Up to
-35%
BMW 5 series
Ford Focus
Citroen C1
Mercedes CLA
Audi A5 Cabrio
Opel Corsa
Gatwick Airport, located approximately 30 miles south of Central London, is one of the busiest airports in the UK. For travelers looking to explore London and its surrounding areas, hiring a car can be a convenient and flexible option. Here’s everything you need to know about car hire at Gatwick Airport.
Gatwick Airport hosts a variety of well-known car hire companies, ensuring that you have plenty of options to choose from. Some of the major car hire companies available at Gatwick include:
The car hire desks are conveniently located in both the North and South Terminals of Gatwick Airport. Upon arrival, simply follow the signs to the car hire area. The car hire companies provide shuttle services to their respective car parks, making it easy to pick up and drop off your vehicle.
It is highly recommended to book your car hire in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Booking ahead not only ensures availability but can also help you secure better rates. Most car hire companies offer online booking services, allowing you to compare prices and select the best deal for your needs.
When hiring a car at Gatwick Airport, you will need to present the following documents:
Many car hire companies at Gatwick offer additional services such as GPS navigation systems, child seats, and additional driver options. Be sure to inquire about these services when making your booking.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free car hire experience at Gatwick Airport, allowing you to enjoy your journey in and around London with ease.
Tesla Model X
Tesla Model S
Renting an electric car at Gatwick Airport is a convenient and eco-friendly option for travelers. Several popular electric car models are available for rent, each offering a unique blend of performance, range, and comfort. Below are some of the popular electric car models and their average daily rental rates in GBP:
These rates are indicative and can vary based on the rental company, duration of the rental, and availability. Booking in advance is recommended to secure the best rates and ensure the availability of your preferred model.
One-way car rental options at Gatwick Airport offer flexibility for travelers who need to return their vehicle in a different city. This service is ideal for those planning a road trip or needing to travel for business without the hassle of returning to the original rental location.
Several major car rental companies, including Hertz, Avis, and Europcar, provide one-way rentals. Prices for one-way rentals can vary based on the distance and the drop-off location. For example, renting a compact car from Gatwick Airport and returning it in Manchester might cost around €100-€150, while a similar rental to Edinburgh could range from €150-€200. Luxury vehicles or larger cars may incur higher fees.
It's advisable to book in advance and confirm the one-way rental fee, as it can sometimes be higher than standard rental rates. Additionally, checking for any special offers or discounts can help reduce costs.
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to save on car rentals is to book well in advance. This is particularly important in tourist-heavy locations, where demand for rental cars can spike during popular travel seasons. By booking ahead of time, you can take advantage of lower rates and ensure that your preferred vehicle type is available.
Many car rental companies in Gatwick airport (London) offer "early-bird" specials to customers who book weeks or even months ahead of their planned rental dates. These deals can offer significant discounts, sometimes up to 20% or 30% off the regular price. Booking in advance is especially beneficial if you plan to travel during peak seasons when prices are likely to soar due to high demand.
Booking ahead not only helps you save money but also gives you the flexibility to shop around and compare prices from different suppliers. If your travel dates are flexible, you can also adjust them to periods when rates are lower, ensuring even more savings.
For the best deals, consider using our website, r-tg.com. We aggregate rates from various suppliers, providing you with a one-stop shop for comparison. The site often features exclusive early-bird specials and promotional discounts that you won't find anywhere else. It's an excellent resource for locking in the lowest possible rate for your rental car in Gatwick airport (London).
Scouring multiple sources for car rental rates is one of the best strategies to secure a cost-effective deal. Different rental companies have varying price structures, and the cost can differ widely even for identical vehicle categories.
Let's say you're interested in a compact vehicle like a Ford Focus. While you may initially lean toward established brands like EUROPCAR or SIXT, don't overlook smaller, local agencies. These lesser-known providers may offer enticing rates to lure customers away from larger competitors.
For example, renting a Ford Focus from EUROPCAR could set you back €17 per day, with basic insurance included. In contrast, SIXT might charge €78 per day for the same car, but with a limited mileage allowance. A more thorough search could reveal a local vendor offering the Ford Focus at a daily rate of just €13, with unlimited mileage to boot.
Utilizing discount codes can significantly reduce your car rental expenses in Gatwick airport (London), offering opportunities to upgrade your car, extend your rental duration, or simply save more money. Far from being a tactic solely for bargain hunters, using promotional codes is a standard practice in the car rental industry.
