London Heathrow Airport (LHR) car rentals

Compare car rentals from trusted providers

Book a car rental with confidence

Save big on car rentals at London Heathrow Airport

Find the best car rental deal

Search for airport pickup locations, open 24/7

Browse all airport pickup locations

Car rental near London Heathrow Airport

If it's easier for you, there are lots of car rental pickup locations in London from C$30.

The most popular car rental companies at London Heathrow Airport

London Heathrow Airport car rental: Facts on the fly

Average daily priceC$128
Most popular carCompact, 4-5 doors
Cheapest price foundC$32
Cheapest month to rentApril
Providers at London Heathrow Airport34
Most popular providerU-Save
Best time to book4 weeks before

Choose from the best car rental companies near London Heathrow Airport

Driving in London: What to expect on the road

Documents you'll need
You'll need a valid license and possibly an IDP.
To drive in London, you'll need a driver's license held for at least a year. If it's not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required. Most car rental 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 multistory parking lots, 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.
Gas 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 pedestrian crossings, take care at traffic circles, and avoid yellow box junctions. Traffic cameras are widespread and fines apply for rental cars.
Find London Heathrow Airport car rental deals

How to get the best car rental deals at London Heathrow Airport

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

How to find a cheap car rental deal in London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

  • Just touched down? Pick up a cheap London Heathrow Airport rental car and get going for around C$128 a day. From city stays to far-flung escapes, we'll help you find a rental that suits your trip.

  • Lock in your ride in April and get the green light on savings. It's the cheapest month to rent a car in LHR, with average daily rates of C$50.

  • If you like to plan with precision, book about one week ahead to drive away with a cheap LHR rental car.

  • At London Heathrow Airport, you can grab your wheels from leading rental brands such as Surprice, U-Save and Green Motion.

  • Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your London Heathrow Airport car rental policy, whether you book with Surprice or any other supplier. Some companies might not include it in the base price and instead sell it separately.

  • Look into booking a one-way rental. You might be able to land a good deal if the provider needs to shift cars between sites. Discover the best available rates for a car for rent in LHR by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'

  • Cut down on fuel costs by choosing a car rental at London Heathrow Airport that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your ride with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you're only paying for what you use.

  • Hit the highway without counting the miles and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you explore further.

  • Get the adventure started once you've collected the keys to your LHR car rental. You've got the freedom to take any route you choose, but if you're off to central London, it'll take you around 55 minutes to drive the 31 kilometres or so east.

  • Don't need a set of wheels right away? Consider grabbing a car rental in London instead of at the airport. That way, you won't pay for days you don't use.

Compare car rental types from London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

  • Small: Whether you're darting along city streets or taking a short trip, this cheap London Heathrow Airport rental car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to excellent fuel efficiency and easy handling.

  • Medium: Not too big, not too small, it's the definition of just right. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are suited to small families and couples.

  • Large: You've got the kids, the bags, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the space to fit it all without breaking a sweat. Great for longer journeys, this LHR car rental category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: SUVs are your four-wheel fix for wanderlust. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and scenic backroads alike.

  • Van: If you're after a car for rent in London Heathrow Airport that fits a small crowd (and all their gear), a van has space to spare. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a solid pick for group outings, business needs or moving.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers what you'd otherwise have to pay if your LHR car rental is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, it's a smart add-on if you'd rather play it safe. Just remember that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you know exactly what's offered.

  • Upgrade your ride with handy extras like mobile Wi-Fi or a reverse camera. These features can turn your drive into a smoother experience when you rent a car in London Heathrow Airport.

Good to know

  • The minimum age to rent a car in the United Kingdom is typically 21 years old. However some providers make their own rules, so always read your rental company's terms to be sure you satisfy the requirements.

  • Travel plans include the kids? Car seat regulations vary from one location to another, and the correct setup may depend on their age, weight and height. Confirm whether you need to add one to your LHR car rental booking.

Hit the road: Where to drive from London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

  • You'll want to explore the major attractions in London before you do anything else. The British Museum and Westminster Abbey are a great way to kick things off.

  • Shift gears and take off to Reading. Around 40 kilometres west of LHR, it's home to must-do sights like Reading Abbey Ruins and Reading river cruise Thames.

  • Add Luton to your travel plans. Roughly 48 kilometres north of the airport, head there in your London Heathrow Airport car rental to see standout attractions like Cowslip Meadow Nature Reserve and Someries Castle.

  • Want to head even further out? Cardiff is a top road trip destination that's around 193 kilometres west of LHR. Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National History Museum are the perfect pit stops.

Renting a car at London Heathrow Airport: FAQs

On average, a car rental from London Heathrow Airport is around C$128 per day.
No. It's a little higher than United Kingdom's average daily car rental price, which is around C$57.
There are lots of car rental companies to choose from at London Heathrow Airport, including Carwiz, Europcar, THE OUT, Switch, qdrive performance, Thrifty, Easirent, Firefly, and Keddy By Europcar.
Currently, the lowest price we've found for rentals at London Heathrow Airport is C$32, and the cheapest rate for car rentals nearby is from C$30. It can often be cheaper to rent a car from somewhere near London Heathrow Airport, especially if there's an extra airport pickup fee. However, when you consider the cost of traveling from London Heathrow Airport to the pickup location and back again at the end of your stay, collecting your wheels as soon as you touch down might still work out more economical, faster, and easier.
Yes – you can rent a car when you touch down at London Heathrow Airport and drop it off in another location, which can save you time and money.
The most popular according to travelers is Keddy By Europcar, with a 4.7 rating for things like cleanliness, customer service and value. The cheapest company is currently Green Motion.
Although you can often find a cheaper car rental deal away from London Heathrow Airport, remember to consider: the extra cost of public transportation, a taxi to your hotel, or that pickup location on top of that price.
Yes. We understand that plans can change last-minute, or you might even find a better car rental deal from London Heathrow Airport. That's why we highlight the rental cars you can book now and cancel later when you search.
Yes, van rental is available at London Heathrow Airport from C$83 per day.
When you rent a car near London Heathrow 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.
You can book a car rental at London Heathrow 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.
The documents you need to rent a car at London Heathrow Airport vary depending on the car rental provider. In most cases, you’ll need a valid driver's license, photo ID, and a credit card. You can check with the car rental provider when you book.
Finding the best car rental deal at London Heathrow 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.