Car Rental London

Parking in London

• Parking in central London can be difficult, with restrictions in place for on-street parking across much of the city centre. Look out for double yellow lines, which show where you can’t park. On many roads, you will need to buy a ticket to park – look out for signs that say ‘pay and display’. Some locations allow mobile payment.
• For long-stay parking, try one of London’s plentiful supply of parking lots, which you can pre-book ahead of your trip. If you’re heading to see a show at the Barbican Centre or venturing to the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral, head to the London Barbican Car Park on Aldersgate Street.
• London Portman Square – Hyde Park car park is also ideally located. Just a short walk from bustling Oxford Street.

Key roads around London

• The M25 is a major highway circling Greater London, within which sits the City of London, and one of the busiest in Europe.
• The A1 connects London with Scotland’s capital Edinburgh. Part of this road has been deemed highway standard and designated as the A1(M). This A road also allows access to a number of other must-see cities, including York and Newcastle upon Tyne.
• Another major road is the M1, which connects London and Leeds.

Speed limits in England

Speed limits in England are displayed in mph.

• In built-up areas, the speed limit is usually 30mph (48km/h).
• On single carriageways, the speed limit is usually 60mph (96km/h).
• The speed limit on highways – known as motorways– and dual carriageways is usually 70mph (112km/h).

Congestion Charge

Drivers are required to pay a daily charge for driving within the congestion charging zone. This charge is enforced from Monday to Friday between 7am and 6pm and applies to rental cars.

London to Heathrow Airport

Drive via the A4 and M4 to reach Heathrow Airport in around 30 minutes.

Things to see and do in London

Westminster Abbey

Founded in 960AD, Westminster Abbey is a stunning example of early English Gothic architecture. The Abbey has many royal links, including being the iconic host of 16 royal weddings.

Highlights inside include The Lady Chapel, which has a beautiful vaulted ceiling and stained-glass windows. You’ll be very central here too, so use your time to stop by some of the city’s other famous landmarks, including Big Ben. 

Buckingham Palace

You can’t visit London without setting aside some time to visit its most famous resident – Queen Elizabeth II. A tour of Buckingham Palace allows visitors a behind-the-scenes look at how the British royal family live. You can stop off in the opulent interiors of the State Rooms, which include the Throne Room and Ballroom.

Tower of London

Take your imagination on a tour of the past thousand years and more with a tour of the Tower of London. Once the most feared dungeon in the kingdom, today the tower is best known as the home of the Crown Jewels – a shimmering collection of nearly 24,000 precious stones that visitors can see up close and personal. Make sure to look out for the famous ravens and Beefeater guards too.

Where to stay: London’s best hotels

Z Hotel

Z Hotel Gloucester Place offers sleek rooms spread across six classic Georgian townhouses. Situated close to some of the capital’s top destinations, the hotel is just a short walk from the bustling shopping district of Oxford Street, home to the iconic Selfridges. For some respite, head to Regents Park, just a 10-minute walk away.

The Hoxton, Holborn

If you’re heading to see a show in London’s West End, book a room at The Hoxton, Holborn. Offering stylish rooms in central London, located close to tourist hotspots like the British Museum. The hotel is a 35-minute drive from Heathrow Airport, where you can drop off your Hertz rental car.

Ham Yard Hotel

The Ham Yard hotel offers visitors far more than most hotels. From 190 seat cinema to a 1950’s bowling alley, there is entertainment on tap at this quirky stop off. Located in Soho, the hotel is a short walk away from theatres, Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square.

Where to eat: London’s best restaurants

Sketch

sketch is a wonderfully flamboyant restaurant in the luxury district of Mayfair. The sketch Gallery is decorated candyfloss pink and guests can enjoy afternoon tea here or dinner in the evening. The Lecture Room and Library has three Michelin stars, joining a select group of four other UK restaurants to achieve this.

Hawksmoor

Steak lovers should not miss a chance to dine at Hawksmoor. There are a few dotted around the capital, with their Spitalfields branch being the first, so you’re sure to stumble across one. Head here to enjoy a delicious traditional Sunday Roast, with all the trimmings.

Sushi Samba

For delicious food and dinner with a stunning view of London, head to Sushi Samba on the 38^th and 39^th floor of the Heron Tower. The main dining area treats diners to views of the city, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and the 39^th floor has a fun rooftop bar.