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Car hire London Heathrow airport

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Cheap Car Hire London Heathrow airport

Cheap Car Hire London Heathrow airport

About Car Hire at Heathrow Airport

As one of the world's most populous cities, London has long been a magnet for visitors from all over the globe.  So, what is it that makes London so famous? People flock to this city to see the world-famous tourist attractions such as its stunning architecture, museums, and historical monuments as well as its thriving economy and wide range of ethnicities. Popular dishes include conventional fish and chips, as well as a wide range of cuisines from across the world. There is something for everyone in London, from its magnificent architecture to its gorgeous green parks.

Heathrow Airport (LHR) is a prominent international airport serving the city of London. It is the busiest of the six international airports that serve London, and it is also the biggest. In 2020, it was the world's 22nd-busiest airport in terms of overall passenger traffic, and the third-busiest airport in Europe. Heathrow Airport is served by more than 80 airlines that fly to 185 destinations in 84 countries. It is a principal hub for British Airways as well as the primary operational base for Virgin Atlantic. In 2020, it handled 22.1 million passengers, with the busiest routes being to New York-JFK, Dubai, and Dublin.

Car hiring is a popular option for travellers arriving at Heathrow Airport since it allows you to go out into the city or to your destination in southern England shortly after landing. You may reserve a hire car and pick it up the same day at Heathrow. When you arrive, you can just go up to a counter, but you'll generally receive a better deal if you book online in advance. Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, National, and Sixt are among the car hire companies at Heathrow Airport. Heathrow Airport is located 15 miles west of the heart of London. The eastbound M4 highway provides the most direct route. At peak periods, expect to spend at least an hour travelling from Heathrow to London.

Downtown Car Hire in London

For those who prefer not to hire a vehicle from an airport, you can hire a car in Central London instead. For those who like to get settled into their lodgings first and don't mind taking a cab from the airport, hiring a vehicle in the city centre may be the best option for them. There’s plenty of car hire firms in London, but if you're on a tight budget, it's best to reserve ahead of time. Whether you need a hire car near the airport or in the heart of the city, you can count on HolidayCars to find you the best rates.

Driving in London

Driving in London may be intimidating for first-time visitors due to the sheer quantity of people and skyscrapers to navigate. As a result, before you get behind the wheel, you should get acquainted with the traffic laws in the United Kingdom.

Here are some helpful tips for driving in London

Car Hire Agencies in London

If you want to see all of London's museums, palaces, parks, shopping malls, historical sites, and other wonderful places, a car allows you to do it comfortably and on your own time. As a result, there are several reputable local and international car hire firms in London. Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, and National are just a few of the well-known car hire companies in London.

Are you travelling in a large group? For optimal comfort, hire a minivan or SUV. A BMW 5-Series will guarantee that you arrive in style on a short business trip. Volkswagen Tiguan and BMW X3 are excellent SUVs that are perfect for those travelling with children or elderly, as these vehicles are exceedingly comfortable. However, if you’re in a large group, we recommend going for a Vauxhall Zafira or Citroen C4 Grand Picasso, as these minivans have ample room for plenty of people as well as luggage space. Before booking, always shop around and evaluate your options to find the best fit for you.

Top Road Trips near Heathrow Airport

A trip to the picturesque English countryside is the ideal getaway if you’re looking for a respite from the city itself. Here’s some inspiration to get you started:

Located only a short drive outside of the city, the Cotswolds "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty" is a cluster of lovely little towns surrounded by lush green hills. Visiting a handful of the Cotswolds villages is a fantastic option when it comes to organising a road trip from London.

Alternatively, the Jurassic Coast is a 95-mile length of rugged shoreline in southern England, where fossils have been found. To get away from the hustle and bustle of a city for a few days, go to Cornwall for its stunning beaches, quaint villages, and breathtaking coastal hiking trails.

