Car Hire United Kingdom

Compare all the major suppliers in one place to find the best rates for car hire in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with Auto Europe. Australia's experts in car hire, you can relax on your holiday knowing that Auto Europe can take care of all your car hire needs. Save on your UK car hire and get a quote online today!

Book With the Top Car Hire Suppliers in the United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, Auto Europe works with the top, trusted suppliers in the car hire industry including Avis, Europcar, Hertz and Enterprise. We have over 60 years of experience in the car hire business and have established unique relationships with these suppliers that allow us to offer our clients with rates you won't find anywhere else. Regardless of whether you are in need of a luxury car hire or a spacious van hire, we have the ideal car hire for you. Use our booking engine to compare rates from our top suppliers and take the next step in planning your holiday today.

FAQs About Hiring a Car in the United Kingdom

Can I hire a car with a debit card in the United Kingdom?

Auto Europe knows that not all travellers have a credit card. So, Auto Europe works with a selection of suppliers that allow drivers to hire a car without a credit card. For more information on which car hire suppliers offer this option, contact us toll-free and 24/7 at 1300-656-601.

Can I use third party insurance for my car hire in the United Kingdom?

Major credit card companies, such as Visa, MasterCard, Discover and AMEX, offer car hire insurance plans and can be used as third party car hire insurance in the United Kingdom. These plans will vary depending on the credit card and respective credit card provider, so compare plans to determine what coverage is available and best suited for your travel plans.

Can I cancel my car hire reservation in the United Kingdom?

Yes, you can cancel your car hire reservation in the United Kingdom. Auto Europe even offers free cancellations, if the cancellation is made 48 hours before your pick-up time.

Driving in the United Kingdom

Compared with some of the distances between Australian cities, most towns and cities in the UK are very accessible by car and just a short drive away from each other. You can drive the entire length of the island between John o'Groats and Land's End in 1350km if desired. If not, there is much to be seen and experienced in between! Immerse yourself in the steaming Roman Spa in Bath, savour some local Cornish ice cream and if you're feeling brave, have a paddle in the Atlantic ocean.

Further north, there are many major cities all relatively close. Music lovers can head to the home of the Beatles and walk down Penny Lane in Liverpool, or dance away in the popular nightclubs in Newcastle. Cruise up to Scotland, see if you can spot the Loch Ness monster and perhaps enjoy a round of golf in St Andrews, the oldest course in the world. With so much to see and do, don't forget to scope out some of the remarkable royal residences and historic castles on the way.

Country Essentials

Like Australia, driving in the UK is on the left-hand side of the road. Stick to the left-hand lane unless you are ready to overtake. Residential and built-up areas have a typical speed limit of 30mph (48km/hr). Speed limits are well signposted if it deviates from the norm, for example, school zones or two-lane roads. On the motorways, the maximum speed limit is 70mph (112km/hr) and many motorways now operate average speed cameras. Beware of large trucks as they are limited to 60mph (96km/hr). For additional information, we encourage our clients to refer to our specialised UK Driving Information page.

Standard Inclusions

All of our hire bookings include Value Added Tax (VAT) and third-party liability insurance. You can also have peace of mind with 24-hour emergency roadside assistance and 24/7 phone support.

Licence Requirements

Australians are allowed to drive on a valid, full (no probationary licences) licence issued from an Australian state or territory, for up to 12 months from entry in to the United Kingdom.

Tolls and Freeways

The M6 motorway which runs north-south in central England is the only toll road. There are many toll bridges and tunnels which can be paid for with cash. Prices vary and can have peak and off-peak rates so it is best to plan ahead to avoid any surprises. Central London and Durham operate a congestion charge zone, and if you are driving around Central London 7am-6pm during the week, expect to budget about £10 each day.

Fleet Guide

You can find details and compare all the great cars available for hire in Ireland by checking out our fleet guide. Please note that not all cars are available at all locations.

Border Crossings

Driving between England, Scotland and Wales is permitted and there are no customs or border checkpoints between these countries. If you plan to take your car hire to Northern Ireland, Ireland, or continental Europe you will need to check that the supplier permits their vehicles to be transported by ferry.

Useful Distances

• London to Cardiff - 243km (approx. 2hr 40mins)
• London to Edinburgh - 652km (approx. 7hr)
• Bath to Cornwall - 260km (approx. 2hr 45mins)
• Manchester to Sheffield - 62km (approx. 1hr 15mins)
• Newcastle to York - 144km (approx. 1hr 45mins)

Car Hire in the United Kingdom with Auto Europe

Book your car hire in the UK with Auto Europe over our safe, reliable and secure online booking system. Auto Europe also offers convenient motorhome hire booking in the UK. Our exceptional customer service and Beat Rate Guarantee assure the best savings and quality of service on your car hire. For more information, read our Car Rental FAQ page, read our Terms and Conditions, or Contact Us.

UK Driving Inspiration

To make your UK self-drive adventure that little bit easier we have a range of resources to assist! You can download Auto Europe's UK Travel & Driving Guide for free which provide useful information and touring ideas to create your own holiday itinerary or for the latest and greatest UK events and itineraries check out our blog.

Additional Transportation Services in the United Kingdom

Allow Auto Europe to provide you with the ideal mode of transportation for your travel in the United Kingdom. While we are known for our guaranteed best rates on car hires, we additionally offer travel options such as luxury, motorhome, van hires and more. Whether you are planning on a lengthy road-trip or are simply in need of alternate transportation during your time in town, use our booking engine to compare rates and save on your ideal vehicle hire with Auto Europe today!

Luxury Car Hire United Kingdom -  Those looking for a stylish, comfortable and premium travel experience in the United Kingdom should look no further than a luxury car hire. With available models such as Mercedes, Audi, Porsche, Maserati and more, you can compare rates with ease and choose the perfect vehicle for your plans. Continue planning your trip to the United Kingdom today and learn more about our luxury hire rates.

Van Hire United Kingdom -  Don't let a large travel party or heavy luggage slow down your travel plans. Auto Europe offers fantastic rates on small, medium and large van hires well-equipped to accommodate nearly any travel party. Compare our rates, different capacities, detailed specs and more to find the ideal van hire for your travel.

United Kingdom Motorhome Hire -  For an unforgettable travel experience, consider a motorhome or RV hire in the United Kingdom. In a motorhome, travellers can venture off the beaten path and become truly immersed in everything the United Kingdom has to offer. Learn more about popular locations to pitch and compare our rates on motorhome hires.