Updated February 15, 2026
Your Guide To Renting A Car In England
Aleksandrs Buraks
Head of Growth at DiscoverCars.com
- Why should you rent a car in England?
- Where should you pick up a car in England?
- Can I take a rental car between continental Europe and England? What about Brexit?
- How easy is it to travel around England independently?
- How safe is England for travelers?
- Three unique travel experiences in England
- Are there toll roads in England?
- What about London's Ultra Low Emission Zone?
Why should you rent a car in England?
More than just home to an imperial past, royal architecture, and one of the world's most impressive capitals, England is an awesome and diverse destination to explore. By far the most populous of the four countries making up the United Kingdom, England also has an underrated, but fascinating industrial heritage, quietly impressive nature, and some of the best museums on the planet. Easy to travel around and with things to see and do every step of the way, it remains one of the great travel destinations.
Your Guide to Traveling Around England with a Rental Car
By Aleksandrs Buraks | Updated February 15, 2026
Why should you rent a car in England?
More than just home to an imperial past, royal architecture, and one of the world's most impressive capitals, England is an awesome and diverse destination to explore. By far the most populous of the four countries making up the United Kingdom, England also has an underrated, but fascinating industrial heritage, quietly impressive nature, and some of the best museums on the planet. Easy to travel around and with things to see and do every step of the way, it remains one of the great travel destinations.
- Why should you rent a car in England?
- Where should you pick up a car in England?
- Can I take a rental car between continental Europe and England? What about Brexit?
- How easy is it to travel around England independently?
- How safe is England for travelers?
- Three unique travel experiences in England
- Are there toll roads in England?
- What about London's Ultra Low Emission Zone?
Where should you pick up a car in England?
Most visitors to England choose to pick up and drop off a rental car at the airport. There are many international airports — the London area alone has six, and you'll also find many in other parts — connecting England with destinations all across the globe. Many low-cost airlines fly to and from England.
In addition to airports, it is also possible to pick up and drop off a car at other locations such as large train stations and international hotels. Many English cities that do not have an airport have car rental company offices, usually in the city center.
Many car rental companies permit one-way rentals, usually for a small extra fee. For many tourists, it's an increasingly popular way to explore England as it gives them the freedom to travel across the country without the need to return to their original point of entry. Whether for tourism or work, it's very common to travel with a rental car between London and Brighton, Manchester and Liverpool, or Leeds and Sheffield. Of course, it is also possible to get one-way rentals between England and other parts of the United Kingdom — routes such as Bristol-Cardiff and Newcastle-Edinburgh are particularly popular.
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In addition to airports, it is also possible to pick up and drop off a car at other locations such as large train stations and international hotels. Many English cities that do not have an airport have car rental company offices, usually in the city center.
Many car rental companies permit one-way rentals, usually for a small extra fee. For many tourists, it's an increasingly popular way to explore England as it gives them the freedom to travel across the country without the need to return to their original point of entry. Whether for tourism or work, it's very common to travel with a rental car between London and Brighton, Manchester and Liverpool, or Leeds and Sheffield. Of course, it is also possible to get one-way rentals between England and other parts of the United Kingdom — routes such as Bristol-Cardiff and Newcastle-Edinburgh are particularly popular.
Search for your desired pickup and drop-off locations now to see our great deals!
Can I take a rental car between continental Europe and England? What about Brexit?
Although a few rental car companies permit one-way rentals between the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe, it's not an especially popular way to travel. The reason is not the United Kingdom leaving the European Union, or Brexit, but the fact that the fee for an international one-way rental is usually very high. Most travelers who wish to take this route go by public transportation and pick up a rental car after arriving in England. In addition to that, many travelers also don't find it convenient that the United Kingdom drives on the left while most of continental Europe drives on the right (meaning that if you drove from France to England, your rental car would have a wheel on the 'wrong' side of the car in respect to the local traffic).
