Car Rental Gatwick Airport (LGW)

Why Rent a Car at Gatwick Airport

Gatwick is the UK’s second-busiest airport and is located approximately 45 km south of central London, with direct access to the M23 motorway. This makes it a convenient starting point for travel across South East England.

A rental car provides straightforward access to destinations such as Brighton, the South Downs, and the Kent countryside—areas where public transport connections can be indirect or time-consuming. It is often a practical option for families, groups, or travellers with luggage, particularly when visiting multiple locations.

Gatwick is also well positioned for routes towards the Channel ports, including Dover, which is around 1.5–2 hours by road. For travel within Sussex and Kent, a car offers greater flexibility than relying on fixed train or coach schedules.

Pickup Options: On-site vs Off-site

Rental desks are located within both Gatwick terminals.

• South Terminal: Follow “Car Rental” signs from Arrivals to the Lower Forecourt (Level 0)

• North Terminal: Rental desks are located a short walk from Arrivals, near the terminal exit

On-airport Providers

Major international brands operate from both terminals, including:

• Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, and National

• Desks are typically open from early morning until late evening (hours vary by provider)

• Pickup is generally faster, with no additional transfer required 

Between Terminals

A free shuttle connects the North and South Terminals.

• Runs 24 hours a day

• Journey time is approximately 2 minutes

Nearby Rental Car Centre

Some providers operate from a nearby rental facility rather than directly inside the terminals, including:

• Sixt, Dollar, Green Motion, Drivalia, and Easirent

• Access is via a short walk or shuttle transfer

• Pickup times may be slightly longer than on-airport desks

Off-airport Providers

Additional companies operate from locations outside the airport area.

• Typically offer lower base rates

• Shuttle transfer required (usually 5–15 minutes)

• Opening hours may be more limited

Off-airport rentals can be 10–25% cheaper, particularly for longer bookings, but involve an additional transfer step.

If your itinerary is centered around staying in the city, renting a car at the city centre locations might be more convenient. For detailed information, see our London city car rental page.

Compare Car Rental Suppliers at Gatwick Airport

Gatwick offers a mix of on-airport desks, nearby rental centres, and off-airport providers. The right choice depends on your priority: speed, price, or vehicle type.

On-airport Providers (Fastest Pickup)

These providers are located inside the terminal areas, don’t require shuttles, but typically have higher prices.

Rental Car Centre (Balanced Option)

 

These providers offer slightly lower prices than on-airport desks, usually require a short transfer (about 5-10 minutes) and offer a good balance of cost and convenience.

Off-airport Providers (Lowest Cost)

 

These have the cheapest upfront prices, require shuttle transfer, and may have stricter policies or limited hours.

What to Know Before You Book

• Deposits: Typically £200–£500, held on a credit card

• Debit cards: Sometimes accepted, but often with higher deposits or restrictions

• Young drivers: Under 25 usually pay a daily surcharge

• Fuel policy: Most rentals use full-to-full — return the car with a full tank

Car Types Available

Gatwick’s rental providers offer a full range of vehicles, from compact city cars to 7-seat people carriers.

What to Know

• Manual vs automatic: Manual cars are the default in the UK

• Automatic availability: Widely available, but typically 20–40% more expensive

• Peak season: Automatics and larger vehicles (SUVs, 7-seaters) sell out first in summer

• Best practice: Book early if you need an automatic or are travelling in a group

Car Rental Prices at Gatwick Airport

Rental prices at Gatwick vary by season, demand, and booking window. The lowest rates are typically found in January and February, while summer (July to August) sees the highest demand.

Average Daily Prices (Economy Cars)

Price by Car Type (Typical Ranges)

• Mini / Small: £15–30/day

• Economy / Compact: £20–40/day

• Intermediate: £30–50/day

• SUV / Crossover: £45–80/day

• Premium: £70–120/day

• 7-Seater / Minivan: £80–140/day

What Affects the Price

• Booking window: Booking 3–4 weeks in advance can save 20–30%

• Season: Summer, school holidays, and long weekends drive prices up

• Pickup location: On-airport rentals cost more than off-airport options

• Transmission: Automatics typically cost 20–40% more than manuals

• Extras: Insurance, additional drivers, and one-way fees add to the total

Airport Pickup and Return Process

Picking up your car:

1. Land and clear immigration, then collect your baggage.

2. Follow “Car Rental” signs from Arrivals to the rental desks.

3. South Terminal: Take the lift to Level 0 (Lower Forecourt).

4. North Terminal: Walk towards the rental area near the terminal exit (past Jubilee House).

5. Present your driving licence, booking confirmation, and credit card at the desk.

6. Review and sign the rental agreement. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required depending on your licence.

7. Inspect the car for any existing damage and take photos before driving away. 

Returning your car:

• Follow signs for “Car Rental Return” as you approach the airport

• Park in your provider’s designated area

• Return the keys at the desk or use the key drop box if outside opening hours

Most on-airport providers allow 24/7 returns, even when counters are closed.

