Low-Cost Car Hire at Gatwick airport

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Your Guide to Renting a Car in Gatwick airport (London):

Renting a car at Gatwick Airport in London can be a convenient way to explore the surrounding areas and travel on your own schedule. Bookingautos is here to help you find the best car rental deals from both international and local companies. Here's your guide to renting a car at Gatwick Airport:

Location and Accessibility

Car rental desks are located in both the North and South terminals of Gatwick Airport. Most major car rental companies have a presence here, making it easy to compare options and find the best deal for your needs.

Booking Process

To ensure the best rates and availability, it's recommended to book your rental car in advance. Bookingautos can help you compare prices and options from various providers, allowing you to make an informed decision. When booking, consider factors such as:

  • Vehicle size and type
  • Rental duration
  • Insurance coverage
  • Additional features (GPS, child seats, etc.)

Requirements and Documentation

To rent a car at Gatwick Airport, you'll need:

  • A valid driver's license (held for at least one year)
  • A credit card in the main driver's name
  • Proof of identity (passport for international visitors)

Some rental companies may have age restrictions or require an International Driving Permit, so be sure to check these details in advance.

Driving in the UK

If you're not familiar with driving in the UK, keep in mind that:

  • Vehicles drive on the left side of the road
  • Most cars have manual transmission (though automatic options are available)
  • Speed limits are in miles per hour
  • Roundabouts are common and follow specific rules

For a comprehensive guide to UK driving rules, visit the official Highway Code website.

Exploring from Gatwick

Renting a car at Gatwick Airport opens up numerous possibilities for exploration. You can easily visit nearby attractions such as Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, or venture into the beautiful South Downs National Park. London city center is about an hour's drive away, but keep in mind that parking in the city can be challenging and expensive.

By choosing Bookingautos for your car rental needs at Gatwick Airport, you'll have access to competitive rates and a wide range of vehicles to suit your travel plans. Remember to read the rental agreement carefully and inspect the vehicle before driving off to ensure a smooth and enjoyable car rental experience.

Parking Your Rental Car at Gatwick Airport

When returning your rental car at Gatwick Airport, you have several convenient options:

On-Airport Parking

  • Short Stay Car Parks: Located near both North and South Terminals, ideal for quick drop-offs.
  • Long Stay Car Parks: Situated slightly further from the terminals but offer free shuttle bus services.

Off-Airport Parking

  • APH Car Park: Located about 10 minutes from the airport, with regular shuttle buses.
  • Purple Parking: Offers meet and greet services as well as park and ride options.

Most car rental companies have dedicated return areas within the airport premises. Follow the signs for 'Car Rental Returns' as you approach the airport. If you're unsure, contact your rental company for specific instructions. Remember to allow extra time for returning the vehicle and reaching your terminal, especially during peak hours.

Good to know

Most Popular Agency

Hertz

Most popular car class

Compact

Average price

25 € / Day

Best price

18 € / Day

Monthly price chart: Average price per week of rent

January
€111
February
€87
March
€113
April
€146
May
€143
June
€156
July
€210
August
€182
September
€125
October
€88
November
€79
December
€147

* The average cost of renting a car in Gatwick airport (London) for seven days. The data is calculated based on car bookings for the previous 365 days.

In August rental companies located in Gatwick airport (London) rent much more cars than in the rest of the year. This month marks the smallest range of cars on offer and the highest rental prices. In such a high season, when the number of available cars is minimal, you should arrange a rental as early as possible. This will allow you to get the best rental option at the most favorable price.

The best time to rent a car in Gatwick airport (London) is November. This month, rental prices are minimal, below the annual average by 34%, and start from €17 for a Compact car.

In summer, the demand for car rental reaches its peak. The choice of available cars is decreasing. At the same time, the price of the service almost doubles! For example, in July, the average rental price of the popular car model Ford Fusion reaches €38 per day.

