London City Airport Car Hire

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How much does London City Airport car hire cost throughout the year?

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Our data shows that February is the cheapest month to rent a car from London City Airport. It’s around £24 a day in February, compared to the yearly average which is £117 a day.
Cheapest month avgFebruary • £24
Yearly avg price£117

Car hire near London City Airport

Consider travelling into London to pick up your car - we found car hire deals from pick-up points in London from £14.

The most popular car rental companies in London City Airport

London City Airport car hire: Facts on the fly

Average daily price£117
Most popular carCompact, 4-5 doors
Cheapest price found£14
Cheapest month to rentFebruary
Providers at London City Airport17
Most popular providerGreen Motion
Best time to bookLess than 1 week before

Choose from the best car hire companies near London City Airport

Driving in London: What to expect on the road

Documents you'll need
You’ll need a valid licence and possibly an IDP.
To drive in London, you’ll need a driving licence held for at least a year. If it’s not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required. Most car hire companies also ask for a passport and credit card.
Navigating city driving
Expect one-way streets and left-hand driving.
Driving in London means handling narrow roads, bus lanes, and one-way systems. Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to avoid restricted zones and live traffic hotspots.
Tolls, emissions zones and charges
Central London has tolls and emissions charges.
The Congestion Charge and ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) apply in central London. Not all rental cars are exempt, so always check. Most fees can be paid online or in the TFL app. Some routes include toll roads.
Parking your car in London
Parking is limited and often expensive.
Many parking areas in London are residents-only or require pay-by-app. Look for multi-storey car parks, park-and-ride options, or hotels with parking. Avoid red routes, bus lanes, and loading zones to dodge fines.
Finding fuel or charging points
Fuel is available — EV charging needs planning.
Petrol stations in London are common but pricier in central zones. For electric vehicles, use Zap-Map or PlugShare to find EV charging stations in London. Some require local apps or cards — check access before your trip.
Local driving style and tips
Traffic moves fast and cameras are everywhere.
London drivers are direct and fast-paced, especially during peak hours. Give way at zebra crossings, take care at roundabouts, and avoid yellow box junctions. Traffic cameras are widespread and fines apply for hire cars.
Find London City Airport car hire deals

How to get the best car hire deal in London City Airport

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy after you've touched down in London City Airport. 

How to find a cheap car hire deal in London City (LCY)

  • Searching for a cheap London City rental car? You're in just the right place. With prices averaging £117 a day, we compare all the best deals so you can choose fast, spend less, and feel good about what you paid.

  • £14 is the cheapest daily price you'll find for a rental at London City.

  • Taking a longer break? Book a weekly rental from £65 and take the time to discover more of London.

  • Timing is everything when it comes to finding a cheap LCY car hire. Book around one week before you travel to land the best price.

  • Check out the options available with Green Motion, Europcar and Keddy By Europcar. These are some of the better-known providers at London City.

  • Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your London City car hire policy, whether with Green Motion or any other supplier. Some companies offer it as a paid extra instead of including it.

  • Choosing a one-way car hire is often a great hack for finding a deal. Simply click 'Return car to a different location' when browsing for a car for hire in LCY. Providers sometimes need to move vehicles from one site to another, which means you can bag some fantastic one-way prices.

  • Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in London City with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. You also avoid the high fees rental companies charge for refueling.

  • Want to explore more without stressing about the number of miles you cover? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like without the extra fees.

Best value car hire options right now

  • You'll get the best value with this company. Prices average £125 a day.

  • Up next is this provider, which offers daily rates of around £102.

  • The third option also shows up on the list of top-value suppliers. Drive off in one of their rentals for roughly £55 a day.

  • The Compact rental category is a reliable option if you're unsure what kind of wheels you need. It's also the vehicle type that's booked more than any other at LCY.

Compare car hire types from London City (LCY)

  • Small: These cheap London City rental cars may be small in size, but they're big where it counts. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to drive, light on fuel, and just the thing for city driving.

  • Medium: A solid choice when you need something that's easy to manoeuvre but with a few more features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that come with a bit of extra room compared to smaller cars.

  • Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and improved tech features, this LCY car hire option includes full-size cars. With larger rear seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.

  • SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a wide-angle view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're winding through tough terrain or cruising down long stretches of highway, many offer all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.

  • Van: If you need a car for rent in London City that fits a small crowd (and their suitcases), a van has space to spare. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're best suited for group outings, moving or business needs.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Choosing excess insurance for your LCY car hire lets you drive with confidence. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or damage. Insurance policies can differ between rental providers, so always compare your options.

  • Level up your ride with nifty extras like a reverse camera or navigation unit. They can make your drive more efficient and enjoyable when you rent a car in London City.

Good to know

  • You usually have to be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle in the United Kingdom. Younger drivers aren't always turned away — just expect some extra rules or charges. Check the suppliers' terms and conditions before you book.

