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Terminal and pickup information

Heathrow's car hire centre is a dedicated building accessible from Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 5 via the free inter-terminal Heathrow Express shuttle or a short walk from the terminals. Terminal 4 has a separate smaller car hire operation. Collect from the main car hire centre for the best selection — follow signs for 'Car Rental' from arrivals.

Tips for hiring at London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

Avoid driving into central London: The Congestion Charge (£15/day) and ULEZ charge (£12.50/day) apply in large parts of central London. Park outside the zone and use the Tube.
The M25 at rush hour: The motorway surrounding London can be severely congested at peak times (7–9am, 4–7pm). Plan your first journey to avoid these windows or allow significantly extra time.
Petrol before returning: Fill up on the A4 or A30 approach roads to the airport — petrol inside the terminal area is more expensive.
ULEZ and low emission zones: Check whether your hire car is ULEZ-compliant before driving into London. Most modern hire cars are, but confirm with your supplier.

Best drives from London

  • Cotswolds (1 hr 30 min) — England's most picture-perfect countryside — stone villages, rolling hills and market towns.
  • Windsor Castle (20 min) — The world's largest occupied castle and home to the Royal Family — an easy first stop from the airport.
  • Bath (1 hr 30 min) — Roman baths, Georgian architecture and one of England's most beautiful cities.
  • Stonehenge and Salisbury (1 hr 30 min) — The prehistoric monument and Salisbury Cathedral — England's ancient south.

Tourist traps to avoid

  • Driving into central London without paying the Congestion Charge — cameras will catch you and fines are £160
  • ULEZ charges if your hire car doesn't meet emission standards — confirm before driving in
  • The M25 at peak times — allow twice as much time as Google Maps suggests
  • Desk insurance upsells — UK car hire is one of the biggest markets for excess insurance upsells
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