Compare cheap car hire at London Gatwick Airport with practical advice on rental desk locations, vehicles, driving routes and seasonal prices.
London Gatwick Airport (LGW) is the second-busiest airport in the United Kingdom and sits around 45km south of central London. The airport has two terminals — North and South — and serves as a major hub for flights across Europe.
Many travellers collect a rental car at Gatwick to explore destinations outside London, including the South Downs, the Sussex coastline and historic cities across southern England.
Direct Flights from Ireland
London Gatwick has frequent direct flights from Ireland throughout the year.
- Dublin → London Gatwick (Aer Lingus, Ryanair)
- Cork → London Gatwick (Ryanair)
- Belfast → London Gatwick (easyJet)
Flights from Dublin to Gatwick typically take about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Where to Collect Your Rental Car
Car hire desks at Gatwick Airport are located in the Car Rental Centre inside the South Terminal. Travellers arriving at the North Terminal can take the free inter-terminal shuttle train to reach the South Terminal in a few minutes.
After completing the rental paperwork, vehicles are collected from the Car Rental parking area adjacent to the terminal complex. The collection areas are clearly signposted from the terminal buildings.
Airport facilities and maps can be found on the official London Gatwick Airport website.
Car Hire Companies at Gatwick Airport
Several international rental companies operate at Gatwick Airport.
- Hertz
- Avis
- Budget
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Enterprise / Alamo / National
Vehicles are usually collected from the airport’s dedicated car rental parking areas close to the terminals.
Typical Rental Prices at Gatwick Airport
| Season | Economy Car | Family / Compact | SUV / Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| January – March | £25 – £45 per day | £45 – £75 per day | £75 – £130 per day |
| April – June | £30 – £60 per day | £60 – £95 per day | £95 – £160 per day |
| July – August | £40 – £85 per day | £85 – £140 per day | £140 – £220 per day |
| September – October | £30 – £65 per day | £65 – £110 per day | £110 – £180 per day |
| November – December | £25 – £50 per day | £50 – £85 per day | £85 – £150 per day |
Vehicles Often Rented at Gatwick
Compact Cars
Compact hatchbacks are popular for short city visits and trips between towns in southern England.
Family Cars
Larger vehicles such as estate cars are ideal for travellers exploring several destinations or travelling with luggage.
SUVs
SUVs offer additional comfort for longer drives through rural areas or national parks.
Driving from Gatwick Airport
The airport connects directly to the motorway network via the M23 motorway.
- Central London – about 1 hour 15 minutes
- Brighton – around 40 minutes
- Canterbury – roughly 1 hour 45 minutes
- Oxford – about 2 hours
The M23 links Gatwick with the M25 London orbital motorway, providing connections across the wider region.
Travellers flying into London sometimes compare rental options at other nearby airports including Heathrow Airport, Stansted Airport and Luton Airport.
Driving Advice in the UK
In the United Kingdom vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road. Motorways are well maintained and signposted.
Most UK motorways are toll-free, although some bridges and tunnels charge a fee.
More visitor information can be found on the official VisitBritain tourism website.
Places to Visit by Car from Gatwick
Hiring a car at Gatwick Airport allows visitors to easily explore southern England.
- Brighton – seaside city with a historic pier and vibrant cultural scene
- Canterbury – historic cathedral city in Kent
- South Downs National Park – rolling countryside and scenic villages
- Oxford – famous university city
Many travellers combine several of these destinations during a road trip across southern England.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the car hire desks at Gatwick Airport?
The rental counters are located in the Car Rental Centre in the South Terminal.
Which companies operate car hire at Gatwick Airport?
Major suppliers include Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Budget, Sixt and Enterprise.
How far is Gatwick Airport from central London?
The airport is about 45km south of central London.
Is driving in the UK easy for visitors?
Yes, although drivers must remember that traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road.
Do UK motorways charge tolls?
Most motorways are toll-free, although some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
Do I need a credit card to hire a car at Gatwick Airport?
Most rental companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name for the security deposit.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, although manual vehicles remain more common in the UK.
Should I book Gatwick Airport car hire in advance?
Booking ahead usually provides better prices and vehicle availability.
How long does it take to drive from Gatwick Airport to Brighton?
The journey typically takes around 40 minutes depending on traffic.
What motorway connects Gatwick Airport to London?
The M23 motorway connects Gatwick Airport with the M25 and the wider motorway network.
