The 5 best car rentals in London to cruise around in comfort
Exploring London can be a thrilling adventure or a complete headache, depending on how you get around. Sure, the Tube is iconic, but who wants to wrestle with luggage on crowded trains or wait in the rain for a bus?
If you’re after flexibility, comfort, and the freedom to explore at your own pace, renting a car is the way to go. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly ride or something roomy for the whole family, we’ve got you covered.
Buckle up as we dive into the best car rental options in London. With their competitive rates, easy pickup locations, and top-notch service, these picks will ensure you a smooth ride anywhere on your London journey.
How much does it cost to rent a car in London?
The cost to rent a car in London starts at £30 and can go over £300, depending on the type of car, rental company, and rental duration. Prices may increase during summer or the holidays, and additional costs like insurance, fuel, and congestion charges may apply.
1. Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Address: Northern Perimeter Rd
Phone: +44 20 8150 1809
Business hours: Everyday, 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Enterprise is a household name in the car rental industry, and for good reason. With multiple branches across London, including at Heathrow and Gatwick airports, Enterprise makes it incredibly easy to pick up and drop off a vehicle.
They have an impressive range of cars, from economy cars to luxury models, catering to every type of traveler. Plus, their customer service is known for being top-tier, with friendly and helpful staff.
Another great thing about Enterprise is their seamless reservation process, both online and in-person. Customers who long for a stress–free ride love the easy booking system and flexible rental policies, including the option for last-minute changes.
However, Enterprise tends to be pricier, especially when you’re booking last minute.
Some customers have also reported long wait times during peak hours, typically between 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at major airport locations like Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted.
But if you’re willing to pay a bit more for reliability and service, they’re a solid choice. Their loyalty program even provides returning customers with discounts and perks, making it a great option for frequent renters.
Amazing cars with smooth pickup and drop-off
“I had a very pleasant experience of renting car at enterprise Heathrow. After reading a couple of reviews I was skeptical but went with it anyways and was pleasantly surprised. The staff was courteous and answered my questions perfectly. The car was amazing and the drop of and collection was super smooth. Recommended if you’re coming to London via Heathrow and want to rent a car.
- Hishaam Bin Masood, Google Review
Friendly demeanor and excellent customer service
“We recently had the pleasure of being assisted by Sav at the Enterprise Rent-A-Car (Heathrow Airport) during the return of our rented SUV, and we couldn’t be more impressed with the level of service provided. As we arrived, Sav greeted us with a warm smile and promptly began the check-in process. He made sure everything was handled smoothly and swiftly, ensuring that our return experience was stress-free. What stood out the most was her attention to detail and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure our satisfaction. Sav’s friendly demeanor and excellent customer service left a lasting impression. It’s clear that she values his customers and takes pride in her work though she’s still an intern. We highly recommend Enterprise Rent-A-Car for their good service.”
- Mrs. Foster, Google Review
2. Hertz
Address: 190 Bowes Rd
Phone: +44 20 3475 4156
Business hours:
- Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Known for its extensive selection of vehicles and premium service, Hertz is another reputable car rental company with a strong presence in London. They’re a great option if you’re looking for flexibility, as they offer one-way rentals and long-term leasing.
Their customer support is generally responsive, assisting with last-minute bookings and adjustments to ensure a smooth rental experience.
Hertz also frequently offers discounts and promotions, which can help lower the overall rental cost if you book at the right time.
Moreover, if you’re an eco-conscious traveler, you’ll be delighted to know that the cars Hertz offers include electric and hybrid options. Said cars can be rented with the same straightforward booking system customers often praise them for.
On the downside, Hertz has been criticized for hidden fees, which can make your rental more expensive than anticipated. Insurance costs can add up fast, too, so be sure to check the details before confirming your booking.
Enjoyable, hassle-free rental experience
“Hertz Southgate is consistently amazing! The staff are always friendly, professional, and go above and beyond to make the process smooth. The cars are spotless every time, and it’s clear they take pride in their service. Highly recommend for an enjoyable, hassle-free rental experience!”
- Leonie Blackburn, Google Review
They do everything they can to make car rentals easy
“The guys here are excellent! They always remember you, take an interest in your journeys and do everything they can to make renting a car as easy as possible. They went out of their way to help us last week, and picking up and handing back is super quick and easy. Thanks guys!”
- Amber Harwood, Google Review
3. Sixt
Address: 144-146 Hammersmith Rd
Phone: +44 20 7018 8246
Business hours:
- Monday-Thursday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
If you’re looking for a stylish and premium car rental experience, Sixt is the way to go. Known for offering high-end vehicles like BMWs, Mercedes, and Audis, Sixt is a favorite among business travelers and those who enjoy luxury rides.
