Finding the UK’s best fish and chips
Fish and chips are right up there with a good cup of tea and discussing the weather when it comes to...
Enjoy reliable car hire in the Essex with Hertz. We offer convenient pick-up, a wide selection of vehicles, and hassle-free journeys.
Whether you choose traditional, hybrid or electric car hire in Essex, you’ll find what you need at Hertz.
We provide a fine fleet of any car type you’re looking for. Need a small car with great fuel economy for zipping around Essex? No problem, browse our hatchback and compact car selection. Or, if you’re bringing all the family along for an adventure, you might want something bigger, like an SUV. Our friendly staff are always on hand to advise you on what car type fits your needs best, and what extras you may be interested in taking up.
Whatever choice you make, car hire in Essex gives you the keys to Colchester - Britain’s first city, the famous Southend Pier and ancient castles galore. Hire with Hertz today.
Benefits from day one.
Join for free.
Up to 10% discount applies to base rates in the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Benelux. 5% applies for the rest of the world. The discount applies to the base rate quoted (excluding taxes and any other charges). It does not apply to affiliated rates or rates that are already discounted.
Points are earned on per day time and mileage charges only. Free rental days cover base rate (time and mileage) only. Taxes, optional extras and any other fees are excluded. One-car-class upgrade applies to Compact, Intermediate, Standard & Full-size rentals with a maximum upgrade to a Premium. Additional terms and exclusions apply
You can skip the counter once your membership is activated after your first rental. Available at select locations only.
Benefits from day one.
Join for free.
Ready to get more from every drive? Hertz Gold+ is our free loyalty program that turns everyday car rental into rewards. Get instant perks and seamless pickups.
Skip the rental counter at selected locations – just head to your car and go. At selected US rental locations, you can also choose from a wider selection of cars, including exclusive vehicles for top-tier members.
Earn free rental days with every booking. The more you rent, the faster you unlock elite status.* *Points are earned & redeemed on the base rental rate only. Taxes, fees, & options are excluded. Additional terms apply.
Add your spouse or partner as an additional driver for free.

Found a lower rent? We’ll match it and give 10% off of that base rate.
Plans change. Cancel for free up to 2 days before pick-up.
Enjoy hassle-free rentals with convenient pick-up locations.
A premium fleet for better travel each time.
Our new fleet in the US is turning heads. Experience fresh interiors, the latest tech, and that new car smell! Choose the perfect car for the ultimate American road trip.
Since 1918, Hertz has been a trusted name and global leader in travel. Enjoy smoother rentals with 10K+ locations worldwide, including over 2,300 across the United States.
Hertz Gold+ has been voted America’s Best Loyalty Program 2025 by customers via Newsweek. Learn more about Newsweek’s 2025 Best Loyalty Program rankings.
No hassle, just drive with Hertz Gold+. Members enjoy going straight to our Ultimate Choice lot to select their ride at selected US pick-up locations.
It takes 54 minutes to drive the 41 miles from Colchester to Southend-on-Sea.
London is a one-hour drive from Basildon in Essex. From the Roundabout on Broadmayne, take the A132 south and merge onto the A13. Then, continue on the A13 into Leamouth, exiting onto East India Dock Road as you pass Bow Creek on the River Lea (Close to the English National Ballet). Follow on this road, onto Aspen Way, then Limehouse Link and follow this road into central London.
Old Shire Lane, Waltham Abbey, EN9 3LX
Located near Epping Forest, Delta Hotels by Marriot provide a family-friendly service, with spacious rooms and complimentary wifi. Enjoy the hotel gym and indoor pool before setting off to explore the forest and market town with your family.
High Street, Colchester, CO1 1UG
Located in central Colchester, Greyfriars is a contemporary hotel that was once a medieval monastery. These days it offers five-star service, cosy club rooms, lounges and spacious luxury suites.
Stratford Road, Dedham, Colchester, CO7 6HW, four EV charge points are available on site
An elegant boutique hotel with a relaxed feel, Milsoms is a quirky delight and dog-friendly. The en-suite bathrooms are lovely and in summer, the shady gardens are perfect for a daydream or a good book.
