Car Rental at London Heathrow Airport - Welcoming you to London

Attracting millions of annual visitors, London is not only the capital city of the United Kingdom, but also England. It is the only one of two Alpha ranked cities in the world - New York being the other one. As a large metropolis, London provides it all. From hundreds of theatres to museums and landmarks. London Heathrow Airport is London’s main and largest airport. Located west of the city, this airport is 24 kms away. This airport is ideal for a car rental at London Heathrow Airport due to its connecting with the local road network.

Auto Europe has over 65 years of international car rental experience. Currently we are present at 28,000 locations across 190 countries. With standard car rental, luxury car rental and motorhome rentals - we are sure to have the right vehicle for you. Through our long-standing trusted partners, we can provide numerous convenient locations, and a large fleet of cars to choose from. Utilise our secure online booking engine to find the very best car rental deal for your budget. If you haven’t used our service before, we encourage you to read our UK car reviews section section.

Airport Information

Located just over 20 kms from the city centre, London Heathrow Airport consists of 5 terminals - 4 of which are operational. It also has a total of two runways. Heathrow Airport is the busiest in the UK after London Gatwick Airport, the busiest in Europe and the second busiest globally. The British Airports Authority currently manages this airport, providing modern and well-maintained terminals suitable for the most demanding passengers.

Welcoming over 70 million passengers per year, there are currently over 90 airlines present here. Heathrow Express and Heathrow Connect both run rail services from this airport, two underground stations are also present linked to the Piccadilly Line. Coach, rental cars and taxis can be caught or pre-booked for ease.

London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Address: Greater London TW6 1AP, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 844 335 1801
Airlines operating at Heathrow Airport: There currently operates over 90 airlines from this airport, national carriers and low-cost airlines. British Airways, Lufthansa, TAP Air Portugal, Iberia, Turkish Airlines, Easyjet and many more.

Where to pick up my car rental at London Heathrow Airport

As one of Europe’s busiest airports, you can expect to find most if not all of the car rental suppliers here. Car rental desks are spread out throughout its 4 terminals - we therefore advise consulting your rental voucher and making yourself aware of the car rental supplier location. Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, Green Motion and many more are present, so you’ll have endless choices.

Before arriving, please have all the required documentation ready - this includes a driving licence (International Driving Licence, if required), identification, the car rental voucher and a valid credit card for a security deposit. Please make sure the credit card is under the main driver's name and has enough funds for the deposit to be held on it. Fully inspect the vehicle during pick-up and note anything of concern on the pick-up slip. Your deposit will be released back onto the same card once it is confirmed that the vehicle has been returned in the same condition as when it left.

Car rental desks' operating hours

	Budget at Heathrow Airport Northrop Rd, London, England TW6 2QA +44 (0) 344 544 4600	Opening Hours: Mon - Sun 6:00 AM - 11:59 PM
	Europcar at Heathrow Airport Northern Perimeter Road West, London, England TW6 2QE +44 (0) 371 384 3410	Opening Hours: Mon - Sun 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
	Hertz at Heathrow Airport Northern Perimeter Road West, London, England TW6 2QD +44 (0) 843 309 3009	Opening Hours: Mon - Sun 6:00 AM - 11:59 PM
	Sixt at Heathrow Airport Great South West Road, London, England TW14 0PR +44 (0) 844 576 0239	Opening Hours: Mon - Sun 5:00 AM - 11:59 PM
	National at Heathrow Airport Northern Perimeter Road, London, England TW6 2RG +44 (0) 208 897 2100	Opening Hours: Mon - Sun 5:00 AM - 11:59 PM

Terminals

London Heathrow Airport has a total of five terminals - however, only four terminals are currently in use. Terminal 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Terminal 1 has merged with Terminal 2 and provides services for all Star Alliance members - Eurowings, Flybe, TAP Air Portugal and more. Terminal three provides services for OneWorld members. This terminal also caters for flights to the USA and other long-haul destinations.

Terminal four deals with SkyTeam members - covering flights to Asia and North Africa - with a few flights to continental Europe. Terminal five is the main hub for British Airways, Iberia and Iberia Express flights. It is important to familiarise yourself with which terminal your airline will fly from so as to arrive at the current one.

Airport Facilities

London Heathrow Airport has all the standard facilities you would expect for a safe and secure onward flight. Along with check-in desks, security areas, departure lounges, arrival halls, luggage reclaim belts, shopping and restaurant zones - accessories, souvenirs, duty-free stores, coffee houses, fashion outlets, fast food restaurants, eateries and many more.

In addition, passengers and visitors will have access to currency exchange, ATM machines, pharmacies, post office, prayer rooms and many other services. Those travelling for business, conference rooms are available, airport lounges - with snacks, magazines and drinks. Those travelling with young children can also benefit from numerous playgrounds. Free Wi-Fi is provided in all terminal buildings.

How to get to and from London Heathrow Airport

Getting to and from London Heathrow Airport is easy due to its exceptional connections to the local road network and public transport. With a car rental at London Heathrow Airport, you can be on the road and reach central London in less than an hour via the M4 motorway. That also connects to the M25 London ring-road - which will take you to other parts of the city, including connections to other motorways - M11, M23, and the inner London ring-road the A406.

Two railway services operate out of this airport - Heathrow Express and Heathrow Connect. Both will take you to London Paddington Train Station, or other into the home counties. The Piccadilly Underground line also connects this airport throughout London. There are currently two tube stations present. Lastly, there is a coach service that will take you to London Victoria Coach Station. Buses will take you locally. Taxis will be more expensive but are also present outside the terminals.

Parking tips

There is an abundance of parking spots at London Heathrow Airport for visitors and long-stay passengers. Currently there are around 18,000 parking bays. Due to their popularity, we highly advise booking them early. Short-stay car parks are the closest to the terminals. Long-stay car parks are further away but provide a shuttle service. Business parking is costly but conveniently located. Meet & Greet parking and Valet parking is also provided.

If you’re driving in London itself, parking within inner boroughs can be very challenging and expensive. Many areas are for resident parking only, others have restrictions. On-street parking is available either in the form of traditional metres or as pay-&-display. Costs vary substantially, with the cost increasing the further central you are. Please check the road signs for parking times of operation and restrictions. An alternative are parking garages - around 100 National Car Parks and Q-Parks. Lastly, London has adopted a daily congestion charge for those who enter specific zones. A big red letter ‘C’ is painted on the road surface to warn of its existence. ULEZ low emissions zones are also in operation.

Useful links

Official London Heathrow Airport Website