United Kingdom Car Rental (UK) – AirportVanRental

Welcome to the United Kingdom! From England’s historic villages and bustling London streets to Scotland’s lochs, Wales’ rugged coastlines, and Northern Ireland’s scenic Causeway Coast, having your own rental car is the key to unlocking all these experiences. The UK packs four diverse countries into one, and public transport can’t always reach the charming small towns, highland valleys or remote castles you’ll want to see. This page is your all-in-one guide to renting a car in the UK. We’ve combined unbeatable GBP rental deals with insider tips so you can book confidently and hit the road prepared. Whether you’re flying into Heathrow, road-tripping through the Scottish Highlands, or need a van for a family tour of Wales, we’ll help you find the perfect vehicle quickly, easily, and affordably. Get ready to explore the UK on your schedule with extra savings in your pocket, and remember, with AirportVanRental you have a travel partner in your corner every mile of the way.

The UK has robust trains and buses between major cities, but a car rental gives you ultimate freedom to discover hidden gems and travel on your own timetable. Here’s why savvy travelers choose to rent a car in the United Kingdom:

• Reach Beyond the Tourist Hubs: Public transit serves big cities well, but what about quaint villages in the Cotswolds, remote hiking trails in the Scottish Highlands, or Welsh coastal hamlets? Many of the UK’s best spots (think Stonehenge in rural England or Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland) aren’t easily reached without a car. With your own wheels, you can venture beyond train stations to explore off-the-beaten-path locations whenever you want.
• Freedom & Flexibility: No train schedules or tour buses dictating your day, you set the itinerary. Want to linger longer at a castle, detour to a national park, or skip the crowded tour routes? With a car, it’s your choice. This flexibility is especially handy if you’re doing multi-city trips (London ➔ Edinburgh ➔ Highlands, for example) or mixing business with leisure. Cover multiple destinations in one trip that would be impractical by public transport alone.
• Scenic Drives Galore: The UK is made for road trips. Drive England’s charming country lanes bordered by hedgerows, cruise along Scotland’s stunning North Coast 500 route, wind through Wales’ mountain passes, or take the coastal A2 road in Northern Ireland for jaw-dropping views. These drives give you spectacular scenery at your own pace, stop for a pub lunch or a photo-op whenever inspiration strikes.
• Diverse Landscapes in Short Distances: The UK isn’t huge, which means you can experience a lot in a little time with a car. In one week you could go from English villages to Scottish mountains to Irish seaside towns. A rental car lets you maximize a short trip, for example, do a morning in Oxford, afternoon in the Cotswolds, and evening in Bath all in one day if you like. Try that with a train schedule, nearly impossible!
• Convenience for Families & Groups: Traveling with family or a group? A car simplifies logistics. Throw all your luggage in the boot and go, no dragging bags between stations or keeping track of train tickets. Need to make an impromptu stop for a restroom or snacks? Easy. Renting a larger vehicle (like a 7-passenger MPV or 9-seater van) means you can keep everyone together and even split costs, often cheaper per person than multiple rail fares.

Our UK Car Rental Advantages (Why Book with AVR)

When you book your UK car hire through AirportVanRental, you’re not just getting a car, you’re getting a seamless experience from start to finish, with perks you won’t get by simply walking up to a rental counter. Here’s what sets us apart for your UK car rental:

