Yes, you can absolutely rent an automatic car in England. While manual transmission vehicles are more common and often cheaper, automatics are widely available from all major international and local rental agencies, particularly at airports and in major city centers. The key is to book well in advance, as automatic cars are in higher demand from international tourists and constitute a smaller portion of the rental fleet. Expect to pay a premium of roughly 20-50% more per day compared to a similar manual model.
Booking an automatic transmission car is a specific request you must select during the reservation process. Don't assume the car will be automatic just because you're booking a premium category; always double-check the vehicle's specifications. When you pick up the car, verify the transmission type before leaving the rental lot. Major rental companies like Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise have a good supply of automatics. For a smoother experience, consider renting from a location with a larger fleet, such as an airport.
Here is a general comparison of what to expect when renting an automatic versus a manual car in England:
| Feature | Automatic Car | Manual Car |
|---|
| Availability | Limited, must be specifically booked | Very common, default option |
| Daily Rental Cost | Higher premium (e.g., $50-$80/day) | Standard, more affordable (e.g., $30-$60/day) |
| Fuel Efficiency | Modern automatics are very close to manuals | Traditionally slightly more fuel-efficient |
| Ease of Driving | Ideal for those unused to manual shifting or left-hand traffic | Requires familiarity with manual gearbox and clutch |
| Best For | Tourists from the US, Canada, Australia, and other automatic-dominant countries | Drivers comfortable with manual transmissions |
If you find automatic options are scarce or too expensive, you can explore alternatives like using a car-sharing service such as Zipcar, which often has automatics in cities, or upgrading to a larger vehicle class (like an SUV), which is more likely to be automatic.
