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Car Rental in Basildon Downtown

If you're looking for car rental in Basildon Downtown, look no further. We offer low CO2 vehicles that are at the cutting edge of environmental technology, with a choice of hire vehicles right across the range, from small city cars to luxury limousines all of which give our customers the opportunity to reduce their CO2 emissions.

Basildon is a modern town located in the county of Essex, about 40 km (25 miles) east of Central London. Developed as a post-WWII "new town," Basildon today is a mix of residential areas, business parks, retail centers, and nearby countryside. Its downtown features the Eastgate Shopping Centre, restaurants, cultural venues, and regular rail service to London Fenchurch Street Station.

While Basildon has a reliable train connection to London and some local bus routes, renting a car gives you far more freedom and flexibility — especially for:

Visiting coastal towns like Leigh-on-Sea, Shoeburyness, or Canvey Island

Exploring Essex countryside, nature reserves, or historic villages

Traveling for business between offices, industrial estates, and suburban developments

Making day trips to Colchester, Rochester, or Kent’s historic castles

Public transport in Essex can be infrequent outside of major hubs, so having your own vehicle eliminates the hassle of schedule constraints.

Tips for renting a car in Basildon Downtown

Before you rent
Choose wisely. In 2019 we introduced our multi-product system which helps you choose a car based on your needs and easily see the final price. Car rental insurance can be tricky to navigate and often isn't what you expect, by booking with us direct you'll receive the correct insurance for your rental.

When you collect your vehicle
Plan ahead. We recommend planning your route before you leave, especially when renting a car at an airport. Are you sure where you're meeting your chaperone or where the rental desk is? Your confirmation email will have the contact information for the location, so we suggest saving the number in your phone ahead of time.

Have the correct documents ready. We try and keep the check in process as painless as possible but we do need to process certain information for legal reasons so having these ready ahead of time can help speed up the process. Make sure you have your booking details ready, along with your driving licence, passport and valid credit card.

Complete a vehicle check. It's essential when you are taken to your car you complete a Vehicle Condition Report (VCR) and note any existing damage, paying particular attention to the five damage hotspots. If you don't report this, you may be liable for these damages when you return the vehicle. We don't want you to get caught out, so we've put together a handy vehicle inspection video to help you check everything thoroughly.

While you rent
Take care. Unfortunately you may be liable for any damage caused to a vehicle in your care, and this will vary depending on the product you choose. A large proportion of damages to any car can be dings you pick up in car parks, so be mindful when space is limited and park further away and walk a little further to your destination.

When you return your vehicle
Complete a vehicle check. It's time to carry out a VCR again and even more essential to fully log any damage, no matter how small, to ensure you are fully covered and we can process your return effectively. Be sure to check the vehicle as before, paying special attention to the five damage hotspots.

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Banner row of cars

Car rental at Heathrow Airport – Good to know about driving there

 

Basildon is a car-centric town with roundabouts, wide suburban roads, and large car parks — making it easy to drive for locals and visitors alike. However, as with much of the UK, city center parking regulations and residential zones require awareness.

Driving in Basildon is typically a smooth and straightforward experience, especially for those accustomed to suburban environments. The town was designed during the post-war era to accommodate car traffic, which means you'll find wide roads, modern roundabouts, and plentiful parking — especially in the commercial areas around the Eastgate Shopping Centre and Basildon Station.

As with all UK locations, the most important adjustment for international visitors is remembering to drive on the left-hand side of the road. The driver’s seat is on the right, and traffic generally flows in a highly structured and law-abiding manner. Lane markings, signage, and speed limit notifications are clear and consistent, making navigation relatively easy, even for first-time UK drivers.

Roundabouts are extremely common throughout Essex, and Basildon is no exception. These circular junctions keep traffic flowing and are often multi-lane. If you’re unfamiliar with roundabouts, remember this: you must yield (give way) to traffic coming from your right and only enter when it’s safe to do so. Use your indicators clearly when exiting, and ensure you're in the correct lane ahead of time, especially on larger roundabouts with three or more exits.

Basildon’s roads are subject to national speed limits unless otherwise indicated. In practice, that means you’ll usually encounter:

30 mph (48 km/h) zones in most urban areas

20 mph (32 km/h) near schools or residential estates

60 mph (97 km/h) on single carriageway A-roads just outside town

70 mph (113 km/h) on dual carriageways like the A127

If you need assistance during your stay, don’t hesitate to contact us. In an emergency, dial 999 for police, ambulance, or fire services.

Useful Information about car rental in Basildon Downtown

Where do you pick up your car?

Green Motion is located at London Southend Airport. To reach us, take a train to Southend Airport Train Station. Read specific information about arrival and airport shuttle on top of this page!

Side of road

Drive on the left side of the road

Local currency

GBP (£)

Average temperature

5°C (41°F) - 19°C (66°F)

Nearest Gas Station

Shell Sovereign, approximately 1.4 miles (2.3 km) west of the airport.

Nearest Train Station

Rochford Station, located just one stop west of Southend Airport Station, Rochford serves the town of Rochford and is approximately 2 miles away. And Prittlewell Station, situated one stop east of Southend Airport Station, Prittlewell serves the northern part of Southend-on-Sea and is also about 2 miles from the airport.

Nearest Bus Station

From Southend Airport Station, you can reach London Liverpool Street in approximately 52 minutes and Stratford Station in about 43 minutes.

Car hire in Basildon – FAQs about renting a car

Is Basildon an easy place to drive for foreign visitors?

Yes. Basildon is modern, well-signposted, and built around driving. Roads are wide, traffic is moderate, and roundabouts are well marked. Just remember to drive on the left and watch for speed cameras.

What’s traffic like in Basildon?

Traffic is generally light to moderate. The busiest times are weekday mornings (7:30–9:00 AM) and evenings (4:30–6:00 PM). A127 congestion is common during commuting hours, especially westbound toward London.

Are there any toll roads near Basildon?

No, there are no toll roads directly near Basildon. However, if you cross the Dartford Crossing into Kent (via the M25), you’ll need to pay the Dart Charge online.

What are good day trips by car from Basildon?

Southend-on-Sea (30 min): Beaches, pier, and funfair, Chelmsford (30 min): Cathedral, shopping, dining, Colchester (1 hr): Roman ruins and castle, Canterbury (1.5 hrs): Historic cathedral town, and of course London: Reachable in 1 hr via A13, but parking is challenging — use train for day visits

Are there any local driving quirks I should know?

Expect many roundabouts – stay in the correct lane and use turn signals. Watch for school zones and temporary speed limits in construction areas. Some rural roads near Basildon may be narrow and tree-lined – drive carefully