Car hire Heathrow Airport.

Hiring a car at Heathrow

Heathrow is the busiest airport in the UK and the biggest car hire hub in London. All the major suppliers are on-site: Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, Sixt, Alamo and Europcar. Because the airport handles over 84 million passengers a year, there is real competition on price, which works in your favour if you compare before you travel.

Enter your dates and times in the search above, and we check rates across our supplier network so you can see what is actually available and at what price.

Which terminal do car hire desks serve?

Heathrow has four passenger terminals, and car hire availability depends on where you land:

• Terminal 2 (The Queen’s Terminal): Car hire desks are in the arrivals area near the main exit. After paperwork, most operators run a free shuttle to their vehicle compound. Shuttle stops are typically at bus stops 7 and 8 outside arrivals.
• Terminal 3: Car hire desks are close to the arrivals hall and exit. Some operators have desks inside the terminal near baggage claim. Shuttle stops are typically at bus stops 17 and 18.
• Terminal 4: Car hire desks are near the arrivals area. Shuttle stops are around bus stops 21 to 23.
• Terminal 5: The largest terminal. Car hire desks are in the arrivals hall. Shuttle stops are typically at bus stops 26 and 27.

Each terminal has rental company desks in arrivals, but most operators’ actual vehicle collection points are off-site along the Northern Perimeter Road. Free shuttle buses run from every terminal. If your supplier is based at a different terminal to the one you arrive at, the Heathrow Express is free for travel between Heathrow Central (Terminals 2 and 3) and Terminal 5. For Terminal 4, take the free shuttle bus from Heathrow Central. Check your booking confirmation for the exact pickup location before you travel.

Driving from Heathrow

Heathrow sits right next to the M4 and M25, giving you easy access to London, the M4 corridor (Reading, Bristol, Wales), and the wider motorway network. Some common routes and rough driving times:

• Central London: 45 to 75 minutes via the M4 and A4, depending on traffic. The Congestion Charge zone starts around Hyde Park Corner. See our London car rental guide for details on congestion charge, ULEZ and parking.
• Windsor: 15 to 20 minutes via the M25. Windsor Castle, Legoland and the Great Park are all within easy reach.
• Reading and the M4 corridor: 30 to 45 minutes west on the M4. A common route for business travellers heading to the Thames Valley tech corridor.
• Oxford: 50 to 70 minutes via the M40. Take the M25 north from Heathrow, then join the M40 at junction 16.
• Gatwick Airport: 45 to 60 minutes via the M25 clockwise. If you are doing a one-way rental between airports, book early as same-supplier one-way is usually cheaper.

Traffic around Heathrow and on the M25 can be heavy at rush hour (7am to 9:30am and 4pm to 7pm). The M25 around Heathrow is among the busiest parts of the UK motorway network. Plan your departure time to avoid peak if you can.

Why book through Cars 4 Rental?

We are not a rental company with our own fleet. We are a comparison and booking service. That means we search across trusted suppliers to find you the best Heathrow rate for the car you actually want. Instead of checking Enterprise, Hertz, Avis and Sixt individually, you enter your details once and compare them side by side.

Every booking comes with:

• Insurance included as standard: collision damage waiver, theft protection and third-party liability
• Free cancellation up to 48 hours before your pickup time
• No hidden fees. Local taxes, airport surcharge, road fee and premium location fee are all in the price you see
• Limited mileage included on most bookings. Check the terms during booking for the specific allowance

Optional extras like sat nav, baby seats or additional drivers can be added during booking. European cover is available if you are planning to drive to France or further.

Heathrow car hire FAQ

How much does it cost to hire a car at Heathrow?

A compact car booked a couple of weeks in advance at Heathrow typically starts from around £30 to £45 per day. Airport pickups carry a premium location fee, so city centre branches are sometimes cheaper. Run a search above to see live rates for your dates.

What documents do I need to hire a car at Heathrow?

You need your driving licence, a credit or debit card in the main driver’s name, and your passport if you are arriving from outside the UK. EU and international licences are accepted by most suppliers, but some may require an International Driving Permit. See our car rental guide for the full document checklist.

Can I return the car to a different terminal or airport?

Yes. One-way rentals between Heathrow terminals are usually free if it is the same supplier. One-way rentals to a different airport (for example Heathrow to Gatwick, or Heathrow to Manchester) usually carry a fee that varies by distance and supplier. Tick “Return to a different location” in the search form to compare options.

Is the Congestion Charge included in my rental?

No. The Congestion Charge and ULEZ are separate from your car hire cost. You are responsible for paying them on the days you drive in the charging zones. Most rental cars are ULEZ-compliant, but always check with the supplier. Our London car rental guide explains how each charge works.

Can I drive my hire car to Europe from Heathrow?

Yes, European cover can be added during booking. Most suppliers allow you to take the car to France, Belgium, the Netherlands and other nearby countries. Always confirm the countries covered by the policy before you travel. You will also need to carry your passport, driving licence and the car’s V5 registration document (the supplier provides this).

What is the minimum age to hire a car at Heathrow?

Drivers must be 21 or over. Drivers aged 21 to 25 usually pay a young driver surcharge. The exact amount varies by supplier. Some suppliers also have an upper age limit. Check the terms when booking.

Written by Sunny for Cars 4 Rental. Last updated August 2026.