• Huge Nationwide Selection: From tiny economy cars perfect for zipping around London’s tight streets to 9-passenger vans for a group tour of the Highlands, we’ve got it all. Thanks to our network of trusted rental partners across the UK, you’ll find thousands of vehicles available in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Need an automatic transmission (since many UK cars are manual)? No problem, filter for automatics and choose exactly what fits your trip. We even specialize in hard-to-find passenger vans, so if you need a minibus or people-carrier, you’ll see options here that other sites might not show.
• Best Rates in GBP, Guaranteed: We constantly scan rates from all major brands and local suppliers throughout the UK to ensure you get the lowest price. By aggregating deals (including exclusive promo rates we negotiate), we highlight hidden discounts you won’t find on single-company sites. If there’s a lower price out there, we’ll match or beat it. The rate you see is in British Pounds (GBP), with a US Dollar estimate in parentheses for reference, so you can budget confidently. Saving you money is our mission, more quid in your pocket for fish ’n’ chips and souvenirs!
• No Hidden Fees, Total Transparency: The price you see is the price you pay, period. UK rentals can include taxes (like VAT) and surcharges (airport fees, etc.), but we display all mandatory charges upfront in your quote. There are no last-minute surprises at pick-up, we hate hidden fees as much as you do. For example, if London Heathrow rentals add a location surcharge or Northern Ireland rentals include road fund tax, you’ll see it in your breakdown before you book. No nasty “London extra” fees popping up on your bill, everything’s clear and honest so you can budget accurately.
• Trusted Partners & Support: We partner with reputable rental brands, to reliable local companies, to bring you quality cars and service. Our customer support team is here if you hit any snags. Missed your flight into Edinburgh? We’ll help adjust your booking. Not sure about UK toll charges or need to extend your rental by a day? Just reach out! We’re not just a booking site, we’re your travel ally with local expertise. With AirportVanRental, you get peace of mind knowing you have a team ready to assist and insider info (we include UK driving tips below) so you’re never in the dark.
• One-Way and Cross-Border Rentals Made Easy: Need to pick up in London and drop off in Manchester? Or start in England and finish in Scotland or Ireland? Many of our UK partners allow one-way rentals, even across countries. Just choose a different drop-off location in our search, and we’ll clearly show any one-way fee. We make it simple to plan epic UK road trips without backtracking, for example, drive from Dublin to Belfast or London to Edinburgh. We’ll handle the fine print and make sure you know of any drop fees or requirements upfront.

Top UK Car Rental Deals

• Economy Car, from £15/day ( ~$19 ). Example: Ford Fiesta or similar. A small 3- or 4-door perfect for solo travelers or couples in the city. Easy to park on narrow British streets and sip fuel (petrol is pricey here!). Great for city-hopping and short trips, think London to Oxford or Edinburgh to Loch Lomond.
• Compact Sedan, from £20/day ( ~$25 ). Example: Vauxhall Astra or similar. A bit more room for luggage and passengers, still very efficient. Ideal for small families or road trips where comfort and MPG are both priorities, like touring English villages or driving from Manchester to the Lake District.
• SUV (Crossover), from £30/day ( ~$38 ). Example: Nissan Qashqai or similar. Fits 5 passengers plus luggage with ease. A smart choice if you’re covering longer distances or venturing into rural areas, e.g. exploring the Scottish Highlands or Snowdonia in Wales. Higher ground clearance and roomy interior make for a comfortable ride on Britain’s mix of motorways and country lanes.
• 7-Seater MPV/Minivan, from £45/day ( ~$57 ). Example: Ford Galaxy (7-passenger) or similar. Great for larger families or groups traveling together. Everyone (and their luggage) fits in one vehicle, no need for multiple cars. Drive the whole crew from London to Cornwall’s beaches or on an Ireland heritage tour. Splitting the cost makes this one of the cheapest per-person options.
• 9-Passenger Van, from £55/day ( ~$70 ). Example: Mercedes-Benz Vito Traveliner or similar. Got a big group or lots of gear? These van rentals are perfect for sports teams, school groups, or an extended family vacation. Despite seating 9, they’re still easy enough to handle on UK roads. Keep your entire group together and save on train fares, plus enjoy the journey as a team!

Note: “From” rates are based on rentals in major hubs (like London Heathrow or Manchester) during low season (e.g. winter months). Prices can be higher in smaller cities (e.g. Inverness, Cardiff) or during peak periods such as summer holidays or around Christmas/New Year. Always search with your exact pick-up location and dates to see up-to-date rates for your trip. We update these deals frequently to reflect current specials and seasonal promotions. Booking early (4–6 weeks out) often secures the best price, especially for summer travel.

