Rent a Car at London City Airport (LCY)

London City Airport (LCY) is London's most centrally located airport, just 10 km east of City of London in the Royal Docks area. With 10 car rental companies on-site, it's easy to pick up your rental car directly upon arrival and continue within just a few minutes. The airport primarily serves business travelers with direct flights to European cities.

LCY is located in London Borough of Newham, surrounded by the historic Royal Docks – Thames and Silvertown are neighbors. ExCeL London conference center is 1.5 km away and O2 Arena is accessible in approximately 10 minutes via A1020. Canary Wharf financial district is just 3 km west.

Pick up your rental car directly at the terminal to avoid shuttle buses – all rental companies have desks in the arrivals hall. Drive west via A1020 and A13 for the fastest route to City of London, approximately 20 minutes outside of rush hour. Book your car in advance during trade shows at ExCeL when availability drops significantly.

Where are the car rental desks at London City Airport? All rental companies are located together in the arrivals terminal on the ground floor, directly after customs – no shuttle bus is needed. How long does it take to drive from LCY to Canary Wharf?

Canary Wharf is approximately 3 km west and takes 8–12 minutes via Silvertown Way, depending on traffic along A1020. Can I drop off the rental car at LCY if I picked it up elsewhere in London? Yes, most major rental companies allow this but note that a one-way fee applies, which varies depending on the company and distance.

We compare prices from all major providers at London City 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.