Your Complete Car Rental Guide for Exploring London with Ease
Everyone has known about London since childhood, but this does not mean that it does not hold surprises: this city is both very familiar and completely different from what it seemed. It has everything that is expected of it: prim Londoners, old omnibuses and bridges, fog, ceremonies, pubs, but at the same time there is a lot of unexpected things.
London is the capital of the empire, full of great history, which can be seen in Westminster and Tower, touch with your own hands. At the same time, this is a modern global city - one of the most important on the planet, the fate of the world is decided here every day, which means constant fuss reigns. Therefore, walking around London, it's like traveling in time or in different cities.
The best time of the year for such walks is summer. There is no heat, there are fewer cloudy days than at other times of the year - you can explore the streets of London for a long time and enjoy the good weather. Although you should not be very afraid of the rains in any case: they will not spoil the trip even in the fall: the weather here changes quickly, it almost never happens that it rains for a long time and it remains constantly cloudy. A few hours and the sky clears up. It is because of this changeability that the British love to discuss the weather so much.
In autumn, it changes especially often, thunderstorms and strong winds are a common thing at this time. The winter is warm, the temperature drops below zero infrequently, but still the excursions will not be so pleasant and long: the London wind can penetrate, and it gets dark quickly. In spring, the weather is almost as changeable as in autumn, cold winds also blow often, and yet it is more pleasant than in winter, especially in the second half.
London is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet. Over 20 million people arrive every year from abroad alone, so there are five airports in the city at once. The largest of these are Heathrow and Gatwick.
What to see in London
Since London is so big, it's impossible to see all the interesting things in a day or two, so it's better to put up with it right away and not rush. The heart of the city is City, in addition to which there are 32 more districts, including Westminster - it also has the status of a "city", that is, a "city ". This is a legacy of those times when London and Westminster were two centers of power, albeit very close to each other.
The city is located in the place where Londinium was located - a city founded in the 1st century of the Roman Empire. The modern City is home to London Exchange, offices of major banks and corporations. There are almost no residential buildings left in it, but there are quite a few hotels, so it’s quite possible to stay here.
The main attraction of the City - St. Paul's Cathedral, the largest London temple and the residence of the bishop, is located on top of the highest hill in the city, Ludgate Hill. The dome of the cathedral is very recognizable, and its heightreaches 111 meters: the building, made in the English Baroque style, impresses with its scale and beauty. This is the fifth St. Paul's Cathedral on the site.
Another world-famous landmark is The Tower of London, is located in the neighboring area, which is called the Tower Hamlets. It was founded in 1066 and over the past centuries has managed to visit a fortress, the residence of kings, a prison, an arsenal - and more. Now it is a museum and there are many interesting expositions about each of the periods of its history. For example, in the Tower you can see the world's oldest permanent exhibition - this is the "Row of Kings", ten equestrian statues in full knightly attire.
Many attractions are concentrated in Westminster - during the first trip to London, if it is short, it is usually the City and Westminster that are visited. Here Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Big -Ben, The Palace of Westminster and the Abbey are must-sees when visiting London.
Here are the most famous parks of the city, like Hyde Park or Regent's Park, and prestigious neighborhoods like Covent Garden, Belgraphia and Soho, and tourist streets like Baker Street and Piccadilly. The London Eye is also worth a visit - from a heightof 135 meters you can enjoy an excellent view of the city.
British Museum (https://www.britishmuseum.org) is the largest in the city and one of the most visited in the world. It is dedicated to real antiquities, and not only British and European ones: there are sections dedicated to civilizations in various parts of the world - for example, Ancient Egypt and Nubia, Ancient Greece and Rome. The museum also has one of the largest collections of graphics and engravings: works by Michelangelo, da Vinci, Rembrandt and many others are presented. More information about London, its sights and rules can be found on the city's official website - www.london.gov.uk
Things to do near London
Two of the most obvious places to visit near London are eternal rivals Oxford and Cambridge, famous for their universities. Oxford University is one of the oldest in Europe, even the exact date of its creation is unknown, but in 1096 education was already underway. The University of Cambridge was founded in 1209, according to the most common version - by people from Oxford.