Driving in the UK: What to Know

Driving in the United Kingdom is an adventure in itself, you’ll navigate everything from modern motorways to one-lane country roads. Here are key UK driving tips, rules, and quirks to help you stay safe and confident on the left side of the road:

• Left-Side Driving & Basic Rules: In the UK (unlike in North America and most of Europe), traffic drives on the left-hand side. This means the driver’s seat is on the right side of the car, and roundabouts flow clockwise. It sounds daunting if you’re used to right-side driving, but most people adjust quickly. Always remember left side, left side! Seat belts are mandatory for all, and using a handheld phone while driving is illegal (hands-free only). At intersections, priority is typically marked by signs or road markings. If no markings, give way to vehicles coming from the right at roundabouts and to whichever arrives first at unmarked junctions (and in practice, be cautious because not everyone follows the same rhythm). There is no right turn on red in the UK (as you might see in the US); a red light means stop, full stop.
• Speed Limits & Cameras: Speed limits in the UK are posted in miles per hour (MPH). Typical limits: 30 mph in built-up areas (50 km/h, often reduced to 20 mph in many residential zones and city centers), 60 mph on two-lane rural roads, and 70 mph on dual carriageways and motorways (the UK’s highways). Always watch for posted signs, especially in villages (they can drop to 20 mph near schools or 40 mph on some country roads). Speed cameras are very common on UK roads, both fixed cameras and average speed camera zones that calculate your speed over distance. Fines can be steep and are usually mailed to the rental company (who will forward the charge to you plus an admin fee). Tip: Stick to the limit and use a GPS that alerts to camera zones if possible. It’s safer and will save you money in the long run.
• Roundabouts, “Give Way” & Signage: The UK is famous (or infamous) for its roundabouts, circular intersections designed to keep traffic flowing. If you’ve never driven one, remember the golden rule: traffic already in the roundabout has priority. Yield (or “give way”) to vehicles coming from your right on entry. Once inside, signal left as you prepare to exit. In towns you may encounter double or triple mini-roundabouts in a cluster, take them one at a time, giving way to the right each time. Don’t panic, go slow and you’ll be fine. Road signage in the UK uses international symbols, but you’ll notice some differences: “Give Way” is the UK version of a yield sign, a red triangle. Speed is in MPH. And you might see quirky signposts like “Changed Priorities Ahead” (meaning the right of way on the road is about to change) or “Humps for 200 yards” (indicating speed bumps ahead). When in doubt, slow down and follow what surrounding drivers do.
• City Driving & Congestion (London Tips): Driving in big cities like London, Manchester, or Edinburgh can be challenging. Streets may be narrow, one-way, or crowded with buses and black cabs. Parking is scarce and expensive (London famously so). London also imposes a Congestion Charge (≈£15 daily) for driving in the central zone Mon-Fri daytime, and an ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) fee if your vehicle is older/high-emission, however, rental cars are generally modern enough that ULEZ charges won’t apply, but do check. If you drive a rental into central London, you’ll need to pay the Congestion Charge online (or the rental company may bill you with an added fee). Many visitors choose not to drive within central London, it can be faster to use the Tube (subway) or taxis and save the car for trips out of the city. If you do drive in the city, plan for traffic (rush hour can significantly slow you down, e.g. 7-10 AM and 4-7 PM weekdays) and use a sat-nav/GPS for navigating the maze of one-way streets. Pro tip: If your hotel is downtown, consider picking up the rental car after your London sightseeing portion, you’ll avoid city congestion and fees until you’re ready to hit the open road.
• Tolls & Road Charges: Good news, the UK has very few highway toll roads. The vast majority of motorways are free to use. The only notable one is the M6 Toll in the Midlands (north of Birmingham), which is an optional faster bypass; it costs around £5-£7 for cars. There are also a few tolled bridges/tunnels: for example, the Dartford Crossing (bridge/tunnel on the M25 east of London) has a charge ~£2.50, and some bridges in Wales (like the older Severn Bridge) used to have tolls but have been scrapped. Most tolls now are cashless, cameras will read the license plate. For the Dartford Crossing, you’re expected to pay online by the end of the next day (easy to do on the official website). If not, the rental company will get the bill and charge your card with a fee. Other city charges: as mentioned, London Congestion and a few cities like Durham or Oxford have small congestion or clean-air zone charges. We recommend checking with us or your rental provider if you plan to drive through any tolled facility or city center charge zone, they’ll explain how payment works so you’re not caught off guard. Overall, plan a few extra pounds if using these routes, but you can often avoid them with alternate roads if you wish.
