Car Hire in the United Kingdom
✓ No Hidden Costs ✓ 24/7 Support ✓ Free Cancellation
500+ Trusted Providers:
Cheapest Car Hire Rates
Belfast Cruise Port
Mini
Kia Picanto
or comparable
£ 12.55
per day
Belfast Cruise Port
Economy
VW Polo
or comparable
£ 14.15
per day
Belfast Cruise Port
Economy
Vauxhall Corsa
or comparable
£ 14.50
per day
Belfast Cruise Port
Compact
Hyundai I30
or comparable
£ 16.09
per day
Most Popular Car Hire Offers
City Centre
Intermediate
VW Jetta
or comparable
£ 18.12
/ per day
Belfast Cruise Port
Compact
VW Golf
or comparable
£ 18.18
/ per day
Southampton Cruise Terminal
Economy
Ford Fiesta
or comparable
£ 18.22
/ per day
City Centre
Economy
Vauxhall Corsa
or comparable
£ 18.98
/ per day
These prices are approximate and depend on the dates of the booking, hire length and type of car. This information was last updated at 07:54 on 2022-05-23.
Travel Information
Language
English
Currency
GBP
Dialing code
44
Traffic direction
Left-hand
Speed limit out of city centre
97 km/h
60 mi/h
Speed limit within city centre
48 km/h
30 mi/h
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.08%
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.
One-way Car Hire in the United Kingdom
Here are the most popular one-way car hire options for pickup in the United Kingdom and drop off in another country:
- From United Kingdom to Ireland - 194 offers from US$ 35.75 per day
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
- Station wagons - starting at £ 116 per day
- Large cars - starting at £ 80 per day
- Medium cars - starting at £ 62 per day
- People Carriers - starting at £ 241 per day
- Premium cars - starting at £ 187 per day
- Small cars - starting at £ 51 per day
- SUVs - starting at £ 115 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.
Top 20 Most Popular Cities in the United Kingdom
-
Car Hire in London starting at £ 23.90 per day
-
Car Hire in Edinburgh starting at £ 32.27 per day
-
Car Hire in Belfast starting at £ 143.80 per day
-
Car Hire in Glasgow starting at £ 33.44 per day
-
Car Hire in Luton starting at £ 37.90 per day
-
Car Hire in Birmingham starting at £ 21.42 per day
-
Car Hire in Inverness starting at £ 34.64 per day
-
Car Hire in Liverpool starting at £ 25.73 per day
-
Car Hire in Newcastle starting at £ 63.86 per day
-
Car Hire in Southampton starting at £ 49.78 per day
-
Car Hire in Watford starting at £ 75.12 per day
-
Car Hire in Reading starting at £ 27.19 per day
-
Car Hire in East Midlands starting at £ 62.59 per day
-
Car Hire in Slough starting at £ 27.19 per day
Top 17 Most Popular Destinations in the United Kingdom
-
Car Hire at London Airport Heathrow starting at £ 36.76 per day
-
Car Hire at London Airport Gatwick starting at £ 25.67 per day
-
Car Hire at London Airport Stansted starting at £ 23.90 per day
-
Car Hire at Edinburgh Airport starting at £ 32.27 per day
-
Car Hire at London St Pancras Railway Station starting at £ 38.53 per day
-
Car Hire at Waterloo Railway Station starting at £ 45.19 per day
-
Car Hire at London Kings Cross Railway Station starting at £ 38.53 per day
-
Car Hire London Kennington starting at £ 40.99 per day
-
Car Hire at London Euston Railway Station starting at £ 38.53 per day
-
Car Hire London Lewisham starting at £ 26.87 per day
-
Car Hire at London Paddington Railway Station starting at £ 35.29 per day
-
Car Hire at London Hammersmith Railway Station starting at £ 51.43 per day
-
Car Hire at Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station starting at £ 117.18 per day
-
Car Hire at London Stratford Railway Station starting at £ 71.42 per day
-
Car Hire at Manchester Airport starting at £ 30.42 per day
-
Car Hire at Glasgow Airport starting at £ 32.27 per day
Map of Car Hire Destinations
During which month is it most affordable to hire a car in the United Kingdom?
Our data show how prices for hiring a car in the United Kingdom fluctuate depending on the time of the year. This graph can assist you in finding the best bargain.