Which city to go to is a matter of taste: Lewis Carroll taught in Oxford and you can find a pub where he publicly read Alice in Wonderland, and Harry Potter was also filmed here; in Cambridge there is a very beautiful chapel, the famous Mathematical Bridge and the Cavendish Laboratory. It’s more pleasant to get to Oxford or Cambridge by car - so you can set the pace yourself and drive wherever you want. To do this, it is worth renting a car in London - for example, using the Bookingautos service.
Another interesting place near London is Chilham, an exemplary English village, as if left in the Middle Ages. Many films and series have been filmed here, a 12th-century castle rises above the village, and there is also a pub where you can have a good rest. Very close to Chilham Canterbury, a city famous for its Gothic architecture. Its main attraction is Canterbury Cathedral, but there is more to see.
Stonehenge, one of the most famous sites in Great Britain, is an hour or two from London. Scientists still do not know what this structure was intended for - there are different versions, and its creation began about 5,000 years ago. Fans of such a long history should also look at the Butser Ancient Farm to see reconstructions of buildings from the Stone Age, Iron Age, Roman and Anglo-Saxon periods. Here you can learn the customs of those times, it is best to get to the farm during one of the festivals.
The nature of Great Britain can also surprise you - for this you should go to the New Forest National Park. It has river valleys, lavender fields and heather moors. Deer and wild ponies live in the forests of this park, while it is well-groomed, many routes for hiking and cycling have been laid along its territory.
Cuisine and restaurants in London
English cuisine is quite unpretentious, besides, many of its dishes are so widely distributed throughout Europe that they are already perceived as common and everyday. In London, they love fried eggs with bacon, muffins, stewed beans, fried sausages or sausages, ham and cheese: most often one of these is eaten for breakfast - it is so plentiful that you can do without lunch.
Even in England they love meat pies - the filling usually consists of beef tenderloin, puff pastry, mushrooms and sauce are added. This pie is served on holidays with potatoes and vegetables. Roast beef is another dish to try in London and be sure to drink ale.
The most popular food is, of course, fish and chips in different variations. It is served everywhere, and the secret of taste is usually in the sauce - everyone cooks it according to their own special recipes, the main ingredients are green peas and some vegetables.
There are many great places to eat in London, here are a few:
Elystan Street - This restaurant has a large selection of vegetarian dishes, and very tasty. It opened in 2016, but quickly gained popularity, while still not having the same status as long-established establishments, so you can eat here for moderate money. Address: 43 Elystan St, London SW3 3NT, phone: +442076285005.
Meat People is a diner specializing in meat, ingredients are brought from the best British farms. All meat lovers should look into it; address: 4-6 Essex Rd, London N1 8LN; phone: +442073595361.
Burger & Lobster is a chain that can be found all over London. The menu is just a few items, it's almost fast food, but very tasty - a great place to grab a bite to eat. Soho branch address: 36-38 Dean St, London W1D 4PS, phone: +442074324800.
Where to park in London
Public transport in the city is excellent, while parking will be expensive, and you will also have to pay to enter the center. Therefore, it is better to rent a car for trips not in London itself, but in its environs. Moreover, the traffic rules are quite complicated and there are a lot of prohibitions, so it will not be easy for a foreigner to drive in London.
If you still decide to use a car in London, you should choose parking lots in advance. It is most convenient to park on site, but this service is not available in everyone - usually only in those far from the center. There are inexpensive parking lots in residential areas - you will have to pay 20-25 pounds per day, but they are quite few, it is not always possible to find a conveniently located one.
