Car Rental in London
 

We're planning on picking up a rental car after our stay in London to drive to the Cotswolds. Would it be best to use one of Autoeurope's London pick-up places (major train stations, Marble Arch, and many other locations) or to take the train to a smaller town and pick up there.

Also, has anyone driven a standard in Great Britain? Our cars at home are standard, but we're worried that shifting will just be too much with the switch in directions. Any thoughts on these two questions would be appreciated.

In Europe, I'm the navigator and my partner's the driver -- which is imperative since I don't drive a manual. The first time we rented a car in the UK, everyone convinced him that we should get an automatic due to the problems you suggest. We did so, but unfortunately it was a larger car than we wanted -- most automatics there are large cars. He had no problems driving. But when we turned that car in and rented another in Scotland, they didn't have an automatic. He found the manual no problem and wished he had that the first time. He felt that once you are driving on the "wrong side of the road" and you are on the "wrong side of the car", adding the manual into the mix doesn't really add any confusion, it just helps you with your concentration. But we've always gone out to Cambridge, Exeter, or Heathrow to get our cars. I'm not sure that it's that important however. As long as they give you good directions to clear the city, you will already be near a major route anyway at one of the major rental places.

We drive automatics at home and I would not want to be stuck with a manual on vacation, however, if you are used to manual shifts then it would probably be OK. It depends on you tho. I think it might be "easier" to drive an automatic when you are coping with the "wrong side of the road", but that's just a personal opinion.

What I do think is important is having one driver, one navigator. I've been more comfortable driving in the UK then my husband so I drive! What we found too is that it is best not to switch drivers back and forth either.

We've always rented at Heathrow, I don't think I'd care to drive in London, however if you pick up the car on a Sat. or Sun. it might not be too horrible. It kind of depends on whether you are used to big city driving or not.

What takes some getting used to is the country roads. The dual carriageways (major highways) are fine, the narrow country lanes can be tricky! I'd not rent anything too large unless you drive small/narrow back roads where you live.

We rented a car from Hertz (Marble Arch) to drive out of London this summer. It just seemed faster and simpler than taking the train to another rental location.
We too have manuals in the US but rented an automatic. It was easier to concentrate on getting out of London, without thinking of shifting with the left hand. I'm glad we did.
But you may be more coordinated than I am!

I agree with Patrick. If you drive a standard at home you'll probably have no trouble making the transition in England. It will feel natural in very little time.

Pick the car up at Heathrow. The auto rental places are located away from the terminals and there is a ring road around them. You can go round and round that thing until you're comfortable and then head out onto the highway (which is easier than village and country driving).

And while I agree that having one driver/one navigator is great, it's not critical.

There are lots of amusing and contentious threads on this topic so do a search if you have a little time to waste!

Many (most, actually) fodorites recommend an automatic. But I always get a stick and have absolutely no problems (and I drive an automatic at home). Standard transmissions are so much cheaper and you will have a choice of any model/size you want because they all come with sticks - whereas only a few models have automatics. I actually believe those driving automatics have a harder time adjusting to "the wrong side of the road". If one is constantly reminded that the gearshift is on your left it is easier to do the other mental gymnastics as well. If you just put an auto. in drive and start out you may got into sort of "auto pilot" and that is when you can get in trouble.

And afterall, you won't be doing any "power shifting" or trying to pull anyone off the line. You will be driving on small country roads and through villages and a stick will be no problem at all.

As for where to pick up - a LOT depends on the time of day/ day of week. If you are picking the car up on a sunday morning, central London would be no problem. But if you are picking it up on a weekday morning - cebtral London can be HELL (even with the recent congestion charges)

For where you are headed I would recommend central London if it is on Sunday - otherwise take the Paddington Express to Heathrow and pick up your car there. You will be right on the two main motorways to the west (M4 and M40) and will be in the Cotswolds in under an hour.