Compare car hire at London City Airport with major providers, pickup tips, driving rules and when renting in central London makes sense.
London City Airport (LCY) is the closest airport to central London, located in the Docklands area just a few miles from Canary Wharf and the City. It’s a compact business-focused airport where car hire is available on-site, but renting here is very different from most other airports.
For many visitors, hiring a car at London City only makes sense if you plan to leave London quickly. Driving within central London involves congestion charges, restricted parking, and heavy traffic — so the real value of renting here is for heading out towards Essex, Kent, or further into southern England.
Flights from Ireland
There are regular direct flights from Dublin to London City Airport, primarily operated by Aer Lingus and British Airways. Flight times are around 1 hour 20 minutes, making this one of the fastest UK routes from Ireland.
Due to the airport’s central location, total travel time into London can be significantly shorter than flying into larger airports like Heathrow or Gatwick.
Car hire companies at London City Airport
Car hire facilities are located directly opposite the terminal building in a small dedicated rental area. After exiting arrivals, it’s just a short walk across the forecourt to reach the rental desks and car park.
- Hertz – Main on-site provider with desks just outside the terminal and vehicles in the adjacent car park
- Avis / Budget – Shared facility located in the same rental zone opposite arrivals
- Europcar – Desk close to the terminal with vehicles parked nearby
- Enterprise – Operates from an airport location with cars available in the same area
Unlike larger London airports, there is no shuttle system — everything is contained within a very small footprint.
Pickup process at London City Airport
Collection at London City is quick, but the surrounding road network is one of the busiest in the UK, so preparation matters more than the pickup itself.
After landing, you’ll walk straight out of the terminal and across to the car hire area. Once paperwork is complete, your vehicle will be parked just outside in the adjacent lot. Because space is limited, cars are often tightly arranged, so it’s worth taking a moment to check the vehicle carefully before pulling out.
The bigger challenge comes immediately after leaving. The airport sits within a dense urban road system, with multiple junctions, bus lanes, and restricted turns. Setting your navigation before starting the engine is strongly recommended, as stopping nearby to adjust routes can be difficult.
Returns follow the same process in reverse, but you’ll need to allow extra time for London traffic, particularly during weekday peak hours.
When car hire makes sense from London City
Unlike most airports, renting a car here is not always the best option — especially if your stay is focused on central London.
Car hire is most useful if you plan to:
- Drive directly out of London towards Essex, Kent, or the southeast coast
- Visit locations not easily reached by train
- Continue a longer UK road trip immediately after arrival
If you are staying in central London, public transport from the airport (DLR and Underground connections) is usually faster and easier than driving.
Choosing the right car for London driving
If you do plan to drive from London City Airport, vehicle choice should prioritise ease of handling rather than size or power.
- Small economy cars – Best suited for London roads, tight parking spaces, and congestion zones
- Compact cars – A practical option if leaving London shortly after arrival
- Family cars – More comfortable for longer trips outside the city, but less convenient in urban areas
- Automatic vehicles – Popular for city driving due to stop-start traffic
- Premium cars – Common for business travel, though not always practical for central London use
Parking space and road width in London can be restrictive, so smaller vehicles are usually the easiest to manage.
Driving from London City Airport
The airport connects directly to the A1020 and A13, providing access to both central London and routes heading east.
- Canary Wharf – around 10–15 minutes
- Central London (West End) – around 30–50 minutes depending on traffic
- M25 motorway – around 40–60 minutes
- Southend-on-Sea – around 1 hour via A13
Traffic conditions can vary significantly, with peak congestion during weekday mornings and evenings.
Congestion charges, parking and driving rules
Driving in London comes with additional rules and costs that are important to understand before renting.
- Congestion Charge applies in central London zones on weekdays
- ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) covers a large part of Greater London
- Bus lanes and restricted turns are heavily enforced with cameras
- Parking is limited and often expensive in central areas
Most rental vehicles meet ULEZ requirements, but congestion charges still apply depending on your route.
Official information
FAQs – Car hire London City Airport
Is car hire available directly at London City Airport?
Yes, rental desks and vehicles are located directly opposite the terminal building.
Do I need a shuttle to collect my car?
No, the car hire area is just a short walk across from arrivals.
Is it worth renting a car in central London?
Usually only if you plan to leave London quickly. Public transport is often easier within the city.
Are there congestion charges in London?
Yes, central London has a Congestion Charge and a large ULEZ zone.
How long does it take to drive into central London?
Typically 30–50 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, and they are commonly chosen for city driving.
Is parking easy near central London?
No, parking can be limited and expensive in central areas.
Can I drive directly onto the motorway from the airport?
Yes, routes connect to the A13 and onwards to the M25.
What documents are required to rent a car?
A valid driving licence, passport or ID, and a credit card in the main driver’s name are typically required.
Can I return the car outside office hours?
Yes, most providers offer out-of-hours return with key drop facilities.
