Finding cheap car rental options in the UK isn’t just about picking the lowest price, it's about knowing where to look, what features to consider, and how to avoid extra fees. This guide covers the real cost of car hire, how different car types and locations impact prices, and what makes one deal better than another. 

Whether you’re picking up from Gatwick or booking a small car in Croydon, you’ll find practical advice backed by current market data to help you choose the best deal with confidence.

What Counts as Cheap Car Rental? A Clear Guide to Price, Value & Car Types

Understanding what qualifies as cheap car rental means looking beyond the advertised rate. Different car types, rental durations, and value-added features all influence the final price.

Understanding the Average Price for Daily and Weekly Rentals

Rental prices vary based on demand, location, and booking time. Here's what you can generally expect:

• Daily rentals for small cars: Range from £25 to £40 per day, depending on location.
• Weekly rentals: Typically start around £150 for a compact vehicle and can exceed £300 for mid-size or premium cars.
• Peak periods: Prices tend to increase significantly during holidays, weekends, or at major transport hubs like Gatwick or Manchester Airport.

Prices also depend on whether you're picking up from a city centre or airport, with airport rentals often incurring extra charges.

Price Ranges by Car Type: Small Cars, Medium Cars, and Premium Options

The type of car you choose plays a major role in determining price:

• Small cars (e.g. Toyota Aygo, Fiat 500): Ideal for urban travel, fuel-efficient, and cheapest to rent.
• Medium cars (e.g. Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf): More space and comfort, higher daily rates than compact cars.
• Premium cars (e.g. BMW 3 Series, Audi A4): Luxury features, best for long trips or executive travel, and cost significantly more—often £70 or more per day.

What Makes a Deal “Cheap”? Comparing Rental Price vs. Value

The cheapest rental isn't always the best value. Key indicators of a cost-effective rental include:

• Inclusive features like excess cover, unlimited mileage, or free cancellation.
• Transparent pricing with no hidden extras.
• Well-reviewed companies that offer flexibility and customer support.

A car rental company offering a slightly higher daily rate with fewer add-ons could ultimately cost more than a competitor with a bundled deal.

How Car Leasing and Short-Term Rentals Compare in Cost

Short-term leasing is often cheaper for rentals longer than 10–14 days. For example:

• Short-term lease deals start at around £250/month for compact cars.
• Daily rental costs for the same duration often exceed £350–£400.

Leasing also includes extras like breakdown cover or reduced excess, making it a practical alternative for longer needs.

Where to Find the Cheapest Car Rental in the UK

Different regions in the UK offer varying levels of affordability. Locations outside central zones or busy airports often provide better pricing and availability.

Cheap Car Rental from Gatwick, Luton, and Manchester Airports

Airport-based rentals are convenient, but they come with airport surcharges. Still, some airports offer better deals:

• Manchester Airport: Known for competitive pricing and a large rental village offering easy comparison between companies.
• Luton Airport: Smaller traffic means lower base prices, especially for small cars.
• Gatwick Airport: Tends to have higher demand and limited stock, which can raise prices—booking early is key here.

Rental villages at these locations allow you to explore multiple providers within a short distance.

Affordable Options in Central London: Croydon, Clapham Junction, and Canary Wharf

Car rentals within Central London come with higher demand and congestion charges. However, prices vary between districts:

• Croydon: Often has lower base rates due to its suburban location and fewer central zone fees.
• Clapham Junction: Popular with commuters, offering flexible short-term rental options.
• Canary Wharf: Business-focused area with higher pricing, especially for premium cars.

Station Pickups: Best Value Near Liverpool Street Station and Canterbury

Rentals near train stations often cater to short-stay travellers and offer competitive rates:

• Liverpool Street Station: High turnover and multiple providers create price competition.
• Canterbury: Lower tourist traffic means reduced rental costs, especially for weekend trips.

