London Gatwick Airport Car Hire - Compare Local Deals

Gatwick Airport Car Hire with 1st UK Car Rentals

Compare Gatwick Airport car hire with 1st UK Car Rentals and choose a vehicle for your plans in London, Sussex and the South East. Gatwick is close to the M23 and has road links towards the M25, Brighton and other regional destinations. If your first days are in central London, compare public transport and parking before deciding whether to collect a car at the airport or later in your trip.

1st UK Car Rentals has more than 30 years of experience in the car rental industry. Compare live supplier offers with no hidden fees, free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup on eligible bookings, and CDW included as stated in the selected offer. Our Price Match Promise and supplier ratings are shown with the relevant offer. Supplier ratings are based on feedback provided by the rental suppliers; a 4.8/5 supplier rating is shown where applicable. Check the selected offer and supplier terms for the deposit, excess, fuel policy and cancellation deadline. Prices marked “from” are live rates and can change with dates, vehicle availability and rental length.

Where to collect your hire car at Gatwick Airport

Gatwick has North and South terminals, and on-airport rental desks are available at both. The airport’s current directions place the South Terminal desks on the lower forecourt (Level 0) and direct arriving passengers towards car rental from Arrivals. At the North Terminal, follow the car rental signs towards Jubilee House and the lower forecourt. Allow time to reach the desk and confirm the exact meeting point and collection process with your supplier.

Desk locations and pickup arrangements can change, and individual suppliers may have different instructions. Check your confirmation and the official Gatwick car hire directions before travelling. Confirm which terminal your flight uses; airlines can change terminals.

Before leaving the rental counter

• Bring the driving licence, identification, payment card and any other documents listed in your supplier’s terms.
• If you hold a UK driving licence, check whether the supplier requests a DVLA check code using the GOV.UK driving licence service.
• Confirm the deposit and ensure the main driver’s payment card has enough available funds for the security hold.
• Check the fuel type, fuel policy, mileage allowance, roadside assistance contact and return directions.
• Photograph existing marks, wheels, glass, mileage and fuel level. Ask the supplier to record any damage that is not already listed.

Returning your car at Gatwick Airport

Follow the rental supplier’s return instructions and the road signs for the correct terminal’s car rental return. Gatwick advises customers to use the operator’s directions because the return location can vary by supplier. Do not navigate only to passenger drop-off. Once the vehicle has been returned, allow time to reach the correct terminal and check in for your flight.

Some on-airport providers offer after-hours returns, but the process is supplier-specific. Confirm whether it applies to your booking, where to park and how to return the key. Remove your belongings, photograph the vehicle and fuel or battery level, and keep a record of the handover.

Should you rent at Gatwick or in London?

Airport collection can be convenient if you are heading straight to Brighton, the South Downs, Surrey or another destination outside central London. If you plan to spend time in central London first, compare the cost of public transport with rental days, parking and road charges.

Before driving into London, check whether your route and vehicle are affected by the Congestion Charge or ULEZ. Use current information from Transport for London and ask your supplier for the registration if needed. For one-way rentals, select your intended return point in the search and review any additional fee in the quoted total.

Choosing a car for your trip from Gatwick

Match the vehicle category to the number of passengers, luggage, route and parking needs. Rental suppliers usually guarantee a category rather than a specific make or model.

• Economy or compact car: Often a practical option for one or two people and easier parking.
• Family car or estate: Consider for extra luggage or longer journeys around the South East.
• SUV: Offers extra space and a higher seating position; check the listing if four-wheel drive matters.
• Automatic: Filter for automatic transmission and confirm it appears on the selected offer. Availability varies by date.
• People carrier: Check passenger and luggage capacity, vehicle height and driver eligibility.
• Electric vehicle: Check range, charging connector, route chargers and return battery requirements before booking.

Compare the total for your dates and review the conditions. “From” prices are live rates that can change with demand, availability, rental length and supplier.

Driving from Gatwick Airport

The airport connects to the M23, with routes towards the M25 and the wider South East. Follow signs for the appropriate terminal and check live directions before departure. Traffic, roadworks and weather can affect journey times, so allow a buffer when travelling to a flight or timed attraction.

Driving into London

Some journeys into London may involve the Congestion Charge or ULEZ. Applicability depends on the route, time, vehicle and current rules. Check Transport for London’s driving guidance before entering a charge area and confirm the vehicle registration with your supplier if needed.

Useful UK driving guidance

• Drive on the left and take care at roundabouts, junctions and airport exits.
• Follow posted speed limits and motorway signs, including variable limits.
• Read lane markings and signs early, especially at motorway junctions.
• Country roads may be narrow and winding. Reduce speed and look out for cyclists, walkers and animals.
• Check whether your route includes a toll and how your supplier processes tolls or administration charges.
• Do not drink and drive. Alcohol can affect driving even below the legal limit.

For current rules, see the GOV.UK speed limit guidance and the Highway Code.

Fuel and electric charging

Follow the fuel policy stated in your rental agreement. If you need to return the car full, refuel before returning it and keep the receipt if requested. Check the label inside the fuel flap before filling and contact the supplier if you are unsure about the fuel type.

Check a current map for a fuel station that fits your route and opening time. For an electric vehicle, plan stops ahead and confirm charger availability, payment methods and the supplier’s battery-return requirement.

Insurance, deposits and rental documents

CDW is included in selected offers as displayed, but it may leave an excess payable if the car is damaged or stolen. Exclusions and conditions apply. Review the supplier’s cover, excess, deposit and optional products before booking; the supplier confirms the final agreement at pickup.

Check age limits, licence-holding period, additional-driver rules, payment-card requirements and fees in the selected offer. A physical card in the main driver’s name may be needed for a security deposit. International drivers should confirm whether their licence is accepted and whether an International Driving Permit or translation is required.

Ask the supplier in advance if you plan to take the vehicle outside Great Britain. Any permission, extra cover, documents, restrictions or charges should be confirmed in writing.

Places to visit from Gatwick

Gatwick provides a starting point for exploring Sussex, Surrey, Kent and the South Coast. Check local parking and access details before you travel.

• Brighton: Head south towards the coast; check city-centre parking before arrival.
• South Downs: Explore countryside routes and villages, allowing for narrower roads and seasonal visitor traffic.
• Surrey: Travel north-west for towns, countryside and attractions across the county.
• Kent: Plan a longer trip east and check the route, parking and any road charges before setting off.

Gatwick Airport car hire FAQs

Where are the car hire desks at Gatwick?

Rental desks are available at both terminals. Gatwick’s current directions place the South Terminal desks on Level 0 and direct North Terminal customers towards Jubilee House. Check the airport’s car hire page and your supplier’s confirmation for the latest route.

Can I collect at one terminal and return at the other?

Follow the terminal and return location shown on your supplier’s booking. Do not assume a different-terminal return is permitted; ask the supplier before changing the drop-off point.

What happens if my flight is delayed?

Include your flight number if requested and contact the supplier when you know your arrival has changed. Late collection arrangements and desk hours vary by provider.

Can I book an automatic car?

Yes, subject to availability for your dates. Filter for automatic transmission and confirm it is shown in the selected offer. A particular model is not guaranteed unless expressly stated.

Can I return my car after the desk closes?

Some Gatwick providers accept after-hours returns, but you must follow the instructions for your supplier and booking. Confirm the parking area, key return and responsibility handover before travel.

What should I check before booking?

Review the cancellation deadline, included cover, excess, deposit, fuel policy, mileage, driver requirements, terminal, pickup instructions and return location in the supplier’s terms.