UK Car Hire for Overseas Visitors - Rent a Car in the UK
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Planning a trip to the United Kingdom from overseas? Booking a rental car can give you the freedom to explore Britain at your own pace.
Whether you are travelling from the USA, Canada, Australia, Europe, Asia or elsewhere in the world, UK car hire can make it easier to travel between cities, airports, tourist attractions and some of Britain's most beautiful countryside.
At 1st UK Car Rentals, you can search and compare UK rental cars at airports and locations across England, Scotland and Wales. Whether you need a compact car for a city break, a family car for a holiday, an SUV for a longer journey or an automatic vehicle, you can find a car suitable for your travel plans.
Book your UK car hire online before you travel and arrange a convenient collection location to help you start your journey.
Why Hire a Car in the UK?
The United Kingdom has world-famous cities, historic attractions, national parks, beautiful countryside and coastal destinations spread across the country.
Public transport can be useful when travelling between some major cities, but a self-drive car hire in the UK gives you greater flexibility to travel beyond the main tourist routes.
With a rental car, you can:
- Travel at your own pace
- Visit several destinations during one holiday
- Explore towns and villages outside major cities
- Reach rural areas more easily
- Carry luggage conveniently
- Choose a vehicle suitable for your group
- Start your journey directly from a UK airport
- Plan your own UK road trip itinerary
Why Book Your UK Car Hire Before Travelling?
Arranging your rental car before you leave home can make planning your UK trip easier.
Booking in advance gives you time to compare available vehicles and choose an option suitable for the number of passengers, luggage and destinations included in your itinerary.
When comparing cheap car hire in the UK, remember to look beyond the headline price. Consider the vehicle type, rental conditions, mileage, insurance options, fuel policy and collection location.
Why Overseas Visitors Choose 1st UK Car Rentals
Compare UK Car Hire Options
Compare available rental vehicles and choose an option suitable for your journey, whether you need a compact car, family vehicle, automatic car, SUV or larger vehicle.
Convenient UK Airport Locations
Find airport car hire in the UK at major arrival locations, making it easier to organise your onward travel after landing.
Vehicles for Different Types of Trips
Whether you are visiting Britain for a city break, family holiday, business trip or extended UK road trip, you can search for a vehicle suitable for your journey.
Book Before You Travel
Arrange your UK car hire before leaving home and have your transport plans organised before arriving in Britain.
Explore Britain at Your Own Pace
A rental car gives you the flexibility to travel beyond the major cities and discover more of England, Scotland and Wales.
Car Hire at the Top UK Airports for International Travellers
Many overseas visitors arrive in the UK through one of the country's major international airports. Collecting a rental car at the airport can be a convenient way to begin your journey.
London Heathrow Airport Car Hire
London Heathrow Airport is a major arrival airport for international visitors travelling to Britain.
Booking London Heathrow Airport can be a convenient option for travellers planning to explore London, southern England and destinations further across the UK.
Popular destinations from Heathrow include London, Windsor, Oxford, Bath and the Cotswolds.
London Gatwick Airport Car Hire
London Gatwick Airport is another important arrival airport for international visitors.
With London Gatwick Airport, travellers can collect a vehicle and continue their journey towards London, the south coast and other destinations across southern England.
Popular destinations include London, Brighton, the South Coast and the Cotswolds.
Manchester Airport Car Hire
Manchester Airport is an important arrival point for visitors travelling to northern England.
Booking Manchester Airport can be a convenient choice for travellers exploring Manchester, Liverpool, the Peak District and the Lake District.
Popular journeys include Manchester to the Peak District, Manchester to Liverpool, Manchester to the Lake District, Yorkshire and North Wales.
Explore the UK's Most Popular Tourist Destinations
A rental car can make it easier to combine major cities with countryside, coastal destinations and smaller towns.
Car Hire in London
London is one of the world's most famous cities and a major destination for international visitors.
