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- Car hire at London Gatwick Airport
- Gatwick Airport car hire pick up location
- Gatwick Airport car hire return location
- One way car hire from Gatwick Airport
- Things to do near Gatwick Airport
- Best car hire deals at Gatwick Airport
- Car hire types at Gatwick Airport
- All about Gatwick Airport (LGW)
- Tips for car hire at Gatwick Airport London
- FAQs
Book the cheapest car hire at London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Enjoy a smooth start to your UK journey by hiring a cheap car rental at London Gatwick Airport (LGW) through us. As one of the busiest airports in the United Kingdom, Gatwick serves as a convenient gateway to Central London, Brighton, Surrey and other popular destinations across South East England.
With us, you get all-inclusive, transparent car rental prices from leading international and local companies in one place and reserve your ideal vehicle within minutes.
Whether you arrive at Gatwick North Terminal or South Terminal, most suppliers offer easy access to on-airport rental desks, making vehicle pickup and drop-off quick and convenient.
From compact economy cars ideal for exploring Central London and nearby towns like Crawley and Horley to spacious SUVs and family vans perfect for road trips to Windsor, Oxford and the scenic South Downs, you can choose from a wide range of vehicles to suit your travel need and budget.
Our easy-to-use booking platform allows you to compare prices, inclusions, fuel policies and optional extras in real time, helping you secure the best value deal without hidden charges.
Where to pick up the car hire at Gatwick Airport (LGW)?
Travellers booking a vehicle at LGW Airport can choose between on-airport and off-airport pickup locations, depending on the supplier and rental deal selected. Major brands operate through the Gatwick Airport car rental centre.
Car rental center at Gatwick Airport South Terminal
Passengers arriving at Gatwick South Terminal can follow the “Car Rental” signs from the Arrivals Hall to reach the rental desks located near the terminal forecourt (take the lift to the Upper Forecourt and proceed to Level 0).
Several well-known suppliers, including Enterprise, National, Alamo and Hertz, offer direct terminal pickup from this area, making it convenient to collect your vehicle within minutes of landing.
Car rental center at Gatwick Airport North Terminal
If you arrive at Gatwick North Terminal, simply follow the airport signs for “Car Rental” and “Jubilee House” to locate the supplier desks on the lower forecourt area.
Companies such as Dollar, Avis, Budget, Europcar and Hertz operate from this terminal and offer quick access to rental vehicles.
Off-airport car hire pick up at Gatwick Airport
Some off-airport suppliers like Green Motion, Drivalia and Easirent provide shuttle transfers to nearby off-site branches. Free shuttle buses generally operate frequently from designated pickup points outside the North and South Terminals. Clear airport signage and supplier instructions make the pickup process simple for both terminals.
Where is the Gatwick Airport car hire return location?
Navigating the car rental return at London Gatwick Airport is mostly about knowing which terminal your provider uses (North or South).
Gatwick Airport car hire North Terminal returns
If your rental provider is based at the North Terminal, your destination is Furlong Way.
- As you head toward the airport from the M23, exit at Junction 9 and stick to the lanes signed for the North Terminal.
- Once you pass the main airport roundabout, follow the signs specifically marked "Car Hire" or "Car Hire Returns".
- These signs will guide you directly onto Furlong Way. Once you enter this zone, you will see dedicated lanes and bays clearly branded for each major supplier (like Avis, Hertz or Enterprise). Simply pull into your provider's lane, where a staff member will usually be waiting to scan the car in.
- If you are renting from an operator like SIXT, their return area is located right next to the Sofitel Hotel. Follow the signs for the Sofitel/Hotel drop-off.
Gatwick Airport car hire South Terminal returns
For South Terminal providers, the return bays are located right on the Lower Forecourt (Level 0), directly underneath the terminal infrastructure.
- Take Junction 9 off the M23, but drive toward the lanes marked for the South Terminal.
