Explore London with a hire a car from Heathrow Airport
Welcome to London! The city famous for double decker buses, red telephone boxes and the royal family. Discover hundreds of historical sights, enjoy the grand classic architecture mixed with modern skyscrapers and diverse neighborhoods sprawled around the city centre. Say hi to Big Ben, skip across the London Bridge and catch the iconic view from the London Eye ferris wheel. This cosmopolitan city in the United Kingdom is the perfect place to begin your British road trip.
Hiring a car at London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Landing at one of the world’s busiest airports can be overwhelming. Pre-book at Airport Rentals so you can forget about the hassle of finding transport on arrival. Begin by confirming which terminal you will be arriving at and then search Heathrow Airport T1-T4 or Heathrow Airport T5 depending on your flight plan. Enter your travel dates and choose to return the car to the same location or select a different return location/date from one of the many other depots across the United Kingdom. Use filters to narrow down options by price, vehicle type, rental company, and features. From there, you will see all the cheap car hire deals from multiple suppliers in London so you can compare offers and all the vehicles available. You may also check customer reviews for reliability.
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
London Heathrow Airport is a major international airport located 22 km west of Central London. More than 70 million passengers pass through Heathrow each year making it the third busiest airport in the world. Each of the five terminals at Heathrow Airport include multiple shops, cafes, restaurants and lounges. Enjoy duty-free shops, high-end boutiques and bookstores. Find international cuisine like Carluccio’s, Comptoir Libanais, La Salle and so much more. The airport includes services such as hair salons, tourist counters, beauty services, shoeshines and health clinics. Check out live music at Caffè Nero in T2. Access free WiFi or use the free computer desks available in all terminals.
Shuttle trains are provided to transfer between terminals or use the frequent flight connection buses when making a connection to avoid returning through security. Rental car kiosks are located in all five terminals.
Trusted car hire companies at London Heathrow Airport
With Airport Rentals, you can easily compare rental cars and deals across 12 international and national companies such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and Sixt offering free benefits like breakdown assistance, theft protection and unlimited mileage. Use the handy filters to narrow your search.
Compare vehicles for hire at Heathrow Airport
Our fleet includes a broad array of vehicles, from modern, fuel-efficient minis and compact cars with low running costs to mid-sized economy cars and spacious sedans, catering to various needs and budgets.
Economy car rentals
Hire an economy car for a practical and affordable option with enough space for passengers and luggage. Vehicles like the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa are ready to get you where you need to go efficiently.
Compact car hire
Compact cars are ideal for navigating London’s narrow roads and finding parking in tight spots. Opt for a convenient weekend Heathrow car hire.
SUV car rental
Select an SUV for its ability to handle tough terrains and carry substantial luggage, making it perfect for all road conditions.
Family car hire
Enjoy a memorable family trip with our spacious car rental options, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone as you explore London and the rest of Great Britain.
People Carriers
Ideal for family or larger group travel, our SUVs and people carriers at London Heathrow Airport offer ample space and comfort, with plenty of room for luggage.
Once you’ve found the perfect vehicle, book securely online with zero booking fees in just a few clicks.
UK driving tips for your Heathrow Airport car hire
Here are a few top tips for driving your hire car in and around Greater London and the rest of UK mainland:
Drive on the left-hand side of the road. Turning on a red light is prohibited. Overtake using the right lane.
London Heathrow Airport offers various parking options, including short stay for under 24 hours and business parking for quick terminal access. Meet & Greet valet service saves time by eliminating the need to find a space, while at T5, pre-booked business parking includes a four- to six-minute journey to the airport via Heathrow Pod. In London, it's advisable to find a parking lot before arriving at your destination to avoid circling in your rental vehicle, as on-street parking is metered Monday to Saturday from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm.
Heathrow Airport is located 25 kilometres west of central London. When heading there with your hire car, use the M4 and M25 motorways and expect delays during morning and early evening rush hour traffic. If you’re picking up your rental car in London city, take the Heathrow Express train to central London (15 minutes) or the underground tube for a cheaper fare, but do note that it can take up to an hour.
The typical speed limit for highways and expressways is 70 mph. Country roads often have a speed limit of 60 mph. Urban areas usually enforce a speed limit of 30 mph.
