Whether you’re planning a scenic road trip through the Scottish Highlands or need a city car for a weekend in London, finding an affordable and reliable car rental in the UK doesn’t have to be stressful—or expensive. In this guide, I’ve rounded up the top 10 cheapest car rental companies in the UK for 2025, based on real user reviews, pricing, fuel policies, hidden fees, and overall service. These picks strike the right balance between low prices and trusted service—so you can rent smart and drive stress-free.
1. Keddy by Europcar – Best Budget Car Rental for Short Trips
Keddy is Europcar’s low-cost brand, offering the same fleet but with simplified service. It’s perfect for quick city getaways or weekend plans when you don’t need extra bells and whistles.
Price range: From £19/day (depending on city & booking time)
Pick-up locations: Over 100+ locations across the UK
Best for: Short-term, city use
What you get: Compact economy cars, free cancellation on many bookings, VAT included
Hidden fees? Minimal – just avoid last-minute fuel charges by refueling yourself.
- Book with Discover Cars for better daily rates and free cancellation. Just search “Keddy by Europcar” in your city.
2. Green Motion – Eco-Friendly & Budget-Friendly
Green Motion offers competitive rates by focusing on low-emission vehicles and efficient operations. They’re a favorite among eco-conscious travelers—and people who simply want to save.
Price range: From £21/day
Pick-up locations: Airports & major cities (London, Birmingham, Manchester)
Best for: Longer trips, eco-conscious travel
What you get: Hybrids, compact cars, unlimited mileage options available
Hidden fees? Yes – watch for insurance add-ons and fuel policies.
- Tip: You can often find better prices via Rentalcars.com if you prepay. Look out for “Green Motion Full-to-Full” offers.
3. Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental – Best Local Deal in Scotland
Scotland-based Arnold Clark often beats national brands on price—especially outside London. They offer clear fuel policies, modern vehicles, and local service that larger chains sometimes lack.
Price range: From £25/day (manual)
Pick-up locations: Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, and more
Best for: Travelers in Scotland or Northern England
What you get: Reliable customer service, new vehicles, no credit card surcharges
Hidden fees? Not really – transparent pricing is a big plus here.
- Check their latest offers at the Arnold Clark Rental website.
4. SIXT – Best for Weekend Deals & Young Drivers
While SIXT is a premium brand, they frequently run weekend promotions and have some of the best prices for drivers under 25. Their fleet includes everything from economy hatchbacks to luxury BMWs—great value if you book early.
Price range: From £22/day (on weekend promo)
Pick-up locations: Nationwide – especially strong in London, Manchester & Birmingham
Best for: Weekend trips, young drivers, last-minute deals
What you get: Mobile app check-in, fast service, quality cars
Hidden fees? Extra fees for young drivers or crossing borders
- Find discounted SIXT offers through Skyscanner Car Hire.
5. EasyCar – Best Peer-to-Peer Car Rentals
EasyCar is a car-sharing platform—think of it like Airbnb for cars. You rent directly from car owners, which can mean much lower prices, especially in suburban areas or smaller towns.
Price range: From £15/day
Pick-up locations: Varies (owner-dependent) – good for suburban and local use
Best for: Ultra-budget travelers or off-the-beaten-path areas
What you get: Direct rentals, wide vehicle variety, flexible hours
Hidden fees? Varies by owner – check insurance and fuel policies.
- Visit EasyCar Club to browse listings.
6. Drivalia (Formerly Easirent) – Best for Airport Pickups
Drivalia (previously Easirent) offers some of the lowest daily rental rates near major UK airports. Though service can vary by location, it’s a solid choice if you’re flying in and need a short-term rental.
Price range: From £17–£23/day
Pick-up locations: Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Glasgow & more
Best for: Airport rentals with low upfront costs
What you get: Economy and compact cars, online booking, airport shuttle
Hidden fees? Fuel deposit & insurance upsells are common – read the T&Cs closely.
- Use Drivalia UK to find airport-specific deals.
7. Virtuo – Best App-Based Car Rental (Contactless Pick-Up)
Virtuo is perfect if you hate queuing at rental desks. You book everything via app and unlock your car with your phone. Prices are competitive, especially for longer rentals.
Price range: From £25/day (often cheaper for 3+ days)
Pick-up locations: London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and select drop zones
Best for: Tech-savvy travelers and city dwellers
What you get: Fully digital experience, premium cars (BMWs, Mercedes), no paperwork
Hidden fees? Minimal, but you’ll want to check their insurance policy before declining extras.
- Explore the app and pricing on the Virtuo website.
8. Turo UK – Best for One-Way or Unique Vehicle Rentals
Turo is a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform where individuals rent out their own cars. Prices can be significantly cheaper than traditional rentals—especially for SUVs, electric vehicles, or long-term rentals.
Price range: From £18/day
Pick-up locations: Varies by host – great for local pickups
Best for: Unique vehicles, one-way trips, or long-term stays
What you get: Wide range from budget hatchbacks to Teslas
Hidden fees? Variable – each host has different rules, but most are transparent
- Book directly through Turo UK.
9. National Car Rental – Best Loyalty Program for Frequent Renters
While not always the cheapest upfront, National’s loyalty program (Emerald Club) offers free upgrades, discounts, and skip-the-counter service, which can save you money (and time) over multiple bookings.
Price range: From £28/day (with deals for Emerald Club members)
Pick-up locations: Airports and major cities
Best for: Frequent UK business travelers or road trippers
What you get: Clean fleet, easy return, free upgrades with points
Hidden fees? None if you book directly and use loyalty perks.
- Join for free and book at National Car Rental UK.
10. Indigo Car Hire – Best for Drivers with No Credit Card or Bad Credit
Indigo Car Hire is a broker that specializes in helping customers who can’t use a credit card, have points on their license, or need flexible payment options. They work with a network of providers to get you the best deal.
Price range: From £24/day
Pick-up locations: Nationwide – including under-served towns
Best for: Drivers under 25, non-UK license holders, no-credit-card users
What you get: Personalized service, debit card-friendly rentals
Hidden fees? Not really – very transparent about terms.
- Visit Indigo Car Hire for niche-friendly rental deals.
Tips for Getting the Cheapest Car Rental in the UK (2025)
Book early – Prices rise significantly closer to your travel date, especially in summer and during holidays.
Use price comparison sites like Discover Cars, Rentalcars, or Kayak to find the best real-time rates.
Avoid airport rentals if you can – city centre pick-ups are often cheaper.
Go manual transmission – Automatics cost more in the UK.
Always check insurance coverage – Many “cheap” prices don’t include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), so consider adding it in advance or using a travel credit card with coverage.
Final Thoughts
Finding a cheap car rental in the UK in 2025 doesn’t mean compromising on safety or quality. Whether you prefer eco-friendly hybrids, local service in Scotland, or last-minute deals from SIXT, the options above offer excellent value for money. Just remember to book early, read the fine print, and compare deals across platforms before committing.
If you’re ready to hit the road, start your search with Discover Cars—it’s where I always check first before booking!
FAQ: Cheap Car Rentals in the UK (2025)
1. What is the cheapest car rental company in the UK for 2025?
Keddy by Europcar and Green Motion are among the cheapest options, with daily rates starting from around £19–£21.
2. Can I rent a car in the UK without a credit card?
Yes, companies like Indigo Car Hire allow rentals with a debit card, even if you don’t have a credit history.
3. Is it cheaper to rent a car at the airport or city center?
City center locations are usually cheaper. Airport rentals often include extra fees and taxes.
4. What’s the minimum age to rent a car in the UK?
Most companies require you to be at least 21, though drivers under 25 may face young driver fees.
5. Are manual cars cheaper than automatics in the UK?
Yes! Manual transmission cars are more common and typically cost less to rent.
6. What’s the best site to compare UK car rental prices?
Trusted platforms like Discover Cars, Rentalcars, and Skyscanner Car Hire help you find the best deals fast.
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I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