• Fuel (Petrol/Diesel) & Service Stations: In the UK, gasoline is called petrol, and of course there’s diesel (make sure you know which fuel your rental takes, it will be indicated on the key or fuel cap). Fuel is sold by the liter (not gallon), and current prices average around £1.50 per liter for petrol (that’s roughly $6.80 per US gallon), prices fluctuate, and diesel can be a bit more expensive than petrol. You’ll find petrol stations (gas stations) frequently in cities and along motorways (often signposted as “Services” which include fuel, restrooms, food, etc.). Most stations are self-serve; you fill up then pay at the kiosk or pay by card at pump. Major credit cards are widely accepted, though occasionally automated pumps might require a card with a chip & PIN. It’s wise to fill up before returning your car, as rental companies charge much higher rates if they refill for you. Many airports have petrol stations nearby (for example, there are stations close to Heathrow and Manchester airports, though prices right next to airports can be slightly higher). Also note: in rural Scotland or Wales, stations can be farther apart, so don’t let your tank get too low on remote drives.
• Parking Etiquette: Parking in the UK ranges from structured car parks (garages) in cities to parallel street parking in towns. In cities like London, street parking is heavily restricted, you’ll see colored lines along the kerb: a double yellow line means no parking at any time, a single yellow means parking is restricted at certain times (check nearby signs). Many areas are residents-only or pay-and-display. Always read the signs carefully before leaving your car curbside, fines and even clamping/towing are enforced for violations. It’s often easiest to use public car parks (pay lots/garages) in city centers, though they can cost £4-£6 per hour in London (and £2-£3/hour in smaller cities). In smaller towns and villages, you may find free street parking or inexpensive council car parks (£1/hour or so). When parking on hills, curb your wheels (turn them toward the kerb when downhill, away when uphill), a good practice to prevent rollaways. And be mindful not to block driveways or park on the pavement. One quirk: in some rural areas and villages, you might park partway on the sidewalk due to narrow roads, only do this if others are and it seems allowed, and never where it would obstruct pedestrians or prams.
• Rural Roads & Weather Considerations: A lot of UK charm is in the countryside, but rural driving has its own challenges. You may encounter single-track roads with passing places (especially in the Scottish Highlands, rural Wales, or even English Lake District backroads). These are narrow lanes where two-way traffic must share one lane. If you see an oncoming car, ease into a marked passing bay or wide shoulder to let them by (or they’ll do so if they reach it first). Always drive slowly on these roads and be prepared to stop, around any blind corner could be a sheep, a tractor, or a cyclist! Speaking of sheep, in places like Wales or Scotland it’s not uncommon to find livestock on the road, another reason to keep your speed down on backroads. As for weather: rain is frequent year-round; roads can become slick and visibility can drop quickly. Use headlights in rain (UK law: if your wipers are on, your lights should be on too) and watch for standing water to avoid hydroplaning. In winter, snow is possible in northern England, Scotland, or hilly areas (though much of England/Wales sees only occasional light snow). Main roads are gritted (salted) when icy conditions are forecast, but smaller roads can be icy, if you’re visiting in winter and heading to snowy regions, check if your rental can be fitted with winter tyres or request snow chains if needed (many UK rentals come with all-season tyres which are usually fine for light snow, and heavy snow is relatively rare and short-lived outside mountain areas). Lastly, fog can be an issue in some seasons, slow down and use fog lights if visibility is severely reduced. By preparing for these quirks and driving attentively, you’ll find that touring the UK by car is incredibly rewarding and very doable. Stay left, stay alert, and enjoy the journey!