Frequently asked questions about car rental London Heathrow airport

What’s the best area to stay in London?
The best area to stay in London completely depends on why you’re going to visit. If you’re going to see any of the famous sites, make sure to book somewhere central that has good access to these places. You’ll find many hotels around the central railway station, King’s Cross.
What is the cheapest time to go to London?
London's winter months of January and February are the cheapest months to visit as this is low season.
What is the best time to go to London?
London's parks are at their most beautiful between March and May, when the weather is moderate and the city's greenery is in full bloom. Late spring, like summer, is a popular time for tourists, and hotel and airfare rates reflect this.
Can you get around London without a car?
If you plan on staying in central London, you can easily rely on public transport (TfL). But if you want to explore further afield and see more of London and the surrounding areas, then you most definitely need a car to do so.
Tips and experiences for London Heathrow airport

Our customers rated London Heathrow airport with an average of 8.9 based on 78 ratings, and these are the most recent tips, experiences and highlights.

08-11-2021
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says:
1. Leave plenty of time to get to your airport, they are always busy places. 2. Dress comfortably for an easy day ahead 3. Make sure you have plenty of currency or credit cards. 4. Charge your phone and don’t forget your phone charger cable 5. Passport and tickets. 6. Drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated and take snacks just in case, chocolate is my treat! 7. Keep smiling it makes others smile too. 8. Download your favorite films/podcasts or music it really helps to pass the time.
21-09-2021
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says:
Arrive in plenty of time its amazing how much stress that removes
21-07-2021
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says:
Make sure you bring your credit card in your name, license, proof of address and get insurance for the excess they will hold on your credit card. Otherwise you will have to get their insurance at the desk and its much more expensive.
30-05-2021
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says:
Always leave plenty of time to go through security. Buy a meal deal at boots or WH Smith. Don’t change your money at airport. Arrive the night before a stay over in hotel. Use only airport parking not any others. Use hoppa bus to hotels or free trains.
27-05-2021
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If you have a car then get out of London, head to oxford or the Cotswolds for some real British charm, head to Brighton beach for some hipster laneways or if you have the time drive to Scotland or Wales for some stunning scenes
25-05-2021
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says:
Make sure you are rested before setting off on a long drive out of Heathrow. If you are not used to them the motorways are large and extremely busy and not the best place to be trying out a new hire car. Make sure you have google maps as not only does this give you directions and realistic drive times but also places of interest and more importantly petrol stations nearby. If you're visiting the UK on holiday, use google maps to take you off the motorways and through the rolling green countryside, chocolate box villages and stunning coast roads, you won't be disappointed.
24-05-2021
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says:
Good airport, love the arrivals lounge in terminal 2 - I grabbed a shower and breakfast before leaving the airport.
04-04-2021
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says:
From easirent offices, you’re straight onto the A4, so very easy to get out of and return to. The staff were lovely. The shuttle bus is every half hour but very convenient to return to the terminals.
28-03-2021
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says:
Heathrow is what it is - a huge, busy airport with long queues. However, at security, we did not need to remove laptops etc from backpacks due to new technology being trialled, which was a huge win.
19-03-2021
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Travel with a large over-the-shoulder bag that can fit a smaller shoulder bag in it. That way after you go through security you can take the smaller one out and use the larger one for your shopping in duty-free. In the larger bag, pack a pair of sandals or swimming /pool shoes (with bands on them rather than flip flops). They don't take up any real space but you can change into them as soon as you board & leave your main shoes in the large bag. Great for circulation & it will stop your feet getting sweaty & swollen. You can leave your socks on too. Having the two bags means that on the plane you can put the larger one in the storage racks and still keep a small bag on you with your essentials & valuables, which doesn't take up your leg room space :-) I always wear a large wrap around scarf when travelling, as it can double as a blanket on the plane, taking the air-con chill out of sleeping. And last but not least, bring an extra little purse so that you can keep your foreign currency separate from your home currency. It's a nightmare when all the coins get mixed up and you're left at a checkout trying to sort your coins to pay your bill.
18-03-2021
