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Why rent a car at London Gatwick Airport?

Britain’s capital is one of the most exciting in Europe, if not the world. The attractions are endless – from great shopping to eclectic dining, world-class theatre in the West End, Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, the best of contemporary art at the Tate Modern, amazing museums with free admission, such as the British Museum, wax celebrities at Madam Tussaud’s, stunning views from the London Eye and the Shard. One visit may not be enough; you’ll have to keep coming back.

Being a global leader in business and tourism means there are several airports to land into: Heathrow, Gatwick, City, Luton, Stansted, and Southend in Essex.

From Gatwick Airport, connection to Central London couldn’t be easier via the A23. A car hire at Gatwick can only be an advantage, as you will cover more sights in a shorter time.

How to get to and around London?

Gatwick Airport is a major international airport in southeast England, about 30 miles from central London. The fastest way into central London is to get the non-stop Gatwick Express service, which runs every 15 minutes between Gatwick’s South Terminal and London Victoria Station. The journey takes 30 minutes. Thameslink runs trains four times an hour to Blackfriars, City Thameslink, Farringdon and St Pancras International. Southern also gets you to London Victoria via East Croydon and Clapham Junction.

You can fly into London through another airport too: Luton or Stansted to the north, Heathrow 14 miles to the west, City Airport near London’s financial district, and Southend Airport in Rochford, Essex. All above airports offer car hire services.

With a hire car at Gatwick Airport, you’ll reach central London in about an hour and can start planning your getaways from the city.

Hiring a car in London Gatwick Airport

All car hire operators at Gatwick Airport can be found at the South Terminal, with Hertz offering an additional branch at the North Terminal. Use the free shuttle service to reach them.

Opening times for some of the companies are listed below as a guideline. Times may differ on bank holidays.

Hiring a car at London Gatwick Airport

All car hire operators at Gatwick Airport can be found at the South Terminal, with Hertz offering an additional branch at the North Terminal. Use the free shuttle service to reach them.

Opening times for some of the companies are listed below as a guideline. Times may differ on bank holidays.

What brands are available?

There is a wealth of car hire companies offering a hire car at Gatwick. Check the best deal using the Expedia car hire search tool.

Must-sees within an easy drive of London

One of the most popular day trip destinations is the spa town of Bath, two hours and 15 minutes west of London. Its well-preserved Roman Baths are a must-see, followed by the obligatory afternoon tea at the historic Grand Pump Room next to it. The city, which can be walked in a day, is full of beautiful Georgian architecture, of which one of the finest examples is the Royal Crescent.

About 45 minutes west of London, via the M4, you can visit the Queen’s private residence, Windsor Castle, a Norman castle built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. In the castle grounds, St George’s Chapel holds the tombs of Henry VIII, George V and Charles I.

Two hours southwest, a mystical experience awaits you at Stonehenge, in Wiltshire, as you wonder at the mystery of the Neolithic ring of standing stones. From there, Salisbury is only about 20 minutes south, for a visit to the impressive Salisbury Cathedral, which has the tallest church spire in the UK, at 404 feet. The cathedral also contains the world’s oldest clock from 1386 AD and an original copy of the Magna Carta.

Tips and tricks for driving in the UK

In the UK you must drive on the left-hand side and overtake on the outside right lane on motorways. On roundabouts, cars on the right have priority. Hire cars usually come with manual transmission; if you prefer a vehicle with automatic transmission, request one upon booking.

Wearing seatbelts is mandatory and use of mobile phones while driving prohibited. Keep your driving licence always at hand, along with your ID (passport) and insurance papers. Licences issued in the EU or EEA are recognised but international licences are also accepted.

Ready to plan your London city break?

If you’re ready to start planning your trip to London and other parts of the UK, use the Expedia search tool to help you find the best car hire, flight and hotel deals and research your preferred attractions and activities before your trip.