Car Hire in the United Kingdom

Why hire a car in the United Kingdom?

Large, historical, and diverse, is it any wonder that the United Kingdom is one of the most visited countries on the planet? Landmark-rich cities like London, Edinburgh, and Liverpool account for a large number of those visitors, but the country is also rich in scenic nature and bucolic countryside. Hiring a car is arguably the best way to see everything that the United Kingdom has to offer.

Top ways to enter United Kingdom

• London. The capital of the United Kingdom has no fewer than six international airports in and near it. Heathrow is the largest and most famous one, but many travellers, especially those coming from other European countries, sometimes prefer Stansted or Luton, as they are popular with low-cost carriers (although you find some of these companies serving each of the six). The total number of passengers served by the airport in the London area every year is a whopping 177 million.
• Glasgow and Edinburgh. The two largest cities of Scotland are only 47 miles (76 km) apart, and there are three international airports in their area. Edinburgh Airport is the busiest, but Glasgow and Prestwick airports also get a notable number of travellers. Flying to one of these three is the most popular way to get to Scotland, although there are also international airports in Aberdeen and Inverness.
• Other airports. Despite its relatively small size, the UK has close to 40 international airports, so all parts of the British isles can be easily accessed from abroad. Some of the most notable ones are Manchester and Liverpool airports in the north of England, Bristol and Cardiff airports in the west, Birmingham and East Midlands airports in the centre of the country, and Belfast and Belfast City airports in Northern Ireland.

Top cities and places to visit

• London. The capital of the United Kingdom is arguably one of the most famous cities on the planet — and, consequently, one of its prime tourism destinations. From Buckingham Palace to Tate Britain, there’s a frankly dizzying array of world-famous landmarks, but make sure to also make time and simply roam the streets of this grand city’s diverse neighbourhoods.
• Edinburgh. The capital of Scotland is one of the most picturesque cities in Europe, and, consequently, the main tourist destination of the United Kingdom outside of London. Known for its historical atmosphere, it draws visitors with attractions like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.
• Liverpool. The home of The Beatles and the former European Capital of Culture, Liverpool is a joy to explore. Known for its docks and historical architecture, strong Irish influences and distinct accent, it is a culturally unique place that has all the ingredients for a memorable trip.

Most popular hire car

The most hired car in the United Kingdom is the Hyundai i30, although many travellers also go for the Ford Fiesta and the Volkswagen Jetta. The most popular car types are compact, economy, and intermediate.

Driving licence requirements

• The United Kingdom only recognizes foreign driving licences that are printed in a Latin script and if you are visiting as a tourist on a trip that’s shorter than 12 months. If you’re staying in the country for a longer period or are residing there permanently, you need to obtain a local licence instead.
• If your driving licence is printed in another alphabet than Latin (e.g., Cyrillic or Arabic), you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) too.
• Similarly, if your driving licence doesn’t show your photograph, you might be required to have an IDP.
• Even if you have an IDP, you also need to keep your original licence on you as you will be required to provide both.
• You must carry your driving licence, not a copy, with you at all times. 
• You need to have had your driving licence for at least two years.
• Some car suppliers charge a young driver fee for drivers between the ages of 22 and 25 and a senior driver fee for drivers over the age of 65.
• There may be additional requirements depending on the car supplier and category, so make sure to check the car hire conditions before booking.

Crossing borders

The United Kingdom only has a land border with the Republic of Ireland via Northern Ireland. As of June 2021, both countries are part of the Common Travel Area, and border control is not enforced. Citizens of the member states of the European Economic Area, as well as many other western countries, can enter both countries without a visa.

Citizens of some other countries may be permitted to visit the United Kingdom but might need a separate visa to visit the Republic of Ireland or vice versa. We advise you to get in touch with your Ministry of Foreign Affairs to find out whether you need a visa to visit either the Republic of Ireland or the United Kingdom.

Citizens of China and India are an exception and can use their short-term British visa to also visit the Republic of Ireland.

Some car hire providers allow you to take the car between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland (it’s common to travel between Belfast and Dublin with a hired car). You can find those providers that allow one-way deals by entering your car pick-up and drop-off locations on our search. Alternatively, check the car hire conditions to see which suppliers allow crossing the border (but returning to Northern Ireland afterwards)

Similarly, some companies permit car trips between continental Europe and the United Kingdom via the Eurotunnel (e.g., from Paris, Brussels, or Amsterdam to London). Keep in mind, though, that the United Kingdom is no longer a part of the European Union and has never been a part of the Schengen Agreement. This can be especially relevant for foreign visitors of the European Union as, depending on their citizenship, many of them will need a separate visa to visit the United Kingdom. Be sure to get in touch with your Ministry of Foreign Affairs in advance to learn more about the entry requirements for your nationality.

Top driving routes

• The Highlands. Taking up the northern portion of mainland Scotland, this wild region is made for memorable road trips. The capital, Inverness, is a nice enough place to visit, but the real joy of the Highlands lies in its magnificent nature that’s exemplified by Cairngorms National Park and the region's many lochs.
• Northern Ireland. Physically separate and culturally distinct, Northern Ireland is an underrated part of the United Kingdom. The conflict of the 80s and 90s, known as The Troubles, has left the capital, Belfast, with some scars, but nowadays it is a safe, innovative and hospitable destination that’s perfect for the weekend getaway. Elsewhere, Northern Ireland is characterized by its magnificent landscapes and sites like the Giant’s Causeway.
• North Wales. Although just a stone’s throw from Manchester and Liverpool, North Wales is one of the most sparsely populated parts of the UK, which only makes it more interesting to explore. The region is characterized by old resort towns like Colwyn Bay and Llandudno that have lost some of their popularity (but none of the charm), as well as stunning natural attractions like Snowdonia National Park and the Isle of Anglesey.

Car hire prices in the United Kingdom

• Small cars - starting at US$8 per day
• SUVs - starting at US$12 per day
• Large cars - starting at US$15 per day
• People Carriers - starting at US$23 per day
• Station wagons - starting at US$15 per day
• Premium cars - starting at US$32 per day
• Medium cars - starting at US$10 per day

How can I save money on my hire car?

There are several good methods to find a cheaper car for hire:

• Compare rates of different car hire providers
• Book your vehicle well in advance
• Plan your route before you go
• Know your fuel and mileage requirements
• Visit in the month when the prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting the United Kingdom is the cheapest in February when hiring a car is about 28% cheaper than the yearly average and a whole 50% cheaper than hiring a car in December.