As for ordinary parking lots, the most expensive in the city center, the cost per hour can reach 10 pounds, the farther from the center, the cheaper. On some it is forbidden to park for more than 2 hours, on others - for 4 hours. You usually need to pay on weekdays (in the busiest places also on Saturday) from 8:30 to 18:30. There are free parking lots, but they are few and far between.
Several good car parks:
Minories Car Park. Very convenient location a little east of the City. Address: 1 Shorter St, London E1 8LP. Price: £3.5 an hour
Q-Park Pimlico. It is convenient to see Westminster from here. Address: Cumberland St, Pimlico, London SW1V 4LR. Price: £4.
Monthly price chart. Approximate prices for 7 days rental
January
€195
February
€165
March
€175
April
€247
May
€229
June
€254
July
€281
August
€265
September
€178
October
€145
November
€113
December
€198
* Data is calculated based on car bookings for the previous 365 days.
A percentage showing the monthly occupancy of the fleet of available vehicles. During August, there is a maximum demand for car rental, which entails a decrease in the range of cars available for order. You should take care of booking a car in London in advance, this will allow you to get the preferred option on the most favorable financial terms.
The best time to rent a car in London is November. This month, rental prices are minimal, below the annual average by 34%, and start from €17 for a Compact car.
Convertible cars in London are in high demand during the summer. This is not surprising. After all, a trip on such a car gives a feeling of freedom and independence, allows you to relax and forget about the problems of the world around you. Although you should be prepared for an increase in rental prices and possible problems with the range of available cars. If we talk about the price Ford Mustang - it will be from €71 per 1 day.
Average prices for 1 day rental for different car classes:
4x
2x
A/C
3x
Citroen C1
Citroen C1
€14 / Day
4x
2x
A/C
4x
Ford Fiesta
Ford Fiesta
€18 / Day
5x
3x
A/C
4x
Audi A4
Audi A4
€32 / Day
5x
4x
A/C
5x
Ford Foxus Estate
Ford Foxus Estate
€33 / Day
4x
3x
A/C
5x
BMW X1
BMW X1
€33 / Day
4x
3x
A/C
4x
BMW 5 series
BMW 5 series
€45 / Day
8x
4x
A/C
5x
Ford Tourneo
Ford Tourneo
€55 / Day
4x
2x
A/C
2x
BMW 4 Cabrio
BMW 4 Cabrio
€65 / Day
Our fleet has cars of all price categories, from budget to premium: sedans, convertibles, SUVs, minivans, business class cars. You can choose a rental car based on your preferences and budget.
The cost of renting a car in London depends on the car class, rental period, as well as the season of the year. For long-term rentals, rental companies provide good discounts. During the high season, in the summer months, the rental price is much higher than in winter. For example, a daily rental of Opel Astra or another budget car in the spring will cost about €17 per day. If you decide to rent this car for a week, then for each day you will have to pay about €22. The daily rental of middle-class cars, Toyota Camry, Opel Astra Estate, Toyota Rav-4 will be on average €29-€28. In London convertible rental price starts from €71. Luxury cars can be rented for €175, and the cost of renting the most expensive, exclusive models can exceed 550€ per day.
The demand for electric cars is growing not only in the segment of their sales. These cars are just as popular when renting, which is often accompanied by the provision of a free parking space and the possibility of free car charging around the city. To rent an electric car you should set the appropriate filter. Moreover, the rental of Tesla Model X when ordering in London will cost quite a modest amount.
Documents required for car rental
Driving license
Credit card
Voucher
Passport
Attention!
A valid international driver's license is required!
Expert Car Rental Tips: 10 Things to Keep in Mind
Download Google maps offline
Before the trip, we recommend that you download the necessary maps to the Google Maps application on your smartphone. This will allow you to build travel routes and use offline navigation on the ground. Thus, you can significantly save on Internet roaming charges, as well as on the "Navigator" service. Downloading the map is easy. You should select the required area, set the desired scale and enter "ok maps" in the search field.
Book in advance
London is now in ever-increasing demand, which affects the high demand for car rental. By booking online, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises after you arrive at your destination. Both with the car itself and with its rent.
