Is it cheaper to hire a car or a motorhome for a road trip?

Hiring a car is usually cheaper than hiring a motorhome for a road trip, unless you specifically want onboard accommodation and facilities in your vehicle.

Do hire cars in the UK come with sat nav?

Not always. Some hire companies charge extra for sat nav. Using your phone for navigation or bringing your own dedicated sat nav can often be the cheaper option.

What licence do I need to hire a car in the UK?

Most travellers with a valid driving licence from their home country can hire a car in the UK. Some nationalities may also need an International Driving Permit, so it is important to check the latest guidance on GOV.UK before you travel.

Can I hire a car from the airport and return it elsewhere?

Yes. Many car hire companies in the UK offer one-way rentals, so you can pick up your car at an airport or city location and return it to a different branch for added convenience. A one-way fee may apply.

Are electric hire cars practical for UK road trips?

Electric hire cars are increasingly practical for UK road trips. The charging network is expanding and most EV hire companies provide charging cables and basic guidance on how and where to charge along your route.

Can I take a UK hire car into Scotland, Wales or Ireland?

Driving a UK hire car into Scotland and Wales is usually fine, as they are part of Great Britain. Trips to Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland often require extra permissions and sometimes additional insurance, so always check your rental terms and ask the hire company before you book.

Why choosing a car makes road trips effortless and flexible

Road Tripping with a Hire Car

Easy to drive, park and navigate through cities, country lanes and tight spaces.
More affordable to run, hire and maintain than larger motorhomes or caravans.
Flexible for all travel styles — from hotels and B&Bs to campsites and tent-based adventures.

Hiring a car is one of the simplest and most flexible ways to take a road trip, especially if you don’t own a vehicle that’s ideal for long distances. A car lets you explore winding backroads, park easily in cities, stay in hotels or B&Bs, and keep costs low. Whether you’re travelling on your own, planning a family adventure, or flying into the UK and starting your journey straight from the airport, hiring a car can open up far more options than you might expect.

This guide breaks down everything you need to consider—from choosing the right vehicle to avoiding hidden charges—so you can plan a trip that’s smooth, affordable, and enjoyable from start to finish.

In this guide you can find out more about hiring a car - the right type of car, for your road trip:

Part 1: Why Choose a Car for Your Road Trip?

There are significant benefits of driving – it's easy, flexible, and cheap. Take a deeper dive into the advantages of hiring a car.

Easier to park and drive. Cars are far better at driving on narrow country roads, bustling towns, and limited parking spots than motorhomes or campers. This means you can go to small towns, national parks, and city centres without any problems.

More Options for Places to Stay. You can stay in hotels, B&Bs, cabin lodges, campgrounds, glamping pods, or just set up a tent with a car. No special parking or hook-up spots needed.

Travel that doesn't cost a lot. Cars cost less to fill up, rent, and park, plus they don't need to be serviced or parked in particular places. If you only need the car for your vacation, renting it can be cheaper than buying or renting a motorhome.

Driving is easy and comfortable. Driving on lengthy roads is easier and less taxing in a car, especially if you're not used to driving bigger vehicles. For a lot of people who go on road trips, this makes the trip a lot more pleasant.

Part 2: Choosing the Right Hire Car for Your Journey

Every trip is different — here are the key things to consider when deciding which car suits your needs:

Car Size & Comfort
Compact cars → ideal for solo travellers or short, city-focused trips
Mid-size cars → good for couples, luggage and mixed driving
Estate cars & saloons → more legroom, better for long trips
SUVs → perfect for families, hilly terrain, or lots of luggage
Electric vs Petrol/Diesel
Electric hire cars are brilliant for short to medium UK road trips thanks to growing charging networks
Petrol/diesel may be easier for more rural, remote or mountainous trips
Automatic or Manual?
UK roads can be busy and unfamiliar to visitors—automatics often feel easier, especially for navigating cities or long distances.
Boot Space Matters More Than You Think

Walking boots, coats, snacks, suitcases, shopping… it all adds up quickly. Choose a car with enough room to avoid cramped journeys.

Part 3: What to Check Before Booking

These simple checks save the biggest headaches:

Mileage Allowance
Unlimited mileage is ideal for road trips. Limited policies can become expensive fast.
Additional Drivers
Fees vary. Some companies include a second driver in their premium packages.
Pick-Up & Drop-Off Options
Airport
Train station
City centre
One-way hires
One-way hires are fantastic for linear road trips, but usually cost more.
Breakdown Cover
Make sure it includes roadside assistance, recovery and (if needed) onward travel.
Driver Age Restrictions (Young and Older Drivers)
Age limits work both ways in car hire, and it’s worth checking the small print before you book. Most companies charge extra for drivers under 25, and some restrict access to larger or premium vehicles. What many people don’t realise is that there can also be upper age limits — often around 70–75 — depending on the hire company’s insurance. Some firms allow older drivers but require extra documents, such as a doctor’s note or proof that you’re fit to drive. If you’re at either end of the age scale, it’s best to confirm the policy in advance so you’re not caught out at the desk.