A rental car can become particularly useful when you are ready to explore beyond central London.
Popular destinations from London include Oxford, Windsor, Cambridge, Bath, Stonehenge and the Cotswolds.
Car Hire in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is one of the UK's most popular destinations for international travellers.
A rental car can also make it easier to explore beyond the city towards the Scottish Highlands, Loch Lomond, Stirling, St Andrews and Glasgow.
Car Hire in Manchester
Manchester is a popular destination for visitors exploring northern England.
With a rental car, Manchester can become the starting point for a wider UK road trip towards the Peak District, Liverpool, the Lake District, Yorkshire and North Wales.
Car Hire in Liverpool
Liverpool is internationally known for its musical heritage, waterfront, football and cultural attractions.
With a rental car, visitors can continue towards destinations such as North Wales, Manchester, Chester and the Lake District.
First Time Driving in the UK?
If you are visiting Britain from overseas, driving in the UK may be different from what you are used to.
The most important thing to remember is that traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road.
Important Things to Remember When Driving in the UK
- Drive on the left-hand side of the road.
- The driver's seat is normally on the right-hand side.
- Speed limits are shown in miles per hour.
- Roundabouts are common.
- Seat belts must be worn.
- Mobile phone use while driving is heavily restricted.
- Parking rules vary between towns and cities.
- Some areas have toll roads or charging schemes.
Manual vs Automatic Car Hire in the UK
Many overseas visitors are more familiar with automatic vehicles.
If you normally drive an automatic car, choosing an automatic rental vehicle in the UK may make your journey more comfortable, particularly when you are also adapting to driving on the left-hand side of the road.
Popular UK Road Trips for Overseas Visitors
One of the biggest advantages of hiring a car is the opportunity to explore more than one destination.
London to the Cotswolds
Travel from London into the countryside of the Cotswolds, known for picturesque villages and traditional English scenery.
Manchester to the Lake District
Manchester can be an excellent starting point for visitors travelling towards the Lake District.
Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands
Explore Scotland beyond Edinburgh and travel towards some of the country's most famous landscapes.
London to Oxford and Bath
A popular route for international visitors interested in British history, architecture and heritage.
Manchester to the Peak District
The Peak District is a popular destination for visitors who want to combine a major UK city with countryside and outdoor attractions.
UK Car Hire Checklist for Overseas Visitors
Before travelling to the United Kingdom, consider the following:
- Check your driving licence.
- Check whether you need an International Driving Permit.
- Make sure you have the required identification.
- Check the minimum driver age.
- Review payment card requirements.
- Check insurance and excess options.
- Choose between manual or automatic.
- Check the fuel policy.
- Review mileage allowances.
- Check collection and return locations.
- Familiarise yourself with UK driving rules.
- Check for congestion or clean-air charging schemes.
Choosing the Right Rental Car for Your UK Trip
The best rental car depends on the number of people travelling, the amount of luggage you have and where you plan to drive.
Economy and Compact Car Hire
Ideal for solo travellers and couples and often easier to park in busy towns and cities.
Family Car Hire
Suitable for families travelling with additional passengers and luggage.
SUV Car Hire
Suitable for travellers wanting additional space and comfort.
7-Seater Car Hire
Suitable for larger families and groups travelling together.
When Is Hiring a Car the Best Option?
A rental car can be particularly useful for travellers who want flexibility.
Car hire can be suitable when:
- Travelling as a family
- Carrying several pieces of luggage
- Visiting multiple destinations
- Exploring rural areas
- Planning a UK road trip
- Travelling beyond major cities
Plan Your UK Trip by Region
The United Kingdom offers very different travel experiences depending on where you visit.
Explore England
Popular destinations include London, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, the Lake District, the Cotswolds, the Peak District, Cornwall and Yorkshire.
Explore Scotland
Popular destinations include Edinburgh, Glasgow, the Scottish Highlands, Loch Lomond and St Andrews.
