Best car rentals in the UK: Comprehensive guide

If you travel abroad frequently, flexibility is key. In the UK, renting a car is often more practical than using public transport, particularly if your schedule involves unsociable hours, or rural locations.

Finding your best car rental company in the UK can save time, lessen stress, and even save money, whether you’re planning a work trip that involves several cities, a family road trip, or a weekend break. To help you make an informed choice, we’ve researched five of the leading car rental companies in the UK, highlighting their fleets, airport locations, and additional services.

Did you know that the UK’s current road signs were designed by a woman? In the 1960s, the increase in wealth brought increased traffic on UK roads. Margaret Calvert was tasked to help revolutionize the road signs. Her work produced some of the most renowned road signs in the world, thanks to their easy-to-read designs. That gives you one more reason to rent a car in the UK…

Which are the best car rental companies in the UK?

From global and renowned brands to private platforms, the UK offers a range of car rental options to suit every traveller’s needs. Please note that the legal minimum age to rent a car in the UK is 21. However, many rental companies require drivers to be at least 23 or 25. Here’s a detailed overview of the leading companies:

Hertz

Overview:
Hertz is an international car rental company that has been around for more than 100 years. It has a strong presence in the UK and provides rental services for both residents and international travelers.

Where does the company operate?
Hertz has an extensive network of car rental offices across the UK. You’ll find them in major cities such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Edinburgh, as well as in many smaller towns and regional hubs throughout the country.

How can you rent a car?
Cars can be reserved online through the Hertz website. Rentals can also be arranged directly at Hertz rental locations across the UK.

Additional services:
Hertz offers a wide range of vehicles to meet different travel needs, including compact cars for city driving, luxury saloons, sports cars, 4×4 vehicles, electric vehicles, and vans.

Additional services include:

• Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, a free loyalty program that allows customers to earn points toward free rental days and vehicle upgrades.
• Faster pickup options for loyalty members, allowing them to go directly to their vehicle at participating locations.
• Optional extras such as GPS navigation systems, child seats, and additional driver options.
• Electric vehicle rentals for travelers looking for lower-emission transport options.

Airport presence:
Hertz operates at many of the main airports, including Heathrow, Manchester, and Edinburgh.

One-way rentals:
One-way rentals are available between certain locations depending on the booking conditions. Travelers planning to pick up a vehicle in one city and return it in another should confirm availability with Hertz when making a reservation.

Avis

Overview:
Avis is a global car rental provider with nearly 80 years of service. Known for flexible services and a wide vehicle fleet, Avis is a popular choice for both business and leisure car rentals.

Where does the company operate?
Avis is an international company with over 50 locations throughout the UK alone. Key cities with Avis rental offices include London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Birmingham, and Inverness.

How can you rent a car?
Reservations can be made online via the Avis website or at Avis rental stations. Both prepaid and pay-on-collection options are available, with free cancellation on prepaid bookings up to 48 hours before the rental period begins. Pay-on-collection bookings can typically be cancelled up until the rental start time.

Additional services:
Avis offers a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars ideal for city driving to large people carriers for family trips. Additional options and services include:

• Avis Preferred, a free loyalty program providing priority service, discounts, and exclusive benefits.
• Electric and hybrid vehicles – perfect if you’re an eco-conscious traveler.
• Optional extras such as child seats, GPS navigation, and mobile Wi-Fi devices.
• Self-service key kiosks at selected locations for faster collection.
• Flexible rental durations and long-term hire packages.

Airport presence:
Avis has offices at major UK airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, and Belfast.

One-way rentals:
Avis provides one-way car hire across many UK locations, allowing you to pick up a vehicle in one city or airport and return it elsewhere. Availability and fees vary depending on the route, vehicle category, and driver age.

Thrifty

Overview:

Thrifty is a global car rental company with over 60 years of service. Known for affordable rates, flexible services, and a wide fleet of vehicles, Thrifty caters to both business and leisure travelers.

Where does the company operate?

Thrifty operates worldwide with more than 4,000 locations. In the UK, there are over 60 offices, including major airports and city locations. Key cities with Thrifty rental offices include London, Leeds, Nottingham, Bolton, Basildon, and Plymouth.

How can you rent a car?

Reservations can be made online via the Thrifty website or at Thrifty rental stations. Both prepaid and pay-on-collection options are available. Prepaid bookings can typically be cancelled or modified up to 24–48 hours before the rental start time. Pay-on-collection bookings can usually be cancelled up until the rental start time.

Additional services:

Thrifty offers a diverse range of vehicles, from compact cars and sedans to SUVs, minivans, and premium models. Additional services include:

• Blue Chip Express, a free loyalty program offering priority service, discounts, and rewards, including free rental days.
• Hybrid and electric vehicles for eco-conscious drivers.
• Optional extras such as child seats, ski racks, GPS navigation, and mobile Wi-Fi.
• Premium Emergency Roadside Service (PERS) for lockouts, flat batteries, lost keys, and other non-mechanical incidents.
• PlatePass® All-Inclusive toll service for automated toll roads in the U.S.
• Flexible rental durations, long-term hire packages, and corporate rentals.

