KAYAK’s insights & trends for United Kingdom car hire
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in the United Kingdom with confidence.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in the United Kingdom?
You should book your rental car in the United Kingdom around 7 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car rental company in the United Kingdom?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at GREEN MOTION (AED 12.99/day), DRIVALIA (AED 14.40/day) and FlexWays (AED 18.13/day).
What is the most popular rental car in the United Kingdom?
Hires in the Small category (Class Economy Car or similar) are the most popular option in the United Kingdom, costing AED 136/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as AED 61/day.
What is the cheapest month to hire a car in the United Kingdom?
The cheapest month to hire a car in the United Kingdom is January at an average cost of AED 121/day. August is the most expensive month to hire a car in the United Kingdom when prices are AED 213/day on average, which tends to be 381% above the yearly average hire price for the United Kingdom.
Which car hire company in the United Kingdom has the most locations?
Avis operates 88 locations in the United Kingdom, more than any other car hire company.
United Kingdom car rental price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right rental car in the United Kingdom by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
SUV
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
AED 71 - AED 156
All Car Types
AED 205 - AED 342
How much does it cost to hire a small car in the United Kingdom?
How much does it cost to hire a medium car in the United Kingdom?
How much does it cost to hire a large car in the United Kingdom?
How much does it cost to hire an SUV in the United Kingdom?
How much does it cost to hire a van in the United Kingdom?
How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in the United Kingdom?
How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in the United Kingdom?
How much does it cost to hire a convertible in the United Kingdom?
Small car hire in the United Kingdom typically costs around AED 113 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average AED 71 per day, which is about 38% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 58% cheaper than the average car hire in the United Kingdom, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Medium car hire in the United Kingdom typically costs around AED 229 per day. The best time to book is November, when prices average AED 159 per day, which is about 31% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 14% cheaper than the average car hire in the United Kingdom, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car hire in the United Kingdom typically costs around AED 303 per day. The best time to book is November, when prices average AED 217 per day, which is about 29% less than the yearly average. Large cars are typically 13% more expensive than the average car hire in the United Kingdom but offer more comfort for longer trips.
SUV hire in the United Kingdom typically costs around AED 289 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average AED 225 per day, which is about 23% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 8% more expensive than the average car hire in the United Kingdom but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.
Van hire in the United Kingdom typically costs around AED 449 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average AED 216 per day, which is about 52% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 41% more expensive than the average car hire in the United Kingdom but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck hire in the United Kingdom typically costs around AED 205 per day. The best time to book is April, when prices average AED 128 per day, which is about 38% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 23% cheaper than the average car hire in the United Kingdom, making them a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car hire in the United Kingdom typically costs around AED 319 per day. The best time to book is November, when prices average AED 245 per day, which is about 24% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 17% more expensive than the average car hire in the United Kingdom but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible hire in the United Kingdom typically costs around AED 468 per day. The best time to book is May, when prices average AED 216 per day, which is about 54% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 44% more expensive than the average car hire in the United Kingdom but are perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular agency
Most popular car type
Average price
Good deal
U-Save
Medium
AED 145/day
AED 105/day
Top tips for hiring a car in the United Kingdom
Hiring a car in the UK offers the freedom to explore at your own pace. You can visit the picturesque countryside, historic landmarks, and charming villages that are not easily accessible by public transportation. It allows you to customise your itinerary and discover hidden gems off the beaten path. Additionally, having a car provides convenience for carrying luggage and shopping, especially when travelling with a group or family.
When travelling with children in the UK, it's essential to prioritise their safety. Make sure to bring your child's car seat or arrange one with your car hire company. UK law requires children under 12 or 135 cm in height to use an appropriate child restraint. Always double-check that the car seat is securely installed before setting off on your journey. Most car hire companies offer car seats as an additional service you can choose during the booking process.
If you plan to cross the border while driving in the UK, keep in mind that the mainland UK (England, Scotland, and Wales) has no internal border controls. However, if you're travelling to Northern Ireland, you will need to pass through customs and border checks. Ensure you have the necessary travel documents, such as your passport and relevant visas, as border regulations may apply. Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements before your trip.
Driving in the UK has some unique conditions to be aware of. If you're used to driving on the opposite side of the road, spend time familiarising yourself with being on the opposite side of the car before driving. Take extra care when navigating roundabouts, as they are commonly used. Pay attention to road signs, especially speed limits and parking restrictions. Keep in mind that many cities have congestion zones where charges may apply. Lastly, rural roads often have narrow lanes, so drive cautiously and be prepared for occasional encounters with livestock.
25% of our users found rental cars in United Kingdom for AED 105 or less
Small rental cars in United Kingdom are around 56% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about hiring a car in the United Kingdom
How much does it cost to hire a car in the United Kingdom?
On average a car hire in the United Kingdom costs AED 145 per day.
How can I find car hires near me in the United Kingdom?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
Where should I hire a car in the United Kingdom?
Based on car searches on KAYAK, the most popular cities to hire a car in the United Kingdom are London (41% of total searches of users looking to hire a car in the United Kingdom), Manchester (13%) and Edinburgh (9%).
How much does it cost to hire a car for a week in the United Kingdom?
On average a car hire in the United Kingdom costs AED 1,014 per week (AED 145 per day).
How much does it cost to hire a car long term for a month in the United Kingdom?
On average a car hire in the United Kingdom costs AED 4,344 per month (AED 145 per day).
What is it like to drive in the UK?
Driving in the UK offers a unique experience shaped by its driving style and culture. In the UK, you must drive on the left, and the driving style can vary depending on the location. In busy cities like London, expect heavy traffic and congestion, while rural areas offer more relaxed driving conditions. It's essential to be aware of roundabouts, as they're prevalent and require proper navigation. The UK also has a network of toll roads and bridges, such as the M6 Toll, which may incur additional charges. The roads are filled with a variety of vehicles, ranging from compact cars to larger vehicles.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in the UK?
To hire a car in the UK, you must be at least 21 years old, although the age requirement may vary depending on the car hire company and vehicle category. Some companies impose additional charges or restrictions for drivers under 25 years old. It's advisable to check with your chosen car hire provider for their specific age policies and any associated fees. Always ensure you hold a valid driving licence, preferably in English, and an International Driving Permit if applicable to your situation.
What are petrol prices like in the UK?
Petrol prices in the UK can vary depending on location and prevailing market conditions. As of the current information, the average petrol prices range from £1.30 to £1.40 per litre. However, it's important to note that prices are subject to change due to factors like oil prices, taxes, and local competition. To keep track of fuel costs, consider using smartphone apps or online platforms that provide up-to-date petrol price information. Additionally, fuel stations are widely available across the country, including major motorways and urban areas.
What are the speed limits in the UK?
The speed limits in the UK vary depending on the type of road you are driving on. In built-up areas, such as towns and cities, the speed limit is typically 30 mph (48 km/h). On single-carriageways, the limit is 60 mph (97 km/h), while on dual-carriageways and motorways, it is 70 mph (113 km/h). However, it's important to note that certain places, such as school zones, residential areas, and roadworks, may have reduced speed limits indicated by signs. Always pay attention to the posted speed limits and adjust your speed accordingly to ensure a safe and legal journey.
Car rental directory
Sunnycars car hire locations in the United Kingdom
517 Locations
Enterprise Rent-A-Car car hire locations in the United Kingdom
512 Locations
Free2Move car hire locations in the United Kingdom
458 Locations
keddy by Europcar car hire locations in the United Kingdom
343 Locations
Europcar car hire locations in the United Kingdom
249 Locations
Firefly car hire locations in the United Kingdom
202 Locations
Hertz car hire locations in the United Kingdom
148 Locations
Thrifty car hire locations in the United Kingdom
138 Locations
Sixt car hire locations in the United Kingdom
133 Locations
FLIZZR car hire locations in the United Kingdom
120 Locations
Routes Car & Truck Rentals car hire locations in the United Kingdom
115 Locations
Budget car hire locations in the United Kingdom
114 Locations
Car hire locations in the United Kingdom
Everything you need to know for your car rental in the United Kingdom
The rates displayed include all taxes and fees for hire cars for the class listed and were found by KAYAK users in the last 48 hours. Offers are subject to change and may not be available on all car hires listed or dates of travel. Some hire car providers charge additional fees for other services (GPS, infant car seats, etc.). Please check the website of the respective hire car provider.
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