Yes, you can rent a car in London, but it's not always the best option for navigating the city itself. For exploring central London, public transportation like the Tube is far more efficient. Renting a car becomes highly practical for day trips outside the city to places like the Cotswolds, Stonehenge, or the coastal regions.
To rent a car, you typically need to be at least 21 years old (with a young driver surcharge for those under 25), hold a full driver's license from your country for a minimum of one year, and have a major credit card in the primary driver's name. Debit cards are often not accepted or come with strict conditions. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended if your license is not in English. You must also ensure you have adequate insurance coverage, which is usually offered in tiers by the rental company.
Be prepared for the Congestion Charge, a daily fee for driving in central London on weekdays, and the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge, which applies to most vehicles that don't meet strict emissions standards 24/7. Parking is also expensive and challenging to find.
| Rental Company | Typical Minimum Age | Young Driver Surcharge (under 25) | Average Daily Rate (Compact Car) | ULEZ Compliant Fleet? |
|---|
| Enterprise | 21 | Yes | $45 | Mostly Yes |
| Hertz | 20 | Yes | $50 | Yes |
| Avis | 23 | Yes | $48 | Yes |
| Sixt | 18 | Yes | $52 | Yes |
| Europcar | 22 | Yes | $47 | Mostly Yes |
Booking in advance online almost always guarantees a better rate and wider vehicle selection. Carefully review the rental agreement for fuel policies (usually "full-to-full") and any additional fees before you drive away.