Popular Road Trips from London, Edinburgh, Belfast & Cardiff

One of the biggest perks of renting a car in the UK is the freedom to embark on amazing road trips. We’ve picked four classic routes, one from each home nation (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales), to inspire your travels. Each offers unique landscapes and cultural highlights that you can best enjoy with a car at your disposal:

• London to Cornwall Coastal Adventure (England), Approx. 300 miles one-way, recommended 4–7 days.
  
  

Highlights: Start in London, then head west! A popular first stop is Stonehenge (about 85 miles from London via M3/A303) to witness the mystical ancient stone circle on Salisbury Plain. Next, continue to the city of Bath (another 40 miles), famous for its Roman Baths and gorgeous Georgian architecture, a perfect place to soak in history (and even actual thermal waters at the Thermae Spa). From Bath, drive through the Cotswolds or take the faster M5 down towards Devon. In Devon, consider stopping at Dartmoor National Park, a moorland with wild ponies and scenic tors (rocky hills); the moody landscapes here inspired tales like Sherlock Holmes’ Hound of the Baskervilles. Finally, head into Cornwall via the A30. Cornwall offers charming seaside towns and dramatic coastlines: visit St Ives for art galleries and beaches, Newquay for surfing vibes, and Tintagel Castle (legendary birthplace of King Arthur) perched on cliffs. End at Land’s End, the southwest tip of England, for a photo at the iconic signpost where the Atlantic crashes against the cliffs. You’ve essentially crossed England from its urban heart to its wild western edge!

Pro Tip: Summer traffic to Cornwall can be heavy, especially on weekends (much like the holiday rush to Cape Cod in the US). To beat the jams, try driving early morning or in the evening on peak travel days. Many UK holiday cottages in Cornwall have Saturday changeovers, so roads on Saturdays in July/August get very congested, consider traveling mid-week if possible. Also, Cornwall’s rural roads are very narrow, don’t be alarmed if hedges brush both sides of your car on a lane barely wider than a car! Drive slowly on these lanes and use passing places to let oncoming cars by. Reward yourself with a Cornish pasty or clotted cream ice cream when you reach those beautiful beaches.

• Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands Loop (Scotland), Approx. 400 miles round-trip, 5–7 days recommended.
  
  

Highlights: Begin in historic Edinburgh, then head north across the Forth Bridges on the M90. In about an hour you can stop at Stirling, tour Stirling Castle, a fortress rich with medieval Scottish history (and great views). Continue into the Highlands via A82: you’ll pass along the shores of Loch Lomond (take a break in Luss village for stunning lake views) and then through the majestic Glencoe valley. Glencoe’s towering mountains and waterfalls are some of Scotland’s most dramatic scenery, there are lay-bys to pull over and take photos where the famous “Three Sisters” peaks dominate the view. Further north, you’ll reach Fort William (perhaps take a side-trip on the Jacobite Steam Train a.k.a. Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express, which departs here in summer). Next, drive along the Great Glen to Loch Ness, keep your eyes peeled for Nessie, the legendary lake monster! At Urquhart Castle, you can explore picturesque ruins right on the loch shore. Continue to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, for a dose of civilization (pubs, restaurants, maybe some live Scottish music). From Inverness, loop back towards Edinburgh via the A9 southbound: consider a stop in Pitlochry, a charming town known for whisky distilleries (like Blair Athol) and the nearby Highland Folk Museum for a step back in time. As you return to Edinburgh, you’ll have experienced Scotland’s rich mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, all made easier with the flexibility of a car.

Pro Tip: Driving in the Highlands requires extra care. Some roads are winding, and you may encounter slow-moving vehicles (caravans, tractors), patience is key, pass only in safe, designated spots. Weather can change quickly; even in summer, a sunny morning can turn into a misty, rainy afternoon. Always bring layers and rain gear on Highland road trips. Fuel up when you can, distances are long and petrol stations sparse outside towns (don’t let your tank dip too low). Lastly, be prepared for midges (tiny biting insects) if traveling in late spring or summer; they’re mostly a nuisance when you stop the car, so have some insect repellent handy when you step out to admire those loch views!

• Belfast to the Antrim Coast & Giant’s Causeway (Northern Ireland), Approx. 120 miles round-trip, doable in 1–2 days.
  
