Gatwick Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Gatwick

Renting a car in Gatwick offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This is especially beneficial for families and those interested in cultural or city-themed experiences. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans, making your journey more comfortable.

Key attractions near Gatwick include Chessington World of Adventures, located 23 km away, ideal for outdoor family experiences, and Hever Castle and Gardens, 20 km away, perfect for romantic cultural outings. Hampton Court Palace, located 30 km away, is another significant cultural landmark worth visiting. Additionally, nearby cities such as Horley and Hookwood, both within 2 km, provide access to attractions like the Gatwick Aviation Museum and additional sites like Chessington World of Adventures and Hever Castle and Gardens. By having your own vehicle, you can easily navigate to these spots without the constraints of public transport, allowing for a more personalized travel experience.

Most popular car rentals in Gatwick

• Compact SUV: This car type accommodates 5 travellers with up to 3 medium suitcases, making it ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families. The compact SUV offers a great balance between space and manoeuvrability, allowing you to navigate Gatwick and its surroundings comfortably while managing your luggage with ease.
• Midsize SUV: Perfect for families, couples, or small groups, the midsize SUV also accommodates 5 travellers but has the added benefit of space for up to 3 large suitcases. This option is excellent for those needing extra room for luggage, offering comfort and versatility while exploring Gatwick and nearby attractions.
• Economy: The economy car option is a great choice for up to 5 travellers with room for 2 medium suitcases. Ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families, the economy car provides a cost-effective solution without sacrificing comfort. It's perfect for navigating Gatwick and its vicinity while keeping your travel plans flexible.

Top rated car suppliers in Gatwick

• Budget: Known for its friendly service and efficient operations, Budget operates 2 rental locations in the Gatwick area. With an impressive overall rating of 9.4 out of 10, this supplier is highly regarded for its clean vehicles and short wait times. The most popular choices among travellers are the Compact SUV and Economy vehicles, making it a great option for those seeking value and convenience during their stay.
• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo has a single rental location in Gatwick, offering a streamlined experience for those looking to hit the road quickly. This supplier is favoured for its selection of Midsize SUVs and Compact SUVs, catering to a range of travel needs. Alamo's commitment to customer satisfaction makes it a reliable choice for tourists seeking flexibility and ease while exploring the surrounding attractions.
• Enterprise: With 1 rental location in Gatwick, Enterprise is recognised for its diverse range of vehicles and reliable service. Travellers often opt for Midsize SUVs and Compact SUVs, which provide ample space for luggage and comfortable driving experiences. Enterprise is dedicated to ensuring that your car rental experience is smooth and efficient, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip.

Where to stay around Gatwick

• Horley: Located 1 km from Gatwick, Horley offers a delightful blend of outdoor, family, and cultural experiences. Popular attractions include the Gatwick Aviation Museum, perfect for culture enthusiasts, and Hever Castle and Gardens, ideal for those seeking romance and history. The city features a vibrant shopping area and recreational venues, as well as local parks for relaxation. Food options abound, with restaurants and wineries nearby, making it a great choice for food lovers.
• Crawley: Situated 5 km from Gatwick, Crawley is a vibrant city that caters to families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Visitors can enjoy various activities at the aquatic centre and recreation centre or play a round of golf. Notable landmarks include Worth St. Nicholas' Church and St. John the Baptist Church for those interested in local culture. The city also offers a variety of dining options, including wineries and restaurants, ensuring a fulfilling stay.
• Reigate: Reigate is located 7 km from Gatwick and is a charming destination for outdoor adventurers and families. The city boasts recreational areas and golf courses, making it ideal for those seeking active pursuits. Visitors can explore the Reigate Priory Museum for a touch of culture or venture to the National Trust - Reigate Hill and Gatton Park for stunning natural landscapes. Food and drink options, including local wineries and bars, are plentiful, adding to the town's appeal.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Gatwick

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer outings, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to identify the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to reserve your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are likely to secure more favourable rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in congested areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but the convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unforeseen occur during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra costs.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Gatwick

The best value period to rent a car in and around Gatwick is February, when both prices and demand are low. March follows closely, offering slightly low prices and average demand. The months from April to June maintain average pricing and demand, making them decent options as well. However, July and August see a spike in both demand and prices, which can make renting more costly. December stands out as the most expensive month, with demand dropping to low levels.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	40.5°F (4.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
February	41.4°F (5.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
March	44.4°F (6.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	48.6°F (9.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	54.0°F (12.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	59.9°F (15.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	63.7°F (17.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
August	63.3°F (17.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
September	59.7°F (15.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
October	54.0°F (12.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	47.1°F (8.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
December	43.0°F (6.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly High