Car Hire at Gatwick Airport

Hiring a car can seem like a daunting task; with so many things to consider and understand, it's not surprising that so many of us find it a mind-boggling experience the first few times we do it! This is why we bring you the ultimate guide to hiring a car at Gatwick Airport, be it for your onward journey from the airport or otherwise.

We'll discuss the age requirements, which documents you'll need to provide and the added extras you'll need to consider, as well as the providers that are available from Gatwick.

Discover

Travel to places not always accessible by public transport

Something new

Try a different car to what you're used to driving

Convenience

Travel when you want to

Why hire a car?

Hiring a car is a great way to transport you and your belongings to your final destination and is often far simpler than relying on public transport. If you are an international visitor, you may also find hiring a car means you are more mobile meaning you can really make the most of what the local area has to offer.

There are six car hire providers offering a range of vehicles at competitive prices on-site at Gatwick Airport. To get the best deals and discounts you should book your car hire before you get to the airport.

The car rental providers at Gatwick Airport can be found on both North and South terminals, depending on if you are picking up or returning a vehicle, but we'll go into this in more detail below.

*Calls to this number will cost up to 7p per minute plus your phone company's network access charge.

Car Hire Excess Insurance

When hiring a car abroad, you know that you'll be libable for that car. For instance, if it were to get stolen or damaged, you'll need to pay the rental company when you're returning the car to them. However, with buying car hire excess insurance, you'll be protected from the extra cost as you can claim that money back should an accident occur. Majority of the car hire companies will add some form of insurance but it might not always include excess insurance or all the costs. So make sure to check different provider's policies when booking your car hire!

Map of Gatwick Car Hire Locations

All of the car hire providers can be found at the South Terminal, with an additional Hertz branch at the North terminal. If you arrive at the North Terminal, simply use the free shuttle service to reach them.

Important information you need before you rent a car:

Car Hire at Gatwick Airport - documents needed
Car Hire at Gatwick Airport - airport surcharge
Car Hire at Gatwick Airport - under 25's
Car Hire at Gatwick Airport - insurance

And of course, a few handy tips!

  • Reserve your spot ASAP - By getting an early booking, you are ensuring that you get a cheap rate so you'll be saving money. Be sure to have a look at our car hire gadget above to compare the prices.
  • Scan the car for damage - As soon as you get your vehicle, you want to examine the car for any body damage or body paint issues. If you do find any issues, you should take pictures of them so that they can't be charged extra.
  • Be aware of age restrictions - A lot of the car hire companies will have a young person's surcharge so we recommend you check the prices for that if you are someone young.

Compare the Car Hire providers at Gatwick Airport

Europcar Gatwick Airport

On Airport
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Europcar are the winner of the “World's leading leisure car hire company” (World Travel Awards) and aim to provide their customers at Gatwick Airport with the highest quality, recent car hire models. Europcar provide up to 25% discount when you pay online.
Minimum Age:
To rent a car, you usually need to be at least 21 and have held a licence for a year, but this can vary by country. If you're under 26, a Young Driver Surcharge may apply. For that, you'd need to check country-specific terms.
Additional Driver:
Depending on the vehicle type, you can add an additional driver for a fee.
Disabled Drivers:
They provide VW Caddy Maxis and VW Crafters which have been equipped for the needs of those with disabilities. Please contact the team on 0371 384 3408 to arrange.

Sixt Gatwick Airport

On Airport
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Book your rental from Sixt anywhere in, any time using by downloading their App. from your SmartPhone. Sixt specialise in top rentals at low prices.
Minimum Age:
SIXT makes car rental easy for drivers under 25, with great rates and a 15% student discount through Student Beans. No longer a student? You can still choose from a wide range of vehicles at competitive prices.
Additional Driver:
Add an additional driver can be added for a nominal fee
Disabled Drivers:
With at least 72hrs notice, Hand Controls can be fitted to the vehicle. Please call the team on +44 20 7018 8246* to arrange

Hertz Gatwick Airport

On Airport
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Hertz aim to be the most customer-focused vehicle rental company on the market. They are the largest car rental company in the world and have been providing rental vehicles for over 80 years.
Minimum Age:
The minimum age to rent a Hertz vehicle in the UK varies by car type, starting at 25, with some available from 21 for a daily surcharge of £47, while higher-end models require a minimum age of 27, 28, 30, or 35.
Additional Driver:
You can add an additional driver for £18 a day.
Disabled Drivers:
Hertz can provide handed controls, accelerators and wheelchair friendly vehicles. Please call the team on 01895439111 to pre-book, giving at least 48hrs notice*

Avis Gatwick Airport

On Airport
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Avis aim to provide you with the best and most comfortable vehicles available. Avis have locations across the UK. You can collect your car from the Avis branch at Heathrow Airport and return the car to any one of the UK locations.
Minimum Age:
21; Drivers aged under 25 will be charged an additional Young Drivers Surcharge
Additional Driver:
It's easy to add an extra driver to an Avis rental—just choose your vehicle, select the "extra driver" option when booking, and you can add as many drivers as needed for coverage on your trip.
Disabled Drivers:
Avis provide their disabled drivers with a range of optional extras to assist with their rental, given they have 48hrs notice. Please call their reservations team on 0844 824 3900. to book

Budget Gatwick Airport

On Airport
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Budget is one of the largest car rental brands in the world offering a range of vehicles at Gatwick Airport for value for money. Whatever your car rental needs...Budget will deliver.
Minimum Age:
23; Young Drivers Surcharge of £32.50 is applicable to those under 25
Additional Driver:
In the UK, adding an extra driver costs £13.99 per day, including VAT. If the additional driver is under 25, they’ll also have to pay a Young Driver Charge. Fees can vary by country, so it’s a good idea to check when booking.
Disabled Drivers:
Hand controls can be fitted to the car. Simply call 0844 824 3900 to arrange.

Enterprise Gatwick Airport

On Airport
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Enterprise provides low rate rentals and successful customer service. Enterprise has been voted number one in customer satisfaction eleven times in a national survey of car rental brands
Minimum Age:
Drivers must be at least 25 years old to rent a vehicle. However, those under 25 may be interested in the Enterprise Car Club, which is available to drivers aged 19 and over who have held a full driving licence for at least 12 months
Additional Driver:
Any additional driver must meet all renter requirements. They can be added to the rental agreement by visiting any rental location with the primary renter and presenting their driving licence. A daily surcharge applies.
Disabled Drivers:
Hand controls can be fitted to the car, free of charge. You can also nominate a surrogate driver if you cannot drive and take advantage of the Specially Adapted Vehicle hire. Simply call 0800 633 5665 to arrange.