Airport presence:

Thrifty has offices at major UK airports, including Heathrow, Glasgow, and Coventry Airport, as well as others.

One-way rentals:

Thrifty provides one-way car hire within the UK allowing you to pick up a vehicle in one city or airport and return it elsewhere. Availability, fees, and vehicle eligibility may vary by location, route, and driver age.

Turo

Overview:
While not technically a car rental company, Turo is a car sharing marketplace that connects drivers with local car owners. Turo does not own vehicles; instead, hosts share their personal cars, offering a wide variety of makes, models, and price points. The platform provides a flexible, app-based experience with direct communication between hosts and renters.

Where does the company operate?
Turo operates across the UK, US, Canada, France, and Australia. In the UK, Turo offers rentals in major cities including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff, and more. Cars can be picked up from airports, train stations, hotels, or even private addresses depending on the host.

How can you rent a car?
Renting on Turo is done entirely online via the Turo website or mobile app. Users search for available cars, select a vehicle, choose a pickup location, and book directly with the host. Many hosts offer remote check-in and checkout for a contactless experience. Rentals can typically be cancelled for a full refund up to 24 hours before the trip begins.

Additional services:
Turo offers a range of vehicles and additional services including:

• SUVs, convertibles, sports cars, and economy vehicles for different needs and budgets.
• Electric vehicles (EVs) with reduced emissions and innovative safety features.
• 24/7 support and roadside assistance.
• Protection plans that can reduce financial liability for accidents or damage.
• Long-term rental discounts for trips of 3, 7, or 30+ days.

Airport presence:
Turo cars can often be delivered to major UK airports including London Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Edinburgh, Newcastle, and more. Pickup may occur at approved carparks, garages, or by direct delivery from hosts.

One-way rentals:
One-way rentals are generally not supported on Turo in the UK. Vehicles must usually be returned to the original pickup location, though some hosts may allow custom arrangements if coordinated directly.

Sixt

Overview:
Sixt is a global car rental provider specializing in premium and luxury vehicles. It caters to both business and leisure travelers seeking high-end rentals. The company emphasizes convenience, transparency, and flexible booking options.

Where does the company operate?
Sixt operates across the UK with locations in major cities including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol, Belfast, and Jersey. Vehicles are available at both city locations and airports, with 22 airport locations in the United Kingdom alone.

How can you rent a car?
Rentals can be booked online via the Sixt website or mobile app. Customers can choose prepaid or pay-on-collection options, and members of the free Sixt ONE program can access exclusive discounts, points accumulation, and faster booking processes. One-way rentals between stations may incur an additional fee and require prior authorization from the branch.

Additional services:
Sixt offers a variety of premium vehicles including high-end convertibles, luxury sedans, and premium SUVs. Other services include:

• SIXT ONE membership – free to join, offering member-only rates, points for qualifying rentals, instant savings, and app-based check-in to skip the counter.
• Status tiers – Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond levels provide escalating discounts, bonus points, free upgrades, and access to Diamond Lounges.
• Optional extras such as GPS, child seats, and additional drivers.
• Flexible rental durations and airport delivery/collection options.

Airport presence:
Sixt is present at major UK airports including London Heathrow Terminal 5, London City, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Belfast, and more. Many locations offer 24-hour returns for added convenience.

One-way rentals:
Sixt provides one-way rentals in select locations within the UK, typically between different stations in the same city. International one-way rentals are generally not permitted. Availability and additional fees depend on the branch and vehicle category, so prior authorization is recommended.

Compare UK car rental companies quickly

When searching for the the best car rental in the UK, consider:

• Vehicle type and flexibility: Choose a provider with the right fleet for your trip.
• Airport accessibility: Providers with multiple airport locations reduce travel time and make pick-up/return easier.
• Rewards programs: Loyalty schemes provide savings, upgrades, and priority service.
• One-way rentals: Essential for road trips across multiple UK cities; check fees and availability.
• Optional extras: Child seats, GPS, Wi-Fi, and insurance coverage can simplify your journey.

By comparing these factors, you can select the ideal car rental company for your needs, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip across the UK. If you’re planning to head to the capital, check out our guide to visiting London.

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Letara Draghia

English Copywriter

I've been a copywriter for over a decade, working mostly in the retail industry. I've managed copywriting teams and contributed to major campaigns for F&F at Tesco, TK Maxx, and Dreams. I also work part-time as a news writer. Outside of work, I love to cook, and a fun fact about me is that I have a phobia of bananas—it's the smell!

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