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Make sure you are at your gate at least 30 minutes before departure Allow at least 2.5/3 hours to check in and get through security Ensure you have no liquids in your hand luggage before you get to security to speed up the process Also get your devices ready to remove from your bags. Don’t leave baggage unattended at any time Ensure you have checked on the board for your bus stop number before you leave the terminal Wear flat shoes as you will be walking long distances
16-02-2021
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says:
Go to holiday cars.com Easy to book Easy to pay Good value for money Good customer service You get what you reserve
15-02-2021
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says:
Plan your journey, traffic can sometimes catch you out, leave plenty of time Good road signage to hire companies and terminals.
13-02-2021
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says:
Convenient to take a shuttle service from Heathrow to the car depot. Shuttle runs frequently and can be easily located. When returning as well, easy to come back through shuttle back to airport and take a train or flight back. Luggage can also be carried and if you dont want to bring the car back to terminal and it will cost approx 4 pounds for 30 min and you can load your stuff if it is alot.
12-02-2021
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says:
Use a hire car company that doesn’t need you to spend hours reading the small print. If it’s a good service they don’t need to try and catch you out by hiding things in T&Cs. Use a company that is either at the airport or provides a courtesy bus to get to the pick-up point. Leave at least an extra hour to get the car handed back to make check in. Refuel at a supermarket near the airport to save money. During the rental, park well away from other cars where you can to save people dunking you car; while you might be careful, others may not standout your bodywork.
03-02-2021
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says:
It is well organized airport the only missing point I guess, not enough and good tax free shopping center in arrivals.
21-01-2021
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says:
Using the international license for booking easier the company had difficulty finding my booking and were not aware of the insurance already purchased
05-01-2021
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says:
Don’t buy the train ticket - it’s too expensive. A cab out of the airport to the car hire place has been my best experience yet for getting out of Heathrow. Otherwise an efficient airport; professional.
05-01-2021
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says:
For rental take Hertz. Good service and polite staff. I would be using Hertz in future and sugest to my friends and businesses. On my last trip everything was ok. Once more for now Hertz is for me number one.
20-12-2020
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says:
Drive on the left, unless you're in a foreign country.
17-11-2020
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says:
An airport too big to feel great about: walking distances are way too long.
15-11-2020
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says:
Was not flying in or out of Heathrow. Just took the tube to the airport to pick up the rental. The very small portion of the airport we accessed was very simple and easy.
07-11-2020
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says:
Get an hybrid car which is more fuel economy
23-10-2020
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says:
Walk along the Thames to Covent Garden
30-09-2020
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says:
Travel tips: get an Oyster card. Travel by public transport if you can. Staying outside the city is cheaper and just as convenient. Everything is pretty spread out so plan certain areas to spend time in.
05-09-2020
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says:
Just notify customer come early before 15 minutes you can do your own paperwork otherwise you be late to collect your car
02-09-2020
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says:
LHR is big and you have to make sure you plan your route, getting to the wrong terminal could cost you a lot (I once paid GBP25 for a taxi ride from T3 to T4 as I could not wait for the train) The car rental shuttle works well, but a whole trip through all the terminals takes forever. Allow for plenty of time. The Yotel in T4 is brilliant for long stopovers T2 is the best terminal, everything is new and works perfectly. In general, transferring between terminals is a pain. If you need a trolley for your luggage, don't even try the trains.
23-08-2020
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says:
If you pick up a car at night, check that the headlights (on dip especially) are properly adjusted and if they're not, ask for help from Europcar or ask how to do it yourself. It's not always obvious and most rental companies don't leave manuals in the glove box. Take a photo of any scratch you see before drving off. This might avoid arguments later when the car is returned. Check the location of petrol (gas) stations near the car yard as you drive away. You'll probably need to fill the tank when you return the car and petrol stations are not always easy to find when you want them. Make a mental note of which side of the car has the fuel inlet. It helps to know this as you choose a pump for the firts refuelling. Check the floor under the seats before returning the car. It's amazing what can work its way there!
