Car Hire at London Gatwick airport (LGW)

List of car rental agencies that operate within the London Gatwick airport (LGW)

The airport offers excellent car hire options with offices located within the airport grounds, easily accessible on foot from both terminals. Pick-up and drop-off areas are clearly signposted and allow 24-hour out-of-hours returns.

Car Hire Companies

Desk Locations

North Terminal: The desks are located in the arrivals area, following the signs for “Car Rental” and Jubilee House. They are a short walk away, passing Jubilee House on your right-hand side.
South Terminal: Located on the ground floor of the arrivals forecourt (Level 0). From the arrivals hall, follow the signs for car hire and use the upper forecourt lift to go down to level 0.

Rental Requirements

To hire a vehicle at Gatwick, you will generally need to meet the following requirements:

Driving Licence: Must be valid and held for at least one year (some agencies require 3 years). If your licence is not in English or does not include a photograph, you may need an International Driving Permit.
Minimum Age: Usually 21 or 23 years old. Drivers under 25 are often subject to a “young driver” surcharge.
Identification: A valid passport or national identity card (for EU/UK citizens).
Credit Card: A credit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit (excess).
Proof of Address: In some cases, a recent utility bill may be requested as proof of address.

Latest updates: February 07, 2026

5 tips for renting a car abroad

What to consider:

Certify that you have a valid driver's license to drive in the destination country. If you are a foreigner, check if you need to validate your license in your country of origin. It should be noted that the International permit is NOT valid by itself, it must always be accompanied by the National Driver's License.

Documentation and vehicle insurance required according to current traffic regulations.

Take into account the traffic rules that currently apply in the destination country. Maximum speeds allowed on highways, avenues and streets, priorities of passage at intersections without traffic lights, tolerance of allowed blood alcohol, etc.

Direction of movement and the way in which cars should be driven on the streets. If the side where the steering wheel is located in the cars of your country matches the vehicles in the destination country.