Car Hire London

As you’d expect in a major capital, central London traffic can be busy – so it helps that the city is circled by the M25.

This highway runs for almost 200 kilometres but is never more than 30 kilometres from the centre to allow easy access in and out. Smaller A-roads act like spokes from the M25, heading into the suburbs and central London.

To help cut down on traffic in central London, a congestion charge is in operation between 7am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. The staff at our pick-up locations will be able to give you more information on this if you need it.

If you want to cross the Thames using the Dartford Tunnel or the QE2 Bridge there's a toll, which you can pay in advance online.

In the UK you’ll still be driving on the left and overtaking on the right. Speed limits are clearly marked. In built-up areas, the limit is generally 30mph (48km/h), rising to 60mph (96km/h) on single-lane roads outside busy areas. This climbs again to 70mph (112km/h) on major highways, known as motorways, and two-lane highways with a central barrier, known as dual carriageways.

Cycling is increasingly popular in London and there are dedicated cycling lanes and networks throughout the capital – take extra care in traffic as bikes may overtake you on either side. There are also bus lanes that you should avoid driving in, as you may get hit with a fine.

Avoid parking on double yellow lines as this will also result in a fine. On-street parking can be tricky to find in some areas and restrictions are often in place. It’s usually best to find a dedicated car park or use a metered area.

London is one of the world's great cities – a sprawling metropolis that's packed with history and culture. It makes for an unforgettable experience with so much to see and do that you’ll find it a challenge to fit it all in. Here a few ideas for things to do in London.

London landmarks

The landmarks that lend London its unique character are known the world over. Take a trip down to the banks of the River Thames at Westminster to get up close to Big Ben and see the famous Houses of Parliament.

Soar above it all with a ride on the London Eye, allowing you to take in stunning views across the city from one of the riverside capsules.

You’ll know when the Queen is in residence at Buckingham Palace as the Royal Standard will be flying from the flagpole.

Be sure to catch the traditional Changing of the Guard, when members of the Queens Life Guard switch duties. The ceremony takes place at 11am daily, or 10am on Sundays, outside the palace.

For more royal heritage, head to the Tower of London. Built by William the Conqueror in the 11^th century, it served as a grand palace before becoming a prison.

It’s now the place to see the famous Crown Jewels as well as the Beefeaters, the keepers of the Tower, and the iconic ravens. Legend has it that when they fly away, the place will crumble to dust.

If you’re looking to rub shoulders with the great and the good, make a beeline for Madame Tussauds in Marylebone where remarkably life-like wax replicas of the British royals, Hollywood stars and more will be waiting for you.

A shopping mecca

London is home to some of the world's best-known brands. Harrods is the premier destination for those looking for something special, while Hamleys has seven floors of toys and games that are sure to appeal to youngsters.

Department stores Fortnum & Mason and Selfridges are other top names, with Oxford Street in Westminster in the West End of London being the main shopping area. For a quieter experience, spend an afternoon browsing the antiquarian bookshops on Charing Cross Road.

Culture capital

Such is the size and variety of London that there's room for all kinds of cultural pursuits – from the hip crowd who work and play in Shoreditch to the West Enders who like to catch a show at the world's most famous theatres.

London’s club scene is the envy of the world while the major music venues are a stop-off point for the planet’s biggest stars. Pop-up restaurants sit alongside Michelin-starred classics, with London leading the way when it comes to the UK's new culinary credentials.

The capital's museums and galleries are guaranteed to educate and entertain in equal measure – on Exhibition Road you'll find three of the UK's most celebrated next to each other in stunning buildings.

The Natural History Museum provides a glimpse of species' progress through time with a range of fascinating interactive exhibits, while the Victoria and Albert Museum celebrates centuries of art and design with displays of furniture, jewellery and artwork by the world's most talented craftsmen.

The Science Museum sits alongside them, with its stories of scientific achievement and array of interactive exhibitions offering fascinating insights for young and old alike.

A sporting life

London is home to some of the world's best sporting venues for both national and international events. Hosting the 2012 Olympics acted as a spur to develop exciting new locations, while it’s also a hotbed of soccer and cricket.

The new Wembley is still a magnet for soccer fans from all over the world, while there are a whole host of London teams to choose from if you’re looking to enjoy a Premier League game, including the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea.

A cricket match at Lord's and The Oval also makes for a great experience during the English summer – whether England are playing or it’s Middlesex and Surrey competing in a county game.

Day trips from London

Car hire in London means you’ll be able to see the best of what lies beyond the capital as well. A trip to mystical Stonehenge will take around two-and-a-half hours from London.

Along the way you could stop off at the Roman city of Bath, the charming university city of Oxford and Windsor, home to the royal Windsor Castle and Legoland.

The tranquil and timeless Cotswolds are a series of picturesque villages that are between two and three hours away from London in your hire car.

If you head north to Stratford-upon-Avon you’ll be able to explore the birthplace of William Shakespeare and even take in a performance of one of his plays at the town’s Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

A visit to the UK’s capital is an experience like no other. Car hire in London is the perfect way to make the most of your time in this remarkable destination.