Zadcars Banner

Cheap Car Hire at London Gatwick Airport (LGW)

4.5
★★★★☆
12,000+ travelers trusted worldwide Read reviews

Essential Information for Renting a Car in London

Currency:
GBP
Language:
en
Drive On:
Right

Officially opened in 1930, London Gatwick Airport is located in the county of West Sussex, England, south of Central London. The airport serves as a major hub to start a road trip through the UK for both local and international visitors. Although the airport is easily accessible through public transit options, a cheap car rental at Gatwick Airport provides freedom and convenience to explore nearby cities, coastal towns, and countryside areas. Many car hire companies also provide special offers, flexible booking options, and discounts for early reservations.

Gatwick Airport car rental for UK roadtrip

Benefits of Hiring a Car at Gatwick Airport

Gatwick Airport offers excellent road connections to London, Brighton, Sussex, and other destinations across England. Renting a car directly from the airport allow to start the journey immediately after landing. The key advantages of cheap car hire from Gatwick North Terminal are: 

  • It provides easy access to the M23 motorway.

  • Direct car hire pick-up points inside or near Gatwick North Terminal save time after landing.

  • The airport offers several cheap car hire companies in one place.

  • Modern terminal facilities make the car collection process easy.

  • Convenient parking with Gatwick Airport parking promo code and return areas makes dropping off the vehicle easy. 

  • Clear signs inside the terminal help to find rental desks easily.

  • Cheap car hire at Gatwick Airport offers easy luggage handling directly from the terminal to the rental car.

  • Car rental provides easy airport transfer from Gatwick to London.

Car Rental Companies Operating From Gatwick

Several car hire providers are conveniently located within the airport area and are only a short walk from the terminal buildings. The popular car rental companies are:

Rental Car Provider

Operating Hours

Alamo

07:00 to 23:00 daily

Avis

07:00 to 21:45 (weekend hours may vary)

Budget

07:00 to 21:45 (weekend hours may vary)

Enterprise

07:00 to 23:00 daily

Europcar

07:00 to 23:00 daily

Hertz

06:00 to 20:00 daily

National

07:00 to 23:00 daily

Some cheap car rental from Gatwick Airport also offer 24/7 car return options for added convenience.

Cost of Car Hire at London Gatwick Airport

Cheap car hire deals usually start at around £7 per day. However, the price may vary depending on the size of the vehicle. The car rental cost for different vehicles is as follows:

Vehicle Type

Rental Cost (Per Day)

Mini Car

£7.44

Economy Car

£7.83

Compact Car

£9.51

Standard Car

£13.43

Intermediate Car

£14.54

Full-Size Car

£20

Premium Car

£34.12

Luxury Car

£50.85

Oversize Car

£66.45

Special Car

£81.33

Cheap Gatwick Airport Car Rental Pick Up Desk

Car rental desks are easy to find in both the North and South terminals. 

  • On the North Terminal, follow the signs for car rental and Jubilee House. The desks are a short walk away on the right-hand side, just past Jubilee House. Information desks are also available in the North Terminal Arrivals Hall opposite Boots. 

  • To access cheap car hire at Gatwick South Terminal, follow the car rental signs and take the lift to Level 0 on the upper forecourt. The desks are located on the right-hand side.

How to Return the Rental Car at Gatwick?

Return procedures may differ between operators. Therefore, follow the instructions provided by the rental company during collection. Road signs are also available around the airport to guide drivers to the correct return area for each terminal. 

Steps to Hire a Cheap Car at Gatwick Airport

Cheap car hire at London Gatwick Airport is a simple and convenient process. By following a few simple steps, complete the booking and pickup process and start their journey without delays.

  • Compare different car hire companies available at the airport and select the best option based on budget, vehicle type, and travel needs. 

  • Make a booking online to get better prices and a choice of cars.

  • Provide travel dates, pickup location, return location, driver information, and payment details to complete the booking process.

  • Carry a valid driving licence, passport or ID, booking confirmation, and payment card at the time of vehicle pick-up.

  • Follow the airport signs to the cheap car rental Gatwick Airport desks.  

  • The rental company will check documents, booking details, and driving eligibility before handing over the vehicle. 

  • Inspect the car, confirm fuel level, mileage, and basic features before leaving.  

  • Review insurance coverage, fuel policy, mileage limits, and return instructions carefully. 

  • Follow airport road signs and rental company instructions to return the vehicle to the correct drop-off area. 

Basic Requirements for Cheap Car Hire at Gatwick Airport 

Here are the basic requirements to rent a car at London Gatwick Airport:

  • A valid driver’s licence and an International Driving Permit (if required).

  • A valid passport or government-issued photo ID

  • A credit card in the main driver’s name

  • The driver must be 21 years old. Some car rental companies may charge extra fees for drivers younger than 25. 

Gatwick Airport Car Rental Driving Tips

Understanding UK driving rules, airport routes, and road conditions can help make the journey safer and more comfortable with a cheap car rental at Gatwick Airport

UK driving tips for Gatwick car rentals

  • Keep important documents, such as a driving licence and rental agreement, easily accessible. 

  • Use GPS or navigation apps for easier route planning. 

  • Be aware of speed limits, especially near towns and motorways, to avoid speeding fines in the UK.

  • Plan fuel stops in advance during long journeys. 

  • Drive carefully during rainy or foggy weather conditions. 

  • Check the side mirror when driving on the roundabouts in the UK.

  • Follow the rental company's instructions for vehicle return locations at Gatwick Airport. 

  • Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles during heavy traffic and on the busiest roads in the UK

  • Allow extra travel time when returning the car before a flight.

How to Save Money when Booking a Rental Car?

Booking a cheap car rental at London Gatwick Airport can become much more affordable with the following tips:

  • Book the rental car online to find a cheap rental car.

  • Compare multiple companies to get the best deals.

  • Travel during off-peak seasons when rental prices are usually lower. 

  • Avoid unnecessary extras such as GPS devices or premium add-ons if not required. 

  • Book flexible reservations with free cancellation to rebook if prices drop later. 

  • Avoid booking luxury vehicles unless extra space or comfort is necessary. 

  • Inspect the vehicle before driving to avoid paying for existing damage. 

Cheap car hire at Gatwick Airport offers flexibility, convenience, and affordable transportation. Many trusted rental companies operate directly from the airport, offering several vehicle types that suit different budgets and travel plans. Booking early, comparing prices, choosing economy cars, and understanding rental policies are some of the best ways to save money. 

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest car hire at Gatwick Airport?

Several operators, such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, and National, have their desks inside the terminals.

Is it cheaper to book Gatwick Airport car hire online?

Yes, online car hire often provides a lower price and discount offers.

What documents are needed for cheap car hire at Gatwick Airport?

Drivers must have a driver's licence, an International Driving Permit (if required), a passport, photo ID, and a credit card for a car rental security deposit.

Is unlimited mileage available for cheap car hire at Gatwick Airport, UK?

Yes, some providers offer unlimited mileage for a rental car, depending on the rental package.

Are fuel charges included in car rental prices at Gatwick Airport?

The fuel policy may vary between rental car providers.

What Our Customers Say

Real feedback from our community

Sign up for our newsletter

Sign up to receive the best car rental deals in your inbox! No spam, just exclusive deals!

By providing your email address you agree to our Privacy Policy.