- As you are near the terminal, ignore the standard passenger drop-off lanes. Instead, look for the roadside signs pointing toward "Car Hire Returns" or the "South Ring Road".
- Follow the ramp down to the ground level (Level 0). You will see a dedicated, covered parking area with clearly marked lanes for each rental company. Park in your provider's designated bay to hand over the keys.
If your Gatwick Airport car hire drop-off location is at the North Terminal and your flight leaves from the South Terminal or vice-versa, just head inside and follow the signs for the inter-terminal shuttle. It is a completely free, 24-hour automated people mover that zips between the two terminals in about two minutes.
Off-Airport car hire return
If you booked with an off-airport supplier such as Green Motion, Drivalia, Easirent or Gatwick Car & Van Rental, you will need to return the vehicle to the supplier’s nearby branch rather than directly at the terminal.
Most off-site providers are located in areas like Horley, Hookwood or Crawley and offer free shuttle transfers back to Gatwick Airport after drop-off.
Your Rental Confirmation Voucher includes the exact address, return instructions and shuttle details to help make the process smooth and hassle-free.
One way car hire from Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Booking a one way car hire from Gatwick Airport is a convenient option if you plan to explore different parts of the UK without returning to the airport. Many suppliers allow renters to pick up their vehicle at LGW and drop it off at another city, airport or train hub, making long-distance travel more flexible and time-saving.
Some of the popular routes booked by our customers include:
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Car hire from Gatwick Airport to London
You can reach Central London in around 1.5 to 2 hours, covering nearly 45 miles via the M23 motorway.
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Car hire from Gatwick Airport to Brighton
It is another preferred route for leisure travellers, located about 28 miles from LGW and reachable in roughly 40 to 50 minutes.
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Car hire from Gatwick Airport to Windsor & Legoland
It is another popular 50-mile journey that takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
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Car hire from Gatwick Airport to Heathrow Airport
Business travellers frequently book one-way rentals from Gatwick to Heathrow Airport, a journey of approximately 45 miles that usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
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Other popular drop-off locations from Gatwick Airport
Include Manchester (230 miles, around 4.5 hours), Birmingham (150 miles, nearly 3 hours) and Edinburgh (439 miles, around 7.5 hours) for extended UK road trips.
Cross border car hire from Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Some suppliers let you pick up your car hire from LGW Airport and drive to other countries like Scotland or Wales.
Routes such as Gatwick to Cardiff (around 170 miles, approx. 3.5 hours) and Gatwick to Glasgow (nearly 430 miles, approx. 7.5 hours) are commonly booked for longer vacations and business trips.
Before travelling across borders within the UK, renters should confirm mileage policies, insurance coverage and regional driving restrictions with the supplier. International cross-border travel from Gatwick into a few EU countries may also be available with selected suppliers, though prior approval and additional documentation are required.
Things to do near Gatwick Airport
The city of Gatwick offers a big list of attractions that you can easily cover in your London Gatwick Airport rental car. Given below are a few suggestions that you must cover
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Nymans
- Around 16 Km from the airport, it has a variety of flora and awe-inspiring views. It is basically a garden which was developed by Messel family in the later part of the 19th century. Since 1953, it is a National Trust property.
- Nymans Gardens is 12 km from Gatwick Airport (LGW) and the cheapest way to accomplish this trip is by using a rental car as it just takes 13 min.
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Hever Castle
- Around 27 km from the airport, this beautiful historic castle offers a peek into history and mesmerizes the visitors with its impressive gardens. It was built in the 13th Century and at one time in the history it was the residence of Anne Boleyn – the Queen consort of King Henry VIII.
- Hever Castle is 19 km from Gatwick Airport (LGW) and the most economical way to cover this trip is to drive as it just takes 31 min.
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The Hawth
- If theatre, music, comedy, dance, films, and exhibitions are your type of things, Hawth is just your perfect destination! Sprawled over an area of about 38 acres, it is located 7 km from Gatwick airport.
