Q: What types of vehicles can I hire?

From small city cars to roomy SUVs and luxury models , there’s plenty of choice on Skyscanner. In London, Medium cars are currently the most popular option — usually the Ford or similar. You can compare vehicle rental deals and filter by car type, seats or luggage space to find the right fit for your trip.

Question 1

How does Skyscanner's car hire comparison tool work?

Accepted Answer

We use the same technology that powers our award-winning flight search to find car hire deals from most major providers. So you can see every price in one place, instead of having to search and compare across a dozen different car hire websites. Currently, you'll be able to find the lowest price for car hire from 537 pick-up spots in London and 171,184 pick-up locations globally right here in our search.

Question 2

How much does it cost to hire a car?

Accepted Answer

Car hire in London costs around £56 per day with Carwiz, though prices can vary depending on the pick-up location, dates and type of car. If you’re looking for cheap car hire in London, the cheapest car hire deals start from £5 per day with Sixt, usually for Medium cars like the Volkswagen or similar. Comparing car hire deals can help you find the best price for your trip.

Question 3

When's the cheapest time to rent a car?

Accepted Answer

Car hire prices change throughout the year depending on where and when you're travelling. In London, the cheapest time to rent a car is usually in July, when average prices start from around £30 per day. You can often save money by travelling outside busy travel periods or renting midweek, as weekend car hire tends to be more expensive.

Question 4

Does car hire get cheaper closer to the date?

Accepted Answer

Car hire doesn't usually get cheaper closer to the date. Prices often go up as your travel date gets closer, especially if fewer cars are available. Based on recent Skyscanner booking data, the best time to book car hire is around 1 day before your trip. You might still find a last-minute deal, but it's not guaranteed and there could be fewer cars to choose from.

Question 5

How many car hire locations does Skyscanner search worldwide?

Accepted Answer

Pretty much anywhere. We search car rental options in over 171,184 locations across 236 countries, including major airports, cities and popular holiday destinations. Whether you're picking up at the airport, exploring a new city or heading off on a road trip, you can compare car hire across Europe, the USA, Australia and beyond — all in one place.

Question 6

Which car hire companies are cheapest in London?

Accepted Answer

Based on current search data, the cheapest car hire provider in London is Green Motion, with prices starting from £24 per day. U-Save prices start from £24 and Carwiz starts from £24 per day. Prices vary by dates and car type, so using Skyscanner to compare car hire deals in London can help you find the cheapest price.

Question 7

What types of vehicles can I hire?

Accepted Answer

From small city cars to roomy SUVs and luxury models, there’s plenty of choice on Skyscanner. In London, Medium cars are currently the most popular option — usually the Ford or similar. You can compare vehicle rental deals and filter by car type, seats or luggage space to find the right fit for your trip.

Question 8

What type of car is the cheapest to hire?

Accepted Answer

The cheapest cars to hire are usually Medium cars, such as the Volkswagen or similar. In London, prices start from around £5 per day with Sixt. Comparing car hire deals in London can help you find the lowest price for this type of car.

Question 9

Is it cheaper to hire a car at the airport or in the city?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the location. Picking up your car from the city can sometimes be cheaper, but airport car hire is more convenient when you've just landed. It's worth weighing up the price difference against the time and cost of travelling into the city.

Question 10

Do I need a credit card to rent a car?

Accepted Answer

Although it might be smoother and faster to hire a car with a credit card, these days most major providers like Sixt, Avis, Budget and Hertz let you hire a car with a debit card. You'll just need enough money on the card to cover a security deposit — usually around £1,000 depending on the company and location.

Question 11

What documents do I need to rent a car?

Accepted Answer

You'll need a valid driving licence when you pick up the car. Most car hire companies will also ask for a credit or debit card in the main driver's name for the deposit. If your licence was issued in the UK, you may also be asked for a DVLA check code. This lets the car hire company check your licence details online. If you're travelling to the UK from another country, you might need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your licence.

Question 12

Are there any extra fees added to the price advertised?

