Car Hire at The Shard, GBR

Reasons to book a car hire around The Shard

Renting a car near The Shard provides a great opportunity to explore London and its surrounding attractions at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and enjoy flexible travel plans, making it ideal for tourists seeking an urban and historical experience. Key sights such as Tower Bridge and London Bridge are both less than 1 km from The Shard, allowing for convenient visits without the hassle of public transport. Additionally, Big Ben is only 3 km away, offering another iconic landmark to explore. The car hire also facilitates trips to the broader London area, including popular destinations such as Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace, which are located in London City Centre. If you're looking to venture a bit further, Canary Wharf is a mere 4 km away, featuring attractions like One Canada Square and the Museum of London Docklands. Whether you're travelling with family, managing multiple bags, or simply want the freedom to explore, renting a car around The Shard ensures a comfortable and enjoyable sightseeing experience.

Most popular car hires near The Shard

• Compact: Accommodates 5 travellers with up to 3 medium suitcases—ideal for solo travellers, couples, and families. This car type is perfect for navigating the bustling streets around The Shard, allowing for easy parking and manoeuvrability. With its smaller size, the Compact car is a great choice if you're looking to save on fuel costs while enjoying the freedom to explore the sights at your own pace.
• Midsize SUV: Accommodates 5 travellers with up to 3 large suitcases—ideal for families, couples, or small groups. The Midsize SUV offers a balance of comfort and space, making it an excellent option for those planning to travel with additional luggage. This vehicle provides a higher driving position, which can enhance your sightseeing experience around The Shard, while still being manageable for city driving.
• Fullsize SUV: Accommodates 6 travellers with up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases—ideal for families or groups. The Fullsize SUV delivers ample space and comfort, making it a suitable option for those travelling together. With its capacity for larger luggage, it is particularly beneficial for extended trips or when carrying more gear. This car type ensures that you and your companions can enjoy both style and practicality as you explore the area surrounding The Shard.

Top rated car suppliers near The Shard

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo is a popular choice for travellers seeking flexibility around The Shard. With 5 rental locations and the nearest being 2 km away, Alamo provides a hassle-free experience. Customers often favour the Compact SUV and Midsize SUV offerings, noted for their comfort and practicality. With friendly staff and well-maintained vehicles, Alamo earns high praise for quick pick-up and easy returns, making it an excellent option for your car hire needs.
• Sixt: Sixt stands out with 4 rental locations within 2 km of The Shard. Renowned for its diverse fleet, travellers frequently choose the Compact and Midsize SUVs, which are ideal for navigating the city and its surroundings. Sixt's emphasis on customer service and efficient processes enhances the rental experience, ensuring that you can explore the attractions at your own pace while enjoying a reliable vehicle.
• Europcar: With 2 rental locations situated 4 km from The Shard, Europcar is another solid option for car hire. Customers appreciate the variety of Compact and Midsize SUVs available, which cater to different travel needs. Europcar is recognised for its quick return process and competitive pricing, making it an appealing choice for those looking to manage their time effectively while exploring the stunning sights of London.

Where to stay near The Shard

• London City Centre: Situated at the heart of London, London City Centre is an excellent choice for those wanting to be close to The Shard. This vibrant neighbourhood is ideal for a family, city, or culture-themed experience. Visitors can easily access landmarks such as Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, and Tower Bridge, all within a short distance, making it perfect for exploring. The area also boasts a variety of dining options, including restaurants, pubs, and wineries, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.
• Canary Wharf: Located approximately 4 km away from The Shard, Canary Wharf is known for its modern skyscrapers and lively atmosphere. This neighbourhood offers a blend of family, culture, and entertainment-themed experiences. With attractions like One Canada Square and the Museum of London Docklands nearby, visitors can immerse themselves in both urban life and local culture. Dining options abound, with numerous pubs and restaurants catering to various tastes, making it a convenient and enjoyable place to stay.

10 tips to save on your car hire around The Shard

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to help you discover the best match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. Booking in advance often ensures lower rates and greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in busy areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 years old may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This could also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling alternatives, which can also be suitable. Just ensure that you return the car empty in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car from airports, but the added convenience can 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 provide peace of mind should something unforeseen occur during your trip. It's straightforward to add car hire insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra costs.
10. Bring your driver's licence and ID: A valid driver's licence is required to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car around The Shard

The best value period for renting a car around The Shard is January, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. February follows closely, also offering lower demand levels. March sees a slight increase in demand, with prices remaining slightly low. As summer approaches, July becomes the most expensive month for rentals, marked by moderately high demand. August continues this trend, while the following months of September and October return to average pricing and demand levels.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	40.5°F (4.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
February	41.7°F (5.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
March	45.0°F (7.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	49.5°F (9.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	55.0°F (12.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
June	61.0°F (16.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Average
July	64.9°F (18.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	64.6°F (18.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	60.4°F (15.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	54.5°F (12.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	47.1°F (8.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average
December	42.8°F (6.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High