Known for landmarks such as the London Eye, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace, there are many sights and attractions to see in Britain's capital city. When you rent a car in London, you can get between these wonderful sights in comfort and with maximum flexibility. You get to choose how long you spend in each location, and can even get out of town on an excursion to Oxford, Brighton or Kent. Whether you are staying on long term or are just there for a long weekend, car rental in London is a great way to get the most out of the city.
Car rental London: the most important rental sites
With so many rental sites at practical locations, car hire in London is incredibly convenient. You can even rent a car one way, if you plan on exploring other parts of the UK. You can easily compare all auto companies in advance to find the best deals, then pick up your cheap hire from a number of locations across the city, including:
Rental Site | Address | Main Opening Times* |
London City Airport | Hartmann Rd, London E16 2PX, U.K. | 07:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. |
London Heathrow Airport | Longford, Hounslow TW6, U.K. | 12:00 a.m. - 11:59 p.m. |
City Office | 178A Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 3LS, U.K. | 08:30 a.m. - 05:30 p.m. |
*Please note that the opening times may differ and vary depending on the rental site. Precise information can be found in the listing details. Car pickups and returns outside of the stated opening times is possible at some rental sites, however this service may cost extra.
Rent a car: London and its sights
Britain's capital is a vibrant place with plenty to see and do. Its long and fascinating history means that there is much to discover, which can be done with ease when you rent a car in London. There is plenty of parking all over central London, so it might be an idea to explore some of the more popular attractions on foot. Having said this, London is big, so car rental is the best idea if you don't want to spend half your holiday in the underground. Here are some of the most famous landmarks to visit while in town:
London Eye: Best described as a giant Ferris wheel, this permanent structure built for the Millennium allows you to see across much of London from the banks of the River Thames.
Big Ben: Nestled amongst the Houses of Parliament, this world-renowned clock tower rings every hour and chimes each quarter hour.
Westminster Abbey: This famous abbey is notable for being the venue for major royal weddings and coronations, as well as being the burial site for a number of former monarchs. The abbey is open to the public most days so be sure to head inside and admire the stunning interior.
Festivals: London is melting pot of culture and there are a variety of events all over town that reflect this. Across five days each May, the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea are taken over by sumptuous floral displays and impressive, experimental garden designs. Every year at the beginning of spring, Oxford and Cambridge universities race each other on the River Thames in this thrilling, traditional event that's almost 200 years old.
Getting around London
Getting around London is generally easy and efficient as long as you bear a few things in mind. Central London is controlled by a congestion charge which is in effect between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 18:00 p.m. Priced at a reasonable £11.50 per day, it is easily payable online. In London and throughout the UK, cars drive on the left-hand side of the road, which differs from many other European countries. In some parts of London, roadside parking spaces are limited, however, there are many well-serviced car parks making it easy to park in any location. Connection to the motorway is via the M25, a motorway ring that encircles the city. This makes accessing airports and other destinations in the UK convenient.