Car hire London City airport

Cheap Car Hire London City airport

London is one of the most famous cities in the world, and also one of the most visited, with around 30 million tourists flocking to the English capital every year.

As such, it’s also one of the most internationally connected cities, with several major airports: London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN), Luton (LTN), Southend (SEN), and London City Airport (LCY).

London City Airport is the closest to the city centre, and as such, is one of the most convenient places to hire a car from – or fly into to access the city centre through its extensive public transport network.

Over 3.4 million passengers used London City Airport in 2024, and with such a wide range of car hire agencies – including Avis, Budget, Europcar and Hertz –  it’s one of the best places in London to hire a car from.

Car Hire in London City Centre

There are also lots of places in central London where you can hire a car if you just want to make your way straight to your hotel and check in, especially after a long flight.

While city centre car hire locations – such as Paddington Station and King’s Cross Station – may be slightly cheaper than airport car hire, they can be difficult to reach, particularly in rush hour.

One of the most important aspects of car hire in London is to book it in advance, and HolidayCars can ensure that you receive the best deals.

Driving in London: Essential Advice

London can seem a daunting city to drive in, partly due to its size, but also due to the sheer amount of traffic on the roads. As such, if you’re planning to drive in London, there are a few rules and regulations that you should adhere to:

• To drive on the left and overtake on the right. This is the opposite of most of the rest of Europe and the US.
• Make sure that your hire car insurance policy covers you for driving in London.
• It is mandatory for all passengers to wear a seatbelt when the car is in motion. The driver is held responsible and can receive a fine if caught.
• Emergency vehicles have the right of way, so you must pull over to the side of the road to let them pass.
• It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving, unless it is in hands-free mode.
• The blood alcohol limit is 0.08% – but you should never drive after consuming alcohol.
• Be aware of London’s Congestion Charge when driving in the city centre. In January 2026, it is increasing to £18.00 per day (if paid on the same day) or £21.00 (if paid within three days).

Public Transport in London

Driving in London is not for everyone – but don’t let this discourage you from visiting the city. London has an extensive public transport network, which is a convenient way to get around the city.

Metro

The London underground (known as ‘the tube’) is one of the world’s most famous underground rail systems. 11 lines serve 272 destinations across the city – including a service directly from London City Airport into the centre of London.

Buses

London’s big, red double-decker buses are as synonymous with London as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, black cab taxis, and pie, mash and jellied eels! The bus is one of the most reliable and easiest ways to get around. In fact, 95% of Londoners live within 400 metres of a bus stop – talk about convenient!

Trams

In the southern part of the city – ‘over the bridge’ as many local taxi drivers will call it – there is a tram network called Tramlink, which conveniently connects different areas of the city such as Croydon, Wimbledon and Elmers End.

Taxis

There are numerous taxis in London, perhaps most famously of all, the London Black Cabs. However, while convenient and 24/7, they can be an expensive way to travel through the city, especially during rush hour.

Types of Cars and Car Hire Agencies in London

Some of the largest car hire agencies in the world have their major offices in London, offering numerous different types of vehicles for hire, whether from London City Airport or in the city centre itself.

These agencies include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National, Sixt and more, and they offer a wide array of vehicles, from small and compact cars such as the Volkswagen Polo to larger SUV-type vehicles like the BMW X5. There is also a range of multi-seater minibuses for hire, perfect for large families or groups of friends travelling together.

When searching for car hire in London, you should check online reviews and see which companies have the most positive customer experiences, as well as which companies align most with your values. That way, you can ensure a smooth and seamless car hire experience in London.

Best Road Trips in and Around London

London is very well connected, not just to the rest of England, but also to the majority of the UK (with the exception of Northern Ireland) by road. As such, there are plenty of good road trips from the English capital.

For those who want to go to the coast, you’re truly spoiled for choice: the Suffolk coast – with over 50 miles of coastline – is only two and a half hours away, while the Kentish coastline can be reached in around two hours. Further north, the Norfolk Broads – Britain’s largest wetlands – can be reached in under three hours. Cornwall is around five hours from London, but worth the drive for those who want an unforgettable visit to the Cornish coast.

However, for those who wish to visit other cities, Cardiff can be reached in around three hours, while Liverpool and Manchester are just over four hours' drive from London.

Other stunning parts of the country, such as the Peak District, can be reached in just under four hours from the capital, while the North York Moors are around six hours away.

Your options are truly unlimited when you opt to hire a car from London City Airport.