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Airports, cities and stations

Car Hire Comparison in the UK

One search across the big names and local specialists - at every major UK airport, city and station, and abroad.

  • Free cancellation on most bookings
  • Secure booking with trusted partners
  • 24/7 support on a UK number

Compare trusted brands

  • Hertz
  • Avis
  • Europcar
  • Sixt
  • Enterprise
  • Alamo
  • Budget
  • National
  • Thrifty
  • Dollar

Why Cars Scanner

Less time comparing tabs, more time on the road

Free cancellation

Most rates can be cancelled or changed free of charge up to 24 hours before pick-up. The terms are shown on every offer before you pay.

Clear, complete prices

Rates typically include VAT, airport fees, third-party liability and basic damage cover. Mileage, deposit and fuel policy are listed for each car.

More choice per search

We check several booking partners at once - international brands at the terminal and trusted local firms nearby - so you see more of the market.

Help around the clock

Questions before or after you book? Call +44 20 3642 2248 any time or start a live chat - we're here 24/7.

How it works

Three steps to the keys

  1. 1

    Search

    Tell us where and when. Airports, city centres, train stations - or one-way trips between them.

  2. 2

    Compare

    Sort by price, car size, transmission, fuel policy and supplier rating. Automatic or manual, the choice is yours.

  3. 3

    Book & drive

    Pay securely, get your voucher by email and collect the car at the desk. That's it.

Fly in, drive off

Car hire at UK airports

All airports
Airport London Heathrow Airport Compare car hire Airport London Gatwick Airport Compare car hire Airport Manchester Airport Compare car hire Airport London Stansted Airport Compare car hire Airport Edinburgh Airport Compare car hire Airport Birmingham Airport Compare car hire Airport London Luton Airport Compare car hire Airport Glasgow Airport Compare car hire

City breaks & road trips

Popular UK cities

All cities
City London Compare car hire City Edinburgh Compare car hire City Manchester Compare car hire City Glasgow Compare car hire City Birmingham Compare car hire City Bristol Compare car hire City Liverpool Compare car hire City Oxford Compare car hire

Know before you go

Driving a hire car in the UK

Whether you're landing at Heathrow or picking up in Edinburgh, a few local rules are worth knowing before you set off.

30mph in built-up areas
(20 in many towns)
60mph on single carriageways
70mph on dual carriageways & motorways

  • Keep left - and think manual

    Traffic drives on the left and most UK hire cars have a manual gearbox. If you want an automatic, book early and use the transmission filter in the results.

  • London charges

    Central London has a daily Congestion Charge, and the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) covers all London boroughs. Most modern hire cars meet ULEZ standards, but the Congestion Charge is paid by the driver - online via Transport for London.

  • Clean Air Zones & tolls

    Several cities, including Birmingham and Bristol, run Clean Air Zones. Tolls are rare: the Dartford Crossing (pay online by midnight the next day) and the M6 Toll are the ones you're most likely to meet.

  • Licence, age & deposit

    Bring your full driving licence and a credit card in the main driver's name for the deposit. Most suppliers rent from age 21, with a young-driver fee under 25 - the exact terms are on each offer.

Good questions

Car hire FAQ

All questions
What do I need to pick up a hire car in the UK?

Your full driving licence, your booking voucher, and a credit card in the main driver's name with enough available credit for the deposit. Drivers with a licence not written in the Latin alphabet should also carry an International Driving Permit. Some suppliers ask for a passport or proof of address too - check the rental terms on your offer.

Can I hire an automatic car?

Yes. Automatics are widely available at UK airports and in big cities, but there are fewer of them than manual cars, so it pays to book ahead. Use the "Automatic" filter on the results page to see only automatic cars.

Is insurance included in the price?

Rates normally include third-party liability plus basic collision damage and theft cover with an excess (the amount you'd pay towards any damage). You can reduce or remove the excess with extra cover when booking or at the desk.

Can I take a UK hire car to Ireland or mainland Europe?

Often, yes - but only with the supplier's permission. Taking a UK hire car abroad needs a VE103 vehicle-on-hire certificate and usually a cross-border fee, so mention your plans when booking and check the supplier's cross-border policy.

Can I cancel or change my booking?

Most bookings can be cancelled or amended free of charge up to 24 hours before pick-up. Your confirmation email shows the exact cancellation terms and a link to manage the booking.

Ready when you are.

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