Small
Fiat 500
Allegiance Mobility Group- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Manual
- 4 seats
from €71/7 days
See offer →
Car Rental at Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Check live prices from 18 providers at the terminal. Pick up your keys and hit the road - no queues, no stress.
LocationAirport
Providers18
Price tipBook 2-4 wks ahead
Min. ageUsually 21+
Quick answer: At Gatwick Airport you can compare rental cars from 18 providers. We show prices and terms upfront so you can choose wisely - not just cheaply.
Best priceBook 2-4 weeks ahead for better selection and lower rates.
Zero dramaChoose "full-to-full" fuel and film the car at pickup.
DepositHave a credit card in the driver's name ready - that's where most people get caught out.
Cheapest car rentals in Gatwick Airport right now
7-day rental, pick-up 23 Nov. Prices collected 24 Oct.
Allegiance Mobility GroupMid-size
Volkswagen Golf
Allegiance Mobility Group- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Manual
- 5 seats
from €80/7 days
See offer →SUV
MG Whale
Allegiance Mobility Group- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Manual
- 5 seats
from €81/7 days
See offer →Car rental companies in Gatwick Airport: sorted by rating
| Supplier | Rating | Pick-up | From |
|---|---|---|---|
 Alamo | (95) | Inside the terminal | €180 |
 Budget | (34) | Inside the terminal | €179 |
 Hertz | (30) | Inside the terminal | €164 |
 Avis | (23) | Inside the terminal | €192 |
 SIXT | (36) | Outside the terminal | €198 |
 Enterprise | (68) | Inside the terminal | €200 |
 U-Save | (63) | By shuttle bus | €82 |
 DRIVUS | Meet & greet on arrival | €841 | |
 National | (17) | Inside the terminal | €213 |
 Keddy | (182) | Inside the terminal | €126 |
 Dollar | (2) | Inside the terminal | €148 |
 Europcar | (71) | Inside the terminal | €171 |
| Allegiance Mobility Group | (4) | By shuttle bus | €71 |
 GreenMotion | (114) | By shuttle bus | €126 |
 Aura Car Hire | (1) | By shuttle bus | €976 |
 AddCar | (8) | By shuttle bus | €90 |
Prices for a 7-day rental in EUR, collected 24 Oct, and may have changed. Ratings 1-10 from customer reviews. Search with your dates →
About Renting a Car at Gatwick Airport
Rent a car at Gatwick Airport and start your UK journey right from the runway with 18 rental companies to choose from. Gatwick is London's second-largest airport and an excellent starting point for exploring southern England, from the Sussex coast to the Cotswolds. With so many rental companies, you'll always find competitive pricing and the right vehicle.
Gatwick Airport (LGW) is located in West Sussex, about 45 km south of central London and 50 km north of Brighton. From here it's a 40-minute drive to Brighton Beach via the A23 and 90 minutes to Dover for the ferry to France via the M23 and M20. Book your rental car well in advance during summer season - Gatwick is one of Europe's busiest airports and prices rise quickly.
Drive directly south on the A23 towards Brighton if you want to avoid London traffic. Choose a car with GPS if you're driving on the left side for the first time. Where do I pick up my rental car at Gatwick Airport?
Most rental companies have their desks in the arrivals hall. Cars are collected from a separate car park accessible by shuttle bus from the terminal. How far is it from Gatwick to central London?
It's about 45 km and takes 45-75 minutes via the M23 and A23 depending on traffic. The Gatwick Express train takes just 30 minutes to London Victoria. Can I drive my rental car from Gatwick to Dover to take the ferry?
Yes, Dover is about 110 km east of Gatwick and can be reached in approximately 90 minutes via the M23 and M20. Check with the rental company that the car is permitted on the ferry to the continent.
We compare prices from all major providers at Gatwick Airport so you can see the total cost upfront - including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.
Renting at Gatwick Airport - The Short Version
🚗 1) Pick the Right Terms
- Fuel: "Full-to-full" is usually the fairest deal.
- Extra driver: can cost extra - check before booking.
- Automatic: often pricier and in shorter supply.
Pro tip: Cheapest rate + expensive terms = an expensive rental in disguise.
🪪 2) Bring the Right Documents
- Driver's license (usually held for at least 1 year)
- Passport or national ID
- Credit card in the driver's name for the deposit
A valid license is accepted in most of United Kingdom. Check if an IDP is needed.
📸 3) Drama-Free Pickup
- Film the car from all angles + the dashboard.
- Photograph scratches, wheels and windshield.
- Keep your fuel receipt when returning.
60 seconds now can save 6 weeks of email disputes.
Rental Companies at Gatwick Airport
Providers you can compare here (availability varies by date and season).
Essential Info for Renting at Gatwick Airport
Practical answers and tips before you book.
✅ Quick Answers ▼
At Gatwick Airport you can compare rentals from 18 providers on SmartCarRental. We show prices and terms upfront so you know what you're paying.
- Book 2-4 weeks ahead for better selection and prices.
- Choose "full-to-full" fuel whenever possible.
- Have a credit card in the driver's name ready for the deposit.
🚙 Driving in United Kingdom ▼
In United Kingdom you drive on the left side.
- Urban speed limit: 48 km/h
- Rural roads: 80 km/h
- Motorway: 113 km/h
- Alcohol limit: 0.8 per mille
🅿️ Parking & Tolls ▼
Parking is usually available in cities, but can be expensive.
Road tolls: Watch for signs and be prepared to pay fees.
Frequently Asked Questions - Car Rental at Gatwick Airport
Which rental companies are available at Gatwick Airport?▼
You can compare 18 rental companies at Gatwick Airport on SmartCarRental. Availability varies by season and dates, so the best way to see current options is to search with your travel dates.
Do I need an international driving permit in United Kingdom?▼
Requirements depend on your home country. EU, US and UK licenses are generally accepted, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license isn't in Latin script.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
Is there an age limit for renting a car at Gatwick Airport?▼
The minimum age to rent in United Kingdom is typically 21 years. Drivers under 25 often pay an additional young driver surcharge.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
What are the traffic rules in United Kingdom?▼
In United Kingdom you drive on the left side. Speed limits: 48 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads and 113 km/h on motorways.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
What do I need to bring for pickup?▼
When collecting your car at Gatwick Airport you'll typically need: 1) A valid driver's license (held for at least 1 year), 2) Passport or national ID, and 3) A credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
How does the fuel policy work?▼
Most providers at Gatwick Airport use a "full-to-full" policy: you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full. This is typically the simplest and cheapest option.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
When is it cheapest to rent a car at Gatwick Airport?▼
Generally, booking 2-4 weeks in advance, choosing a mid-week pickup, and avoiding peak season gives you the lowest prices.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
15-Day Weather Forecast for Gatwick Airport
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Gatwick Airport
18 providers
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