Car Hire London Gatwick Airport (LGW) - Cheap Car Rentals in London

Compare car hire deals at London Gatwick Airport from across the web

Find the best car hire price, fuel policy and more from hundreds of providers

Book with flexibility. Look for cars with free cancellation in case your plans change.

Find cheap car hire at London Gatwick Airport

Browse all London Gatwick Airport car hire deals

Car hire near London Gatwick Airport

If it's easier for you, there are lots of car hire pickup locations in London from $31.

The most popular car rental companies in London Gatwick Airport

London Gatwick Airport car hire: Facts on the fly

Average daily price	$127
Most popular car	Economy, 4-5 doors
Cheapest price found	$45
Cheapest month to rent	September
Providers at London Gatwick Airport	22
Most popular provider	Drivalia
Best time to book	2 weeks before

Choose from the best car hire companies near London Gatwick Airport

Driving in London: What to expect on the road

Documents you'll need

You’ll need a valid licence and possibly an IDP.

To drive in London, you’ll need a driving licence held for at least a year. If it’s not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required. Most car hire companies also ask for a passport and credit card.

Navigating city driving

Expect one-way streets and left-hand driving.

Driving in London means handling narrow roads, bus lanes, and one-way systems. Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to avoid restricted zones and live traffic hotspots.

Tolls, emissions zones and charges

Central London has tolls and emissions charges.

The Congestion Charge and ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) apply in central London. Not all rental cars are exempt, so always check. Most fees can be paid online or in the TFL app. Some routes include toll roads.

Parking your car in London

Parking is limited and often expensive.

Many parking areas in London are residents-only or require pay-by-app. Look for multi-storey car parks, park-and-ride options, or hotels with parking. Avoid red routes, bus lanes, and loading zones to dodge fines.

Finding fuel or charging points

Fuel is available — EV charging needs planning.

Petrol stations in London are common but pricier in central zones. For electric vehicles, use Zap-Map or PlugShare to find EV charging stations in London. Some require local apps or cards — check access before your trip.

Local driving style and tips

Traffic moves fast and cameras are everywhere.

London drivers are direct and fast-paced, especially during peak hours. Give way at zebra crossings, take care at roundabouts, and avoid yellow box junctions. Traffic cameras are widespread and fines apply for hire cars.

Find London Gatwick Airport car hire deals

How to get the best car hire deal in London Gatwick Airport

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy after you've touched down in London Gatwick Airport.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in London Gatwick Airport (LGW)

Looking for a cheap London Gatwick Airport rental car? This is where the booking magic happens. With prices averaging $127 a day, we compare all the best deals so you can choose fast, spend less, and drive away happy.
Cruise off with savings by reserving your ride in June. With average daily rates of $48, it's the cheapest month to rent a car in LGW.
Consider this your cheat code for when to book. Three weeks in advance is your sweet spot for driving off with a cheap LGW rental car.
At London Gatwick Airport, you can grab your ride from top-rated providers such as Green Motion, U-Save and Drivalia.
The coverage Green Motion or another supplier includes with your London Gatwick Airport car hire can differ, so remember to read the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge extra for it.
Booking one-way could save you cash on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved around. Just click 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for rent in LGW.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire at London Gatwick Airport with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. You won't get hit with overpriced refueling charges either.
Go wherever the road takes you by picking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you go as far as you want without paying more.
Once you've picked up the keys to your LGW car hire, it's time to create your own itinerary. Central London is about 80 kilometres north and a drive of around 1 hour 20 minutes if that's your first stop.
You can also book a car hire in London. If you don't need a vehicle right after you arrive, hold off until you're in the city and avoid paying for extra rental days.

Compare car hire types from London Gatwick Airport (LGW)

Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap London Gatwick Airport rental car makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These agile, fuel-efficient rides are ideal for short trips and city driving.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the just-right ride you need in your life. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are suited to couples and small families.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and improved tech features, this LGW car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a commanding view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged country lanes or gliding down stretches of highway, many offer all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.
Van: If you're looking for a car for rent in London Gatwick Airport that fits a small crowd (and all their gear), a van has room where it matters. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a solid pick for group travel, moving or business use.

Insurance and optional extras

Choosing excess insurance for your LGW car hire lets you drive with confidence. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of an accident or theft. Insurance policies can differ between rental providers, so give them a quick comparison.
Take your ride to the next level with extras like a navigation system or mobile Wi-Fi. These features can make your trip easier and more enjoyable when you rent a car in London Gatwick Airport.

Good to know

The minimum age to rent a car in the United Kingdom is typically 21 years old. However rules can vary by provider, so always go over your rental company's terms to make sure you meet the requirements.
Bringing the kids with you? Car seat rules vary according to the location, and the correct setup may depend on their height, age and weight. Confirm whether you need to add one to your LGW car hire booking.

Hit the road: Where to drive from London Gatwick Airport (LGW)

Before you move on, enjoy a bit of sightseeing around London first. Top attractions like The British Museum and Westminster Abbey make an excellent first impression.
Reading should be on your to-do list if you're eager to see Reading Abbey Ruins and Reading river cruise Thames. This city is about 64 kilometres north-west of LGW.
Add Luton to your holiday plans. Around 80 kilometres north of the airport, head there in your London Gatwick Airport car hire to see major highlights such as Cowslip Meadow Nature Reserve and Someries Castle.
Ready to go the extra mile? Cardiff is a popular road trip destination that's about 209 kilometres west of LGW. Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National History Museum are the perfect pit stops.

Hiring a car at London Gatwick Airport: FAQs

How much is it to hire a car at London Gatwick Airport?

On average, car hire from London Gatwick Airport is around $127 per day.

Is $127 a good car hire price compared to other average prices of airports in United Kingdom?

No. It's a little higher than United Kingdom's average daily car rental price, which is around $84.

Which car hire companies are at London Gatwick Airport?

There are lots of car hire companies to choose from at London Gatwick Airport - including Enterprise, Easirent, Keddy By Europcar, EZ Drive Car Rentals, Firefly, Hertz, National, THE OUT, and Dollar.

Can I hire a car from Drivalia at London Gatwick Airport?

Yes – you can pick up Drivalia hire cars from London Gatwick Airport. Their desk is in the airport terminal.

Can I hire a car from Green Motion at London Gatwick Airport?

Yes – you can pick up Green Motion hire cars from London Gatwick Airport. Their desk is in the airport terminal.

Can I hire a car from Europcar at London Gatwick Airport?

Yes – you can pick up Europcar hire cars from London Gatwick Airport. Their desk is in the airport terminal.

Is it cheaper to hire a car from London Gatwick Airport than in London?

Currently, the lowest price for car hire at London Gatwick Airport we found is $45. And the cheapest rate for car hire nearby is from $31. It can often be cheaper to hire a car from somewhere near to London Gatwick Airport, especially if there's an extra airport pick-up fee. But when you consider the cost of travelling from London Gatwick Airport to the pick-up location, and back again at the end of your stay, collecting your wheels as soon as you touch down might still work out more economic, faster and easier.

Can I hire a car from London Gatwick Airport one-way?

Yes – you can hire a car when you touch down in London Gatwick Airport and drop it off in another location, which can save you time and money.

What are the best car hire companies at London Gatwick Airport?

The most popular according to travellers is Europcar, with a 4.8 rating for things like cleanliness, customer service and value. The cheapest company is currently Drivalia.

What are the cheapest car hire companies at London Gatwick Airport?

Currently, it looks like Drivalia has the cheapest car hire deal in London Gatwick Airport – for $60 per day. Alamo also has car hire deals from $64 per day.

Is it cheaper to hire a car from London Gatwick Airport than to get a taxi into London?

Although you can often find a cheaper car hire deal away from London Gatwick Airport, remember to consider: extra cost of public transport, a taxi to your hotel, or on to that pickup location on top of that price.

Can I get flexible car hire, or cancel after I book a car at London Gatwick Airport?

Yes. We understand that plans can change last minute, or you might even find a better car rental deal from London Gatwick Airport. That's why we highlight the rental cars you can book now and cancel later when you search.

Can I hire a van at London Gatwick Airport?

Yes, van hire is available at London Gatwick Airport from $65 per day.

What age do I need to be to hire a car at London Gatwick Airport?

When you rent a car near London Gatwick Airport, most major providers require you to be at least 21 years old. Some companies charge an extra fee if you're under 25, so make sure you check before booking.

What do I need to do to hire a car at London Gatwick Airport?

You can book car hire at London Gatwick Airport in three simple steps. First, explore the range of available cars, from family-friendly SUVs to small compact cars. Next, narrow down your choices by comparing features like fuel policy, mileage and customer reviews to find the best deal. Then, once you’ve found the perfect car, you’ll be redirected to the provider’s website to book, with no extra fees.

What documents do I need?

The documents you need to rent a car at London Gatwick Airport vary depending on the car hire provider. In most cases, you’ll need a valid driving licence, photo ID and a credit card. You can check with the car hire provider when you book.

How do I find the best car hire deals at London Gatwick Airport?

Finding the best car hire deal at London Gatwick Airport is quick and easy with Skyscanner. First, explore the range of available cars, from family-friendly SUVs to small compact cars. Next, narrow down your choices by comparing features like fuel policy, mileage, and customer reviews to find the best deal. Then, once you’ve found the perfect car, you’ll be redirected to the provider’s website to book, with no extra fees.