Car Rental London

Which type of car hire is best for driving in London?

Whether you're travelling in London or heading further afield, choosing the right vehicle makes all the difference. Here's a quick guide to help you find the right car hire in London.

Compact Cars

If you're planning to rent a car in London for city driving, a compact car is hard to beat. Easy to park and manoeuvre, most models seat up to five passengers with space for two to three bags. They're a perfect choice for short-term car hire, weekend breaks and getting around the capital.

Electric Cars

London's growing network of public charging points makes EV car hire in London a convenient choice. Most electric and hybrid car hire options seat up to five passengers with room for two to three bags, making them ideal for navigating the city and shorter journeys beyond it.

SUVs

Travelling with family or extra luggage? SUVs typically seat up to five passengers and carry three to four bags, depending on the model. They're well suited to road trips, airport transfers and long-term car hire, especially if exploring beyond London is on your agenda.

Luxury Cars

Choose luxury car rental in London when comfort is a priority. Most luxury models seat up to five passengers with room for two to three bags which makes them an excellent fit for business travel, special occasions and longer drives across the UK.

Parking in London

• Q-Park Leicester Square (WC2H 7DT) is open 24/7, provides 247 spaces, and offers electric car charging. The car park can be found behind Leicester Square, and is close to the West End, Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square.

• Q-Park Westminster (SW1P 3RX) is open 24/7, provides 183 spaces, and offers electric car charging. Found just across the road from the Palace of Westminster, this car park in the political hub is a short walk from Downing Street, Whitehall and Big Ben.

• NCP Bloomsbury Square (WC1A 2RJ) is open 24/7, provides 450 spaces, and offers electric car charging. The Bloomsbury Square car park is a short distance from Covent Garden, and the British Museum, perfect for a cultural day out.

Charging point locations in London

London has more than 8,600 charging station dotted throughout the city. Home to more than a third of the UK's total number of EV charging stations, the city has seen an exponential rise in public charging stations. This number is only likely to grow as the number of EVs on the road rises, making hiring an EV through Hertz even easier.

Congestion charges in London

• If you drive within London’s Congestion Charge zone between 7am and 6pm Mon-Fri and between 12pm and 6pm on a weekend or bank holiday, you will be charged £15 a day.
• Likewise, if your vehicle doesn’t meet the standards for the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), you’ll have to pay the ULEZ charge too. The ULEZ charge is £12.50 a day and applies all year except Christmas Day.

Key roads in London

• The M25 also known as the London Orbital Motorway, circles Greater London. A busy and popular road, the 117-mile long M25 can be used to navigate the outskirts of the city.

• London Inner Ring Road is a 12-mile circular route that determines the boundary of central London and the London congestion charge zone.

• Tower Bridge Road runs north to south and is notable for being connected to Tower Bridge, one of the most famous bridges in London.

How to get from Hertz, Marble Arch to Buckingham Palace

It takes 10 minutes to drive the 1.7 miles from Hertz, Edgware Road to Buckingham Palace.

• Leave the Hertz office at Marble Arch and head north-west on Edgware Road.
• Turn left on to Connaught Square and continue to Stanhope Place.
• Turn left onto Bayswater Road.
• Follow the road onto Marble Arch, along Park Lane and Duke of Wellington Place.
• Turn left onto Constitution Hill and Buckingham Palace will be on your right.

How to get from Hertz, St Pancras to Hyde Park

Hertz, St Pancras is just a 25-minute drive from Hyde Park.

• Start by taking the A501 to Baker Street in Marylebone.
• From there follow Baker Street, passing Portman Square on your right.
• Turn right onto the A5204
• At the crossing, turn left onto Great Cumberland PI.
• Take a left onto Marble Arch.
• Take a right onto Cumberland Gate to arrive at Hyde Park.

What are the top road trips from London?

Pick your route. We’ll help you get there.

Stonehenge, Bath & Bristol Trail

Route: London to Bristol via M4

Distance: Approx. 118 miles

Driving time: Around 2.5 hours

One of the most rewarding road trips from London, this route combines history with city breaks. Stop at Stonehenge before exploring Bath's Roman Baths and Georgian streets. Finish in Bristol for its vibrant harbourside, museums and restaurants. This is ideal for a weekend trip or staycation in London with time beyond the city.

The Cotswolds Countryside Drive

Route: London to Bourton-on-the-Water via M40 and A40

Distance: Approx. 85 miles

Driving time: Around 2 hours

Swap city streets for rolling hills and honey-coloured villages on this classic countryside drive. Visit Burford, Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water before settling in for a quiet break. It's an easy choice when travelling in London with extra time to spare and perfect with short-term car hire.

Brighton Seaside Getaway

Route: London to Brighton via M23 and A23

Distance: Approx. 55 miles

Driving time: Around 1.5 hours

When holidays in London call for a change of pace, head south to Brighton. Wander the Royal Pavilion, stroll Brighton Palace Pier or lounge on the beach before exploring independent cafés and shops in The Lanes. It's one of the most convenient weekend trips from London and well suited to both short-term car hire and long-term car hire.

When Is the best time to visit London?

What time of year is best for visiting London?

London is busiest from June to August, when longer days, school holidays and major events draw the largest crowds to the city's top attractions in London. For a quieter visit, consider spring or autumn, when the weather is generally mild and popular sights are less busy. This is a good time to explore London's attractions and enjoy weekend trips.

When is car hire in London most in demand?

Demand for car hire in London is usually highest during the summer, with September also seeing strong demand for UK road trips after the peak holiday season. If you plan to rent a car in London during these periods, booking ahead gives you the widest choice of vehicles.

What should you know about driving in London during different seasons?

Travelling in London is possible year-round, but conditions change with the seasons. Spring and summer bring longer daylight hours, while autumn often means wetter roads. Winter can bring shorter days, fog and occasional frost, particularly outside the capital. Before you set off, check the latest weather and traffic updates so you're ready for the drive ahead.