London Stansted Airport Car Hire

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

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Our data shows that November is the cheapest month to rent a car from London Stansted Airport. It’s around £21 a day in November, compared to the yearly average which is £52 a day.
Cheapest month avgNovember • £21
Yearly avg price£52

Car hire near London Stansted Airport

If it's easier for you, there are lots of car hire pickup locations in London from £21.

The most popular car rental companies in London Stansted Airport

London Stansted Airport car hire: Facts on the fly

Average daily price£52
Most popular carEconomy, 4-5 doors
Cheapest price found£27
Cheapest month to rentNovember
Providers at London Stansted Airport22
Most popular providerDrivalia
Best time to book1 week before

Choose from the best car hire companies near London Stansted 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 Stansted Airport car hire deals

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

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

How to find a cheap car hire deal in London Stansted (STN)

  • Make your move with a cheap London Stansted rental car. With prices averaging £52 a day, it's travel freedom that doesn't cost a fortune. From city cars to family movers, we'll match you with the perfect ride for the right price.

  • £27 is the cheapest daily price you'll find for a rental at London Stansted.

  • Staying a little longer in London? Grab a weekly rental from £86 and fit more into your itinerary.

  • Timing can make all the difference when it comes to finding a cheap STN car hire. Book about four weeks before you travel to land the best price.

  • Check out the offers available from Green Motion, Drivalia and Europcar. They're the most popular providers at London Stansted.

  • Whether you go with Green Motion or another supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your London Stansted car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.

  • Consider getting a one-way rental. You might be able to score a good deal if the provider needs to shift cars between sites. Discover the best available rates for a car for hire in STN by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'

  • Avoid any surprise charges by booking a car hire in London Stansted with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, and pay only for what you use.

  • Roam without limits by searching for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you drive as far as you want without extra charges.

Best value car hire options right now

  • Topping the list for value is this company, with average prices of £87 a day.

  • Next up is this provider, which offers daily rates of around £109.

  • The third option won't stretch your budget either. You'll pay roughly £84 a day with this supplier.

  • The Economy rental category is a reliable choice if you're not sure what kind of ride you need. It's also the vehicle type that's booked more than any other at STN.

Compare car hire types from London Stansted (STN)

  • Small: These cheap London Stansted rental cars may be small in size, but they come with big advantages. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're agile, great on mileage, and perfect for city driving or short trips.

  • Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, fuel efficiency and comfort. Easy to handle in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they work well for most plans.

  • Large: Long drives fly by in this STN car hire category. Also known as full-size, they pack plenty of power for open-road performance. The extra legroom and comfort make them a great choice for families and groups of friends.

  • SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and country routes alike.

  • Van: If you need a car for rent in London Stansted big enough for a small crowd (and their luggage), a van is the practical pick. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a solid pick for group outings, moving or business needs.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Choosing excess insurance for your STN car hire offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of an accident or theft. Insurance policies aren't the same across all rental providers, so check how each one stacks up.

  • From navigation systems to reverse cameras, the right extras can make every mile feel easier. Think about which extras will suit your needs when you rent a car in London Stansted.

Good to know

  • To rent a car in the United Kingdom, you typically have to be at least 21 years old. Some locations may rent vehicles to younger drivers for an extra fee, so always check the policies before finalizing your ride.

  • Travelling with kids? Car seat rules vary according to the location, and the best setup may depend on their height, weight and age. Be sure to add the right one to your STN car hire booking.

  • You'll be asked for some documents when you get to the rental desk. As a general rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking confirmation will spell it all out.

  • Take your time getting acquainted with your rental. Adjust your seat and mirrors, learn where everything is, and get used to its handling before you set off. And remember to stick to the left side of the road in the United Kingdom.

  • Stay within the local speed limits. Usually that's around 40kph (25mph) in built-up areas and 100kph (65mph) or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.

  • The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United Kingdom is 0.08%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, it's best to skip drinks entirely so you remain legal to drive.

  • The British pound (GBP) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day expenses and activities. Pay with a card where you can, and keep a little cash for places that don't accept electronic payment.

Drive smarter from the start

  • Go from zero to adventure once you've collected the keys to your STN car hire. You've got the freedom to follow your own road, but if you're headed to central London, it'll take you about 1 hour 5 minutes to cover the 56 kms (35 miles) or so southwest.

  • Allow roughly 2 hours 5 minutes to get from London Stansted to the city centre during peak hours.

  • One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 5pm. Make driving easier by avoiding peak periods in general.

  • Don't need a set of wheels right away? Consider picking up a car hire in London instead of at the airport. That way, you won't pay for days you don't use.

  • For even more choice, compare the car hire options at London Heathrow or car rentals from London Gatwick. These airports also operate flights into London.

Hit the road: Where to drive from London Stansted (STN)

  • Start with some of the standout attractions in London, like The British Museum and Westminster Abbey. Whether you drive or choose a different way to get there, you'll want to tour these highlights before leaving town.

  • Reading should be on your itinerary if you want to see Reading Abbey Ruins and Forbury Gardens. This city is about 97 kms (60 miles) southwest of STN.

  • Add Luton to your travel plans. Roughly 48 kms (30 miles) west of the airport, head there in your London Stansted car hire to explore standout attractions like Someries Castle and Stockwood Discovery Centre.

  • Still got fuel in the tank? Cruise on over to Bristol, around 193 kms (120 miles) west of STN. From Banksey to Clifton Suspension Bridge, it'll round out your trip nicely.

Hiring a car at London Stansted Airport: FAQs

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 Stansted Airport - including Firefly, Drivalia, U-Save, National, Europcar, Enterprise, Turo, Keddy By Europcar, and Surprice.
Currently, the lowest price for car hire at London Stansted Airport we found is £27. 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 Stansted Airport, especially if there's an extra airport pick-up fee. But when you consider the cost of travelling from London Stansted 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 Stansted Airport and drop it off in another location, which can save you time and money.
The most popular according to travellers is Europcar, with a 4.7 rating for things like cleanliness, customer service and value. The cheapest company is currently Green Motion.
Currently, it looks like Green Motion has the cheapest car hire deal in London Stansted Airport – for £28 per day. Avis also has car hire deals from £32 per day.
Although you can often find a cheaper car hire deal away from London Stansted 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 Stansted 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 Stansted Airport from £44 per day.
When you rent a car near London Stansted 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 Stansted 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 Stansted 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 Stansted 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.