Car hire Gatwick Airport.

Hiring a car at Gatwick

Gatwick is London’s second largest airport, with two terminals: North and South. It handles around 40 to 45 million passengers a year and has a strong car hire presence from all the major suppliers: Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, Sixt, Alamo and Europcar.

Because Gatwick is a single-runway airport with lower operating costs than Heathrow, rental rates here are often cheaper. If you are flying into London and have a choice of airport, Gatwick car hire can save you money on the daily rate.

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.

North Terminal vs South Terminal pickup

Gatwick has two terminals, connected by a free automated shuttle that runs every few minutes, 24 hours a day. Car hire desks are located in both terminals:

• North Terminal: Car hire desks are in the arrivals area. Most suppliers have their vehicle collection points a short shuttle bus ride away from the terminal building.
• South Terminal: Car hire desks are in the arrivals area, near the ground floor exit. The South Terminal is also where the Gatwick Express train station is located, making it the more common arrival point for passengers travelling from central London.

The inter-terminal shuttle takes about 2 minutes. If your supplier’s desk is in the other terminal, it is a quick trip across. Check your booking confirmation for the exact pickup terminal before you travel.

Driving from Gatwick

Gatwick sits on the M23, which connects to the M25 orbital motorway about 10 miles north. From there you can reach London, the south coast, or the wider motorway network. Some common routes and rough driving times:

• Central London: 60 to 90 minutes via the M23 and M25, then into the city. The Congestion Charge and ULEZ may apply depending on your destination. See our London car rental guide for details on charges and parking.
• Brighton: 30 to 45 minutes south on the A23. Brighton is the nearest major city to Gatwick and a popular day trip or first-night stop. The drive is direct and mostly easy going.
• Crawley: 5 to 10 minutes. The nearest town to the airport, with hotels, restaurants and supermarkets if you need supplies before a longer drive.
• Heathrow 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.
• Dover and Channel crossings: 90 minutes to 2 hours via the M20 east. If you are heading to France or Belgium, plan for traffic on the M25, especially around the Dartford Crossing.

Traffic on the M23 and M25 around Gatwick can be heavy at rush hour (7am to 9:30am and 4pm to 7pm). The M25 at junction 7 where the M23 joins is a known congestion point. 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 Gatwick 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.

Things to do near Gatwick with a hire car

If you have a stopover or arrive a day early, there is plenty to see within a short drive of the airport:

• Gatwick Aviation Museum: Located in Charlwood, a stone’s throw from the airport. A collection of vintage British aircraft including a Harrier, Hunter and Shackleton.
• Hever Castle: About 25 to 30 minutes away in Kent. The childhood home of Anne Boleyn, with beautiful gardens and a lake.
• Brighton: 30 minutes south. The Pier, the Royal Pavilion, the Lanes and a pebble beach. A full day out.
• Wimbledon Common and Richmond Park: 45 minutes north on the A23 and through South London. Green space and deer herds if you need a break from driving.

For more ideas, see our guides to top sights near Gatwick, local restaurants and nearby hotels.

Gatwick car hire FAQ

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

A compact car booked a couple of weeks in advance at Gatwick typically starts from around £25 to £40 per day. Gatwick rates are often lower than Heathrow due to lower airport fees. Run a search above to see live rates for your dates.

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

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.

Which terminal has the car hire desks?

Both terminals have car hire desks in their arrivals areas. North Terminal and South Terminal are connected by a free automated shuttle that takes about 2 minutes. Check your booking confirmation for your specific supplier’s desk location.

Is the Congestion Charge included in my rental?

No. The Congestion Charge and ULEZ apply if you drive into the London charging zones, not at Gatwick itself. You are responsible for paying them on the days you drive in those 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 return the car to a different airport?

Yes. One-way rentals between Gatwick and Heathrow are common. One-way rentals to a different airport usually carry a fee that varies by distance and supplier. Tick “Return to a different location” in the search form to compare options.

Can I drive my hire car to Europe from Gatwick?

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).

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