Explore Wales
Popular destinations include Cardiff, North Wales, Snowdonia / Eryri and Pembrokeshire.
Start Your UK Road Trip from the Airport
For many overseas visitors, collecting a car at the airport is a convenient way to start a UK holiday.
Popular routes include Heathrow Airport to London, Heathrow Airport to Oxford, Heathrow Airport to Windsor, Heathrow Airport to the Cotswolds, Gatwick Airport to Brighton, Manchester Airport to Liverpool, Manchester Airport to the Peak District, Manchester Airport to the Lake District and Edinburgh Airport to the Scottish Highlands.
What Should You Consider Before Booking UK Car Hire?
Number of Passengers
Make sure the vehicle has enough space for everyone travelling.
Luggage
Think about the number and size of suitcases you will have.
Manual or Automatic
Choose a transmission type you are comfortable driving.
Collection Location
Airport collection may be convenient for international visitors arriving by air.
Your Travel Route
Consider whether you will mainly be driving in cities, travelling between destinations or exploring rural areas.
Visiting the UK from Overseas
Visitors from different countries may have different driving experiences and licence requirements.
Visiting the UK from the USA
American visitors should remember that traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road in the UK.
Visiting the UK from Canada
Canadian visitors should check the requirements of their chosen rental supplier.
Visiting the UK from Australia
Australian visitors are already familiar with driving on the left-hand side of the road.
Visiting the UK from Europe
Visitors from European countries should check the requirements for their specific driving licence and rental supplier before booking.
Discover More Than the Major UK Cities
A rental car gives you the opportunity to explore destinations beyond the main tourist cities.
Consider visiting the Cotswolds, the Lake District, the Peak District, the Scottish Highlands, North Wales, Yorkshire, Cornwall and the Northumberland coast.
Frequently Asked Questions About UK Car Hire for Overseas Visitors
Can overseas visitors rent a car in the UK?
Many overseas visitors can rent a car in the UK, provided they meet the rental supplier's requirements.
Can Americans rent a car in the UK?
American visitors can generally rent a car if they meet the requirements of the rental supplier.
Can tourists drive in the UK?
Tourists may be able to drive in the UK depending on their driving licence and individual circumstances.
Do you drive on the left in the UK?
Yes. Traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road.
Do overseas visitors need an International Driving Permit?
Requirements can vary depending on where your driving licence was issued.
Is it difficult to drive in the UK?
This depends on your driving experience and where you are travelling.
Are automatic rental cars available in the UK?
Yes. Automatic cars are available at many UK locations.
What is the best airport for car hire in the UK?
This depends on your travel plans. Heathrow and Gatwick can be convenient for southern England, while Manchester can be useful for northern England.
Can I collect a rental car at a UK airport?
Many major UK airports offer car hire facilities.
Can I return my rental car to a different UK location?
Some rental options may allow one-way rentals. Check the specific terms before booking.
Are there toll roads in the UK?
Some roads, bridges and crossings may have charges.
Are there congestion charges in the UK?
Some cities and areas operate congestion, clean-air or other road charging schemes.
Is parking difficult in UK cities?
Parking can be limited and expensive in busy city centres.
Should I book my UK car hire before travelling?
Booking in advance can give you more time to compare available vehicles and organise your travel plans.
Book UK Car Hire for Your Overseas Trip
Whether you are arriving at London Heathrow Airport, London Gatwick Airport or Manchester Airport, visiting London, Edinburgh, Manchester or Liverpool, or planning a longer journey around Britain, a rental car can give you the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Compare UK car hire for overseas visitors and choose a vehicle suitable for your journey.
From compact cars and family vehicles to automatic cars, SUVs and larger rental vehicles, you can arrange your transport before arriving and start exploring the United Kingdom your way.
Find Your UK Rental Car Today
Compare UK car hire options, choose a vehicle suitable for your journey and book online before you travel.
Your UK journey starts here.