Situated in the south-east of England in South Bedfordshire, Luton is a large town with a good road network. Given its proximity to the M1 and M25 motorways, the airport is easily accessible from London, Milton Keynes, Oxford and Cambridge. The airport is also perfectly placed to reach smaller towns within the area, including Dunstable to the west via the M1 and the A505, and Hitchin to the east via the A505.

Luton Airport is approximately 30 miles north of the bright lights of central London, connected via a 40-minute journey along the M1, so if you're heading to the capital on business, you can easily reach your destination.

If you're here on leisure, the surrounding area provides a beautiful backdrop for you to get out and explore the wider southern region. From Luton, you're a stone's throw away from neighbouring Cambridgeshire in the north-east and Hertfordshire towards the south-east.

A short 11-mile drive to the south lies the picturesque town of St Albans, if you follow the M1 and the A5183, while one of the world's most famous university cities, Oxford, is over to the west, along the M40.

Driving around Luton, you'll come across famous sites including Vauxhall Motors, which has been operating in the town since 1905, the University of Bedfordshire and the lush scenery of Luton Hoo Memorial Park.

If you're hiring a car from Luton Airport, bear in mind that driving in bus lanes is prohibited during certain hours and signposts will clearly label when this is, while the car horn shouldn't be used between 11.30pm and 7am in built-up areas.

Parking may be difficult if you're heading into central London for business – restrictions will typically apply between 8.30am and 6.30pm, Monday to Saturday, and many roads operate Pay & Display schemes. Learn more about the London Congestion Charge, which is in force between 7am and 6pm Monday through Friday, with our Hertz in 60 Seconds video on our London page.

Home to Luton Town Football Club, or the ‘Hatters', Luton is well placed to reach the famed landmarks of the bustling capital, the green beauty of the surrounding countryside and the exquisite architecture of Cambridge and Oxford.

History in hats

The town has long been associated with hat making, and you can find out more about this and the rest of Luton's textile and military history with a visit to the Wardown Park Museum. The museum is housed in a beautiful Victorian mansion in the park on the outskirts of the town and provides a great overview of the area's history.

Meanwhile, Bedfordshire's flowing rivers and countryside are one of the main draws of the area. You'll be in the company of local wildlife in the Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Beauty that sits on Luton's doorstep. This striking green space is comprised of 324 square miles of unparalleled scenery and quaint, tucked-away villages – an area perfect for long walks and simply taking in the fresh air.

Cambridge and Oxford

Cambridge's stunning collection of ancient colleges and their picturesque ‘Backs', so named because of their position backing on to the river Cam, are all within reach if you're hiring a car from Luton Airport. Enjoy a lazy afternoon beside the Cam or board a punt and take to the water for a completely different view of the city. Meanwhile, Cambridge's historic rival Oxford sits in the opposite direction along the M40. Steeped in history, you can spend hours exploring this University city, taking in the impressive architecture of its academic buildings dotted throughout the centre, the chic restaurants of the northern suburb of Summertown, or take the short trip west to the stunning landscapes of the Cotswolds.

At the movies

TV and film buffs should prioritise a trip to the Warner Bros. Studio in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, where you can head behind the scenes of some of the biggest movies in silver screen history. The Studio Tour now receives around 6,000 visitors a day, all of whom are keen to see how films including the Bond and Harry Potter franchises and The Dark Knight were brought to life in mesmerising attention to detail.

If you've got the time, a visit to the capital is highly recommended, and means you can take in renowned sights like the Tower of London and Big Ben.

Whether you choose to stay in Luton, sample the cultural delights or the extensive business facilities of London, or prefer to experience the beautiful tranquillity of the surrounding countryside, renting a car from Luton Airport puts you in the centre of it all.