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How to Rent a Car: What You Need at the Desk
To rent a car, bring a valid licence held over 1 year, a photo ID and a card in the main driver's name. Here is each step from booking to return.
Oct 27, 20267 min read
Driving in the United Kingdom
- Currency
- GBP
- Driving side
- Left-hand traffic
- Speed limits
- 30 / 60 / 70 mph
- Alcohol limit
- 0.8 ‰
- Motorway tolls
- tolls on some motorways
- Rental locations
- 29
- Rental offices
- 411
- Rental companies
- 17
Renting and documents
An EU or EEA licence is accepted as it is.
Rules of the road
Speed limits are 30 mph in towns, 60 mph on open roads and 70 mph on motorways. The alcohol limit is 0.8 ‰.
Tolls and winter tyres
Some motorways charge at the barrier, others are free. Winter tyres are not compulsory.
Compare car rental in the United Kingdom
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Popular searches in the United Kingdom
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Top cities in the United Kingdom
Airports in the United Kingdom
Rental companies in the United Kingdom
Offices come from open map data — not every one can be booked through our search.
Enterprise
- Offices
- 76
Europcar
- Offices
- 38
Sixt
- Offices
- 33
Hertz
- Offices
- 29
Avis
- Offices
- 28
Budget
- Offices
- 18
Thrifty
- Offices
- 16
Green Motion
- Offices
- 11
Alamo
- Offices
- 9
Arnold Clark
- Offices
- 8
National
- Offices
- 7
Drivalia
- Offices
- 5
Dollar
- Offices
- 4
Goldcar
- Offices
- 1
Frequently asked questions
United Kingdom: which side of the road do they drive on?
On the left. If you are used to the right, allow yourself a little time at the start — junctions and roundabouts catch people out, not the straight roads.
Which currency will I be charged in?
Prices are usually set in GBP. The rental company sets both the price and the deposit, and shows them before you book.
Can I drive the car into another country?
Sometimes, but only if the rental company allows it, and it often costs extra. Check the terms before you book.
Do I need an International Driving Permit?
An EU or EEA licence is enough.
What are the speed limits in United Kingdom?
30 mph in towns, 60 mph on open roads, 70 mph on motorways.
Are the motorways tolled?
Some motorways charge at the barrier, others are free.
Travel guides to read before you book
Best Road Trip Routes in Europe With a Rental Car
Four road trips by rental car: the North Coast 500 (516 miles), Wild Atlantic Way (2,500 km), Ring Road (1,322 km), Romantic Road (460 km per its association).
Nov 2, 20267 min read
Coastal routesNC500 Route: Planning the North Coast 500 by Rental Car
The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile loop from and back to Inverness. VisitScotland says most visitors take 5 to 7 days; parts are single-track roads.
Nov 2, 20266 min read
Road rules and tollsCountries That Drive on the Left, and How to Adapt
Four European countries drive on the left: the UK, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus. Here is what changes in a right-hand-drive rental, from roundabouts to passing.
Oct 27, 20268 min read
Who covers the carDoes My Car Insurance Cover Rental Cars?
Does my car insurance cover rental cars? Often at home, if the policy says so. One Visa Infinite benefit lasts 15 days at home and 31 abroad. Read terms.
Oct 27, 20267 min read
Age and documentsHow Old Do You Have to Be to Rent a Car?
The standard EU car licence age is 18, but many rental companies set a higher minimum and charge drivers under 25 extra. Here is how the two rules fit.
Oct 27, 20268 min read