Self-Drive Car Rental in London, United States

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Driving in London: What to expect on the road

Documents you'll need

You’ll need a valid licence and possibly an IDP.

To drive in London, you’ll need a driving licence held for at least a year. If it’s not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required. Most car hire companies also ask for a passport and credit card.

Navigating city driving

Expect one-way streets and left-hand driving.

Driving in London means handling narrow roads, bus lanes, and one-way systems. Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to avoid restricted zones and live traffic hotspots.

Tolls, emissions zones and charges

Central London has tolls and emissions charges.

The Congestion Charge and ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) apply in central London. Not all rental cars are exempt, so always check. Most fees can be paid online or in the TFL app. Some routes include toll roads.

Parking your car in London

Parking is limited and often expensive.

Many parking areas in London are residents-only or require pay-by-app. Look for multi-storey car parks, park-and-ride options, or hotels with parking. Avoid red routes, bus lanes, and loading zones to dodge fines.

Finding fuel or charging points

Fuel is available — EV charging needs planning.

Petrol stations in London are common but pricier in central zones. For electric vehicles, use Zap-Map or PlugShare to find EV charging stations in London. Some require local apps or cards — check access before your trip.

Local driving style and tips

Traffic moves fast and cameras are everywhere.

London drivers are direct and fast-paced, especially during peak hours. Give way at zebra crossings, take care at roundabouts, and avoid yellow box junctions. Traffic cameras are widespread and fines apply for hire cars.

Find London car hire deals

How to book the best car rental deals in London

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your London car rental search.

Book now, cancel later

We clearly highlight car and van hire options in London that have free cancellation. So you can bag the best deal with total flexibility to change your plans if you need to.

Rent a car in London for a whole month

Want to hire a car for almost a month? Often, car rental companies in London avoid costly admin in between pick-ups by hiring out cars for longer periods. So see if monthly car hire is cheaper than the three weeks you need it for by selecting 30 days.

Compare fuel policies

To save money on topping up the tank as you take off in London, look out for deals with a 'full to full' fuel policy, as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

Skip the queues

We call out keyless pick-up when you search for cars with us. No keys to pick up, means no queues. Just turn up at your preferred London car hire location, hop in and hit the road.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get the best value car hire in London?

If you're looking for freedom to explore London, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in London that have free cancellation.

Can I book a one-way car hire in London?

Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.

Is it worth renting a car in London?

Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of London.

Can under 25s hire cars in London?

Most places – London included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers.