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Car Rental at London Southend Airport

If you're looking for car rental in London Southend Airport, 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.

Tips for renting a car in London Southend Airport

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.

Southend 1440x800
Green Motion Car Rental United Kingdom 767x767

Car rental at London Southend Airport – Good to know about driving there

 

Driving in Southend-on-Sea is generally easy and designed for car access. The town features well-maintained A-roads, convenient signage, and numerous public car parks near the high street, seafront, and train stations.

That said, like most UK urban areas, there are important rules and local quirks to keep in mind when navigating the area.

In the UK, drivers travel on the left-hand side of the road. The driver’s seat is on the right, and roundabouts are taken in a clockwise direction, giving way to traffic approaching from the right. Drivers in Southend are generally courteous and follow rules, but downtown areas can be busy during weekends and summer holidays — especially along Marine Parade and the seafront.

A valid driver's license from your home country is required, and some nationalities may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

London has a well-maintained road network, but expect congestion, toll zones, and restricted areas in the city center. Speed limits are strictly enforced with cameras.

Speed limits in the UK are 30 mph (48 km/h) in urban areas, 60 mph (97 km/h) on rural roads, and 70 mph (113 km/h) on motorways.

Fuel stations are available in London and along major roads, but prices may be higher in the city. Southend's road system includes numerous mini roundabouts in residential and commercial areas. These help traffic flow but can confuse new drivers — especially where lanes aren't clearly marked. Always yield to the right, and don’t forget to signal when exiting.

Parking is relatively easy:

Pay-and-display machines and mobile-app options are widespread

Seafront parking zones can fill up fast on weekends — arrive early

Large multi-storey car parks are available near The Victoria Centre, Southend Central Station, and Seaway Leisure

Avoid double yellow lines and bus stops — fines are camera-enforced

Apps like RingGo, PayByPhone, and JustPark help you locate and pay for parking quickly.

If you need assistance while driving in London, don’t hesitate to contact us. In an emergency, dial 999 for police, ambulance, or fire services.

Useful Information about car rental in London Southend Airport

Where do you pick up your car?

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

Side of road

Drive on the left side of the road

Local currency

GBP (£)

Nearest Gas Station

Fuel stations are easy to find near downtown and on approach roads like Prince Avenue (A127). The nearest petrol station to Southend downtown and airport is: Shell Sovereign – 96 Prince Avenue, SS2 6NN

Nearest Train Station

Southend Airport Station, located just 100 paces from the main terminal building.

Average temperature

5°C (41°F) - 19°C (66°F)

Car hire in London Southend Airport – FAQs about renting a car

Is Southend easy to drive in?

Yes, but expect congestion near the seafront on sunny weekends or during special events. Roads are well marked, and most signs are easy to follow. Roundabouts are common, so signal use and lane discipline are essential.

How long does it take to drive from Southend to London?

Around 1 hour 15 minutes via A127 or A13, depending on traffic.

Where can I park near the beach or High Street?

Seaway Car Park – close to Adventure Island and the pier, or the Royals and The Victoria Centre – covered parking with direct access to shopping Street parking along the Esplanade – metered and time-limited. Use RingGo or JustPark to pay via mobile.

What are popular day trips by car from Southend?

Leigh-on-Sea – charming old fishing town (10 min), Burnham-on-Crouch – riverside scenery and pubs (45 min), Chelmsford – Essex's county town (40 min), and Canterbury – medieval city with cathedral (1 hr 15 min).

Are there any toll roads in or near Southend?

No tolls locally, but if you take the Dartford Crossing (M25 to Kent), you’ll need to pay the Dart Charge online by midnight the next day.