One of the world’s great cities, London is a hive of activity 24/7, yet driving into the city from Heathrow is simple enough – all of the airport’s terminals are well signposted with directions to get to the motorway from the airport’s Northern Perimeter Road. Head east on the M4 and it’ll take you straight into central London. Be sure to plan ahead and leave plenty of time for your journey as traffic can be heavy at peak times. Official traffic updates can be found on the Highways Agency website.

Whichever route you use to get into central London, you’ll soon intersect with the M25, London’s famous ring road. Using this, you’ll be able to easily navigate toward any part of London. If you use it to cross the Thames at Dartford, however, there is a toll charge.

If you’re planning on driving into London between 7am and 6pm, a congestion charge applies to most vehicles – please see our Hertz in 60 Seconds video for more information. It may be worth paying this in advance, as failing to pay the charge will result in a fine – even when you’re driving a hire car. Tolls are also in force where the M25 – the orbital motorway which encircles London – crosses the Thames estuary at Dartford. This charge must be paid in advance – find out more online.

Heading west on the M4 takes you to Windsor, Reading and beyond, while the M25 takes you initially south and then south-east. It links up with the M3 at Thorpe, which winds its way through Basingstoke and Winchester to the south coast.

If you’re driving in the UK for the first time, remember to drive on the left and observe the speed limits – 70mph on motorways and dual carriageways, 60mph on single carriageways and 30mph in built-up areas. Also, as London’s roads are becoming increasingly used by cyclists, be aware that they may overtake on either side of your vehicle, particularly in stationary traffic. Seatbelts are compulsory for both drivers and passengers, and children must be strapped in appropriately.

London is home to over eight million people and is a vibrant blend of world-leading business, culture and entertainment. International football at Wembley, global rock and pop legends at the 02 Arena, Hollywood stars treading the boards in the West End theatres, global finance shaping the world at Canary Wharf – all human life is here. But if you’re visiting the capital as a tourist or as a business traveller, you may also like to explore the surrounding areas using your hire car from Heathrow Airport.

A day at the races

A 20-minute drive south-west on the A3 will see you arrive at Ascot racecourse, ready for a day among the glitterati. Royal Ascot is the annual highlight on the racing calendar, where the ladies’ hats are as eye-catching as the action on the turf, but whatever the event you’re sure to enjoy the thrill of each race. It’s a great place to entertain clients or to celebrate a special occasion with friends.

Head north on the M40 and you reach the shimmering spires of Oxford, home to the oldest university in the country (and, indeed, in the English-speaking world). Soak up years of academic endeavour, surrounded by buildings representative of every English architectural style since the Saxons.

Wonderful Windsor

Venture out just eight miles from Heathrow with your hire car and you’ll reach Windsor Castle. Whether it’s the gilded grandeur of the State Apartments and the Semi-State Rooms that appeals, or the frequent art exhibitions by world-renowned names, this royal residence has something to interest everybody.

Also close by in Windsor, you’ll find the UK’s theme park attraction dedicated to little blocks of pure imagination. LEGOLAND Windsor is a treat for the whole family, with awe-inspiring LEGO landscapes as far as the eye can see. Here you’ll also find a number of rides and roller coasters, exhibitions and performances. The park is broken up into different sections, so whether you’re heading for a tea party or exploring the uncharted depths and heights of the ocean and outer space, there’s something here to wow everyone.

Beaches and natural beauty

To escape the hustle and bustle of city life you may fancy a trip to the seaside. Brighton, often called ‘London’s Beach’, is not far from the capital, and has a pier, great shops, quaint lanes and the extravagant Royal Pavilion. There are many areas of outstanding beauty nearby – the Chiltern Hills, the South Downs and the Surrey Hills - where you can park up and be at one with nature.

Whether you choose to go to London itself or venture further afield, hiring a car from London Heathrow Airport can get you where you want to be.