Car Hire in London
The perfect hire car will soon be yours
You’re busy and London is even busier, so we’ve made hiring a car effortless. Come and meet us at prime locations across the capital.Where would you like to meet us and begin your journey?
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Plan your trip to London
There is so much to see and do in London. Take your time over exploring all Central London’s numerous attractions, world-class museums and landmarks, shops, restaurants, and pubs.London is sometimes described as a city of villages. It's made up of distinct neighbourhoods – from upmarket Chelsea and Hampstead, to decadent Soho and hipster Shoreditch. Make sure you visit the independent bookshops, delicatessens and coffee shops of Notting Hill and Wimbledon. Take a cruise boat out to Greenwich to visit the Cutty Sark and Maritime Museum, the Meridian line and the Royal Observatory.
Don't miss a visit to a London street market. Try Old Spitalfields or Brick Lane for new and vintage clothes, furniture and bric-a-brac; Camden Lock for original designer clothes, one-off artwork and furnishings; and Borough Market for a huge selection of international food. If your interest is antiques, head over to Portobello Road on a Saturday to grab a bargain.
At night, London continues to entertain and enthral visitors. London's theatreland, centred on Shaftsbury Avenue, is famous worldwide; as are its pubs and restaurants. The city has numerous nightclubs and music venues, and attracts world class acts and performers. Be sure to make the most of the cultural experiences on offer during your visit to London.
Road trips from London
If you fancy a day trip out of the centre of London, why not head off in your Avis hire car to one of these destinations close by?Windsor
About an hour’s drive from London via the M4 is the riverside town of Windsor. Visit the magnificent castle, the family home of British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years, and take a stroll along the Long Walk to the Copper Horse statue, for great views of the castle and surrounding area. Cross the town bridge over to Eton for a stroll along its high street, lined with ancient buildings and inns, and a catch a glimpse of its famous school, founded by King Henry VI in 1440.
Syon Park
Open to the public between March and October each year, Syon Park is in the London suburb of Brentford, about 40 minutes’ drive from central London, and is one of the best preserved historic houses in London. With its classical interiors and rooms full of precious art, plus its gorgeous landscaped gardens and parklands, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Henley-on-Thames
Famous for the annual rowing regatta, Henley is a picturesque town you can spend hours exploring. Go for afternoon tea, and a stroll along the river bank watching the boats sail by. From Central London it’s about an hour and 15 minutes’ drive, via the M4.
The car you pick is the car you get
Avis Select Series is available in the UK, Germany and Italy. Our fleet features the no nonsense BMW 4 Series M Sport, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class with its streamlined body kit, the Audi A1 Sportback supermini, svelte Audi A5 Sportback and the stunning Peugeot RCZ.Explore Avis Select Series
Don't forget the London Congestion Charge
Several Avis hire stations fall inside or just on the outskirts of the London Congestion Charge zone.Drivers entering central London between 7am and 6pm on Monday to Friday (look out for the Congestion Charge signs) have to pay the charge on a daily basis. The official site has maps and details on how to pay the charge.
We can process the payment on your behalf for the first day of your hire, so you have more time to relax and enjoy the journey. Just let us know when you collect your car.
Dartford Crossing
Passing through the Dartford Tunnel? Please note that the small toll charge can no longer be paid at the barriers; drivers must pay online in advance or by midnight the following day. Find out how to pay the Dartford Crossing charge.
Driving rules in United Kingdom
Which side of the road?In the United Kingdom, please drive on the left side of the road.
Country driving laws
- Mobile phones may only be used with a headset or hands-free device
- Use the outside lane to overtake on motorways and dual carriageways
- There is a congestion charge payable when driving in London
- Zebra crossings (black and white stripes on the road) give pedestrians right of way to cross the road
Speed Limits
All speed signs will be in mph.
For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers:
- Urban areas: 30 mph (48 km/h)
- Rural areas: 60 mph (96 km/h)
- Motorways: 70 mph (112 km/h)
Unless indicated by road signs.
Child safety / Seatbelt laws
- It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt
- Children aged under 12 or less than 135cm tall must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size
Please note - It is the child’s parent / guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.
This road rules information is for provided for general guidance only. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk.