Car hire in
London
Our top branches in London
Our services at London
Car hire in London
For Australian travellers visiting London, SIXT makes car hire in London simple. Pick up at London Heathrow Airport (LHR), London St. Pancras/Kings Cross Station, and Park Lane near Hyde Park. Our premium fleet features new cars from top brands, and flexible booking on the SIXT App makes pick-up and drop-off effortless.
Hiring a car in London lets you explore its famous landmarks, diverse neighbourhoods, and the beautiful English countryside at your own pace. Whether you're in town for business or making the most of your holiday, SIXT gives you the freedom to experience the city and beyond on your terms.
Reserve your car hire in London now and enjoy smooth, flexible travel.
Recommended vehicles for car hire in London
- Economy cars: Ideal for navigating city streets and busy traffic.
- SUVs: Great for day trips to the countryside, with space for passengers and luggage.
- Premium & luxury cars: Perfect for business travel, offering added comfort and style.
Add-ons & protection packages
Customise your booking with practical extras, like GPS navigation, child safety seats, additional drivers and prepaid fuelling. SIXT also offers a range of protection options, giving you the confidence to drive worry-free.
Secure your booking today for competitive pricing and premium vehicles.
Driving tips for London
Driving in London is most straightforward when you're familiar with local regulations and prepared for significant traffic in the central zones. For Australian travellers, the good news is that the UK also drives on the left - so adjusting to local conditions is one less thing to worry about!
Traffic rules in London
- The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) covers most of central London. Check whether your hire car meets the zone's emission standards to avoid an additional daily charge.
Road conditions and navigation
- Stay alert for pedestrians, cyclists, buses, and trams in London's busiest areas.
- Wet weather and fog are common and can reduce visibility and affect road conditions.
Parking in London
London has several parking designations. Familiarise yourself with the Congestion Charge zone, which applies additional fees beyond the ULEZ for driving and parking in designated central areas. Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) typically have daily restrictions, and Blue Badge zones provide accessible parking options. Public car parks are widely available across the city.
Fuelling up
UK service stations use clear labels: E5 or E10 (petrol), B7 (diesel), with signage for electric charging points.
SIXT Tip: Save time at drop-off by letting us handle refuelling and recharging with the optional refuelling/recharging service.
Tolls
Driving in central London requires payment of the Congestion Charge and, where applicable, the ULEZ fee. Beyond central London, the M6 is a toll road and several tolled bridges and tunnels exist on key routes. Always plan your route in advance, and ask the SIXT branch team at pick-up if you need advice on toll options for your journey.
Best places to visit in and around London
A SIXT hire car in London gives you convenient access to historic landmarks, cultural highlights, and scenic escapes - ideal for visitors looking to make the most of their time in the UK.
Richmond Park: Wildlife and open spaces
Richmond Park is one of London's largest Royal Parks, famous for its free-roaming deer and expansive green landscapes. A designated National Nature Reserve, the park has been central to city life since the 17th century.
- Distance from Park Lane branch: 9 miles
- Estimated driving time: 35 minutes
Kew Gardens: World-class botanic collection
Kew Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to over 50,000 living plants spread across lush grounds and spectacular glass greenhouses. Visitors can explore historic buildings, wild gardens, and seasonal exhibitions across more than 300 acres.
- Distance from St. Pancras/Kings Cross branch: 15 kilometres
- Estimated driving time: 60 minutes
Windsor Castle: Royal heritage
Windsor Castle is the world's oldest inhabited fortress and an iconic symbol of British royalty, home to the British monarchs for over 800 years. Ticketed visits are available five days a week, Thursday to Monday, with ceremonial spaces and ornate rooms to explore.
- Distance from Heathrow Airport (LHR): 21 kilometres
- Estimated driving time: 30 minutes
Surrey Hills: Scenic countryside escapes
Surrey Hills, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offers sweeping views, charming villages, and forested drives. Ancient woodlands, hiking trails, and panoramic lookouts make it one of the best ways to experience the English countryside close to London.
- Distance from Park Lane branch: 42 kilometres
- Estimated driving time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Car hire in London gives you the freedom to enjoy both the city and the surrounding areas on your own schedule. Book now to start your journey!
Customer reviews & feedback
Listen to what our customers say
*Our Customer Excitement Score is based on a survey sent to all customers who booked in London. The score is an average of all customer responses.
Good to know when renting in London
At SIXT, you can rent with a debit card in the UK. Your debit card must be in the name of the driver, be valid during the rental period, must be presented at the time of pick-up and be from a bank in your country of residence. Find out more here.
We are also always happy to offer a rental vehicle to younger drivers under 25 and include student discount to NUS card holders.
Please be aware that London operates both a congestion charge and a low emission zone within the centre. The congestion charge will not be covered by SIXT - but our friendly staff in branch can let you know how to pay. Learn more here.
Drive first class in London. Pay economy.
- London Battersea Power Station
- London Bloomsbury
- London Caledonian Road
- London Canary Wharf
- London City Airport
- London Gatwick North Terminal
- London Gatwick South Terminal
- London Hammersmith
- London Heathrow AP T2-T3
- London Heathrow AP T4
- London Heathrow AP T5
- London Knightsbridge
- London Liverpool Street
- London Luton Airport
- London Marylebone
- London Park Lane
- London Putney
- London Richmond
- London Shepherds Bush
- London St. Pancras/Kings Cross
- London Stansted Airport
- London Stratford Int. Station
- London Victoria Station
- London Wembley
- Private Airport Biggin Hill
- Private Airport Gatwick
- Private Airport Heathrow
- Private Airport Luton
- Private Airport Stansted