Driving and Access from the Airport

Gatwick connects directly to the M23 motorway, making it an easy starting point for trips across South East England. Head north to reach the M25 (London’s orbital motorway) in around 10–15 minutes, or take the A23 south towards Brighton.

• Central London is about 45 km (28 miles) away and typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic

• Brighton is around 48 km (30 miles) south, with a drive time of about 45 minutes

• Dover and the Channel ports are roughly 130–145 km (80–90 miles) east, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours

Driving in the UK follows a few key rules to keep in mind:

• Traffic drives on the left-hand side

• Roundabouts are common — give way to traffic already on the roundabout

• Speed limits are in miles per hour (mph):

• 30 mph in towns and built-up areas

• 60 mph on single carriageways

• 70 mph on motorways

Parking and Local Driving Notes

Short-stay parking at Gatwick is suitable for quick pick-ups and drop-offs. For longer stays, long-stay car parks offer lower daily rates and operate regular shuttle services to the terminals.

Charges to Be Aware Of

• ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone): £12.50/day for non-compliant vehicles. The zone covers all of Greater London. Most rental cars from major providers meet ULEZ standards, but it’s worth confirming at pickup.

• Congestion Charge: £15/day for driving in central London. Applies Monday–Friday (07:00–18:00) and weekends (12:00–18:00). Payment must be made by the driver.

Practical Tip

If your plans are focused on central London, it is often easier to take the Gatwick Express (or another train service) into the city and rent a car only when leaving London. This avoids congestion charges, parking costs, and city traffic.

Best Day Trips from Gatwick by Car

A rental car from Gatwick Airport gives you quick access to some of the best places in South East England. Here are six easy and rewarding day trips:

Brighton | 30 miles | ~45 minutes

A lively seaside city known for its mix of classic and modern attractions. Visit the Royal Pavilion, wander through the independent shops in the Lanes, and stroll along the long pebble beach and pier. The coastal drive via the A23 is straightforward and scenic in parts.

South Downs National Park | 20 miles | ~30 minutes

Rolling chalk hills, open countryside, and quiet villages define this national park. Popular for walking, cycling, and viewpoints like Devil’s Dyke. Best explored by car, as public transport connections between villages are limited.

Hever Castle (Kent) | 15 miles | ~30 minutes

The childhood home of Anne Boleyn, this well-preserved castle is set around a lake and surrounded by landscaped gardens. Seasonal events and exhibitions make it a good half-day trip, especially in spring and summer.

Royal Tunbridge Wells | 20 miles | ~35 minutes

A historic spa town known for its elegant Georgian architecture. The Pantiles, a colonnaded walkway lined with cafés and shops, is the highlight. Easy to combine with nearby countryside drives.

Canterbury | 75 miles | ~1.5 hours

A historic city centred around Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Expect cobbled streets, medieval buildings, and a lively student atmosphere. A car makes it easier to explore nearby coastal towns in Kent as well.

Dover and the White Cliffs | 80-90 miles | ~1.5 hours

Famous for its dramatic white chalk cliffs overlooking the English Channel. Visit Dover Castle for panoramic views and history. This route also leads to ferry crossings and the Channel Tunnel for onward travel to Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the cheapest car rental at Gatwick Airport?

The cheapest rentals are usually mini or small cars. Prices typically start from £15–25/day in off-peak months when booked in advance, while most economy rentals fall in the £25–50/day range. Off-airport providers are often cheaper than on-airport desks, but require a short shuttle transfer.

2. Which terminal has car rental at Gatwick?

Both the North and South Terminals have car rental desks located near the arrivals area. A free shuttle connects the two terminals in about two minutes, so you can access any provider regardless of where you land.

3. Do I need a credit card to hire a car at Gatwick?

Yes, most rental companies require a credit card in the driver’s name to hold the security deposit. Some providers accept debit cards, but this often comes with higher deposits or additional conditions.

4. Is it cheaper to book car hire in advance at Gatwick?

Yes. Booking 2–4 weeks in advance usually gives lower prices and better availability. Last-minute bookings, especially in summer, are more expensive and offer fewer vehicle options.

5. Can I return my rental car outside office hours at Gatwick?

Yes, most providers allow 24-hour returns. You can park in the designated area and leave the keys in a secure drop box if the desk is closed.

6. Are one-way rentals available from Gatwick Airport?

Yes, most major rental companies offer one-way rentals to other UK locations. A one-way fee usually applies, and the cost varies depending on the route and availability.

7. Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car at Gatwick?

An IDP is required if your driving licence is not in English or uses a non-Latin script. If your licence is in English, it is usually accepted for short-term visits.

8. Is there a shuttle between Gatwick’s North and South terminals?

Yes, a free shuttle train runs 24 hours a day between the terminals and takes about two minutes.