  

Highlights: From Belfast, take the M2/A2 north to begin one of Europe’s great coastal drives, the Causeway Coastal Route. About 40 minutes out, consider a stop at the Glens of Antrim, nine lush valleys offering hiking and waterfalls (Glenariff Forest Park is especially lovely for a short walk). Continue along the A2 with the Irish Sea on your right; you’ll pass charming villages like Cushendun (with its unique red arch tunnels) and Cushendall. A must-see stop is the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (near Ballintoy), if you’re brave, walk this famous rope bridge suspended high above the sea, connecting to a small island (open in spring/summer, tickets required). Next up, the jewel of the route: Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Park at the visitor center and marvel at the thousands of hexagonal basalt columns formed by volcanic activity (though legend says giant Finn McCool built them), you can actually walk out on these natural stepping stones into the sea!. A few miles beyond is Bushmills, home to the Old Bushmills Distillery, take a tour and maybe sip some whiskey (when you’re done driving for the day). Further along, check out the ruins of Dunluce Castle perched dramatically on clifftops. You can return to Belfast via the faster inland route (A26/M2) or retrace the coastal road for more scenic magic. The entire loop is relatively short, but you’ll want to allocate time to enjoy each stop.

Pro Tip: Northern Ireland uses the mph system like the rest of the UK, and you’ll be driving on the left. If you plan to cross the border into the Republic of Ireland (for example, some travelers continue from Derry into Donegal, or from Belfast down to Dublin), check with your rental company, most allow it, but you’ll need to inform them (insurance rules can differ and sometimes there’s a small cross-border fee). Fortunately, there are no hard border checks between N. Ireland and Ireland now, it’s typically an invisible border (just a sign changing speed limits from mph to km/h). On the coastal route, keep an eye out for bilingual road signs, in some spots, especially towards Derry, signs may be in English and Irish (Gaelic). And one more tip: bring a rain jacket! The weather on the coast can be windy and wet even on a summer day, but that often makes the scenery more atmospheric (mist rolling over Dunluce Castle, for example).

• Cardiff to Snowdonia National Park (Wales), Approx. 300 miles round-trip, 3–4 days suggested.
  
  

Highlights: Start from Cardiff, the capital of Wales, and head north on the A470, this single route can take you nearly all the way to Snowdonia, and it’s scenic the whole way. First, about 25 miles from Cardiff, you’ll enter the Brecon Beacons National Park (recently renamed Bannau Brycheiniog in Welsh). The Brecon Beacons offer rolling hills and peaks, you might stop in the town of Brecon or take a quick detour to Pen y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales (a popular 2-3 hour hike if inclined). Continue north through market towns like Builth Wells or Rhayader, authentic spots to grab lunch (perhaps a Welsh lamb cawl stew) and hear lilting Welsh accents. As you approach Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park in North Wales (about 4 hours drive from Cardiff without stops), the scenery turns mountainous. Make your way to Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), the highest mountain in Wales (3,560 ft). If you’re up for adventure, you can hike to the summit or take the Snowdon Mountain Railway from Llanberis for a thrilling train ride up. Other highlights in Snowdonia: drive through the dramatic Llanberis Pass, visit Beddgelert (a picturesque village steeped in legend), and explore Caernarfon Castle on the coast, a massive 13th-century fortress where Prince Charles was invested as Prince of Wales. On the way back, consider swinging out toward the coast: the seaside town of Llandudno offers a classic Victorian promenade and Great Orme headland drive. Then loop back south via the faster A5/A470 route. You’ll have experienced the best of Wales, vibrant city culture, lush green valleys, and rugged mountain landscapes, all in one trip.

Pro Tip: Wales is bilingual, and you’ll notice many road signs in both Welsh (Cymraeg) and English. Don’t be surprised, or confused, when you see town names like “Caerdydd” (Cardiff) or “Caergybi” (Holyhead) on signs alongside the English. It’s part of the charm of driving in Wales! In rural areas, you may also encounter sheep wandering onto roads, especially in mountain regions, always take those “sheep” warning signs seriously and drive cautiously around bends. Weather in Snowdonia can be very rainy or foggy, so pack waterproof gear and good walking shoes. If you’re visiting in summer, consider starting hikes early in the day to beat crowds on popular trails (and to better your odds of clear views from Snowdon’s summit before afternoon clouds). Finally, don’t leave Wales without trying some local treats, perhaps bara brith (speckled fruit bread) or Welsh cakes, perfect with a cup of tea after a day of driving and exploring.