  • Bringing the kids with you? Child car seat laws vary depending on where you are, and the best setup may depend on their weight, age and height. Make sure you add the right one to your LCY car hire booking.

  • You'll have to provide some documents when collecting your car. As a rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will confirm exactly what's required.

  • Driving in the United Kingdom can take some adjustment if it's your first time. Keep in mind traffic flows on the left side of the road.

  • Local speed limits can vary, but it's usually around 40kph (25mph) in built-up areas and 100kph (65mph) or so on highways. Always check the posted signs.

  • In the United Kingdom, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you're planning to have a drink or two, leave the driving to someone else or take another form of transport.

  • You'll be using the British pound (GBP) on your trip here. As well as your debit and credit cards, have some cash handy for smaller purchases.

Drive smarter from the start

  • After you've picked up the keys to your LCY car hire, it's time to write your own itinerary. Central London is about 11 kms (7 miles) west and a drive of around 25 minutes if that's where your trip starts.

  • In rush hour, expect the drive from London City to the centre to take as long as 1 hour 5 minutes.

  • One of the busiest times to be out on the roads in this destination is around 5pm. Make things easy by driving outside rush hours in general.

  • Don't need a set of wheels as soon as you arrive? Think about grabbing a car hire in London instead of at the airport. That way, you won't pay for days you don't use.

  • Car hire is also offered at other airports serving London. For more options, browse the car hire options at London Heathrow or car rentals from London Gatwick.

Hit the road: Where to drive from London City (LCY)

  • Before you go anywhere else, sightsee around London first. Highlights such as The British Museum and Westminster Abbey are the perfect warm-up to your travels.

  • Around 72 kms (45 miles) west of LCY, Reading easily earns a place on your itinerary. Steer straight toward must-see sights like Reading Abbey Ruins and Forbury Gardens.

  • Or jump behind the wheel of your London City car hire and take off to Luton. Roughly 56 kms (35 miles) northwest of the airport, Someries Castle and Stockwood Discovery Centre are popular attractions that are worth going out of your way for.

  • Want to stretch this drive a little longer? Bristol is a fun road trip destination that's around 177 kms (110 miles) west of LCY. Banksey and Clifton Suspension Bridge are the perfect pit stops.

Hiring a car at London City Airport: FAQs

On average, car hire from London City Airport is around £52 per day.
No. It's a little higher than United Kingdom's average daily car rental price, which is around £60.
There are lots of car hire companies to choose from at London City Airport - including Rent a Wreck, Dollar, Europcar, Hertz, Turo, Keddy By Europcar, drivus, Avis, and Surprice.
Currently, the lowest price for car hire at London City Airport we found is £22. And the cheapest rate for car hire nearby is from £21. It can often be cheaper to hire a car from somewhere near to London City Airport, especially if there's an extra airport pick-up fee. But when you consider the cost of travelling from London City Airport to the pick-up location, and back again at the end of your stay, collecting your wheels as soon as you touch down might still work out more economic, faster and easier.
Yes – you can hire a car when you touch down in London City Airport and drop it off in another location, which can save you time and money.
The most popular according to travellers is Keddy By Europcar, with a 4.7 rating for things like cleanliness, customer service and value. The cheapest company is currently Drivalia.
Currently, it looks like Drivalia has the cheapest car hire deal in London City Airport – for £25 per day. Budget also has car hire deals from £25 per day.
Although you can often find a cheaper car hire deal away from London City Airport, remember to consider: extra cost of public transport, a taxi to your hotel, or on to that pickup location on top of that price.
Yes. We understand that plans can change last minute, or you might even find a better car rental deal from London City Airport. That's why we highlight the rental cars you can book now and cancel later when you search.
Yes, van hire is available at London City Airport from £27 per day.
When you rent a car near London City Airport, most major providers require you to be at least 21 years old. Some companies charge an extra fee if you're under 25, so make sure you check before booking.
You can book car hire at London City Airport in three simple steps. First, explore the range of available cars, from family-friendly SUVs to small compact cars. Next, narrow down your choices by comparing features like fuel policy, mileage and customer reviews to find the best deal. Then, once you’ve found the perfect car, you’ll be redirected to the provider’s website to book, with no extra fees.
The documents you need to rent a car at London City Airport vary depending on the car hire provider. In most cases, you’ll need a valid driving licence, photo ID and a credit card. You can check with the car hire provider when you book.
Finding the best car hire deal at London City Airport is quick and easy with Skyscanner. First, explore the range of available cars, from family-friendly SUVs to small compact cars. Next, narrow down your choices by comparing features like fuel policy, mileage, and customer reviews to find the best deal. Then, once you’ve found the perfect car, you’ll be redirected to the provider’s website to book, with no extra fees.