Arriving at London Heathrow Airport and wanting to freely explore the city or its surroundings is a great idea! Renting a car gives you flexibility and convenience, but it's important to know what to expect during the pickup process, what costs may arise, and how to behave on British roads. This information will help you make the rental process as simple and enjoyable as possible.
Most car rental companies have their desks directly at Heathrow Airport. They are usually located in separate buildings or zones, accessible on foot or by free shuttle. Pay attention to signs in the airport to find the desired office. Usually, after collecting your luggage, you can find information on how to get to the car rental area.
Many well-known car rental companies operate at Heathrow Airport. Among them are often: Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, Europcar and Sixt. The choice of cars is very wide, from economy models to premium SUVs. Here are some popular options:
1. Economy class (Fiat 500, Toyota Aygo): Ideal for the city, fuel efficiency.
2. Compact class (Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus): Convenient for the city and short trips.
3. Intermediate class (Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat): More space for passengers and luggage.
4. Family class (Skoda Octavia, Renault Megane): Comfortable for family trips.
5. SUV (Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson): Suitable for traveling in rural areas.
6. Minivan (Volkswagen Touran, Ford C-Max): Ideal for large families or groups.
7. Premium class (BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class): Comfort and style.
8. Premium SUV (Range Rover, Audi Q7): Luxury and off-road capability.
9. Sports car (Ford Mustang, BMW 4 Series): For lovers of fast driving.
10. Electric car (Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf): Environmentally friendly and economical option.
Approximate car rental prices (in EUR, prices may vary depending on the season and availability):
| Car class | Approximate price per day |
|---|---|
| Economy | 25 - 40 |
| Compact | 35 - 55 |
| Intermediate | 50 - 70 |
| SUV | 70 - 120 |
| Premium | 100+ |
Prices may vary depending on the season and availability.
To rent a car you will need: a valid driver's license (international if your license is not European), a passport or other identity document, and a credit card in the driver's name. The minimum age for rental is usually 21, but some companies may require 23 or 25 years. A deposit is blocked on your credit card and returned after returning the car undamaged. Most major credit cards are accepted, but check the terms of the specific company.
When renting a car, you will be offered various types of insurance. CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) covers damage to the car in the event of an accident. Theft Protection protects against theft. Usually, basic insurance is already included in the rental cost, but it may have a high deductible (the amount you must pay yourself). You can purchase additional insurance to reduce the deductible or obtain full coverage. Be sure to ask about the insurance terms and deductible before signing the contract.
In the UK, traffic is on the left. Be careful on the roads and get used to this rule. The speed limit is: in cities usually 30 miles/hour (48 km/hour), on highways – 70 miles/hour (112 km/hour). Some roads have toll sections (toll roads). Parking can be expensive, especially in central London. Always check parking signs to avoid fines.
Driver's license, passport and credit card in the driver's name.
Usually 21, but some companies require 23 or 25.
CDW covers car damage. Basic insurance is often included, but with a deductible.
The deposit is blocked on the card and returned after returning the car undamaged.
If your license is not European, it may be required.
They are usually located in separate buildings or zones, accessible on foot or by shuttle.
Yes, some roads have toll sections (toll roads).
Parking can be expensive, especially in the center. Check signs to avoid fines.
Yes, there is usually a fee for returning the car to a different location than the pickup location.
Immediately notify the rental company and fill out all necessary documents.
Yes, but there is usually an additional fee for this.