Compare car hire near London Southend Airport including rental companies, prices, vehicle types and driving tips for Essex and London.
London Southend Airport serves the Essex coast and parts of east London. Renting a car here allows travellers to explore seaside towns, nearby countryside and destinations across southern England.
The airport is located around 3 km from Southend-on-Sea and roughly 65 km from central London. Travellers planning to explore more destinations across Britain can also compare options for renting a car across the United Kingdom.
Passenger information and airport services are available on the official London Southend Airport website.
Where the Car Hire Desks Are Located
Car rental desks at Southend Airport are typically located inside the terminal building near the arrivals area. Vehicles are collected from the airport car park located just outside the terminal.
The airport connects directly to the A127 road, which provides a direct route between Southend and London.
Driving rules and safety information are published in the UK Highway Code.
Car Hire Companies at Southend Airport
Several well-known car rental providers operate in the Southend area.
- Hertz – London Southend Airport Terminal, Southend-on-Sea SS2 6YF, United Kingdom
- Avis – Southend Airport Rental Desk, Southend-on-Sea
- Budget – Airport Terminal Car Hire Desk
- Europcar – Southend Airport Vehicle Rental Office
- Enterprise – Southend Airport Car Hire Area
Travellers arriving in the region sometimes compare vehicle availability at other nearby London airports such as Stansted Airport car rental or Luton Airport vehicle hire.
Popular Cars to Rent at Southend Airport
The type of vehicle travellers choose often depends on whether they plan to stay locally around Essex or drive further across England.
Economy Cars for Local Driving
Small hatchbacks are commonly rented because they are economical and easy to drive in towns and cities.
- Ford Fiesta
- Volkswagen Polo
- Vauxhall Corsa
- Toyota Yaris
These cars are ideal for short journeys between Southend, Basildon and nearby towns.
Family Cars for Regional Travel
Visitors travelling with luggage or planning longer motorway journeys often choose a larger compact car.
- Ford Focus
- Volkswagen Golf
- Skoda Octavia
- Hyundai i30
This category offers more luggage space and motorway comfort.
SUV and Premium Vehicles
SUVs and executive vehicles are also available for travellers seeking additional comfort.
- Nissan Qashqai
- BMW 3 Series
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class
These vehicles are popular for longer journeys around England.
Typical Car Hire Prices at Southend Airport
Rental prices vary depending on the time of year, vehicle type and demand.
| Season | Economy Car | Family Car | Premium Car |
|---|---|---|---|
| January – March | £20 – £35 | £40 – £65 | £90 – £150 |
| April – June | £25 – £45 | £50 – £80 | £120 – £200 |
| July – August | £40 – £70 | £80 – £120 | £180 – £280 |
| September – October | £30 – £55 | £60 – £95 | £140 – £220 |
| November – December | £22 – £40 | £45 – £75 | £110 – £170 |
Driving from Southend Airport
Southend Airport connects easily to several major routes used to travel across south-east England.
- A127 – main road linking Southend with London
- A13 – route connecting Essex with East London
- M25 – London orbital motorway
Travellers touring the south of England sometimes continue toward airports such as Gatwick Airport car hire or explore the Midlands via Birmingham Airport rental cars.
Popular Day Trips from Southend
Hiring a car makes it easy to explore several destinations across Essex and southeast England.
- Southend Pier – famous seaside attraction close to the airport.
- Canterbury – historic cathedral city about 1 hour 30 minutes away.
- Cambridge – university city around 90 minutes from Southend.
Security Deposits and Payment
Most car rental companies require a deposit when collecting a vehicle.
- Typical deposit range: £200 – £1,000 depending on vehicle category
- Credit card normally required for the security deposit
- Deposit is released after the vehicle is returned without damage
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easy to rent a car at Southend Airport?
Yes. Several car rental companies operate desks inside the terminal building.
How far is Southend Airport from London?
The airport is located about 65 kilometres from central London.
Which car hire companies operate at Southend Airport?
Companies such as Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar and Enterprise operate rental services in the area.
Do I need a credit card to hire a car?
Most rental companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name for the deposit.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, although manual vehicles are still common in the UK.
What side of the road do you drive on in the UK?
Drivers travel on the left-hand side of the road.
Is unlimited mileage included?
Many rental deals include unlimited mileage depending on the supplier.
What is the minimum age to rent a car?
Most car hire companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.
Are there toll roads near Southend?
Most roads are toll-free, although some bridges and tunnels around London may charge a fee.
Should I book Southend Airport car hire in advance?
Booking early usually provides better prices and ensures vehicle availability.