It is possible to visit England on the same trip as continental Europe and many travelers do so every year. The fastest train trip from Paris to London takes only slightly longer than two hours; it's about three hours from Brussels in Belgium and five hours from Amsterdam in the Netherlands or Cologne in Germany However, since the United Kingdom has left the European Union, doing so might require two separate visas for some visitors. While citizens of the rest of the European Union, as well as countries like the United States, Norway, Canada, Australia, and Japan, can visit the United Kingdom visa-free, two separate visas (one for the UK and one of the EU) will be required for citizens of many other countries. If you plan to go to both the United Kingdom and the European Union on the same trip, get in touch with your Ministry of Foreign Affairs in advance to find out what visas and other documentation you need for your visit.
As of 2025, the United Kingdom has introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme. All visitors except citizens of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland need to apply for an ETA before their visit. This includes the citizens of the European Union. The price of ETA is £16 (or around €18) and can take up to 72 hours to be confirmed.
An ETA is not a visa; if citizens of your country are required to receive a visa before visiting the United Kingdom, you still need to obtain one. If you have already obtained a valid United Kingdom visa for the period of your travel, you do not need to apply for the ETA.
It is possible to visit England on the same trip as continental Europe and many travelers do so every year. The fastest train trip from Paris to London takes only slightly longer than two hours; it's about three hours from Brussels in Belgium and five hours from Amsterdam in the Netherlands or Cologne in Germany However, since the United Kingdom has left the European Union, doing so might require two separate visas for some visitors. While citizens of the rest of the European Union, as well as countries like the United States, Norway, Canada, Australia, and Japan, can visit the United Kingdom visa-free, two separate visas (one for the UK and one of the EU) will be required for citizens of many other countries. If you plan to go to both the United Kingdom and the European Union on the same trip, get in touch with your Ministry of Foreign Affairs in advance to find out what visas and other documentation you need for your visit.
As of 2025, the United Kingdom has introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme. All visitors except citizens of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland need to apply for an ETA before their visit. This includes the citizens of the European Union. The price of ETA is £16 (or around €18) and can take up to 72 hours to be confirmed.
An ETA is not a visa; if citizens of your country are required to receive a visa before visiting the United Kingdom, you still need to obtain one. If you have already obtained a valid United Kingdom visa for the period of your travel, you do not need to apply for the ETA.
How easy is it to travel around England independently?
England is a super easy place to explore on your own — the roads and other infrastructure are in great shape, there's plenty of accommodation (including a wealth of AirBnbs) in all corners of the country and for most travelers, there's also no language barrier!
Although England is not a small country, driving distances are quite reasonable. From London, it takes about two hours to drive to Brighton, Birmingham or Bristol; three hours to Leeds or Sheffield; four hours to Manchester and Liverpool; five hours to Newcastle; and seven hours to Glasgow or Edinburgh in Scotland.
Although England is one of the most densely populated areas in Europe, it is safe to say that it is still possible to get lost in it. Cornwall, Norfolk, Northumberland, and other parts of it are rural and remote enough, not to mention the Highlands of Scotland and Central Wales. Getting a rental vehicle with an up-to-date GPS — or at least a traffic app — is definitely a good idea for finding your way around the less-traveled parts of the country.
While traffic accidents are comparatively rare in England, you can still find the occasional reckless driver. Statistically, rural roads are less safe than urban roads and main highways. Although it might seem counterintuitive, the main reason for this is that the lower amount of traffic leads to more speeding and careless maneuvers.
Although England is not a small country, driving distances are quite reasonable. From London, it takes about two hours to drive to Brighton, Birmingham or Bristol; three hours to Leeds or Sheffield; four hours to Manchester and Liverpool; five hours to Newcastle; and seven hours to Glasgow or Edinburgh in Scotland.
Although England is one of the most densely populated areas in Europe, it is safe to say that it is still possible to get lost in it. Cornwall, Norfolk, Northumberland, and other parts of it are rural and remote enough, not to mention the Highlands of Scotland and Central Wales. Getting a rental vehicle with an up-to-date GPS — or at least a traffic app — is definitely a good idea for finding your way around the less-traveled parts of the country.