Average Price for Hiring a Car in the United Kingdom
The cheapest month to hire a car in the United Kingdom is February with prices starting at £ 28.93 for an Economy class cars. The most expensive month in which to hire a car is December with prices for for a Compact class) starting at £ 57.88. The average cost over the course of the entire year is £ 39. You can use this to plan your trip at the time of year when it would be most economical to hire a car. Note that these prices are only averages. The amount of time you hire a car for and the time at which you book will influence the prices.
How many days do people keep their hire cars, on average, in the United Kingdom?
Hirers picking up a car in the United Kingdom keep them for an average of 20 days during in October, while those picking up their cars in February keep them for an average of 4.
Average Hire Length in the United Kingdom
What month is the most favoured for hiring a car in the United Kingdom?
Though United Kingdom is popular for travellers all year long, the month for which the highest number of people search for a hire car is in March. in June is the month that sees the lowest demand for hire cars.
Monthly Car Hire Searches in the United Kingdom Compared to the Yearly Average
Most Popular Car Hire Models
| Hire Agency | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easirent | Ford Fiesta | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| Easirent | Fiat 500 | 3 | 2 | Small cars |
| Easirent | Ford Focus | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Surprice | VW Golf | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| GreenMotion | Fiat 500 | 3 | 1 | Small cars |
| GreenMotion | Citroen C3 | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| GreenMotion | Citroen Berlingo | 4 | 6 | Medium cars |
| Easirent | Ford Fiesta | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| GreenMotion | Citroen C3 Aircross | 5 | 3 | Small cars |
| Alamo | Ford Focus | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
Our Customers Reviews
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have an option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.
GH
Jersey
Honda CR-V
5 May 2022
Visiting family so this doesn’t really apply.
FF
United Kingdom
Vauxhall Corsa
23 April 2022
Stunning scenery, amazing beaches especially Strathy Beach on the North coast, Dunnet Head, Dunnet Bay. The Printers Press in Wick for fantastic pizza and coffees and Whickers World at the harbour for all day breakfasts. Fantastic boat from Wick down to Whalligoe Steps. And Sarclet. Beautiful inlet. And bot forgetting Lybster Harbour.
CS
United Kingdom
Opel Crossland X
17 April 2022
The area of Portrush is a summer resort and in visiting before the season starts we found a lot of places closed. The Giants Causeway is worth visiting
GM
United Kingdom
Fiat 500
2 March 2022
Loch Lomand. Gleniffer Braes, Paisley.
PF
United Kingdom
Ford Focus
15 February 2022
Very good overall experience far cheaper than other rental companies. I will use them for any future rentals.
NH
United Kingdom
Fiat 500
7 February 2022
I would recommend Easirent because it is a very competitive price for good service. You have a shuttle service that picks you up and brings you to the airport. Its easy to contact them and to follow the instructions.
RH
United Kingdom
Ford Focus
6 February 2022
Was unsure what to expect, but all ok
JW
United Kingdom
Vauxhall Corsa
4 November 2021
Would have to try and book much earlier next time to try and get a better deal
SP
United Kingdom
Vauxhall Crossland
26 August 2021
It is difficult to imagine a more efficient, convenient or friendly service. Excellent in all respects.
MS
United Kingdom
Toyota Yaris
23 August 2021
Visiting family but enjoyed every place we visited
NM
United Kingdom
Toyota Yaris
26 May 2021
Great price, pick up to and from airport. Great, friendly service
SC
United Kingdom
Ford Focus
18 May 2021
Travelling from Edinburgh to Stoke to see a friend after lockdown, so didn't see any sites.
MD
United Kingdom
Fiat 500
8 April 2021
Good, easy, convenience, competitive price.
