Car rental outside London/return to different location
Jul 25th, 2006, 01:47 PM
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Car rental outside London/return to different location
Hi all. Am finalizing our London/England itinerary. You warned me not to drive in London, and I won't. But we want to drive out to Stonehenge, see Stourhead, Bath, etc., and then go through the Cotswolds.
Would it be relatively easy to take a train to Windsor, rent a car there, and then return it to a location outside Gatwick before we fly home?
Would it be relatively easy to take a train to Windsor, rent a car there, and then return it to a location outside Gatwick before we fly home?
Jul 25th, 2006, 02:04 PM
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Heathrow and Gatwick are the only hire car locations that stay open 7 days and are used to all kinds of flexibility, so take Alan's hint - take the Picadilly line tube to Heathrow and drive from there. It's well signed, you're already on the correct side of town, with easy access to the expressway, piece of cake.
Then you have to figure out how to get to Gatwick in that car without losing your sanity.
Maybe forget the one-way drop-off, drive back to Heathrow and take the airport-to-airport coach (see www.nationalexpress.com). Cheaper, and sane.
WK
Then you have to figure out how to get to Gatwick in that car without losing your sanity.
Maybe forget the one-way drop-off, drive back to Heathrow and take the airport-to-airport coach (see www.nationalexpress.com). Cheaper, and sane.
WK
Jul 25th, 2006, 02:10 PM
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I'm not sure why others are discouraging your original idea. We've rented cars at various places -- Essex, Cambridge, and various outskirts of London itself and have returned them to Heathrow. Taking a taxi to Edgeware road right to a car agency and getting on your way, for example, seems a lot easier to me than taking the tube to Heathrow and then still getting to the car agency with your luggage, etc.
And while we've never returned a car to Gatwick, is it that much more difficult than Heathrow? Seems to me when you rent a car, that agency can give you clear directions for the approach to return it at Gatwick.
And while we've never returned a car to Gatwick, is it that much more difficult than Heathrow? Seems to me when you rent a car, that agency can give you clear directions for the approach to return it at Gatwick.
Jul 25th, 2006, 02:21 PM
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Thank you all, for your replies. The Heathrow to Heathrow is interesting - and might be easiest to rent a car? I have no idea how close the nearest car rental agency is to the Windsor train station. Does anyone know?
Also - if we returned to Heathrow and took a train to Gatwick, can anyone recommend a decent hotel (for the 4 of us) for the night before we fly home?
Thanks again for your insights.
P.S. How difficult will we Americans find driving in England? Is it really challenging, when you're used to the "other" side of the road?
Also - if we returned to Heathrow and took a train to Gatwick, can anyone recommend a decent hotel (for the 4 of us) for the night before we fly home?
Thanks again for your insights.
P.S. How difficult will we Americans find driving in England? Is it really challenging, when you're used to the "other" side of the road?
Jul 25th, 2006, 02:28 PM
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Back in March, I rented a car at Heathrow and returned it at Gatwick three days later. The majors do not charge a one way fee for rentals of three days or over.
I booked through http://www.1st-ukcarrentals.com . They are brokers for Europcar, and I believe I got a pretty good rate. The return at Gatwick North Terminal was pretty straight forward. The only glitch was that the gas station was after the Europcar depot, so I had to make another loop around the hotels and car park to return the car after refilling. About a 30 second walk from Europcar to the terminal.
I booked through http://www.1st-ukcarrentals.com . They are brokers for Europcar, and I believe I got a pretty good rate. The return at Gatwick North Terminal was pretty straight forward. The only glitch was that the gas station was after the Europcar depot, so I had to make another loop around the hotels and car park to return the car after refilling. About a 30 second walk from Europcar to the terminal.
Jul 25th, 2006, 02:30 PM
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The problem with Windsor is that there are no major car rental companies located there -- it is too close to Heathrow. And the local companies will not have depots at Gatwick, so it would have to be a Windsor to Windsor rental.
Jul 25th, 2006, 02:35 PM
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karens,
First, are you starting your journey from Heathrow? If so, the most simple solution seems to be rent the car from LHR, return to LGW.
If you're starting from central London, and not starting the drive on Sundays, I'm inclined to agree with Neopolitan. Avis/Herz have offices near Mayfair or Edgeware Rd/Marble Arch.
Just make sure you have a good driving map--I haven't had much success finding cars with a sat nav. You can plan the routing on the RAC website.
You might also want to check other threads re:roundabouts or general driving in UK. Leave extra time to get to LGW.
Also, please note that the petrol price you see listed is in sterling, and per litre. To get US$ equivalent, multiply by 1.58 and again by 3.785.
;-(
First, are you starting your journey from Heathrow? If so, the most simple solution seems to be rent the car from LHR, return to LGW.