While traffic accidents are comparatively rare in England, you can still find the occasional reckless driver. Statistically, rural roads are less safe than urban roads and main highways. Although it might seem counterintuitive, the main reason for this is that the lower amount of traffic leads to more speeding and careless maneuvers.
How safe is England for travelers?
Overall, England is a very safe travel destination and most travelers don't run into any issues. The police are mostly trusted and respected by locals (the general emergency numbers in the country are 999 and 112). Like anywhere else on the planet, though, there are some caveats and things worth keeping in mind.
Petty crime, especially pickpocketing, can be an issue in and near popular tourist sites and in public transit systems like the London Underground. It's probably a good idea not to flash any valuables and to keep a good look at your belongings at all times.
Over the last few years, London has attracted media attention with its problem with knife crime. While the issue certainly exists and is very serious, it is mostly connected to gang violence and foreign travelers are never specifically targeted. There are definitely some dodgy neighborhoods in London (mostly in the southern part) and other English cities but no definite no-go areas.
Similarly, Britain has a reputation for fights frequently taking place publicly on Friday and Saturday nights. As can be imagined, these are usually connected to excessive drinking — not partaking in it yourself, not visiting or hanging near shady looking pubs and nightclubs, and avoiding visibly inebriated individuals and groups should help to keep you safe.
Petty crime, especially pickpocketing, can be an issue in and near popular tourist sites and in public transit systems like the London Underground. It's probably a good idea not to flash any valuables and to keep a good look at your belongings at all times.
Over the last few years, London has attracted media attention with its problem with knife crime. While the issue certainly exists and is very serious, it is mostly connected to gang violence and foreign travelers are never specifically targeted. There are definitely some dodgy neighborhoods in London (mostly in the southern part) and other English cities but no definite no-go areas.
Similarly, Britain has a reputation for fights frequently taking place publicly on Friday and Saturday nights. As can be imagined, these are usually connected to excessive drinking — not partaking in it yourself, not visiting or hanging near shady looking pubs and nightclubs, and avoiding visibly inebriated individuals and groups should help to keep you safe.
Three unique travel experiences in England:
Food. British cuisine has been stereotyped as bland and uninteresting, often by the Brits themselves, so it might come as a surprise that food is quietly one of the most enjoyable things in England. Melting pots like London and Manchester are absolute culinary meccas, offering not only authentic Indian and Chinese food, but also intricate cuisine from such far-flung places as East Africa, the Levant, and the Caribbean that can be hard to find elsewhere. If you've any space left, add the classic full English breakfast, iconic fish n chips, and some of the best vegan restaurants on the planet, and you're in for a foodie adventure to remember.
Dinosaurs. Well, not the mighty reptiles themselves - that'd be too bold a claim for any destination - but their impressive fossils that have been found along the so-called Jurassic Coast in Southeast England. Nowadays a scenic coastal stretch of some 150 km (95 mi), it was once inhabited by such fantastic beasts as ichthyosaurs and giant pliosaurs, not to mention ancient sharks, hyenas, and rhinos. Visit the children-friendly Dinosaur Museum in Dorchester, then drive to see the coast itself - places like Lyme Bay and Lulworth Cove are as picturesque as anywhere you'll find in England.
Bath. Inhabited since at least the Iron Age, known to Romans as Aquae Sulis and hailed in Old English poems, this historic city's hot springs have attracted visitors since the time immemorial. The old Roman Baths are one of the most interesting landmarks in Britain, and the impressive city abbey, many fine examples of Georgian architecture, and the Herschel Astronomy Museum are just as fun to explore. As good as its name, Bath also maintains a number of high-quality spas, both of natural hot waters and of more modern origin.