It is better to book a car at least one and a half months before the trip. As the required date approaches, the number of available offers is reduced, and the cost of the remaining models increases. If plans change and the trip is postponed, then you can cancel the rental without any sanctions 2 days before it starts.
Which car to choose
The compact model is relevant for city trips in London. It can be Toyota Aygo or Opel Astra. Mountain routes require a more powerful four-wheel drive vehicle - Opel Astra Estate or similar model. You can order an SUV for just €33 per day;
What you need to pay attention to when receiving a car
Before picking up, you are required to carefully inspect the car and point out to the rental company manager for scratches, damage and defects, such as dirty seat upholstery. You should check the ignition and the fuel level in the tank. You need to know the conditions for returning the car - where exactly, with what amount of fuel to return the car.
The rental agreement must include a telephone number to contact the rental company. It is designed so that customers can get help in emergency situations, such as when a car breaks down or in the event of an accident. A call to the rental company should be done first, even before the arrival of the police.
Insurance advice
When you pick up your rental car, you need to take it seriously. This is especially true if you do not intend to purchase additional insurance. You should carefully inspect the received car and fix all scratches, dents, and other defects in the contract. It is also recommended to take a picture of the existing damage to the car, its number, write down the name of the rental company employee.
What types of insurance are available for car rental?
Third Party Liability (TPL). This is a third party liability protection. If you are the culprit of an accident, the insurance will compensate for the costs of the victims for you.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This is to protect your vehicle from any damage. She works with a franchise. This is the amount that you will have to pay in case of damage in any case. The company will cover anything over the limit. The insurance does not cover theft.
Theft Waiver (T.W.). This is car theft protection. Operates with a franchise.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). This is medical insurance for the driver and passengers.
Fuel Policy
For trips over long distances, it is better to choose the option with the already included payment for a full tank. If you have a short trip, then this service is inappropriate. Be sure to read the fuel policy before making a booking:
If necessary, use the special filter to select the most convenient option for you.
Mileage without limits
Before renting a car, you should check with the rental company if there is a limit on the daily mileage for a car. Typically, tourists use a rental car to travel not only around the city, but also to travel to neighboring cities and even countries. If such a restriction exists, it is recommended to choose a rental option where there is no limit. In this case, the total cost of mileage will be lower, since you will not have to pay extra for exceeding the mileage. On our site, in the search results, check the filter "Unlimited mileage" to see the offers you need.
Compare prices and conditions from different car rental companies
When choosing a rental car in London, you should carefully read all the terms of the rental. This is due to the fact that different companies may differ not only in rental prices, but also in conditions for limiting mileage, the cost of additional services, and the amount of the deposit. To compare rental conditions, it is convenient to use the search and booking system on our website.
Which rental company to choose
It is recommended to rent a car in trusted companies, that is, in those whose services you have already used. You can also focus on the rating of our site, which is displayed next to the name of the company in the search results.
Ceteris paribus, preference should be given to larger companies that have a high level of service and a large selection of cars. The best rental companies in London are sixt with an average rating of 9.8 points and budget (rating - 9.7).
Getting a car at a rental office
Getting a rented car in London is as follows: You show the manager a voucher, as well as the necessary documents - a passport and an international driver's license. The manager draws up a lease agreement, after which the agreed amount of the security deposit will be blocked on your bank card. Before receiving the car, it is necessary to inspect it, fix the existing damage and inform the manager about them.
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Car rental reviews: London
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Based on 8255 reviews
Tony
4,8
Without a doubt, I will continue to use Bookingautos on a regular basis. Thank you very much for your assistance!
Michael
4,7
Excellent value for money. The pick-up process was a little confusing, but I would use it again!
Luna
4,5
The search was very simple to use, the price was really low, and there were no problems with the rental car company.
Jody
4,9
Everything proceeded as expected. The complete coverage compensation really worked.
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