United Kingdom Car Rentals

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Top destinations to rent a car in United Kingdom

What you need to know for your United Kingdom car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in United Kingdom

Renting a car in the United Kingdom is an excellent choice for road trippers, countryside explorers, and heritage travelers, offering the freedom to discover attractions at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit iconic sites such as Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, and Tower Bridge in London, all of which provide enriching city experiences. Beyond the capital, exploring cities like Edinburgh, with its stunning Edinburgh Castle and the historic Royal Mile, or York, home to the magnificent York Minster and charming Shambles, becomes convenient and enjoyable.

The flexibility that comes with a rental car allows you to manage your luggage effortlessly and adapt your travel plans as needed. This is particularly beneficial for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking to embark on adventures without the constraints of public transportation schedules. With well-connected roads, a rental car enables you to explore the scenic landscapes and cultural heritage of the United Kingdom, ensuring a memorable travel experience tailored to your interests and preferences.

Most popular car rentals in United Kingdom

  • Compact: Compact cars are a popular choice among travelers in the United Kingdom. They comfortably fit 5 travelers and can accommodate up to 3 medium suitcases, making them ideal for solo adventurers, couples, or small families. Their fuel efficiency is a distinct advantage, particularly for those planning to explore the countryside or city streets. With their smaller size, compact cars are easier to maneuver and park, especially in the tighter spaces often found in urban areas.
  • Midsize SUV: Midsize SUVs are another highly booked option, providing ample space for 5 travelers and room for up to 3 large suitcases. This makes them perfect for families, couples, or small groups looking for a comfortable ride during their travels. The versatility of a midsize SUV allows for a smooth journey across various terrains, whether you're navigating through bustling cityscapes or taking scenic routes in the countryside. This flexibility ensures that every passenger can enjoy the ride without feeling cramped.
  • Economy: Economy cars are an excellent choice for those looking for budget-friendly options while traveling in the United Kingdom. These vehicles accommodate 5 travelers with space for up to 2 medium suitcases. They are ideal for solo travelers, couples, or small families who want to keep costs low without sacrificing comfort. Economy cars are also fuel-efficient, which is a key benefit for road trippers who plan to cover significant distances. Their compact design makes them easy to navigate through narrow streets and parking areas.

10 tips to save on your United Kingdom car hire

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and specific features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best fit for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're likely to secure lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, especially during peak travel seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. Renters over 70 may also face similar restrictions. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges. This option is typically the most advantageous. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling choices, which are also acceptable; just ensure you return the car empty in those instances.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may justify the additional cost.
  7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies primarily accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking with Expedia is a straightforward process.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Find United Kingdom Car Rentals

Expedia.com makes it easy for you to book your next United Kingdom car rental. We work with the best car rental companies in United Kingdom, bringing you discount car rental rates and a wide variety of car rental classes including economy, compact, midsize, full-size, convertible, van, luxury and SUV rentals. Our partner car rental companies in United Kingdom offer different pick-up and drop-off options. If you are ready to book your United Kingdom car rental, follow the links on this page to view more information and details on your next short or long term car rental.

Expedia.com offers a wide selection of rental cars in United Kingdom to meet nearly every need. If you need any special equipment, like a child seat or ski rack, let us know and we will forward your request on to the rental car company. And what's more, when you choose to rent a car from one of our United Kingdom airport car rental partners you'll be dealing with a rental car company that has made a special commitment to provide Expedia customers with great customer service, a wide choice of top quality cars, and competitive total pricing.

Expedia.com offers many United Kingdom rental cars pick up locations

Find the best place to get your United Kingdom airport rental cars by searching tons of pickup locations with Expedia.com


Frequently asked questions

What happens if I need to cancel my United Kingdom car reservation?
When you cancel at least six hours prior to the scheduled collection time, the majority of reservations qualify for a total refund. However, not all are eligible for this, so it's important to familiarize yourself with the rental policy. Read through your itinerary for the specifics or go to our Customer Service Portal for more information.
How do I find the best car rental deals in United Kingdom with Expedia?
Getting an awesome deal on your United Kingdom rental car is easy with Expedia. Choose your preferred car type, add some details and compare the offers across top suppliers. Why not add hotels and flights to your booking? You'll get access to even bigger savings when you combine your bookings into a package.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in United Kingdom?
In United Kingdom, the rule is generally 21 years and over. Most companies will charge extra fees for young drivers, which can vary based on the rental location. Rental agreements for young drivers may restrict certain vehicles, such as large cars, and require comprehensive insurance. It's always a good idea to read the fine print carefully before choosing your ride.
What do you need to rent a car in United Kingdom?
Your driver's license and a credit card in the same name are necessities. Opting out of the company's insurance plan? In that case, you may also require proof of other coverage. Rules may differ between suppliers, so read through your policy.
Can I rent a car for a month or longer in United Kingdom?
Yes, and the wonderful news is providers often offer lower prices the longer your rental term. Scroll through our long-term car rental deals in United Kingdom and score an incredible bargain.
Where can I find a United Kingdom car rental if I am younger than 25?
Some United Kingdom companies will rent cars to drivers under 25, and others won't. Age policies differ between suppliers, so you'll want to do some research. Also, find out if there are extra costs. Some businesses will pass on a surcharge to young customers between 21 and 24. Make sure you read through the terms and conditions so you know what to expect.
What insurance should I choose for my car rental in United Kingdom?
Get your road trip off to a safe start by purchasing Expedia's collision protection. While there are many types of car rental insurance, this is one you'll need to have. It provides primary coverage for collision damage, vandalism and theft up to $35,000, as well as 24/7 emergency support. Don't wait until you get to the rental counter to insure your car. Opt in to collision protection while booking your United Kingdom ride with Expedia and save money and time.

Car Rental Information

Popular car types:
SUV, Full Size, Economy
From the airport to your hotel:
Airport Transportation