23-08-2020
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says:
For such a big airport, Heathrow is well organised and nice.
30-07-2020
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says:
Heathrow airport is great. Would recommend sticking to a car rental agency within the airport or with a free shuttle ONLY
13-07-2020
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says:
Te Apsley BHouse in London is not so well known, but the displays and the quality of the objects and paintings shown is just amazing. It is a welcome addition to the classical museums such as National Gallery, Tate Modern, V&A, British Museum, etc. Another must ois a visit to the Parliament, and the audioguides are excellent, no need for a guided tour.
10-06-2020
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says:
Plan an hour for customs process when arriving. Have forms pre filled out. Food is not expensive at heathrow. Shopping is vat free. Scotch and other spirits are relatively inexpensive. It is very congested.
21-05-2020
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says:
We enjoyed our drive to Bath and the Cotswolds. We are so glad we rented a car. It was really easy access to the airport as well.
14-05-2020
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says:
Do speak to the town locals as you find out so much about the local areas and they suggest towns for the next destination.
19-10-2019
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says:
Why do I need to review London Heathrow Airport? I am reviewing a car hire experience so what's that got to do with the airport that I have chosen to fly to/from?
25-09-2019
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says:
quick and easy was in there for all of 10mins
23-09-2019
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says:
Read travel guide and double confirm the booking before arrival Write down your destination address because sometimes your phone is not working or accidents Get ready local SIM card before arrival Remember to buy personal/car insurance Fully read Tax refund instruction Bring your Dry Wet Jacket
09-09-2019
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says:
Make sure you book ahead and if possible join the gold member service and you won’t have to wait at the rental desk to get your car. Take note that the Hertz transfer bus leaves something like every 15 mins and so you may be waiting at the bus stop for that period. And lastly not all car rental companies are the same. You get what you pay for. However, no car rental company is perfect and there are some improvements to be made.
07-09-2019
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says:
Bring your own baby car seat, you will save a fortune on renting one. Invest in a Yo Yo baby or other ‘aircraft friendly’ pushchair. You can’t put a price on having your hands free rather than holding your baby and your bags. Check in early if you want to get the bassinet seat in the aircraft. Leave plenty of time when traveling with a baby as you have to stop for feeding and changing along the way
05-09-2019
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says:
Do make sure you understand the terms of your rental Do show up on time Do check your car thoroughly before driving off, especially if going on a motorway Do know what your insurance covers Do not get into an accident Do make sure you take regular rest breaks Never drive while sleepy
02-09-2019
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says:
Review car pick up location so you know how to get to the highway - perhaps Avis could supply a paper map to the most practical directions to nearby highways?
01-09-2019
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says:
We book early and save a huge amount and with easy cancelation there is no risk. The transfer from terminal to pick up is great and regulate. The staff are friendly and polite. Car was clean and ready to go. Location to the M4 is perfect to get on your way. We have used this service twice and will do again.
29-03-2019
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says:
Allow at least 3 hours if you are travelling internationally. The passport control for UK and EU citizens is very quick and efficient, however my partner is Australian and can be up to an hour or more (on several occasions) coming through passport control. I believe members of the commonwealth with new chipped passports should be treated in the same way as UK and EU citizens. The shopping facilities are excellent and it is very easy to pass the time waiting for your flight. Bigger range of duty free items than a lot of other airports. There is a great selection of food restaurants and bars.
24-03-2019
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says:
good road links to airport and fast access to car hire lots. T4 needs more non-designer shops for the normal person.
07-01-2019
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says:
Take your own food to snack on while you wait for your flight, because prices at the airport are very high.
08-11-2018
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says:
When traveling around, you really need to have more spare time as the traiffic are really bad taking me double time to get to the places I want to go
28-10-2018
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says:
FABULOUS DESTINATION, ENJOY EVERYTHING.
18-10-2018
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says:
Unfortunately I was only there for a few hours on business. Would Have loved more time to explore.
23-09-2018
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says:
Love London - it used to be home. Still miss visiting it! London Eye. Top of St Pauls (very top)! London pubs - proper pubs, not just gastro pubs. London Theatre - did Les Miserable and Jersey Boys - and the Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House - all fabulous! Loved it!
22-09-2018
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says:
Definitely go to The British Museum and natural history museum. Of course there are the shops like Harrods and Selfridges. Spend the time to have a look around Piccadilly, and Oxford Circus.
11-09-2018
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says:
Plan your days and try to organise things into groups of must do's needs and wants. Have fun and remember your on holiday.
11-09-2018
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says:
Book in to The Sky Garden - its free and its stunning, (Monument tube). Make a reservation at Las Iguanas restaurant on the South Bank. Reasonable prices for London and great atmosphere. Walk from Oxford Circus to Marble Arch. Go to the new Lego store then go to the top floor of Marks and Spencer at Marble Arch and have a giant hot chocolate in the restaurant! Love it!
05-09-2018
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says:
Make sure you pack good walking shoes as London has plenty to see and do on foot.
05-09-2018
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says:
I would prefer this to everyone wherever they want to go
01-09-2018
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says:
Don't plan too much - just go outside and see what happens,
22-08-2018
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says:
Boat on the Tames
10-08-2018
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says:
Don't drive into Central London; parking is very difficult to find. The public transport system is great!
08-08-2018
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says:
Set the sat nav with your destination before you leave the rental. The area can be congested around Heathrow and there are multiple options on the motorway network
30-04-2018
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says:
Dont try and drive into London, use the tube and then use your car for exploring Windsor and Oxford
28-04-2018
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says:
book with a more popular car rental company to avoid issue
22-04-2018
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says:
great mosaic, wonderful place to see
11-04-2018
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says:
We travelled quite extensively but not in London itself. Buy an AA G.B. Map (2 pounds) especially if you want to drive on interesting country roads. Really useful for planning routes and much better than relying soley on SATNAV! Use the Park and Ride facilities when visiting towns and cities. Check how you pay for toll roads. Dartford Crossing on M25 is especially tricky and should be avoided if possible.
01-04-2018
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says:
Don't drive in central London if you are not used to it. Use public transport. If travellling to other parts of UK then should be good
31-03-2018
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says:
make sure you have time to see the lot
30-03-2018
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says:
Use public transport
29-03-2018
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says:
Don't rent from Eurocar
25-03-2018
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says:
Kinky Boots.Spittle Fields Market.Covent Garden .Lunch at Ritz for celebration.
18-03-2018
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says:
Only use the roads when the kids are school and your sightseeing during the week
06-03-2018
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says:
Do use a gps as it makes getting around much easier
25-02-2018
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says:
Try and get a hotel near an underground station, this is the quickest and cheapest way to get around, especially when you buy an Oyster card, which will also get you on buses too.
19-02-2018
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says:
Fantastic, England is amazing - offers everything
14-02-2018
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says:
Use public transport in centre, hire car only to leave and explore out of London!
28-10-2017
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says:
If you are going into the city, do not drive... it's both expensive and can be very difficult and aggravating If you are going outside the city as I did, it's often the easiest to drive.
21-10-2017
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says:
get there on time ,have a good map of local area
14-08-2017
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says:
London is a fantastic place to visit. Don't get a large car as parking can be an issue and travelling through small country villages can be problematic.
13-08-2017
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says:
Avoid the M3
22-07-2017
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says:
Didin't go to London. Just to Oxford
06-07-2017
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says:
A wonderful variety of great choices... just make sure your credit card is fully loaded:-)