Car Rentals in Gatwick, GBR

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Gatwick

Renting a car in Gatwick offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the surrounding attractions at your own pace. With easy luggage management and the ability to adjust your travel plans as needed, a rental car is an ideal choice for families and culture enthusiasts alike. Just 23 km from Gatwick, you can visit Chessington World of Adventures, a perfect destination for outdoor family fun. For those interested in history and romance, Hever Castle and Gardens, located 20 km away, provides a beautiful setting to explore. Hampton Court Palace, situated 30 km from Gatwick, is another cultural gem worth visiting. Additionally, nearby cities like Horley, only 1 km away, and Hookwood and Lowfield Heath, both 2 km away, further enhance your itinerary with attractions such as the Gatwick Aviation Museum. With a rental car, you can conveniently access these sites and enjoy a more personalised travel experience, allowing you to make the most of your time in and around Gatwick.

Most popular car hires in Gatwick

• Midsize SUV: This vehicle option is perfect for accommodating up to 5 travellers along with 3 large suitcases. A midsize SUV combines space and comfort, making it an ideal choice for families, couples, or small groups looking to explore Gatwick and its surroundings. With ample room for both passengers and luggage, it allows for a relaxed journey while you enjoy the freedom of the open road.
• Compact SUV: Accommodating 5 travellers with up to 3 medium suitcases, the compact SUV is a versatile option that suits solo travellers, couples, or families alike. Its manageable size makes it easy to navigate through Gatwick and surrounding areas while still providing enough space for passengers and their belongings. This option is great for those who desire the benefits of an SUV without sacrificing manoeuvrability.
• Economy: Ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families, the economy car option can accommodate 5 travellers with up to 2 medium suitcases. This choice is often the most budget-friendly, making it a popular selection among those who are mindful of their travel expenses. The economy car offers the essential comfort needed for exploring Gatwick while ensuring an efficient and economical drive.

Top rated car suppliers in Gatwick

• Alamo Rent A Car: With a single rental location in Gatwick, Alamo has earned an impressive overall rating of 9.2 out of 10. Renowned for its friendly service, clean vehicles, and convenient location, Alamo is an excellent choice for travellers. The most popular vehicles booked with Alamo are Midsize SUVs and Compacts, making it easy to find the right car to suit your needs while exploring the area.
• Enterprise: Also featuring one rental location in Gatwick, Enterprise boasts a solid overall rating of 7.8 out of 10. Known for its friendly service and clean vehicles, this supplier provides a reliable option for those looking to hire a car. The most frequently booked vehicles from Enterprise include Midsize SUVs and Compacts, offering flexibility and comfort for your journey around Gatwick.
• Europcar: With two rental locations within Gatwick, Europcar is a convenient choice for car hire. While specific ratings are not highlighted, this supplier is popular among travellers. The most booked vehicles include Compacts and Midsize SUVs, ensuring you have a variety of options available to suit your travel plans. Europcar’s presence in two locations adds to the convenience of securing a vehicle for your adventures.

Where to stay around Gatwick

• Horley: Located a mere 1 km from Gatwick, Horley offers a delightful blend of outdoor activities, family-friendly experiences, and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore the Gatwick Aviation Museum for a glimpse into aviation history, or visit the enchanting Hever Castle and Gardens, perfect for a romantic outing. The area is also home to a variety of dining options, including restaurants and wineries, and features an urban park for leisurely strolls. With its vibrant shopping and recreational areas, Horley is an excellent choice for a memorable stay.
• Crawley: Situated 5 km from Gatwick, Crawley is ideal for families and sports enthusiasts alike. This city boasts an aquatic centre and recreation centre, making it perfect for those looking to stay active. Key attractions include the historic Worth St. Nicholas' Church and the excitement of TeamSport Karting Crawley. With an array of dining options available, including local wineries and restaurants, Crawley offers a vibrant atmosphere. Its urban parks and sports facilities will surely keep visitors engaged during their stay.
• Reigate: Located 7 km from Gatwick, Reigate is a charming city that caters to outdoor adventurers and families. Known for its scenic golf courses and recreational areas, it also features the beautiful National Trust - Reigate Hill and Gatton Park, ideal for eco-friendly excursions. Cultural enthusiasts can visit the Reigate Priory Museum for a taste of local history. With a selection of bars, wineries, and restaurants nearby, Reigate provides a lovely backdrop for a relaxing getaway while immersing in nature.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around Gatwick

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're in need of an SUV for additional space, a convertible for the summer months, or an economical car for better affordability, utilise the filters on Expedia to help you discover the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary according to demand, so it’s advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically come at a lower rental cost and are easier to park in congested areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between expense, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily charges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—may not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you are required to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others might offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling choices, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the vehicle empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You will often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car from airports, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should any unexpected incidents arise during your trip. It’s straightforward to add car hire insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you are planning lengthy road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra costs.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s licence is essential for renting a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Gatwick

The best value period to rent a car in and around Gatwick is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is also low. This trend continues into November, which also offers slightly low prices and lower demand. In contrast, July sees slightly high prices and high demand, making it one of the busiest months for rentals. August follows closely, maintaining high demand and slightly high prices, while June typically shows average prices and demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	40.5°F (4.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
February	41.4°F (5.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	44.4°F (6.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	48.6°F (9.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
May	54.0°F (12.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	59.9°F (15.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	63.7°F (17.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	63.3°F (17.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	59.7°F (15.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	54.0°F (12.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	47.1°F (8.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
December	43.0°F (6.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average