Accepted Answer

The price you see advertised is the price we get from the car hire company. The final price you pay may change if you add optional extras like a child seat or an additional driver. We recommend double-checking the price and reading the company's policies before you book.

Question 13

Can I return my hire car to a different location?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many popular car hire providers, like Hertz and Europcar, offer one-way car hire, which means you pick up your car in one location and drop it off somewhere else. When searching on Skyscanner, simply select Return car to a different location and enter your drop-off location. You might need to pay an additional one-way fee depending on the provider and where you drop the car off.

Tip: If you're planning a road trip, one-way car hire means you don't have to drive back to where you started.

Question 14

Can I hire a van?

Accepted Answer

Of course! Whether you need a van to move furniture across London, or a passenger van for a group trip of up to 12 people, we've got you. You can search and compare van hire prices and filter by seats or luggage space to find the one you need. Not every car hire provider offers vans, but you can usually get them from larger rental companies and in most city locations.

Question 15

Can you rent a car the same day?

Accepted Answer

Yes — most car hire companies offer same-day rental, especially in airports and larger cities. Just search for car hire near you and set the pick-up time for today's date to find what's available.

Question 16

Can I hire a car for a month?

Accepted Answer

Of course! Most car hire companies offer longer rentals, including monthly bookings. Just set your pick-up and return dates for the month you need and search to compare deals. And here's an insider tip: it can work out cheaper to rent a car for a full month. Some car hire companies try to save costs and avoid short bookings, so they can offer discounts or even free days between two longer bookings.

Question 17

Can I hire an electric car in London?

Accepted Answer

You can hire an electric car from most major car hire providers, though availability can vary depending on the location and time of year. Use the filters when searching on Skyscanner to find electric vehicle (EV) car hire in London. If you're planning to book an electric car, it's a good idea to book early, as availability can sometimes be limited.

Question 18

Do I need a deposit to hire a car?

Accepted Answer

Yes — most car hire companies ask for a deposit when you pick up the car. This is usually held on your credit card or debit card (so the money isn't taken, but that amount is temporarily set aside). It's released after you return the car, as long as there's no damage or extra charges. The amount varies depending on the supplier, location and type of car, but it's usually around £1,000. It's always worth checking the car hire provider's terms and conditions before you book so you know what deposit to expect.

Question 19

How old do I need to be to rent a car?

Accepted Answer

The minimum age to rent a car depends on the country and the car hire company. In most places you need to be at least 21, although some countries allow 18-year-olds to rent a car. If you're under 25, you may need to pay a young driver fee, and some companies may limit the types of cars younger drivers can book. When you search on Skyscanner, you can enter your age to see which car rental options are available.

Question 20

Can I rent a car for just one day?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most car rental companies offer a flat rate for hire per day. You'll usually have to drop it back within 24 hours of picking it up to avoid any extra charges.

Question 21

What day of the week is cheapest to hire a car?

Accepted Answer

The cheapest day to hire a car is usually midweek, especially Tuesday to Thursday. Prices are often higher on weekends and Mondays, when more people are travelling. If your dates are flexible, check a few different pick-up days to find the lowest price.

Question 22

What is keyless or self-service pick-up?

Accepted Answer

Keyless or self-service pick-up means you can collect your rental car without going to the car hire desk. Instead, you unlock the car with an app or pick up the key from a locker or key box. It can make pick-up quicker and more flexible, and sometimes lets you collect the car outside normal opening hours. Not all locations offer it, so check the pick-up details when you book to see if keyless car hire is available.

Question 23

What insurance do I need for a rental car?

Accepted Answer

Most rental cars come with basic cover included in the price. This usually includes liability insurance, which covers damage or injury to other people. Many bookings also include CDW (Collision Damage Waiver), which limits what you'd have to pay if the rental car is damaged or stolen.

However, CDW usually comes with an excess — the amount you'd still need to pay if the car is damaged. Because of this, some people choose extra car hire insurance to reduce or remove that excess.

Question 24

What is a full-to-full fuel policy?

Accepted Answer

A full-to-full fuel policy means you pick up the rental car with a full tank of fuel and return it full as well. If the tank isn't full when you return the car, the car hire company may charge you for the missing fuel, often at a higher price than local petrol stations.