High Road, Horndon-on-the-Hill, Stanford-le-Hope, SS17 8LD
Think of a cross between a Parisian wine bar and charming London pub. This pub-brasserie is highly regarded as one of the best places to dine in the area. With a menu which changes daily and knowledgeable staff your sure to enjoy a meal here.
92 Leigh Road, Leigh on Sea, SS9 1BU
Michelin-starred chef John Lawson was handpicked by Gordon Ramsay to star on TV in Australia, until he was diagnosed with cancer. Luckily, he survived and has gone on to wow critics and diners alike with a menu that puts health to the forefront, as well as amazing tastes.
Navestock Side, Brentwood, CM14 5SD
Specialising in quality, fresh fish dishes, Alec’s uses meat cuts sourced from across the globe. Highlights include the miso cod, half lobster and hake fillet. Book early, as Alec’s is always packed out – and for good reason, with food this good.
Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2EE
This iconic pleasure pier is the longest in the world, and a must-see when you enjoy car hire in Essex. Stretching out over a mile into the Thames Estuary, Southend Pier is also home to a famous Railway trail.
Castle Park, Colchester, CO1 1TJ
Culture vultures will love the chance to see history come alive at this castle dating from the second half of the 11th century. Learn all about the Roman and Norman conquests, as well as the Civil War, in beautiful surroundings.
Audley End Rd , Saffron Walden, CB11 4JF
Enjoy family fun at this beautiful location. As you wander round the grounds and estate of this mansion, you’ll find out what life was like for the owners of this Victorian house – and how the other half lived, below stairs, too.
To hire a car with Hertz in Essex, you need a valid driver’s licence (held for at least a year), any required international driving permits, a valid passport/ID card (no photocopies), and a credit card in your name to cover the rental cost and pre-authorisation amount. If you booked with a different card, bring that one, too. All cards must be in the driver’s name.
Age requirements vary by country. Please check the Rental Qualifications during booking for specific details. At Hertz, we ask the driver’s age to determine if a young driver fee applies. In most cases, the driver must be at least 25 years old and have had their license for at least 1 year. Drivers under 25 usually incur an additional fee.
As per Hertz policy, the booking MUST be made under the name of the renter i.e. main driver who picks the car up with his/her own debit* or credit card, using a debit* or credit card in the renter's name. The same debit* or credit card MUST also be presented upon collection of the vehicle, as a guarantee. Hertz does NOT accept debit* or credit cards in a name other than the main driver's, even if accompanied by a "per procurement"/mandate document and personal documents of the debit or credit card holder. *HERTZ do NOT accept debit cards in every country. Please check Debit/prepaid Cards for details.
Hertz car rental rates exclude fuel. Cars are provided with a full tank and must be returned with a full tank, or a refuelling charge will apply. You can purchase fuel at rental, but no refund is given for unused fuel. Ask about our Fuel Purchase Option (FPO) when picking up the car.
For prepaid car hire bookings in Essex , you can cancel by midnight two days before the date of your scheduled pick-up date for a full refund. If you cancel after this time but before pick-up, your refund will depend on our Cancellation Policy. For "Pay at location" bookings, you can cancel any time before pick-up free of charge. However, no-shows without cancellation will incur a No Show/Lost Rental Fee.
Yes, you do need to make a reservation in advance for a Hertz car rental in Essex. All you have to do is navigate to our website and share your desired pick-up location, pick-up date/time, drop-off date/time and the driver's age. Then, choose your preferred car model, share your details, and complete payment.
Yes, you need a driving permit to book a car rental in Essex. Be sure to carry your driving permit with you at all times while driving your Hertz car rental in Essex.

Looking for a greener way to explore Essex? Hertz offers electric car hire at Essex, making sustainable travel easy and convenient. Choose from the latest EV models and enjoy a smooth, quiet, eco-friendly drive with zero emissions. Experience the future of driving.
Plan your road trip now!
Fish and chips are right up there with a good cup of tea and discussing the weather when it comes to...
The weather may be turning, and summer may be behind us, but there are still beautiful views to enjo...
Dramatic coasts, peaceful pastoral scenes, and spectacular historic sites: These are just a few thin...