If you're starting from central London, and not starting the drive on Sundays, I'm inclined to agree with Neopolitan. Avis/Herz have offices near Mayfair or Edgeware Rd/Marble Arch.
Just make sure you have a good driving map--I haven't had much success finding cars with a sat nav. You can plan the routing on the RAC website.
You might also want to check other threads re:roundabouts or general driving in UK. Leave extra time to get to LGW.
Also, please note that the petrol price you see listed is in sterling, and per litre. To get US$ equivalent, multiply by 1.58 and again by 3.785.
;-(
Jul 25th, 2006, 02:35 PM
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Re your P.S., people's experiences vary widely. The first time I rented in the UK, on the second day I was ready to return the car to the nearest depot and totally revamp our 17 day vacation. But, the next day I was fine, and have been fine ever since.
Jul 25th, 2006, 02:53 PM
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< I'm not sure why others are discouraging your original idea. >
I suggested Heathrow to Gatwick rental because the folk ate the airports are used to that sort of thing & don't have one way charges
You are also more likely to get the car you want at a major depot like an airport rather than Windsor
It's also cheaper to travel to Heathrow from central London & much more convenient if you have your luggage with you.
So what's that about discouraging? More like pointing out why airport to airport is a better idea
I suggested Heathrow to Gatwick rental because the folk ate the airports are used to that sort of thing & don't have one way charges
You are also more likely to get the car you want at a major depot like an airport rather than Windsor
It's also cheaper to travel to Heathrow from central London & much more convenient if you have your luggage with you.
So what's that about discouraging? More like pointing out why airport to airport is a better idea
Jul 25th, 2006, 03:24 PM
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We had a great experience with Ian at Baldocks Car Hire, located right in Windsor.
Search for him on Google (it's been a couple of years since I used him and I don't have the info handy).
It's a small Mom and Pop car hire place (originally recommended to me by Janis, I believe), and Ian was absolutely wonderful to work with. Picked us up at Heathrow and dropped us off at the terminal at the end of our trip. My guess is that he'd be delighted to help you figure out the Heathrow to Gatwick connection.
Ian's prices were a LOT better than the majors, too.
Gayle
Search for him on Google (it's been a couple of years since I used him and I don't have the info handy).
It's a small Mom and Pop car hire place (originally recommended to me by Janis, I believe), and Ian was absolutely wonderful to work with. Picked us up at Heathrow and dropped us off at the terminal at the end of our trip. My guess is that he'd be delighted to help you figure out the Heathrow to Gatwick connection.
Ian's prices were a LOT better than the majors, too.
Gayle
Jul 25th, 2006, 05:29 PM
#12
WOW - I was just reading down the thread preparing to mention Baldock's -- and there at the very last post is leonberger's post. Great minds 
Baldocks is right in Windsor - walking distance from both the train station and the castle.
pros: Very good rates. Though you have to pick up the car during business hours, you can drop it off when they are closed.
Cons: a one-off location so you can't drop the car off at Gatwick (If you do decide on Baldock's they could drop you at LHR and you could take the airport shuttle bus to LGW)
If you use one of the major chain rental companies, picking up at LHR (or near Marble Arch if you are brave enough) and dropping at LGW is easy as pie - no extra drop off charges.
What day of the week are you leaving London? If on a weekend morning, driving out of town towards the west is not hard at all. But you need to make sure the location has weekend hours.
Baldocks is right in Windsor - walking distance from both the train station and the castle.
pros: Very good rates. Though you have to pick up the car during business hours, you can drop it off when they are closed.
Cons: a one-off location so you can't drop the car off at Gatwick (If you do decide on Baldock's they could drop you at LHR and you could take the airport shuttle bus to LGW)
If you use one of the major chain rental companies, picking up at LHR (or near Marble Arch if you are brave enough) and dropping at LGW is easy as pie - no extra drop off charges.
What day of the week are you leaving London? If on a weekend morning, driving out of town towards the west is not hard at all. But you need to make sure the location has weekend hours.
Jul 25th, 2006, 05:42 PM
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You all are terrific - thank you for your replies.
IF I get the FF tickets I want, we will arrive London (Gatwick) on a Monday morning, and then leave London maybe around 2pm on a Friday? Is this bad? I could try to move up our dates one day so that we arrive Sunday morning and then leave on a Thurs. instead. Noticeable difference?
The more I look over our itinerary, it might be better to move it up, b/c then we'd be in Legoland on a Fri. instead of a Sat. But then I imagine Stonehenge/Longleat/Stourhead would also be crowded on the weekends...
IF I get the FF tickets I want, we will arrive London (Gatwick) on a Monday morning, and then leave London maybe around 2pm on a Friday? Is this bad? I could try to move up our dates one day so that we arrive Sunday morning and then leave on a Thurs. instead. Noticeable difference?