- The Hawth theater is 5 km from Gatwick Airport (LGW) and by using a rental car you can reach the theater in just 8 minutes. It also saves a lot of money when compared to other options like taxis, town cars and buses.
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Gatwick Aviation Museum
- If aviation history fascinates you, the Gatwick Aviation Museum is just the right place for you to visit. Here you can see for yourself the British Aircrafts that were manufactured by the biggest brands like English Electric, Avro, Fairey, and Blackburn.
- The Gatwick theater is 4 km from Gatwick Airport and in a rental car, the destination can be reached in just 6 minutes.
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Lingfield Park Racecourse
- Established in the year 1890 in the beautiful countryside, Lingfield Park Racecourse is the place where Derby Trial occurs. National Hunt racing, All Weather racing or Flat racing on the turf, here you can witness them all.
- Lingfield Park Racecourse is 11 km from the Gatwick airport, and in a rental car, you can reach destination in just 17 minutes.
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Leeds Castle
- 70 kilometers from the Gatwick airport, Leeds Castle is a must-visit. A tour of this 900 years old castle insides and gardens is a great way to make some great vacation moments. And if you are a Golfer, there is another reason to visit – it has UK’s most unique golf courses.
- The cheapest way to reach Leeds Castle from Gatwick airport is to drive and the drive usually takes 48 min.
Best car hire deals at Gatwick Airport (LGW)
You can find a wide range of car hire deals on our platform for every type of journey, whether it’s a short city break, a business trip or an extended UK road trip. With suppliers operating from both the North and South Terminals, you can compare affordable deals on economy cars, SUVs, luxury vehicles and family vans based on your travel plans and budget.
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Short term car rental deals
Short term rentals are especially popular among passengers travelling to nearby destinations such as Brighton, Crawley and Central London. Many visitors prefer 24-hour car hire deals at Gatwick Airport for quick business meetings, overnight stays or same-day coastal trips. Compact and fuel-efficient cars are commonly booked for these shorter journeys due to easy parking and lower fuel costs.
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Weekly car rental deals
Weekly car rental deals are a preferred option for families and tourists planning longer holidays across England, Scotland or Wales. Routes from Gatwick to destinations like the Cotswolds, Cornwall, Manchester and Edinburgh are frequently chosen by travellers looking for flexibility and comfort during multi-city trips. SUVs and spacious family vehicles are often in high demand for these journeys, especially during summer and school holiday seasons.
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Long term car hire deals
Long term rentals at Gatwick Airport are a practical choice for travellers planning extended stays, work assignments or temporary relocations in the UK. Monthly rentals often come with lower daily rates, flexible mileage options and a wider vehicle selection. Many customers prefer long-term rentals for convenient travel between London, Brighton, Crawley and other nearby destinations without relying on public transport.
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Last-minute car hire deals
For travellers booking close to their travel date, last-minute deals can still provide competitive prices and flexible pickup options. However, booking early is usually recommended for better vehicle availability and cheaper rates, particularly during weekends, holidays and peak travel months.
Types of car rentals at Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Whether you are visiting London, exploring the South Coast, or heading into the countryside, we provide a wide selection of rental vehicles at LGW Airport to suit different travel needs and budgets.
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Economy/compact cars
Economy car rentals at Gatwick Airport are one of the most popular categories among solo travelers and couples. Vehicles like Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa, Volkswagen Polo and Toyota Yaris are fuel-efficient, affordable and easy to park.
These vehicles are ideal for city breaks in London, short trips to nearby towns such as Crawley and Brighton. Their compact size makes it easy to drive on narrow streets or areas with tight parking zones.
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Standard & intermediate cars
This category gives additional comfort and a larger space, which is important for a long journey outside Crawley. Models like Volkswagen Passat, Skoda Octavia, Toyota Corolla and Ford Mondeo are a great option for trips to London, Canterbury or Oxford. Booking any car from this category gives you a perfect balance of performance, fuel expenses and passenger seats.
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SUVs
SUV rentals like Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, and Volkswagen Tiguan provide extra room, higher driving positions and greater versatility.
These cars are a great choice if you are exploring destinations such as South Downs National Park, the scenic coastline around Brighton or longer road trips through the English countryside. Their larger cargo areas are useful for carrying luggage, outdoor gear or shopping purchases.
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Minivans & passenger vans
For larger groups of 7 to 12 passengers, minivans and vans like Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle, Mercedes-Benz V-Class and Ford Galaxy offer generous seating and storage space.
These vehicles are ideal for airport transfers, family holidays, group tours or visits to attractions such as Warner Bros. Studio Tour London-The Making of Harry Potter and Legoland Windsor Resort.
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Luxury cars
Book a luxury car rental at Gatwick Airport if you are looking for a premium driving experience. You can choose from a variety of exotic models such as the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6 and Range Rover Evoque.
This category is especially popular for executive travel, special occasions and business meetings in London's financial districts. They also provide a comfortable way to explore upscale destinations such as Windsor and the countryside estates of Southern England.
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Convertibles
If you are visiting during the warmer months, convertibles offer an enjoyable way to experience the region's scenic roads. Popular examples include the Mini Convertible, BMW 4 Series Convertible, Audi A5 Cabriolet and Mazda MX-5.
Convertible rentals at LGW are particularly popular for coastal drives between Gatwick and Brighton, exploring the picturesque villages of the South Downs National Park or enjoying weekend road trips through Kent and Sussex.
Gatwick Airport: Overview
| Address: | Horley, Gatwick RH6 0NP, United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| IATA Code: | LGW |
Located in West Sussex near the town of Horley, London Gatwick Airport (LGW) is one of the United Kingdom’s busiest international airports and a major gateway for travellers arriving in South East England.
Situated around 30 miles south of Central London, Gatwick offers convenient access to destinations such as Brighton, Crawley, Surrey, and the South Coast through direct motorway and rail connections.
Operational since 1933, the airport serves hundreds of domestic and international routes across Europe, the Middle East, North America and Asia.
Gatwick Airport has two active passenger terminals: North Terminal and South Terminal, connected by a free shuttle train that operates regularly throughout the day. Both terminals are well-equipped with modern traveller facilities, including:
- Duty-free shopping
- Premium & work-friendly lounge areas
- Restaurants & cafés
- Currency exchange counters
- ATMs
- Baggage services
- Baby changing rooms & prayer areas
- Free Wi-Fi access
- Children’s play zones
VIP Cars' tips for car hire at Gatwick Airport (LGW)
- If you are travelling to coastal destinations like Brighton or navigating busy London streets, compact cars are often easier to drive and park.
- Drivers entering Central London should be aware of the congestion charge and Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
- Take photos of the car rental from all angles during pickup before driving away.
- If you have selected an off-airport supplier, it may require shuttle transfers to nearby branches in Horley or Crawley, so plan extra time before your onward journey or return flight.
- Always confirm whether your supplier operates from the North Terminal, South Terminal or an off-airport location.
- Some cheaper Gatwick Airport car rental deals may include limited mileage. Travellers planning long-distance journeys to cities such as Edinburgh or Glasgow should look for unlimited mileage options.
- Child seats and GPS navigation systems can sell out quickly during school holidays. Pre-booking these extras online is better than arranging them at the rental desk.
- International visitors should remember that driving in the UK is on the left-hand side of the road. Speed limits are posted in miles per hour and many roads near London and Gatwick are monitored by speed cameras.
- Drivers heading east toward Essex or Kent may use routes such as the Dartford Crossing, which requires online payment after use. Confirm toll payment procedures with your supplier before travel.
- If you are looking for a car rental at Gatwick Airport with low deposit, use the "Security Deposit" filter on our platform to quickly find rental deals that don't require less security deposit. This makes it easier to compare available options and choose a vehicle that fits your budget and travel plans.
