Car Hire in the United Kingdom
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Cheapest Car Hire Rates
Liverpool Airport Car Hire
Mini
Fiat 500
or comparable
£ 16.01
per day
City Centre Car Hire
Economy
Ford Fiesta
or comparable
£ 19.64
per day
City Centre Car Hire
Compact Commercial Van/Truck
Citroen Berlingo
or comparable
£ 23.62
per day
City Centre Car Hire
Intermediate
Peugeot 3008
or comparable
£ 32.29
per day
Most Popular Car Hire Deals
Birmingham Airport Car Hire
Standard SUV
MG HS
or comparable
£ 35.79
/ per day
City Centre Car Hire
Full-size Commercial Van/Truck
Renault Master
or comparable
£ 49.98
/ per day
Liverpool Airport Car Hire
Compact Elite
Mercedes Benz A Class
or comparable
£ 53.66
/ per day
Southampton Railway station Car Hire
Premium
Mercedes Benz C Class
or comparable
£ 61.54
/ 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 20:27 on 2023-05-25.
Why book with us?
Special offers
As a market leader (see SimilarWeb), we get special offers like contactless pick-ups, great prices, and free upgrades.
Award-winning
World's Leading Car Rental Booking Website in the World Travel Tech Awards (3 years in a row).
Highly-rated
A combined rating of 4.5 with 90k total reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, Google, and Review Center.
4M users
Have already booked on one of the fastest-growing car rental booking websites.
Awards
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2022
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking App 2022
Magellan Awards Gold Winner 2022
Travel & Hospitality Awards 2021
FT 1000: Europes Fastest Growing Companies - Top 300 Companies 2021
FT 1000: Europe's Fastest Growing Companies - Top 100 Companies 2020
Uzakrota Travel Awards - World’s Leading Car Rental Website 2022
Inc. 5000 Europe - Top 500 Companies 2019
Travel Information
Language
English
Currency
GBP
Drive on
Left-hand side
Dialing code
+44
Average car hire price
£ 36.57 / per day
Average car hire length
7 days
Speed limit within city centre
48 km/h
30 mph
Speed limit out of city centre
96 - 112 km/h
60 - 70 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.08%
Average gasoline price
£ 1.56 per liter
Highest gasoline price
£ 1.80 per liter
Lowest gasoline price
£ 1.46 per liter
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 £ 29.08 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 £ 28 per day
- Large cars - starting at £ 27 per day
- Medium cars - starting at £ 19 per day
- People Carriers - starting at £ 44 per day
- Premium cars - starting at £ 30 per day
- Small cars - starting at £ 16 per day
- SUVs - starting at £ 26 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 £ 29.29 per day
-
Car Hire in Edinburgh starting at £ 45.43 per day
-
Car Hire in Manchester starting at £ 23.48 per day
-
Car Hire in Gatwick starting at £ 32.60 per day
-
Car Hire in Glasgow starting at £ 25.64 per day
-
Car Hire in Luton starting at £ 23.29 per day
-
Car Hire in Birmingham starting at £ 21.01 per day
-
Car Hire in Inverness starting at £ 68.09 per day
-
Car Hire in Bristol starting at £ 28.63 per day
-
Car Hire in Liverpool starting at £ 16.01 per day
-
Car Hire in Belfast starting at £ 33.28 per day
-
Car Hire in Leeds starting at £ 28.39 per day
-
Car Hire in Aberdeen starting at £ 33.46 per day
-
Car Hire in Newcastle starting at £ 41.19 per day
-
Car Hire in Sheffield starting at £ 85.90 per day
-
Car Hire in Southampton starting at £ 36.39 per day
-
Car Hire in East Midlands starting at £ 27.61 per day
-
Car Hire in Dundee starting at £ 52.67 per day
-
Car Hire in Preston starting at £ 37.37 per day
-
Car Hire in Exeter starting at £ 69.37 per day
Top 20 Most Popular Destinations in the United Kingdom
-
Car Hire at London Airport Heathrow starting at £ 43.39 per day
-
Car Hire at Edinburgh Airport starting at £ 45.43 per day
-
Car Hire at London Airport Gatwick starting at £ 32.60 per day
-
Car Hire at Manchester Airport starting at £ 23.48 per day
-
Car Hire at London Airport Stansted starting at £ 29.29 per day
-
Car Hire at Glasgow Airport starting at £ 31.91 per day
-
Car Hire at Luton Airport starting at £ 23.29 per day
-
Car Hire at Birmingham Airport starting at £ 21.01 per day
-
Car Hire at Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station starting at £ 79.18 per day
-
Car Hire at Bristol Airport starting at £ 29.61 per day
-
Car Hire at Inverness Airport starting at £ 68.09 per day
-
Car Hire at Belfast International Airport starting at £ 33.28 per day
-
Car Hire at Waterloo Railway Station starting at £ 40.49 per day
-
Car Hire at Liverpool Airport starting at £ 16.01 per day
-
Car Hire at Aberdeen Airport starting at £ 33.46 per day
-
Car Hire at Leeds Bradford Airport starting at £ 28.39 per day
-
Car Hire at London St Pancras Railway Station starting at £ 40.49 per day
-
Car Hire in Leeds (Downtown) starting at £ 56.98 per day
-
Car Hire at Newcastle Airport starting at £ 42.66 per day
-
Car Hire at London Paddington Railway Station starting at £ 37.46 per day
Map of Car Hire Destinations
During which month is it most affordable to hire a car in the United Kingdom?