Children must use a carseat until the age of 12 or be at least 3.5ft tall.
Is it cheaper to rent a car at the airport or off site in Heathrow?
Whether it is cheaper to rent a car at London Heathrow Airport or from an off-site location depends on your specific needs and priorities. If convenience and time-saving are your main concerns, the higher cost of an airport rental might be worth it. However, if you are looking to save money and are willing to spend a bit more time to access your vehicle, opting for an off-site rental location can offer significant savings. It's advisable to compare prices from both airport and off-site agencies, considering any additional fees, shuttle services, and the overall convenience factor before making your decision.
How much does it cost to get a Heathrow car rental?
Heathrow Airport car hire prices can vary significantly based on several factors. These include the type and size of the vehicle, the duration of the rental period, and the season. Additional factors like the inclusion of protection, additional drivers, and any extra equipment or services (such as GPS or child seats) can also influence the overall rate. Rates can also fluctuate depending on the car rental company and any special offers that may be available at the time of booking. Compare prices through Airport Rentals and book in advance to secure the best deal.
What age do I need to be to hire a car at Heathrow Airport (LHR)?
Typically, rental car companies in the UK require you to be at least 21 years old. Although there may be some exceptions, expect a minimum age of 21 with most LHR car hire providers. For drivers under a certain age, a young driver surcharge may apply. Make sure to check the rental agreement to ensure you have all the necessary information.
What documents do I need to get a London Heathrow Airport car hire?
To hire a car at Heathrow Airport, you must present a valid driver's licence and a valid credit card. Additionally, some car rental companies might ask for a second form of ID, like a passport, and proof of address. If your driving licence is not in English, you must present an international driving permit.
Can you hire a car in Heathrow and drop it off in another city?
Yes, you can hire a car at London Heathrow Airport and drop if off at other UK destinations such as Luton, Exeter, Birmingham, or Aberdeen.
What is the cheapest car hire company at London Heathrow Airport?
The cheapest car hire company at London Heathrow Airport can vary based on the time of year, booking time, and ongoing promotions. To find the best rates, it’s wise to use our website to compare prices from multiple companies. Booking well in advance typically secures a cheap car hire, and checking for any available discount codes or promotions can also help reduce costs.
How do I extend my rental car duration?
Looking for flexible car hire options or want to extend your travel? To extend your rental car duration, contact the company's customer service. Provide your rental agreement details and confirm the availability of the vehicle for the extended period. Inquire about any additional charges and make payment for the extension.
Do I need to return the car rentals with full tank of fuel?
It depends on the hire car company's policy. Most companies require you to return the vehicle with a full tank of fuel. This is often referred to as the "full-to-full" policy. If you do not return the car with a full tank, the company may charge you an extra cost for refueling the car at a higher rate than the local fuel prices.
To avoid any unexpected charges, it's a good idea to check the fuel policy when you pick up the car and ask for clarification if needed.
A brief guide around Heathrow
Where to begin? London is overflowing with culture, museums, street fairs and historical sights. Here are some of the favourite tourist spots:
Museums: London’s museum scene is impressive, featuring the British Museum, Tate Modern, and the National Gallery. Each museum provides a distinct array of art, history, and cultural exhibits.
Historical sights: For a touch of history, visit Westminster Abbey or Buckingham Palace. Both are iconic landmarks and offer glimpses into the city’s royal heritage.
Parks and gardens: Enjoy a day outdoors at Hyde Park, Kew Gardens, or Hampstead Heath. These green spaces provide a perfect escape from the city's hustle and bustle.
Camden market: Known for its eclectic mix of bargain shopping and diverse food markets, Camden Market is a vibrant spot for exploring unique finds and enjoying street food.
Theater and entertainment: Catch a Broadway show in the West End or visit the Globe Theater to immerse yourself in Shakespearean history. London's theater scene offers a wide range of performances and experiences.
Fly into the international hub, London Heathrow Airport and pick up a cheap car hire for your UK trip. Flying in or out of somewhere else? Find car hire depots in Stansted, in Bristol, Leeds and Liverpool. You can count on Airport Rentals for the perfect vehicle hire, wherever you choose to go!
