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Car rental at London Stansted Airport

If you're looking for car rental in London Stansted Airport and surrounding counties, 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 9 seater vans all of which give our customers the opportunity to reduce their CO2 emissions and reduce tax liability.

Enjoy a 10% discount on your car rental at London Stansted Airport! Use promo code BOOKNOW10 to unlock this exclusive offer. Whether you're arriving or departing, take advantage of great savings and explore London and the surrounding areas with ease.

T&C's apply – scroll down to find out more.

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Terms & Conditions

The 10% discount applies to bookings made between 11/10/2024 and 11/10/2030, with the check-out date being the same as the booking date. No minimum rental required. Use promo code BOOKNOW10 on greenmotion.com to claim your discount. If the code is not valid, no discount will be applied.

This offer cannot be combined with other promotions or used on existing bookings. It applies only to vehicle rental, not additional products or services. All Green Motion location terms apply.

The offer is valid at London Stansted Airport only.

By participating, you agree to the T&Cs at greenmotion.com/terms-of-use. Green Motion reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time.

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Tips for renting a car in London Stansted 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.

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

 

Once you have landed at Stansted Airport and picked up your rental car from the designated office, we wish you a safe and enjoyable journey.

For those driving in London for the first time, take a moment to acquaint yourself with the vehicle, local traffic rules, and planned routes. Using a GPS or navigation app like Google Maps or Waze is highly recommended.

In the UK, driving is on the left-hand side. 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 London and 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.

Parking in London can be challenging. Many areas require pay-and-display tickets or parking apps. Park-and-ride facilities are recommended for those heading to the city center.

Fuel stations are available in London and along major roads, but prices may be higher in the city.

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.

Enjoy your journey and explore the iconic landmarks, scenic countryside, and cultural experiences that London and its surroundings have to offer! 

Stansted

Day Trips from London Stansted

 

Thanks to its location and excellent connections, London Stansted Airport is a great starting point for memorable day trips across England. If you're looking to explore beyond the capital, you have plenty of fantastic options within a short drive or train journey.

Cambridge is one of the most popular day trips from Stansted, just a 40-minute drive away. Wander through the charming university city with its stunning colleges, punt along the River Cam, and explore historic sites like King's College Chapel and the Fitzwilliam Museum. Cambridge’s cobbled streets and green spaces make it a lovely place for a relaxed day.

Another beautiful destination is the medieval market town of Saffron Walden, only about 25 minutes from Stansted. Known for its colorful old buildings, tranquil gardens, and a vibrant market square, it's perfect for those seeking a traditional English town experience without the crowds.

If you prefer coastal scenery, head toward the charming town of Southend-on-Sea. About an hour’s drive from Stansted, it offers sandy beaches, the world’s longest pleasure pier, and classic seaside amusements. It's a great choice for families or travelers wanting a relaxing day by the water.

For history enthusiasts, Colchester – England’s oldest recorded town – is only about an hour’s drive away. Visit the impressive Colchester Castle, walk through Roman ruins, or spend time in Colchester Zoo, one of the best zoos in the UK.

Nature lovers might enjoy heading to Epping Forest, located between London and Stansted. It’s a wonderful place for walking, cycling, or simply escaping the city’s buzz. Alternatively, Hatfield Forest, managed by the National Trust, is just a short drive away and perfect for picnics, hiking, and spotting ancient trees and wildlife.

With your own rental car from Stansted, you can explore these delightful destinations at your own pace, making the most of your time outside the busy streets of London. Whether you're craving history, nature, or seaside fun, day trips from Stansted offer something for every traveler.

Useful Information about car rental at London Stansted Airport

Where do you pick up your car?

We are located at the Novotel Stansted Hotel on Airport. Read specific information about arrival and the location on top of this page!

Side of road

Drive on the left side of the road

Local currency

GBP (£)

Nearest Gas Station

BP Stansted SF Connect: Located on the A120, approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the hotel.

Nearest Train Station

Stansted Airport Station: Approximately 0.5 miles (0.8 km) away. Served by the Stansted Express, Greater Anglia, and CrossCountry trains.

Nearest Bus Station

Round Coppice East: Approximately 238 meters (4-minute walk) from the hotel. Served by routes 309, 510, and NOVO.

Average temperature

5°C (41°F) - 19°C (66°F)

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

How far is Stansted Airport from Central London?

Around 40 miles (64 km); driving usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic.

Is it easy to drive around Stansted Airport?

Yes, driving around Stansted Airport is generally straightforward. The area is well signposted, and major roads like the M11 motorway provide quick access to London and other towns. However, traffic can get busy during rush hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM), so plan accordingly.

Do I need to pay congestion or emission charges when driving in London?

Yes, Central London has a Congestion Charge and an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) fee. We'll let you know if any additional charges. will occur due to that.

Are there toll roads near Stansted?

Yes, the Dartford Crossing (if heading southeast) is a toll route. Many areas use automatic toll collection systems.

What can I do in and around Stansted?

While Stansted itself is primarily known for its airport, there are charming villages and attractions nearby. You can visit the historic market town of Bishop’s Stortford, explore the beautiful Hatfield Forest for nature walks, or enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Audley End House and Gardens. Stansted is also a great starting point for day trips to Cambridge or the Essex countryside.

Where can I park when visiting nearby towns from Stansted?

Most towns like Cambridge, Saffron Walden, and Colchester offer public parking lots and street parking. Look for pay-and-display zones or use parking apps to find convenient spots. Many tourist attractions also have their own dedicated parking areas.

What emergency numbers should I know?

999 or 112 for police, ambulance, or fire emergencies. 101 for non-emergency police assistance.