Car Rental - Luton

 

Situated north-west of London within the scenic county of Bedfordshire, Luton is home to one of the UK’s biggest airports and is one of the gateways to the island. Rent a car in Luton and use the town as a springboard for exploring southern England.

We have several branches in town, including at the airport, so you can pick up your hire vehicle quickly and conveniently. Browse our wide range of rental cars now and find the right holiday car rental for your vacation, whether you’re in the UK on business, a family vacation or a city break.

When you book a car rental with us in Luton, there are no hidden extras to pay for. Plus it’s free to change or cancel your reservation up to two days before collecting your car. 

Luton Locations

A Quick Guide to Luton

A historic town founded on a settlement dating back to the 6th century, Luton today is a busy and vibrant community. Your car rental, your Luton journey.

Whipsnade Zoo is one of the top billed attractions in the area and perfect if you’re visiting Luton with little ones in tow. Spot elephants, zebras and lions as you explore the sprawling complex. You can even watch a troupe of ring-tailed lemurs being fed their breakfast, become a zoo keeper for the day or spend the night at the Lookout Lodge. We have a variety of rental cars, whether you’re here for business or holiday pleasure, we’ve got a ride to fit your occasion.

Park up your Luton car rental and enjoy a dose of country air when you head to nearby Dunstable Downs, part of the Chiltern Hills. As the highest point in east England, these picturesque chalk grasslands are the perfect place to take a relaxing stroll and soak up the views of rural Bedfordshire. Pull on your hiking shoes and pack a picnic, as these plains are made for outdoor adventures.

 

Luton boasts excellent road links to London and if you have some free time during your visit it’s well worth heading into the capital in your rental car to see some of its iconic sights.

You’ll fall in love with the unique energy of the city as soon as you arrive. Head into its heart and make for the River Thames. Here you can take snaps of the Gothic Houses of Parliament, take a ride aboard the London Eye and visit Westminster Abbey, the grand 12 century church that’s hosted royal weddings and coronations for hundreds of years.

Speaking of royals, a trip to Buckingham Palace is a must while in London. Stand outside the regal gates of the residence of Queen Elizabeth II and it’s easy to be overwhelmed by its splendor. The palace is open to the public, so you can head inside to see the ornate ballroom, the magnificent throne room and manicured palace gardens. Park up your Luton car rental and enjoy the royal grounds.

London is without doubt one of the best shopping destinations on the planet. After a morning sightseeing, dedicate an afternoon to visiting Covent Garden to explore the fashion boutiques or the huge flagship stores on Bond Street. As evening arrives, take a trip to the West End where you’ll find musicals, comedies and other theater performances of all kinds on offer.

 

Just outside London and 11 miles drive with your rental car south of Luton is St Albans, an ancient city that boasts impressive medieval architecture and Roman ruins.

Take a trip back in time when you visit St Albans Cathedral, which dates back to 1077. It’s one of the largest churches in the UK and punctuates the city skyline, visible for miles around. Marvel at the blend of architectural styles that form the façade, including Norman, Romanesque and Gothic details, before heading inside to catch a glimpse of the enormous medieval nave.

Also well worth a visit is the Verulamium Museum, built on the site of the ancient Roman city that gave the museum its name. Wander the exhibitions and discover preserved mosaics, recreated roads and jewelry from the era – outside you can even see the ruins of the city walls and a basilica.

Just a short distance from the museum you’ll also find the remains of a Roman theater from 140AD, the only structure of its kind that can still be seen in the UK.

Car rental in Luton makes it possible to explore all of this and many other attractions in the endlessly vibrant south-east of England.

 

Driving In and Around Luton

Getting around Luton with your Hertz car rental is straightforward thanks to a network of well-signed major roads. New Bedford Road leads from the northern suburbs into the town, while Kimpton Road provides access from the airport. The A505 runs through the center of Luton, ideal if you want to explore the main shopping district.

The M1, one of the country’s major freeways, known here as motorways, runs past the town and onwards to London. Follow it south into the heart of the city or join the M25, which offers various entry routes into the capital. Renting a car makes it easier to traverse Luton’s surrounding areas.

If you’re driving into central London during your stay, it’s worth being aware of the Congestion Charge. Find out which areas and times are covered by this costs – you can pay the charge online in advance or on the day of travel.

If you want to stay close to Luton, the Chiltern Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty, is just a short journey away via the B4540. Here you can visit Whipsnade Zoo or go hiking among the rolling countryside. Your rental car means you’ll get to avoid the inconvenience of getting public transport in Luton. With Hertz, you’re in control.

The two world-famous university cities, Oxford and Cambridge, are also nearby and both have a wealth of historical architecture to see. Oxford is a 90-minute drive via the A418, while Cambridge is a shorter journey if you take the A505 north.

While in the UK, you’ll drive on the left-hand side of the road and pass on the right. At roundabouts, you should give way to vehicles approaching on your right. In urban areas the speed limit is usually 30mph, unless there are signs on the road indicating otherwise, while the maximum on freeways is 70mph.