A diverse range of discounts may be available to you. For example, AAA membership often includes perks like reduced rates or a free extra driver. Special rates for military members and their families are also common. Certain credit cards might even qualify you for special discounts or additional insurance coverage. It's worth investigating which discounts you're eligible for, as they can accumulate and lead to considerable savings.
You can find discount codes through multiple channels, such as:
Although discount codes can yield substantial savings, they often come with specific terms, such as blackout dates or restrictions on car types. Always scrutinize the details to ensure the discount is applicable to your specific rental situation.
Prepaid fuel may seem convenient, but it often comes at a higher cost. Filling up the tank yourself usually results in savings.
Opting for prepaid fuel means you pay for a full tank at the rental company's rates, which are usually marked up. Unused fuel is generally non-refundable.
If you won't drive much, prepaid fuel is less economical as you may return the car with unused gas.
Skipping prepaid fuel saves money but requires planning. Balance the savings against your time to decide if it's worth it.
In short, while prepaid fuel is convenient, self-refueling is often cheaper. A little planning can maximize your savings.
Choosing an economy car over a larger, luxury vehicle can lead to substantial savings, not just in rental costs but also in terms of fuel efficiency. This is especially important in places with high gas prices or for longer trips where fuel costs can add up quickly.
Economy cars generally offer the lowest per-day rental rates and boast excellent fuel efficiency, meaning you'll spend less on gas during your trip. These smaller vehicles are also easier to maneuver and park, particularly in crowded urban settings or on narrow roads.
In addition to traditional economy cars, consider opting for an electric car in Gatwick airport (London). While the per-day rental rate for an electric car may be slightly higher, the money you'll save on fuel can more than compensate for this. Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly common as rental options, and they offer the added benefit of reducing your carbon footprint.
An electric model like the BMW i3 might cost €98 per day to rent but could save you the entire fuel cost, especially if your lodging offers free electric vehicle charging or if you can find free public charging stations.
Driving an electric car can also grant you access to carpool lanes in some cities, even if you're the only person in the vehicle. This can save you time during your trip, which is another form of savings altogether.
By choosing an economy car in Gatwick airport (London), and even better, an electric one, you're opting for a rental option that is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Always compare the total costs—rental rate plus estimated fuel costs—to determine the best option for your trip.
Some travel websites offer all-inclusive packages that include flights, accommodations, and car rentals, often leading to significant discounts.
Reserving the cheapest, smallest car can be a smart strategy for securing a free upgrade, especially if you wouldn't mind a better vehicle.
Rental agencies often run out of economy cars, leading to free upgrades for those who booked them. You might get a midsize or even a sedan for the price of an economy car.
There's no guarantee, but the odds are better during busy seasons. You'll still save money if you end up with the small car.
Before opting for the insurance offered by the car rental company, take a moment to review your existing auto insurance policy to see if it covers rental cars. If your current policy includes this feature, you can comfortably forgo the extra cost of additional insurance from the rental agency. This simple check could potentially save you a significant sum.
Car hire services in Gatwick airport (London) frequently offer special deals, especially during holidays or off-peak times. To stay updated on these short-term offers, consider subscribing to their mailing lists or regularly checking their websites. They may also announce exclusive promotions on their social media channels.
Incorporating these tips into your travel plans can significantly increase your chances of securing an affordable car rental. In a city as dynamic as this, being a savvy consumer can make a substantial difference in optimizing your travel budget.
When it comes to car rentals in Gatwick airport (London), one aspect that often gets overlooked is the mileage limit imposed by rental companies. Failing to consider this could result in unexpected fees, making it vital to understand the mileage policy before you hit the road.
Car rental companies may offer different types of mileage policies, such as:
The fees for exceeding mileage limits can be substantial. For example, you could be charged an additional $0.25 to $0.75 per km over the limit. If you exceed by 100 kilometers, that's an extra $25 to $75 you'll need to pay.
Always ask about mileage policies when picking up the car. Sometimes you can negotiate a higher mileage limit for a small additional fee, which could be cheaper than paying per mile overage fees later on.
By being vigilant about mileage limits when renting a car in Gatwick airport (London), you can avoid unwelcome surprises on your bill and enjoy a budget-friendly, stress-free experience.
