Car Rental in the UK

CarRentalChoice compares live rates from major suppliers across the UK — at airports, city centres and train station locations nationwide. Suppliers include Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Alamo, Sixt, National and Arnold Clark. Total estimated prices are shown before you confirm, so you can compare on a like-for-like basis across all available options.

Car rental prices in the UK vary by location, season, vehicle category and booking lead time. Comparing multiple suppliers in one search makes it easier to identify value across available options rather than relying on a single provider. Availability and pricing can change throughout the day as suppliers update inventory and demand fluctuates.

What You Need to Know Before You Drive

The UK drives on the left. All hire cars are right-hand drive. Speed limits are in miles per hour — 30 mph in built-up areas, 60 mph on single carriageways and 70 mph on motorways. The drink-drive limit is 80mg per 100ml of blood in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and 50mg in Scotland.

Pickup arrangements vary by airport and supplier. At most major airports — Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham and others — suppliers operate from a dedicated car hire centre, reached by a short walk or free shuttle from the terminal. Some suppliers have in-terminal desks. Always check your booking confirmation for the specific pickup instructions before travel.

Documents Required at Collection

Bring these to the rental desk:

Driving licence — most suppliers require a full valid driving licence, often held for at least 12 months, though requirements vary by supplier and vehicle category. UK licence holders must also generate a DVLA check code from GOV.UK before collection — this gives the supplier access to your driving record.

Passport or photo ID — name must match your licence and booking.

Credit card in the lead driver's name — required for the security deposit pre-authorisation. Most UK suppliers require a credit card. Debit card acceptance varies — confirm before travel.

Booking confirmation — digital or printed.

Non-UK licence holders can drive on their home country licence. If your licence is not in English, bring an International Driving Permit alongside it.

Age Rules and Surcharges

Minimum rental age at most UK suppliers is 21. Drivers aged 21 to 24 pay a young driver surcharge — typically £10 to £30 per day — which is not always visible at the initial search stage. On a week-long rental this can be significant.

Some vehicle categories — premium, luxury and larger SUVs — have higher minimum age requirements, often 25 or 30. Economy and compact cars are generally available from age 21. Most suppliers set a maximum age of 70 to 75.

Fuel Policy

The most common arrangement in the UK is full-to-full — collect with a full tank, return with a full tank. Refuel near the return location before dropping off to avoid supplier refuelling charges.

Some suppliers offer prepaid fuel at the counter. This is rarely cost-effective unless you return the car genuinely close to empty — unused fuel is not refunded. Your booking confirmation states the fuel policy that applies.

Toll Roads, ULEZ and Road Charges

London Congestion Charge — £15 per day in Central London, Monday to Friday 7am to 6pm and weekends noon to 6pm. Paid to Transport for London.

ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) — £12.50 per day for non-compliant vehicles across all Greater London boroughs, 24 hours a day. Most modern hire cars meet ULEZ standards — confirm at pickup. Non-payment carries a £160 penalty.

Dartford Crossing — £3.50 per crossing on the M25 between Essex and Kent. No booths — pay online via Dart Charge before midnight the following day.

M6 Toll — up to £7.90 for cars on the full 27-mile section between junctions 3a and 11a. The only tolled motorway in England.

Scotland has no road tolls. The Severn crossings between England and Wales have been toll-free since 2018.

All charges are the driver's responsibility. If a supplier processes a charge on your behalf, an admin fee is typically added on top.

Key Routes Across the UK

The M1 runs from London to Leeds and connects to the M6, which continues north to Glasgow. The M25 orbits London and connects all major routes from the capital. The M8 links Glasgow and Edinburgh directly.

For Scotland, the A9 runs north from Perth to Inverness and the Highlands. Wales is accessed via the M4 from London or the M56 from Manchester. Northern Ireland requires a ferry crossing from mainland GB — cross-border hire permissions must be confirmed with your supplier before travel, along with any additional documentation required.

Popular UK Car Rental Locations

• London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
• London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
• London Stansted Airport (STN)
• London Luton Airport (LTN)
• Manchester Airport (MAN)
• Birmingham Airport (BHX)
• Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
• Glasgow Airport (GLA)
• Bristol Airport (BRS)
• Belfast International Airport (BFS)

Supplier terms, road charges and regulations referenced in this guide are subject to change. Always confirm current requirements with your supplier and relevant authorities before travel.