Renting a car in London sounds like it should make getting around easier — but the capital is one of the hardest, costliest places in the country to drive. Between the congestion charge, ULEZ, eye-watering parking and relentless traffic, a hire car in London often becomes a liability. This guide explains the realities of driving in London and why transfers and public transport usually win.
A daily charge applies to drive in central London during charging hours — payable every day you enter the zone.
The Ultra Low Emission Zone covers a vast area; non-compliant vehicles pay a daily charge on top.
Central London parking is scarce and among the most expensive anywhere — often more than the car hire itself.
London traffic is slow and stressful; journeys often take longer than the Tube or a driven transfer.
A rented car driven in central London can attract the congestion charge and, if not compliant, the ULEZ charge — every single day. Add parking at central rates, fuel, and the hire itself, and a few days of London driving becomes remarkably expensive. And unlike a transfer, you're the one navigating unfamiliar one-way systems, bus lanes and yellow boxes, with penalty charge notices waiting for any slip.
| From | Saloon | Executive | MPV | 8-Seater |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London City Airport | £91 | £101 | £103 | £111 |
| Heathrow Airport | £98 | £110 | £112 | £120 |
| Gatwick Airport | £123 | £142 | £146 | £158 |
| Luton Airport | £110 | £130 | £133 | £143 |
| Stansted Airport | £113 | £133 | £136 | £146 |
Let a driver handle the traffic, the charges and the parking. Fixed fares, no PCN risk, door-to-door.
For almost every London visitor and business traveller, the smart approach is to skip the hire car entirely for the London portion of the trip. Use transfers for airport runs and door-to-door journeys with luggage or groups, the Tube and buses for getting around the centre, and — only if you're touring beyond the capital — pick up a hire car as you leave London, not while you're in it. You'll spend less, arrive less stressed, and never worry about a charge or a PCN.
A: Yes — the driver is liable, and hire firms pass charges (plus admin fees) to you.
A: Yes — central parking can cost more per day than the car hire itself.
A: Rarely — transfers and public transport are cheaper, faster and far less stressful.
A: Pick up the car as you leave London for the touring leg, not for the London days.
London is one of the worst places in the UK to drive — charges, parking and traffic make a hire car a costly liability. For the capital, fixed-price transfers and public transport win every time; save any car hire for touring beyond the city.
Fixed-price transfers — no congestion charge, ULEZ or parking.
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