Our data shows how prices for hiring a car in the United Kingdom fluctuate depending on the time of year. This graph can help you find 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 January with prices starting at £ 32.90 for an Economy class cars. The most expensive month in which to hire a car is July with prices for for a Compact class) starting at £ 88.45. The average cost over the course of the entire year is £ 53. 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 8 days during in July, while those picking up their cars in November keep them for an average of 6.
Average Hire Length in the United Kingdom
What time of year is 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 May. in November is the month that sees the lowest demand for hire cars.
Monthly searches in the United Kingdom by pick-up date relative to the average
Car Hire Information
| Car hire locations | 367 |
| Airport locations | 36 |
| Popular suppliers | Easirent, Arnold Clark, Keddy, Alamo, Drivalia |
| Popular car categories | Small cars, Medium cars, SUVs, People Carriers |
| Lowest price | £ 16 per day |
| Cheapest supplier | Drivalia |
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 |
| Arnold Clark | Ford Fiesta | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| Arnold Clark | Kia Ceed | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Keddy | Fiat 500 | 3 | 1 | Small cars |
| Drivalia | Ford Fiesta | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Easirent | Ford Fiesta | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Drivalia | Fiat 500 | 3 | 1 | Small cars |
| Keddy | Ford Focus | 5 | 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 car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.
LC
United Kingdom
Fiat 500
13 April 2023
Knaresborough town
KM
United Kingdom
Ford Focus
8 April 2023
Business trip visiting clients though managed a few hours in Frinton ............ seems a nice town
JG
United Kingdom
BMW 1 Series Aut.
28 March 2023
Lovely time exploring raasay from the luxury hotel there
AD
United Kingdom
Ford Focus
18 February 2023
I visited exeter
RW
United Kingdom
Fiat 500
30 January 2023
The car was perfect for visiting family and relatives.
KA
United Kingdom
Ford Fiesta
27 January 2023
Car was clean, ready on time, the car hire people made the stress of going to a funeral easier.
SN
United Kingdom
Ford Fiesta
1 November 2022
Quick collection, car was ready and better than I expected. Very happy with the overall experience.
CC
United Kingdom
Fiat 500
14 October 2022
Just a family visit
AC
United Kingdom
Vauxhall Astra
28 September 2022
We spent most of our time between Ullapool and Loch Inver. Fantastic scenery, and would strongly recommend the hike up Suilven from Loch Inver.
Pie shop in Loch Inver also worth a visit, we went twice!
CN
Australia
Ford Fiesta
26 September 2022
I had an amazing time in Scotland. Went to the Isle of Skye, Fort William. National parks, Hiking, castles, waterfalls, and Inverness. Very beautiful country!! Next time would love to see the south, east-coast, the islands and more of the highlands.
CD
United Kingdom
Ford Fiesta
13 September 2022
We were staying at Torcroft lodges, Drumnadrochit, perfect location and lovely well equipped lodge.. We visited Loch Ness exhibition centre, Fort Augustus where we joined a cruise on Loch Ness, Urquart Castle, Nairn (not much there) and Inverness
SE
United Kingdom
Fiat 500
3 September 2022
Had the best time away, amazing scenery along the Causeway Coastal Route, Giants Causeway is a must see! Had a fantastic road trip around Northern Ireland. Black Cab Taxi tour is a must in Belfast!
CW
United Kingdom
Fiat 500
18 August 2022
Check in online to avoid delays when collecting cars.
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.
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
Car Hire Statistics
Highest rated company
Arnold Clark
9.5 / 10
Lowest rated company
Ace Rent a car
7.4 / 10
Total number of reviews
283
Total rental companies
19
Average daily price
£ 36.57
Lowest daily price
£ 8.67
Total cars available
6092
Top 19 Hire Companies in the United Kingdom in 2023
Arnold Clark
40 locations
£ 20 - £ 225
Enterprise
269 locations
£ 35 - £ 342
Alamo
38 locations
£ 32 - £ 323
Avis
39 locations
£ 32 - £ 217
Keddy
104 locations
£ 27 - £ 159
Hertz
73 locations
£ 28 - £ 166
SIXT
48 locations
£ 33 - £ 623
Europcar
111 locations
£ 32 - £ 201
Thrifty
1 location
National
34 locations
£ 36 - £ 346
Firefly
18 locations
Goldcar
1 location
Drivalia
23 locations
£ 16 - £ 397
Interrent
18 locations
Easirent
20 locations
Routes Car Rental
1 location
£ 46 - £ 62
GreenMotion
35 locations
£ 20 - £ 999
Surprice
1 location
£ 160 - £ 257
Ace Rent a car
4 locations
£ 39 - £ 294
Our clients highly recommend us
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