STNUpdated October 21, 2026

Car rental at London-Stansted airport

London · United Kingdom

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STN · Rent a car

Rental companies at the airport

Car rental companies operating at London-Stansted airport (STN) and where to find them. The airport is 50 km from London. See also the airport guide for general information.

The car hire service is centralised in the Car Rental Village, a dedicated area located outside the main terminal. This space houses the desks of the main companies as well as the vehicle pick-up and return areas.

Location and Transfer

To get there, you must use the free courtesy shuttle bus service. Buses depart from Stop 17 on the terminal forecourt every 10 minutes, operating 24 hours a day. The journey takes approximately 10 minutes.

Car Hire Companies

Requirements for Hiring a Vehicle

To hire a car at Stansted, you will generally need to meet the following requirements:

  • Minimum age: Most companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 are usually subject to an additional “young driver” surcharge.
  • Driving licence: You must present a valid, original driving licence. If your licence is not in English or was not issued in an EU/EEA country, you will very likely need an International Driving Permit.
  • Identification: A valid passport or identity document is required as additional proof of identity.
  • Credit card: A credit card in the name of the main driver is required for the security deposit. Debit cards are not always accepted for this purpose.
  • DVLA check code: If you hold a UK-issued driving licence, you must generate a check code on the DVLA website before collecting the vehicle.

Companies, opening hours and desk locations can change. Check with the rental company before booking.

How do we verify this information?

Compare rental cars at STN

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Tips for renting a car in United Kingdom

  1. Check that your driver's license is valid in United Kingdom. Some countries also ask for an International Driving Permit (IDP), which is only valid together with your national license.
  2. Review what the rental includes: collision damage waiver, third-party liability and the deductible. Most companies also hold a deposit on a credit card in the driver's name.
  3. Learn the local rules before you drive: speed limits, right of way, alcohol limits and tolls.
  4. In United Kingdom traffic drives on the left: the steering wheel is on the right and roundabouts go clockwise.
  5. At pickup, photograph the car (inside and out) and the fuel level, and keep the photos until the deposit is returned.
  6. Know what to do in an accident: who to call, what to document and how to report it to the rental company.

Find the rental desks and parking on the STN airport map.

Not driving? See other ways to get to and from STN. Returning the car or picking someone up: parking at STN.

German Giudici

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Creator of the Aeropuertos del Mundo website network since 2007.