festival taking place. Here are a few worth checking out:
● Ring in the New Year with a parade from Westminster.
