Car Hire at The Shard, GBR

Reasons to book a car hire around The Shard

Renting a car around The Shard offers a convenient way to explore the vibrant attractions of London at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and enjoy flexible travel plans, making it ideal for tourists looking to experience both urban and historical sites. The Shard is located near several key attractions; for instance, Tower Bridge is less than 1 km away, offering rich cultural experiences, while London Bridge, also under 1 km away, provides a modern city vibe. Big Ben, a magnificent clock tower, is just 3 km from The Shard, adding to your sightseeing options. Additionally, you can venture into the wider London area, including the lively London City Centre, where Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace are located. If you're keen to explore further, Canary Wharf is only 4 km away, featuring One Canada Square and the Museum of London Docklands. Whether you're travelling with family, friends, or exploring solo, having a rental car enhances your experience, allowing you to discover the best of London comfortably and efficiently.

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 looking for flexibility and convenience near The Shard. With five rental locations within 2 km, it offers easy access for those wanting to explore London. Customers frequently opt for the Compact SUV and Midsize SUV, which are well-suited for city driving and comfort. Alamo is praised for its efficient service and well-maintained vehicles, making it a reliable option for your journey.
• Sixt: Sixt boasts four rental locations within 2 km of The Shard, providing an excellent option for tourists seeking to navigate London. Known for its range of vehicles, Sixt’s most booked options include the Compact and Midsize SUV, perfect for urban adventures. Customers appreciate Sixt for its friendly staff and smooth rental process, ensuring a hassle-free experience as you explore the city.
• Europcar: With two rental locations situated 4 km from The Shard, Europcar is another solid choice for car hire. Travellers often select the Compact and Midsize SUV, which cater well to both comfort and practicality. Customers highlight Europcar's efficient service and competitive pricing, making it a convenient option for those looking to manage their itinerary while enjoying the sights of London.

Where to stay near The Shard

• London City Centre: Situated right around The Shard, London City Centre offers a vibrant atmosphere with a mix of family, city, and culture-themed experiences. Visitors can explore key attractions such as the iconic Buckingham Palace and the historic Tower Bridge, both suitable for a cultural holiday. With plentiful shopping areas, theatres, and dining options, it’s an ideal base for immersing oneself in the city's lively spirit.
• Canary Wharf: Located 4 km away from The Shard, Canary Wharf is a thriving area renowned for its modern skyscrapers and commercial vibrancy. This neighbourhood caters to family and culture-themed visits, featuring attractions like the Museum of London Docklands and One Canada Square. The area is also abundant in restaurants, pubs, and wineries, making it a great choice for those looking to unwind after a day of exploration.

10 tips to save on your car hire around The Shard

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by specifying vehicle type and desired features. Whether you're in need of an SUV for extra space, a convertible for those summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendly options, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal 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. By booking in advance, you're likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles tend to be more affordable to rent and are easier to manoeuvre and park in busy areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and some vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements necessitate 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. Other policies may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Typically, there is a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, although it may be worthwhile for the added convenience.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively 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 anything unforeseen occur during your trip. Adding car hire insurance when booking with Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on embarking on long road trips, look for rental options that include unlimited mileage to steer clear of extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car around The Shard

The best value period to rent a car around The Shard is February, when both prices and demand are low. April also offers slightly low prices with average demand, making it a decent time to consider. In contrast, July sees high demand and slightly high prices, while December stands out as the most expensive month, with demand remaining average. The months of October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

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