HG
Portugal
Ford Fiesta
10 January 2020
Liverpool is a vibrant city with lots going on. The people are
Top 17 Hire Companies in the United Kingdom in 2022
Arnold Clark
+441463723720
Harbour Road, Inverness IV1 1UF
Working hours
Mon:08:00-17:30
Tue:08:00-17:30
Wed:08:00-17:30
Thu:08:00-17:30
Fri:08:00-17:30
Sat:08:00-17:00
Sun:09:00-16:00
Alamo
+4401313330400
Edinburgh Airport, Burnside Rd, Ingliston, Edinburgh EH12 9DN
Keddy
+4403713841121
TERMINAL BUILDING
Working hours
Mon:08:00-21:30
Tue:08:00-21:30
Wed:08:00-21:30
Thu:08:00-21:30
Fri:08:00-21:30
Sat:09:00-15:00
Sun:10:00-21:30
Europcar
+4403713841079
CAMPSIE DRIVE
Working hours
Mon:07:00-20:00
Tue:07:00-20:00
Wed:07:00-20:00
Thu:07:00-20:00
Fri:07:00-22:00
Sat:08:00-20:00
Sun:08:00-22:00
Avis
+4403445446004
Car Rental Centre
Working hours
Mon:07:00-23:00
Tue:07:00-23:00
Wed:07:00-23:00
Thu:07:00-23:00
Fri:07:00-23:00
Sat:07:00-23:00
Sun:07:00-23:00
Enterprise
+4401332812828
East Midlands Airport, Castle Donington, Derby DE74 2SA
Hertz
+4408433093009
Heathrow Airport, Northern Perimeter Rd, London TW6 2QD
Working hours
Mon:00:00-23:59
Tue:00:00-23:59
Wed:00:00-23:59
Thu:00:00-23:59
Fri:00:00-23:59
Sat:00:00-23:59
Sun:00:00-23:59
National
+4401614983300
ENTERPRISE RENT A CAR, CAR RENTAL VILLAGE MAN AIRPORT
Working hours
Mon:07:00-22:00
Tue:07:00-22:00
Wed:07:00-22:00
Thu:07:00-22:00
Fri:07:00-22:00
Sat:07:00-22:00
Sun:07:00-22:00
SIXT
+442070188246
Lower Forecourt, Horley, Gatwick RH6 0NY
Thrifty
08433093047
Car Rental Village
Working hours
Mon:08:00-17:30
Tue:08:00-17:30
Wed:08:00-17:30
Thu:08:00-17:30
Fri:08:00-17:30
Sat:08:00-16:00
Sun:08:00-16:00
Firefly
08433093005
AIRPORT WAY
Working hours
Mon:08:00-16:00
Tue:08:00-16:00
Wed:08:00-16:00
Thu:08:00-16:00
Fri:08:00-16:00
Sat:08:00-12:00
Interrent
+442078621732 / +442078621791
InterRent Cabin, Car Rental Village, Coopers End Road
Working hours
Mon:08:00-23:00
Tue:08:00-23:00
Wed:08:00-23:00
Thu:08:00-23:00
Fri:08:00-23:00
Sat:08:00-23:00
Sun:08:00-23:00
Goldcar
+442038980140 / +442070480573
Pheonix Industrial Estate, Inchinnan Road,
Working hours
Mon:07:00-19:00
Tue:07:00-19:00
Wed:07:00-19:00
Thu:07:00-19:00
Fri:07:00-19:00
Sat:07:00-19:00
Sun:07:00-19:00
Surprice
+443300949033 / +447967584241
450 Bath Road, Longford Heathrow, London Greater London, UB7 0EB, United Kingdom
Working hours
Mon:06:00-23:59
Tue:06:00-23:59
Wed:06:00-23:59
Thu:06:00-23:59
Fri:06:00-23:59
Sat:06:00-23:59
Sun:06:00-23:59
Easirent
01392798540
Exeter Airport- Shuttle-
Working hours
Mon:06:00-22:30
Tue:06:00-22:30
Wed:06:00-22:30
Thu:06:00-22:30
Fri:06:00-22:30
Sat:06:00-22:30
Sun:06:00-22:30
GreenMotion
+4401332220770
Hilton Hotel, Main Lobby, Church St, Lockington, Derby DE74 2YW
Working hours
Mon:08:00-18:00
Tue:08:00-18:00
Wed:08:00-18:00
Thu:08:00-18:00
Fri:08:00-18:00
Sat:09:00-14:00
Sun:09:00-14:00
Ace Rent a car
+441179595700 / 3172487251
The Old Forge
Working hours
Mon:07:00-19:00
Tue:07:00-19:00
Wed:07:00-19:00
Thu:07:00-19:00
Fri:07:00-19:00
Sat:07:00-19:00
Sun:07:00-19:00