You might also see other fuel policies, such as prepaid fuel (where you pay for a full tank in advance) or same-to-same (returning the car with the same fuel level). Full-to-full is often the simplest option, because you only pay for the fuel you use.

Question 25

What is car hire excess and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Car hire excess is the amount you need to pay if the rental car is damaged or stolen. Even if your booking includes CDW (Collision Damage Waiver), the excess is the part of the cost you're still responsible for. For example, if the excess is £1,000 and the damage costs £300, you would pay £300. If the damage costs £2,000, you would pay the £1,000 excess, and the cover would pay the rest. Some people choose to add extra car hire insurance to reduce or remove the excess.

Question 26

What happens if I damage a rental car?

Accepted Answer

If you damage a rental car, contact the car hire company as soon as possible and follow their instructions. They'll usually ask you to complete a damage report, and if another vehicle or person is involved, you may need to contact the police. It's a good idea to take photos of the damage and the surrounding area, and keep any paperwork you're given. This can help if there are questions about what happened.

What you pay will depend on the insurance cover included in your booking. Most rentals include basic cover, but you may still need to pay an excess if the car is damaged.

Question 27

Can I book a car rental with free cancellation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many car hire deals offer free cancellation. This means you can cancel a car rental booking or change it without a fee up to a certain time before pick-up. Free cancellation is often available on pay-at-pick-up bookings, and some prepaid rentals offer it too. When you search on Skyscanner, you can filter for free cancellation to find deals that offer it.

Question 28

Can new drivers hire a car?

Accepted Answer

Yes, new drivers can hire a car, but it depends on the car hire company and how long you've had your driving licence. Many companies only rent to drivers who have had their licence for at least 1–2 years.

New drivers may also need to pay a higher deposit or choose from a smaller range of cars, especially for larger or premium vehicles. Rules can vary, so check the policy from the car hire company before booking.

Question 29

Can I hire Medium cars in London?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can hire Medium cars in London, usually something like the Ford or similar. On average, it costs around £56 per day, with providers such as Carwiz, Sixt and Green Motion offering this type of car. If you’re looking for Medium car hire, compare deals in London to find the best price and availability.

Question 30

Can I hire Large cars in London?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can hire Large cars in London. Models like the BMW or similar are what most people hire. Prices average around £196 per day, with providers such as Sixt, Drivalia and drivus offering Large cars. Compare car hire deals in London to see the latest prices and availability.

Best deal found	£5
Cheapest provider	Firefly
Highest rated provider	EPTA

Find the best car hire deals

Find a cheap car hire deal near you

Compact

Premium

Intermediate

Economy

Fullsize

Mini

Your trusted car hire companies, all in one place

Hire a car with confidence

Driver age rules

Most drivers must be 21–25 to hire a car.

Documents you need

Bring your driving licence and a credit card.

Deposit and payment

A deposit is held on your card.

Car hire insurance and excess

Insurance is included, but there's an excess.

Fuel and mileage

Full-to-full is usually the best value.

Optional extras

The price typically covers the car and one driver.

The best car hire providers in London right now

Car hire fast facts

How to find the best car hire deal

Book now, cancel later

Rent a car in London for a whole month

Compare fuel policies

Skip the queues

Go greener

Look further afield

Find your ride with us: car hire FAQs

How does Skyscanner's car hire comparison tool work?

How much does it cost to hire a car?

When's the cheapest time to rent a car?

Does car hire get cheaper closer to the date?

How many car hire locations does Skyscanner search worldwide?

Which car hire companies are cheapest in London?

What types of vehicles can I hire?

What type of car is the cheapest to hire?

Is it cheaper to hire a car at the airport or in the city?

Do I need a credit card to rent a car?

Search cheap car hire by destination

Popular Airports

Popular Cities

Popular Countries

Ready to plan a trip?

Plan smart, explore more

Best European road trips

Guide to car hire fees, charges and payment options

Guide to car hire tips, discounts and rewards programmes

When is the best time to book a car hire?

Start planning your road trip

International Sites