Car Hire at London Heathrow Airport
We fully appreciate that the thought of hiring a car can be confusing, time consuming and sometimes expensive! That’s why we have compiled the ultimate guide to hiring a car at Heathrow; from which providers you can choose from to what fees you may be subject to.
As well as the above, we’ll also discuss the age requirements, which documents you’ll need to provide and the added extras you’ll need to consider before you pick up your car from Heathrow.
Why hire a car?
Rather than relying on public transport to get you around on your trip, a hire car offers flexibility and comfort at your disposal; pop the sat-nav on and off you go in your air-conditioned vehicle! Make the most of your time on the British roads travelling to visit the local beauty and tourist spots or simply have the convenience of your own transport for food shopping and seeing the family.
Need another reason to hire a car? When you take into consideration all the costs involved with public transport; taxi fares, train passes and tube tickets, hiring a car for a week is likely to be much cheaper.
The car rental providers at Heathrow Airport can be found within the arrival area of each terminal.
Car Hire Insurance
Car Hire Centre
We mentioned that hiring a car can be time consuming and sometimes pricey; Car Hire Centre helps smooth the process.
Use the form on the left to fill in the details of your trip, and Car Hire Centre will help you find a good deal, no matter what you’re after. With data provided by RentalCars, there will be a car and a price to suit you!
Map of Heathrow Car Hire Locations
You will find a rental desk for each provider in the arrivals concourse in your terminal. The branch however may be a short distance away, usually by free shuttle courtesy of the providers. The map details the locations of each branch and in the details about each provider further down the page, we’ll tell you how to reach them!
Important information you need before you rent a car
And of course, a few handy tips!
- Book as early as you can: The more in advance you can book, the more money you’ll save! Use the Car Hire Centre gadget above to get a quote and find the cheapest rates for your journey.
- Check, Check and then Check again!: Once you pick up the keys to your vehicle, check over it for any damage. Take note of any slight scratches, body paint issues/ irregularities, seat quality (like any potential smudges or cigarette marks). Be sure to take pictures and ensure the rental staff write down the pre-existing damge (if it isn’t already) so you can avoid being charged for someone else’s damage when you return it.
- Get to know your vehicle: Be sure to familiarise yourself with the car before you leave the car hire centre. Check you’re up-to-date on UK driving laws and if anything’s in a different place – such as Fiat 500s and KAs have a much higher gear stick to what you might be used to!
- Opt for a Sat-Nav: Especially if you don’t know the area and don’t want to get charged for all that data on your phone!
Compare the providers
Open 24 hours a day, On AirportBook Now
Europcar has been providing vehicle rental for over 60 years. With branches across the world you should be able to find a suitable vehicle for your required destination. Europcar aim to provide you with the best vehicle hire at a low cost.
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Minimum Age22; Drivers under 25 will need to pay the £35 per day in YDS Additional DriverAdd an additional driver from £13 per rental day, depending on vehicle type Disabled DriversWith at least 48hrs notice, Lynx Hand Controls can be fitted to the vehicle should you require them. Please contact the team on 0871 384 3113 to arrange |
Terminals 2/3/4: 5am-Midnight On AirportBook Now
Sixt offer a wide range of high quality vehicles for locations worldwide. Sixt aim to provide their customers with the highest standard of service available at every one of their locations.
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Minimum Age21; The YDS fee of £36 per day will be applicable to drivers under the age of 25 Additional DriverAn additional driver can be added for a nominal fee; at Heathrow, this is £8.99 per day. Disabled DriversWith at least 48hrs notice, Hand Controls can be fitted to the vehicle. Please call the team on +370 5 2395636* to arrange *Calls to this number will cost up to 7p per minute plus your phone company’s network access charge. |
24hrs a day, 7 days a week On AirportBook Now
Hertz aim to be the most customer focused vehicle rental company on the market. They are the largest car rental company in the world and have been providing rental vehicles for over 80 years.
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Minimum Age23 and any driver under the age of 25 will be subject to the Young Drivers Surcharge of £33.60 per day. Additional DriverYou can add an additional driver for £13 a day. Disabled DriversAt their Heathrow location Hertz can provide left or right handed controls on request. Please call the team on 0843 309 3025* to arrange, giving at leats 48hrs notice.* *Calls to this number will cost up to 7p per minute plus your phone company’s network access charge. |
24hrs, 7 days a week On AirportBook Now
Avis aim to provide you with the best and most comfortable vehicles available. Avis have multiple locations across the UK. You can collect your car from the Avis branch at Heathrow Airport and return the car to any one of the UK locations.
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Minimum Age23; Drivers aged under 25 will be charged an additional Young Drivers Surcharge of £37.70 per day Additional DriverAdd an additional driver from £13 per rental day Disabled DriversAvis can provide you with an adapted car, given they have 48hrs notice. Please call their reservations team on 0808 284 0014 to book |
Additional InfoThe main pick up location is next to Terminal 5; if you are flying to or from Terminals 2/3/4, you can use the shuttle bus that takes you direct to T5. Or for £19.99, you can opt for the Fast Track service from T2 in which your hire car will be waiting curb side for you |
Terminal 2/3/4: 24hrs a day, Mon-Sun On AirportBook Now
Budget is one of the largest rental brands in the world. Budget aim to offer vehicles at great value for money.
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Minimum Age23; Drivers aged under 25 will be be subject to a £37.70 per day YDS Additional DriverAdd an additional driver from £12.99 per day, depending on vehicle type Disabled DriversHand controls can be fitted to the car. Simply call 0808 284 4444 to arrange. |
5am-Midnight, On AirportBook Now
Enterprise provide car hire for both business and leisure and they are available and recognised worldwide.They have also been voted number one in customer satisfaction eleven times in a national survey of car rental brands
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Minimum Age25; drivers under 25 will not be able to hire a car with Enterprise. Additional DriverAdd an additional driver for £10 per day Disabled DriversHand controls can be fitted to the car. Simply call 0800 633 5665 to arrange. |