Their pricing is competitive for premium cars, and they often have attractive discounts if you book in advance.
With their easy check-in process, many customers have also noted how it has helped them save time at pick-up.
Another aspect that draws clients to Sixt is the cleanliness and well-maintained condition of their cars. And as they frequently update their fleet, you’re more likely to get a newer model, which means you can enjoy the latest tech features, improved fuel efficiency, and a smoother ride.
That said, their deposit requirements are quite steep, which may be a dealbreaker for some. Also, while their premium cars are well-maintained, their lower-tier economy options may not be in the best condition.
Price was really cheap and polite staff
“Excellent rental, the price was really cheap at £120 for four days and they upgraded me to a 2021 Audi Q2, which had some optional extras. When looking at other companies, their competitors prices were priced around £180 and the car that they gave me would have been around £280. The young lady at reception was very polite, quick and professional. Would recommend them.”
- Deep Munde, Google Review
Amazing experience with clean, new cars
“Amazing experience both times. Lovely people, patient and helpful. I even found the items I left in the car after dropping the car off. New cars, clean. Thank you to all staff!”
- Ilioara Ormenisan, Google Review
4. Avis
Address: 145 Battersea Park Rd
Phone: +44 344 544 7033
Business hours:
- Monday-Thursday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Avis is ideal for travelers who prioritize convenience and loyalty perks. They have several locations across London, including major train stations and airports, allowing for quick and easy pick-up and drop-off.
Among the factors that make Avis stand out are their customer-centric approach and flexible rental policies. Their mobile app makes managing reservations easy, meaning you can modify bookings or extend your rental period conveniently.
Alongside their helpful customer service, their diverse selection of cars comes with a variety of rental packages, including long-term rentals. And if you travel often, you can earn points and discounts over time with Avis’s solid rewards program.
A potential drawback, though, is that while their cars are well-maintained, pick-ups may be slow during peak travel hours. These include weekday mornings (8:00 AM to 10:00 AM) and evenings (5:00 PM to 7:00 PM), as well as weekends, when travel activity is also heightened.
Additionally, their premium insurance options can be pricey, which might make the overall rental cost higher than expected.
Convenient location and efficient team
“This lovely neighbourhood Avis location makes renting a car in London a breeze! With its convenient location in Battersea, it’s easy to get on the road quickly for a weekend getaway. Even better, Emmanuel and his team are efficient while always leading with customer service and kindness. Highly recommend!”
- Emily Nowacki, Google Review
Ensuring you’re happy from beginning to end
“I love using Avis Battersea, not just because of the great selection of vehicles but more importantly because of the amazing staff. Talad and Emmanuel always give impeccable customer service, going the extra mile ensuring you’re happy from the beginning of your experience until the end. Im a regular customer and they have always shown this brilliant service from my first time at Avis Battersea and every single time thereafter. Thanks guys for your 10 out of 10 service, you’re the best branch and if you ever moved, id 100% move branch with you!!!”
- Shay H., Google Review
5. Budget
Address: Croydon, Northrop Rd
Phone: +44 344 544 4600
Business hours: Everyday, 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM
If you’re looking for an affordable and practical option, Budget Car Rental is a great choice. True to their name, they offer some of the lowest rates in London without compromising on vehicle quality.
Their straightforward booking system and frequent promotions make them a go-to for budget-conscious travelers.
Their cars are clean and reliable, and the process of picking up and returning your vehicle is usually smooth.
Customers particularly appreciate Budget car rental for its transparency in pricing—what you see is what you get, with no unexpected hidden fees.
Many also highlight the ease of online booking and the efficiency of their pickup and drop-off process.
The only catch is, since Budget is a more economical option, expect a no-frills experience. Their customer service can be hit-or-miss, and some of their cars may be older models, with their selection of luxury cars also limited.
Great car and customer service
“I was in and out with my rental car in maximum 10 minutes. Nicola at the desk was efficient with clear instructions. From picking up the car to returning it I got excellent customer service. The car was great!”
- Euan Cheyne, Google Review
Fantastic experience with no unnecessary delays
“I had a fantastic experience with Budget Car Rental! The check-in process was smooth and straightforward, with no unnecessary delays or hassles. The highlight of my visit was Simran—she was absolutely AMAZING! Not only did she ensure all our needs were met, but she also went above and beyond by helping us pack our luggage to make it fit perfectly. Her attention to detail, patience, and willingness to assist made what could have been a stressful situation so much easier. If you’re renting from Budget, I hope you’re lucky enough to have someone like Simran to help. Great service like this is what keeps customers coming back! Highly recommend!”
- Zianka Fallil, Google Review