Nearby car rental offices

Nearest airports

Gatwick North Airport
0.2 km / 0.1 miles
Heathrow Airport
39.6 km / 24.6 miles
Heathrow airport Terminal 5
40.9 km / 25.4 miles
City Airport London
41.4 km / 25.7 miles
Southend airport London
76.1 km / 47.3 miles
Luton airport (London)
80.9 km / 50.3 miles
Southampton airport
85.6 km / 53.2 miles
Stansted Airport (London)
86.7 km / 53.9 miles
Bournemouth airport
123.4 km / 76.7 miles

Nearest cities

London
38.8 km / 24.1 miles
Marble Arch (London)
39.4 km / 24.5 miles
Tower Bridge
39.6 km / 24.6 miles
Reading
64.5 km / 40.1 miles
Southampton
90.6 km / 56.3 miles
Oxford
99.8 km / 62 miles
Bournemouth
128.9 km / 80.1 miles
Bristol
171.1 km / 106.3 miles
Leicester
176.9 km / 109.9 miles

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

We have the largest selection of cars in Gatwick airport (London). What do we offer:

  • New cars 2024 of the year.
  • Cars of any class from budget to premium.
  • A wide range of models: convertibles, sedans, SUVs, minivans.

You can choose a car of any required category. The following classes are in particular demand among customers:

  • Cabriolet;
  • Business Class;
  • SUV;
  • Minivan.

Also available other models and you can rent them in Gatwick airport (London) at a convenient time and on favorable terms.

Recently, in Gatwick airport (London) has seen a rise in demand for electric car rentals. They do not pollute nature and save money. The city has free parking and cheap charging stations. To rent an electric car in Gatwick airport (London), select the appropriate filter in the car search and fill in the dates you need. The best option could be VW E-Vision.

List of required documents

Driving license
Credit card
Voucher
Passport
Attention!

A valid international driver's license is required!

10 Smart Tips to Make the Most of Your Car Rental

Download desired area of Google maps for offline access

All modern smartphones have a GPS function. You can save on the "Navigator" service and roaming charges for the Internet if you download maps in the Google Maps application in advance. Offline maps also support route building and navigation. To download a map - open the area you need by controlling the scale, and enter "ok maps" in the search.

Gatwick airport (London) 1

Book a car 6 weeks in advance

Gatwick airport (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 for rent

The compact model is relevant for city trips in Gatwick airport (London). It can be Renault Twingo or Ford Focus. Mountain routes require a more powerful four-wheel drive vehicle - VW Passat Estate or similar model. You can order an SUV for just €38 per day;

What you need to pay attention to at the time of 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.

Gatwick airport (London) 2

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.
Check out the fuel policy

When renting a car, you should pay attention to the fuel policy of rental companies. Often, when renting, tourists have to pay the cost of a full tank of fuel. This option is suitable for long-term rentals and long trips. But if you're only renting Gatwick airport (London) for a day or two, or if you're only planning short trips, such as to a small island, then you probably won't need a full tank. You can get acquainted with the fuel policy in the "Important information" section of the car you have chosen.

Gatwick airport (London) 3

Rent without mileage limit

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.

Gatwick airport (London) 4

Compare prices and conditions from different car rental companies

When choosing a rental car in Gatwick airport (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

Pay attention to the car park. Large and reliable companies regularly buy new cars.

Gatwick airport (London) 5

Our clients name the top companies in Gatwick airport (London) - EUROPCAR with an average rating 9.9 points and SIXT with 9 points.

We show all the rental conditions of different companies. Read the rules carefully before booking a car.

Getting a car at a rental office

You should show a voucher and personal documents. A manager draws up a lease agreement. The deposit is blocked on the card.

Before leaving the rental, turn on the ignition, find out the amount of fuel and compare it with what is written in the contract.

Inspect the car carefully. Point out to the manager any paint chips and scuffs. The employee must record the damage. Take a photo yourself: they should show the defect, the number of the car and the employee of the rental company. This will help to avoid problems when returning the car: it will prove that it was not you who torn the upholstery or scratched the fender.

Our advantages

24/7 support in all popular languages
Change or cancel within 48 hours for free!
No additional fees

Car rental reviews: Gatwick airport (London)

Based on 8255 reviews
Rate 4,8/5
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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