Car Rental in the UK

Why Rent a Car in the UK? 

The United Kingdom is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Renting a car in the UK gives you the freedom to explore the big cities and surrounding countryside at your own pace. Travel conveniently and easily between towns and experience more of what this beautiful country has to offer.

Some of the top destinations and attractions in the UK include:

- London – world-renowned capital city and home of iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, Tower Bridge and the London Eye. With 3 airports nearby, it is a great place to start your trip.

- Cornwall – located roughly six hours southwest of London, you can take the incredible A39 road also referred to as ‘The Atlantic Highway’, to this magical coastal peninsula and the UK’s most beautiful beaches such as Porthcurno.

- Glasgow - Scotland’s largest city is famed for its architecture, music scene, rivalry between its two football clubs and the beautiful rolling hills surrounding its boundaries.

- Inverness - the gateway to the Scottish Highlands and is a city full of different attractions both in the city and in the surrounding areas. Visitors can explore the city within a four-hour drive from Glasgow. 

Airport and Neighborhood Car Rental Locations Throughout the UK

Enterprise Rent-A-Car has 20+ airport branches conveniently located in both international and domestic airport terminals across the UK, many are open 24/7. There are also over 100 neighborhood locations for visitors looking to explore cities, country sides, and the coasts of the UK.

What is the Minimum Age to Rent a Car in the UK? 

To rent a vehicle in the UK, the minimum age is 25. Drivers over 30 years-old can rent full-size MPVs, premium vehicles/exotic cars and Luton vans (similar to box/commercial trucks in the US). 

What do I Need to Rent a Car in the UK?

You will need the following items to rent a car in the UK:

- A valid driver’s license (for non-EU visitors, an international drivers permit is required if the license is not written in English)

- Valid ID (driver’s license or passport can be used)

- Credit or debit card. Debit cards will require an ID and address verification

- International travelers must also show passport, proof of return travel & residency information

Do I Need Car Rental Insurance and Protection Products in the UK? 

No. When renting a car in the UK, you don't need to purchase insurance as we provide a damage waiver included in the cost of your car rental. You have the option to purchase additional protection products to reduce the excess further to give you peace of mind.

Can I Rent a Car One-Way in the UK? 

Enterprise customers may rent a car in the UK and drop it off at a different domestic location. Cross-border travel is available, although there are some restrictions and fees. For additional information, please start a reservation above.

What are Top Tips for Driving in the UK?

When driving in the UK, there a few key things to remember:

- In the United Kingdom, you drive on the left. Make sure you remember to give priority from the right and enter roundabouts clockwise – there are a lot of them all over the country.

- Unless specified otherwise, the speed limit in cities and built-up areas is 30mph with certain areas signposted 20mph. ‘A roads’ usually range from 40mph to the national speed limit of 60mph and Motorways are limited to 70mph.

- UK’s road network is full of smart motorways that adjust speed limits automatically. They also measure how fast you travel between certain checkpoints and inform authorities if you exceeded the maximum speed limit for the segment.

- Motorways near main cities, such as the M25 ring road of London, the M1 and the M6 become congested during peak time hours. Allow for extra time when planning your road trips, especially during national holidays in the summer when many people head for the coasts.

- Certain motorways, bridges and tunnels in the UK have tolls that are either payable online and use license plate scanners, or at gates using spare change and contactless cards.

- Rural coastal roads and some in-land roads can get very tight and often have stone fences on each side (especially in Cornwall), so be cautious of oncoming traffic on tight turns where visibility is obstructed.

- In emergencies, dial 112 or 999 to contact the police, ambulance or fire services.