Part 4: Insurance & Fuel Policies—What They Really Mean

Insurance can feel confusing, but here’s the quick version and a few pointers to have in mind:

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
Included as standard, but rarely covers windscreens, tyres or underbody damage.
Excess Reduction Insurance
Optional add-on. Reduces your excess from hundreds of pounds to near zero.
Deposit
Expect £200–£1,500 on your card. Higher for premium vehicles.
Fuel Policies
Full to full → best value, no hidden costs
Full to empty → avoid, usually overpriced
Prepaid fuel → convenient, but check the rates
Always photograph the car (inside & out)
This protects you from unfair damage claims.

Part 5: Recommended Car Hire Options (Including Electric)

Electric Vehicles

Humble Hire is a new breed of car rental company specialising in electric vehicles. Currently covering more than 50 pick-up locations and riding the electric car revolution. Locations include: - London, Luton Airport, Stansted Airport, Gatwick Airport, Heathrow Airport, Southend Airport, London City Airport, Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Kent and Oxfordshire. Check out cars for hire here.

Morgan Motor Company

Hire a Plus Four, Morgan’s most popular model, representing the epitome of the brand. Or how about the Super 3?

The all-new Morgan Super 3 is available to hire Super 3. A self-drive Morgan hire is a unique opportunity to sample the delights of a Morgan sports car, whether hiring for a day, overnight or for a whole week to road trip around the UK.

Morgan Motor Company Site

Bespokes Sports Car Hire

Bespoke Sports Car hire lets you live your dream for a day, a week, or more – with prices starting from £142 per day.

With a huge range of sports cars available to hire – choose from one of the largest privately-owned fleets in the UK, including Lamborghini, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Porsche, McLaren, Jaguar and many more. Nationwide & Airport Delivery.

Bespokes Sports Car Hire site

4 x 4 Vehicle Hire

Choose from a range of 4WD from practical SUV rental cars to high-end luxury city cars like the new Range Rover Sport.
Your 4×4 hire car can be delivered anywhere in mainland UK, via a local franchise, as well as delivery and collection for UK airports, including, Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted & Luton, Newcastle, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Belfast and Manchester airports.

4x4 Car Hire Site

Summary: Top Tips for Hiring a Car in the UK

• Book early for peak months (June–September) as prices rise quickly and vehicle choice reduces.
• Decide between manual or automatic — most UK cars are manual, so book automatic specifically if you need one.
• Check what’s included before booking, including mileage limits, insurance cover, fuel policy and any extra fees.
• Compare insurance options carefully — Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Excess Protection and Theft Protection vary by provider.
• Consider vehicle size for your route — compact cars suit cities and narrow lanes, while estates/SUVs are better for long rural journeys.
• For electric car hire, plan your charging stops in advance and check whether your accommodation has EV charging available.
• Bring your own sat nav or use your phone, as many companies charge extra for built-in navigation units.
• Allow extra time for airport collections, as rental queues can be long during busy travel periods.
• If travelling outside England, check rules for Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland, as some hire companies require advance permission.
• Inspect the car on pick-up and return, taking photos of all four sides and the interior to avoid disputes later.

This guide is designed for UK and international travellers planning a road trip and looking for clear advice on choosing, booking and driving a hire car in the UK.

Hiring a car is usually cheaper unless you specifically want onboard accommodation.
Not always. Some charge extra. Using your phone or bringing your own sat nav can be cheaper.
Most travellers with a valid licence from their home country are fine. Some may need an International Driving Permit — check GOV.UK.
Yes, many hire companies offer one-way rentals for added convenience.
Increasingly, yes — charging networks are expanding and most EV hire companies provide charging cables and guidance.
Scotland and Wales are usually fine. Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland often require extra permissions.

Planning your road trip

Once you have sorted your hire car out, refer to our other blog pages to help you plan your perfect road trip. Our Inspiration pages will help inspire, and our Experiences pages will give you a flavour of what you can expect on the road. If you have an idea as to where you want to go, visit our guide pages for road trips. Our road trip planning guide blogs can help you form a plan and if you are travelling to the UK, check out our tips. Have a fantastic trip!