Car Hire at London Heathrow airport (LHR)

List of car rental agencies that operate within the London Heathrow airport (LHR)

Hiring a car at the airport is an ideal option for travellers who wish to explore the United Kingdom with complete flexibility. Rental companies have service desks in the arrivals areas of all terminals or provide direct contact points to arrange transfers to their nearby pick-up centres.

Fare comparison: The most efficient way to secure the desired vehicle and obtain competitive prices is to make an online booking in advance.

Car hire companies

The following companies operate services at the airport. Most offer free transfers from the terminals to their nearby pick-up centres:

Requirements to hire a vehicle

To collect a car in the United Kingdom, the following documentation and conditions are generally required:

Driving licence: A valid and current driving licence. If your licence is not in English or was issued outside the European Union, it is highly recommended (and often mandatory) to present an International Driving Permit.
Identification: Original passport or identity document.
Credit card: A credit card in the name of the main driver for the security deposit. Debit cards are not always accepted for this purpose.
Minimum age: Although the legal driving age is 17, most agencies require drivers to be at least 21 or 25 years old. Drivers under 25 are usually subject to an additional “young driver” surcharge.
Verification code (DVLA): For drivers holding a UK licence, it is necessary to generate a verification code on the DVLA website before arriving at the counter.

Latest updates: February 04, 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.