Car Rental Village and Other Cost-Saving Locations to Know

Car rental villages can reduce costs by centralising multiple providers in one spot. Benefits include:

• Easier price comparison between providers.
• Additional services like free shuttle transfers to terminals.
• Lower facility charges compared to renting directly inside the airport terminal.

Tips to Get a Cheap Car Hire Without Hidden Costs

To truly save money, avoid falling into common traps that inflate your final bill.

Booking in Advance vs. Last-Minute Deals

Booking early usually unlocks the best rates:

• Reserving at least 14 days in advance can cut rental costs by 15–30%.
• Last-minute bookings tend to be more expensive and limited in car type availability, especially during high-demand weekends.

Avoiding Extras: Excess Insurance, Fuel Charges, and Travel Insurance

Extra fees often exceed the base rental cost if not planned for:

• Buy standalone excess insurance from third-party providers to save on in-branch add-ons.
• Always opt for a full-to-full fuel policy—prepaid fuel options are rarely economical unless travelling long distances.
• Check your existing travel insurance for car rental coverage before paying for additional packages.

When and How to Use a Credit Card for Car Rentals

Credit cards offer protection and convenience, but they also come with expectations:

• Most companies require a credit card for deposit purposes.
• Some cards offer built-in insurance, helping reduce rental company add-ons.
• Always verify credit card limits match the rental company’s deposit requirements to avoid issues at pickup.

Checking Car Hire Prices Across Multiple Car Rental Companies

Comparing offers is essential to get the best deal:

• Use platforms like Rentalcars.com or Auto Europe to view multiple providers in one place.
• Look at inclusions, cancellation policies, and mileage limits alongside base price.
• Consider local car rental companies that may offer cheaper deals compared to well-known brands.

Best Times to Book for the Cheapest Car Rental Prices

Timing affects rental cost more than most realise. Avoiding peak travel days and booking during quieter seasons can significantly reduce pricing.

Off-Peak Seasons: When Prices Drop Most

The best months to find lower rental prices include:

• January to March: Travel demand is lower post-holidays, and companies run promotions to increase bookings.
• Late autumn: Typically sees a 20–25% drop in average rental prices across major cities and airports.

Booking during these months often results in a wider choice of vehicles at lower daily rates.

Weekday vs. Weekend Rates for Small and Medium Cars

Rental prices vary based on the day of the week:

• Weekdays (especially Tuesday–Thursday) often cost less due to lower travel demand.
• Weekends tend to see spikes, particularly for family-size or medium cars.

Opting for weekday pickup and return can result in notable savings.

Special Deals for Long-Term Car Lease or Multiple-Day Bookings

Many providers offer reduced rates for longer commitments:

• Rentals of 7 days or more usually have a lower daily average price.
• Car lease deals often include maintenance and insurance, making them cost-effective for extended stays or frequent travel.

Platforms frequently run seasonal promotions for multiple-day bookings, especially for travel outside peak months.

Final Thoughts

Finding a cheap car rental in the UK is possible when you understand how prices are set, where to search, and what features matter. Comparing options, avoiding hidden fees, and booking early can help you secure the best deal, without cutting corners on quality or convenience. Always focus on the total value, not just the lowest daily rate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is it cheaper to rent a car at the airport or city centre?

A: City centre locations like Croydon or Clapham Junction typically have lower prices due to fewer airport-related charges. However, airport rentals may offer wider availability and longer business hours.

Q: Which is better – daily rental or short-term lease?

A: For rentals exceeding 10–14 days, short-term leases usually offer better value. They often include insurance and roadside support, which lowers total cost.

Q: Can I rent a car without a credit card in the UK?

A: Some rental companies accept debit cards, but most require a credit card for deposit purposes. It's best to confirm this in advance to avoid issues at pickup.

Q: What’s the cheapest car rental company for small cars?

A: Local providers often offer the best deals on small cars, particularly at non-airport locations. Using comparison platforms can help you identify which company offers the lowest cost for the type of vehicle you need.