Car hire London Luton airport

Cheap Car Hire London Luton airport

Car Hire at London Luton Airport

One of the most visited cities in the world, with around 30 million tourists visiting the UK capital every year, hiring a car in London has never been easier.

Whether you’re planning to see Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge or more iconic London sights, one of the best ways to get around is by car.

Fortunately, London Luton Airport has some of the best selections of hire cars, and given that it is on the city’s outskirts, it’s easily connected to both London and the rest of the country by road.

About Car Hire at London Luton Airport

With over 30 countries and 130 destinations across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, London Luton Airport is a popular airport for many people to fly to and from. It’s also a popular hub for budget airlines and business travellers, offering the best of both worlds.

Because of this, and to accommodate the 16.7 million passengers who used the airport in 2024, there are numerous car hire companies based in the airport, including Enterprise, Green Motion and Sixt – all of which have various types and models of vehicles in their fleets.

Car Hire Companies in London

If you prefer to hire a car in the city, then there are lots more to choose from here compared to the airport. However, while the cost may be cheaper in the city centre, it can be difficult to reach, especially during rush hour. Plus, if you arrive on a night flight, the city centre car hire company offices are likely to be shut, making hiring a car from London Luton Airport a much more convenient option.

Driving Tips in London

London can be a daunting city to drive in, so here are some essential rules and guidelines that you should know about before driving in London:

• You must drive on the left and overtake on the right. This is the opposite of most of the rest of Europe and the US.
• All passengers must wear a seatbelt when the car is in motion. The driver is held responsible and will receive a fine if caught.
• Make sure that your car insurance policy covers you for driving in London.
• Emergency vehicles have the right of way. You will need to pull over to the side of the road to let them pass.
• You can only use a mobile phone when driving when it is in hands-free mode.
• The blood alcohol limit is 0.08% – but you should never drive after consuming alcohol.
• Speed limit signs are displayed in miles per hour (mph), not kilometres per hour (km/h), which is the same as the US, but opposite to most of Europe.
• Be aware of London’s Congestion Charge when driving in the city centre. In January 2026, it is increasing to £18.00 per day (if paid on the same day) or £21.00 (if paid within three days).

Public Transport at London Luton Airport

London Luton Airport is connected to the centre of London by a good public transport network, including buses and trains. You could also take a taxi, although this will be expensive.

Once in London, there is an extensive public transport network, including buses, trams, trains and the world-famous London Underground, all of which make for a suitable and cost-effective way to travel in the city, especially if you do not wish to drive.

Best Road Trips from London

Whether you’re planning on staying in London or in Luton, there are plenty of places where you can take a fun road trip.

For those who don’t mind driving to places further afield, Cornwall can be reached in around five hours in a south-west direction, while the gorgeous Yorkshire coast with towns such as Scarborough, Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay can be reached in around the same time in a north-east direction.

Lincolnshire and Norfolk also have some of the most incredible natural scenery in the country, while the Peak District and the Lake District offer fantastic climbing opportunities and stunning scenery.

For city lovers, Manchester and Liverpool are around four hours’ drive away, while Cardiff is slightly closer, taking around three hours to reach.

Of course, London itself is full of wonders and charm, and there are plenty of places to visit and see, many of which are completely free to do so.

Consider hiring a car from London Luton Airport if you wish to have the freedom to explore some of the most beautiful areas of the UK outside of London.