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Car hire at Gatwick Airport

Hiring a car at Gatwick Airport

Gatwick Airport (LGW) is located close to Crawley, West Sussex. It offers international flights and is the second largest airport in the UK, offering great links to the city of London and other locations in the south-east of England.

You can reach the centre of Crawley in as little as 15 minutes via the M23 and head into central London in an hour and a half via the same road. The accessibility of the airport means that hiring a car from there can allow you to start your trip as soon as you land, no matter where you're heading to.

What you need to know

There's plenty of choice when it comes to hiring a car at Gatwick Airport, ensuring you can find the best deal to suit your budget and needs. The Holiday Autos website allows you to see which car hire companies have vehicles available from Gatwick Airport for the dates of your travel. It lays out everything you need to make a decision without any hidden costs, so you know exactly what you're getting.

Booking through Holidays Autos also means you benefit from around the clock support as well as free cancellation, so you have peace of mind before and during your trip.

Where to pick up your car

A total of ten car hire companies offer vehicles at Gatwick Airport, with car hire desks being located in both the North and South terminals. It is a good idea to check whether the company you've booked with is located is in the North or South terminal, as you may need to get an airport shuttle bus to the other terminal to pick up your car.

Some companies have pick-up points elsewhere if you have arranged alternative transport from the airport, so you should check the options when arranging your car.

Best Car Hire Companies Gatwick Airport

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Car Hire Reviews Gatwick Airport

  • “The pick-up was easy, it took 5 minutes from arriving at the desk to driving out the car, and the return took even less time. Booking with Holiday Autos was easy and I received the car that I had asked for, just perfect!”
    Diane T

Where to go

Hiring a car means that you have plenty of choice when it comes to deciding where to go once you've collected your luggage at Gatwick Airport. You can head to any number of historical sites, shopping destinations and great parks, with the whole of the south-east being open to you.

Whether you want to stay in this area of England or explore further afield, car hire will help you to see and do as much as possible. This ensures that you can get the most out of your trip whether you're travelling for business or pleasure.

Nearby Gatwick Airport

If you need a quiet place to go after the busy Gatwick Airport, drive 15 minutes down the M23 to Tilgate Park in Crawley. Not only does Tilgate Park offer stunning open spaces and a beautiful lake, it also has a nature centre, which is home to a mix of animals. You can also head to Go Ape for a fun tree-top adventure that features zip-wires and Tarzan swings, as well as stunning views.

Gatwick Airport is also close to Chessington World of Adventures, which is a great day out for the whole family. The resort is just 35 minutes from the airport via the M23 and London Orbital Motorway. As well as the rollercoasters of the theme park, you can also explore Chessington Zoo and Sea Life Centre, giving you plenty to do.

Longer drives

There are also some interesting options for days out further away from Gatwick Airport, including Leeds Castle. Located in Kent, you can reach the castle in less than hour if you take the London Orbital Motorway and then turn onto the M20. The castle offers tours to learn about the history and there are beautiful grounds to explore. You can also stay the night in one of the holiday cottages or at the Knight's Glamping grounds, offering a unique experience.

Just under two hours away from the airport is the New Forest, which you can drive to by taking the M3. The forest is a beautiful place to go for a holiday or a day out and will help you relax fully after your time at the airport. Not only is there nature to enjoy, including New Forest ponies, you can also explore museums, gardens and wildlife parks.

Top attractions to visit near Gatwick Airport

Car hire allows you to make the most of the area around Gatwick Airport, including some of the top attractions in the region.

Eating and drinking

Whether you stay close to Crawley, head into London or go elsewhere, you'll have plenty of choices when it comes to food and drink. Even the fussiest of eaters is sure to find something great among the popular restaurants, hidden gems and street food vendors in the London area. If you drive to any of the lakes or rivers in the area, you can also enjoy a drink and a bite to eat while taking in great views, especially during the spring and summer months.

Things to do

Those who like to feel a bit of adrenaline pumping might want to take the 15-minute journey down the M23 to Southern Pursuits. Located on Tulleys Farm, Crawley, Southern Pursuits offers you a chance to try your hand at quad biking, archery, off-road karting and clay pigeon shooting. This is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and try something a bit different.

You can also head into the city of London for great shopping experiences and plenty of other options when it comes to things to do. Spend a day exploring city landmarks, grab a ticket to a show or simply head to one of London's amazing parks.

Sightseeing

For those who want a slightly slower pace during a trip, there is plenty of sightseeing to do close to Gatwick Airport. One great place is Hever Castle, which is only half an hour away from the airport and has an interesting history. Not only is the castle an attractive building with beautiful grounds, it also has a great history to learn about.

You may also want to visit the 19th-century gardens of the Nymans estate. The estate is now owned by the National Trust, offering beautiful views of the Sussex countryside that seem a world away from the busy airport.

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