Dinosaurs. Well, not the mighty reptiles themselves - that'd be too bold a claim for any destination - but their impressive fossils that have been found along the so-called Jurassic Coast in Southeast England. Nowadays a scenic coastal stretch of some 150 km (95 mi), it was once inhabited by such fantastic beasts as ichthyosaurs and giant pliosaurs, not to mention ancient sharks, hyenas, and rhinos. Visit the children-friendly Dinosaur Museum in Dorchester, then drive to see the coast itself - places like Lyme Bay and Lulworth Cove are as picturesque as anywhere you'll find in England.
Bath. Inhabited since at least the Iron Age, known to Romans as Aquae Sulis and hailed in Old English poems, this historic city's hot springs have attracted visitors since the time immemorial. The old Roman Baths are one of the most interesting landmarks in Britain, and the impressive city abbey, many fine examples of Georgian architecture, and the Herschel Astronomy Museum are just as fun to explore. As good as its name, Bath also maintains a number of high-quality spas, both of natural hot waters and of more modern origin.
Are there toll roads in England?
There are toll roads in England, specifically the M6 Toll. This is a toll road around Birmingham allows you to go around the city. The road has physical toll boots where you can pay with a contactless payment card, so there's no need to worry about any transponders or paying online.
There are also some tunnels and bridges that are tolled. Most of these have physical toll booths that you stop and pay at. The Dartford Crossing is the one exception. It no longer has tollbooths, so you have to pay online by midnight on the day after crossing.
There are also some tunnels and bridges that are tolled. Most of these have physical toll booths that you stop and pay at. The Dartford Crossing is the one exception. It no longer has tollbooths, so you have to pay online by midnight on the day after crossing.
What about London's Ultra Low Emission Zone?
All of London is a Low Emission Zone and the center of the city is an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). This means that vehicles that don't meet the requirements are charged a fee for driving in it. This fee applies 364 days a year (Christmas is the exception).
Almost all rental vehicles should meet the requirements to be able to drive in the ULEZ without paying the charge, though. If you're unsure, ask your car rental company about it.
London also has a Congestion Charge Zone in the very center of the city. This operates 7:00-18:00 Monday-Friday and 12:00-18:00 Sat-Sun and bank holidays. You can register your rental vehicle online and pay the charge by midnight of the day you travel in the zone. Your rental company won't register the car for you. If you don't do such yourself and pay, you'll both be fined and charged an administrative fee by the rental company. Of course, most tourists won't need to drive in the Congestion Charge Zone at all, much less during the hours it operates.
Other cities in England also have their own low-emission zones. They all have the same requirements as London's, so your rental car should be able to travel in them without being charged.
Oxford has a small Zero Emission Zone, though. In this area, only electric and hybrid vehicles can travel without being charged. This is only a few streets and easily avoidable for most.
Almost all rental vehicles should meet the requirements to be able to drive in the ULEZ without paying the charge, though. If you're unsure, ask your car rental company about it.
London also has a Congestion Charge Zone in the very center of the city. This operates 7:00-18:00 Monday-Friday and 12:00-18:00 Sat-Sun and bank holidays. You can register your rental vehicle online and pay the charge by midnight of the day you travel in the zone. Your rental company won't register the car for you. If you don't do such yourself and pay, you'll both be fined and charged an administrative fee by the rental company. Of course, most tourists won't need to drive in the Congestion Charge Zone at all, much less during the hours it operates.
Other cities in England also have their own low-emission zones. They all have the same requirements as London's, so your rental car should be able to travel in them without being charged.
Oxford has a small Zero Emission Zone, though. In this area, only electric and hybrid vehicles can travel without being charged. This is only a few streets and easily avoidable for most.
Aleksandrs Buraks
Head of Growth at DiscoverCars.com
Aleksandrs has over 10 years of experience in marketing with a focus on creating stellar content that provides topical insights using data. Having taken five road trips across Europe and one in the U.S., he is passionate about traveling by car. His favorite countries to visit are Denmark and Thailand. You can find him on Linkedin, Facebook, and Twitter.
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