Quick-Reference Info Box: UK Car Rental at a Glance

• Popular Car Types: Economy hatchbacks (e.g. Ford Fiesta), Compact cars (e.g. Vauxhall Astra), Family SUVs (e.g. Nissan Qashqai), MPVs/Minivans (7-seaters like Ford Galaxy), 9-Seater Vans (e.g. Mercedes Vito). Automatics available but limited, book early if you need one. Choose a smaller car for city ease, or a roomy van/SUV for group comfort and luggage on longer trips.
• Cheapest Rental Rates: Off-peak daily rates from ~£15/day for economy cars (typically in winter or outside London). Average mid-size car ~£30–£50/day. Prices peak in summer (July-Aug) and around holidays. Pro Tip: Book 4–8 weeks in advance for best deals, especially for summer or when renting automatics and larger vehicles, as those go fast.
• Airports & Hubs: Major pick-ups at London Heathrow (LHR), biggest fleet and often best rates; Gatwick (LGW) and Stansted (STN) for London area; Manchester (MAN) for northern England; Edinburgh (EDI) and Glasgow (GLA) in Scotland; Belfast (BFS/BHD) in N. Ireland; Birmingham (BHX), Bristol (BRS), Dublin (DUB) (for Ireland trips). Also hundreds of downtown and town locations, wherever you need a car, we likely have a location nearby.
• Driving Side:Left-hand side. Steering wheel on right. Overtake on the right on multi-lane roads. On highways (motorways), keep left except to pass. In roundabouts, give way to traffic from the right. It feels a bit odd at first if you’re used to the right side, but most travelers adapt after an hour or two on the road.
• Speed Limits:70 mph on motorways and dual carriageways (112 km/h). 60 mph on single-carriageway highways. 30 mph in urban/residential areas (sometimes 20 mph in city centres or near schools). Always follow posted signs, cameras enforce many areas. Fines are hefty and can follow overseas drivers via the rental company, so stick to the limit.
• Fuel Type:Petrol (unleaded) and Diesel. Most small-medium cars are petrol; many larger cars and vans are diesel. Fuel is sold in liters. Price ~£1.50/L for petrol (about $6.50/gal), higher than U.S., so factor fuel costs into your budget. Tip: Unleaded comes in 95-octane standard (sometimes labeled E5 or E10), use that unless the car specifically requires premium. Diesel pumps are usually black-handled (petrol often green-handled in UK, opposite of some countries!). Double-check before filling to avoid misfueling.
• Tolls: Very few. Most UK roads are toll-free. Notable exceptions: M6 Toll (mid-England) and some bridges/tunnels (e.g. Dartford Crossing on M25). No toll booths on many, pay online or via camera billing. London has Congestion/ULEZ charges for driving downtown on weekdays. Ask about toll policies at pick-up; rental cars are not typically equipped with transponders, so you are responsible for paying any toll fees.
• Parking Costs: Varies by city. London: £4–£5 per hour on-street in central zones (if you can find a spot), £30–£50 per day in garages. Other big cities (Manchester, Edinburgh): ~£2–£3/hour, £15–£25/day downtown. Smaller towns: £0.50–£1/hour or often free parking lots. Many villages have free street parking but mind local restrictions (some have disc parking or short stay limits). Always check street signs, fines for illegal parking range £30–£100.
• Rental Requirements: Valid driver’s license held for 1+ year. Passport for ID (for non-UK renters). Age 21+ (surcharge if under 25). Credit card in main driver’s name for deposit (some accept debit with strict conditions). If your license is not in English, an International Driving Permit or certified translation. Remember to drive on the left and enjoy!
• Best Time to Rent/Drive:Summer (June–Aug) for longest days and warmest weather, great for scenic drives, but high demand so book early and expect traffic around holiday hotspots (e.g. coastal Cornwall, national parks). Autumn (Sep–Oct) offers gorgeous foliage (especially in Scotland/England’s forests) and milder weather with fewer tourists, a fantastic time for a road trip. Spring (Apr–May) can be lovely with flowers blooming and lambs in the fields; still shoulder season rates in many cases. Winter (Nov–Feb) is off-peak, lowest rental prices and quiet roads, but short daylight (dark by 4pm Dec) and potential snow/ice in north and Scotland. If driving in winter, stick to main roads after snow and inquire about winter tyres if going to high elevations. Overall, each season has its charms, just plan according to conditions and enjoy the ride!