Car rental at London Heathrow Airport

Car Rental at London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

See real-time prices from 22 car hire companies. Collect your car at arrivals and go.

LocationAirport
Providers22
Price tipBook 2-4 wks ahead
Min. ageUsually 21+

Quick answer: At London Heathrow Airport you can compare rental cars from 22 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 London Heathrow Airport right now

7-day rental, pick-up 9 Oct. Prices collected 9 Sep.

Small
Fiat 500
Fiat 500
Allegiance Mobility Group7.0 (32 reviews)
  • Free cancellation up to 48 h before
  • Manual
  • 4 seats
from €99/7 days
See offer →
Mid-size
Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Golf
Allegiance Mobility Group7.0 (32 reviews)
  • Free cancellation up to 48 h before
  • Manual
  • 5 seats
from €106/7 days
See offer →
SUV
MG Whale
MG Whale
Allegiance Mobility Group7.0 (32 reviews)
  • Free cancellation up to 48 h before
  • Manual
  • 5 seats
from €109/7 days
See offer →

Car rental companies in London Heathrow Airport: rating and lowest price

SupplierRatingPick-upFrom
Arnold Clark9.2 (127)By shuttle bus€215
Enterprise8.9 (168)Inside the terminal€266
Alamo8.7 (276)Inside the terminal€215
Keddy8.7 (225)By shuttle bus€122
Hertz8.6 (84)By shuttle bus€208
Finalrentals8.6 (8)By shuttle bus€201
National8.5 (25)By shuttle bus€282
SIXT8.5 (85)Inside the terminal€239

Prices for a 7-day rental in EUR, collected 9 Sep, and may have changed. Ratings 1-10 from customer reviews. Search with your dates →

About Renting a Car at London Heathrow Airport

At London Heathrow Airport it pays to book in advance, especially during bank holidays and summer. Prices vary widely between rental companies - compare to find the best deal. London Heathrow is Europe's busiest airport and offers one of the world's largest selections of car rental companies with 22 operators on site.

Many travellers combine with a trip to Gatwick. Regardless of whether you arrive at Terminal 2, 3, 4 or 5, rental cars are readily available in the dedicated rental centres. Heathrow is 24 km west of central London.

Heathrow is located in Hillingdon, London Borough, and is surrounded by the M4 and M25 motorways which provide quick access to all of south England. Windsor Castle is just 12 km to the south, Oxford is 90 km northwest via M40 and Brighton 100 km south via M23. Terminal 5 is British Airways' main terminal while Terminals 2 and 3 handle most international airlines.

All rental companies at Heathrow are located in Heathrow Car Rental Centre - take the free bus from your terminal. Book your car well in advance during summer season as prices can triple with short notice. Drive via M4 for the fastest route to central London, or take M25 north to reach Cambridge and Stansted.

Where do I pick up my rental car at Heathrow? All rental companies are located in Heathrow Car Rental Centre. Take the free Heathrow Pod or shuttle bus from Terminals 1-3, or follow signs from Terminals 4 and 5.

How long does it take to drive from Heathrow to central London? From Heathrow to Hyde Park Corner is 24 km and takes 30-60 minutes via M4/A4 depending on traffic. Avoid rush hours 7-10 and 16-19.

Can I drop off my rental car at another location in Britain? Yes, most of the 22 rental companies offer one-way rentals to other cities and airports in Britain, though additional charges may apply.

We compare prices from all major providers at London Heathrow 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.

What to Know Before Picking Up at London Heathrow Airport

🚗 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 London Heathrow Airport

Providers you can compare here (availability varies by date and season).

Arnold Clark
Enterprise
AddCar
Budget
Aura Car Hire
Alamo
Dollar
Carwiz
National
Hertz
Avis
Europcar
Drivalia
Flexways
Surprice
DRIVUS
Routes Car Rental
U-Save
Keddy
GreenMotion
Thrifty
SIXT

Essential Info for Renting at London Heathrow Airport

Practical answers and tips before you book.

✅ Quick Answers

At London Heathrow Airport you can compare rentals from 22 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 London Heathrow Airport

Which rental companies are available at London Heathrow Airport?
You can compare 22 rental companies at London Heathrow 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
Is there an age limit for renting a car at London Heathrow 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
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
What do I need to bring for pickup?
When collecting your car at London Heathrow 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
How does the fuel policy work?
Most providers at London Heathrow 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
When is it cheapest to rent a car at London Heathrow 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

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Real prices, real terms, 22 providers. See what London Heathrow Airport has to offer.

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