The more I look over our itinerary, it might be better to move it up, b/c then we'd be in Legoland on a Fri. instead of a Sat. But then I imagine Stonehenge/Longleat/Stourhead would also be crowded on the weekends...
Jul 25th, 2006, 06:07 PM
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Please check out www.autoeurope.com I haven't read all the responses...but they have some great deals...I am picking up my car in London (Marble Arch) driving it out of the city as fast as I can and spending 5 days out in the heart of England. I'll be returning it to Gatwick...I think the total rental was 6 days...I paid $164US and that included tax and extra fee for returning it somewhere other than the origin. There is a $28 fee for renting in London I'll have to pay there but they were by far the cheapest I found.
Good luck! Oh! And I rented a Vectra wagon...and get a free upgrade on top of that.
Tara
Good luck! Oh! And I rented a Vectra wagon...and get a free upgrade on top of that.
Tara
Jul 25th, 2006, 06:09 PM
#15
Re your specific schedule -- as long as it isn't a Bank Holiday weekend, it really doesn't make that much difference. What are your dates?
The main issue is driving out of London -- and a Friday afternoon woulld be near madness. Other weekday afternoons would be a bit easier -- but not all that much. If it is a weekday, then get away from London (Windsor or LHR) to pick up your car.
But if you can - I'd try to leave London earlier in the day - get to Stonehenge by mid to late morning and have lunch in a nice pub enroute to Stourhead.
The main issue is driving out of London -- and a Friday afternoon woulld be near madness. Other weekday afternoons would be a bit easier -- but not all that much. If it is a weekday, then get away from London (Windsor or LHR) to pick up your car.
But if you can - I'd try to leave London earlier in the day - get to Stonehenge by mid to late morning and have lunch in a nice pub enroute to Stourhead.
Jul 25th, 2006, 06:13 PM
#16
karens: I was posting the same time as ma23peas. That "madness" bit was in reference your possibly driving put of London on a Friday afternoon.
As for ma23peas - if her choice is madness or not mostly depends on the day/time she is driving out of town. If not during the afternoon commute not so bad from Marble Arch
As for ma23peas - if her choice is madness or not mostly depends on the day/time she is driving out of town. If not during the afternoon commute not so bad from Marble Arch
Jul 25th, 2006, 06:52 PM
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Gatwick has one of the most convenient areas for car rental and dropoff - literally attached to the terminal.
Were I coming from the NW of London I would not want to do it on the day of departure and certainly would want to avoid the M25.
Have you considered doing yout trip in reverse order. The Cotswolds first, then Bath, Stourhead, Stonehenge, Salisbury(?), Winchester(?) before spending your last night relatively close to Gatwick.
We have twice flown home to Boston from Gatwick and spent our last nights in BnBs near Royal Tunbridge Wells. A relatively easy ride going through East Grinstead. There is a petrol station, BP I think, between East Grinstead and Gatwick convenient for topping off the tank.
I wouldn't advise driving in London but it isn't impossible. The first time I did in 1993 we drove from Winchester to King's Cross station, right thru Piccadilly Square and out Shaftesbury Av. We've also rented at Marble Arch to go to Rochester, Canterbury and other places in the SE.
Have I confused you enough?
Were I coming from the NW of London I would not want to do it on the day of departure and certainly would want to avoid the M25.
Have you considered doing yout trip in reverse order. The Cotswolds first, then Bath, Stourhead, Stonehenge, Salisbury(?), Winchester(?) before spending your last night relatively close to Gatwick.
We have twice flown home to Boston from Gatwick and spent our last nights in BnBs near Royal Tunbridge Wells. A relatively easy ride going through East Grinstead. There is a petrol station, BP I think, between East Grinstead and Gatwick convenient for topping off the tank.
I wouldn't advise driving in London but it isn't impossible. The first time I did in 1993 we drove from Winchester to King's Cross station, right thru Piccadilly Square and out Shaftesbury Av. We've also rented at Marble Arch to go to Rochester, Canterbury and other places in the SE.
Have I confused you enough?
Jul 26th, 2006, 05:11 AM
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Tip for driving out of London...we are leaving at 10am...the trick is to find a big enough car to follow...I stick with them like glue and pray they're headed out We are leaving on a Monday so it shouldn't be too bad...the last time I drove out of London it took me 30 minutes...not too bad...but I did enter several no entry streets...all in all the worst part is trying to adjust to driving a manual car again...if you're not used to it definitely pay the extra for an automatic.
Tara
We are leaving on a Monday so it shouldn't be too bad...the last time I drove out of London it took me 30 minutes...not too bad...but I did enter several no entry streets...all in all the worst part is trying to adjust to driving a manual car again...if you're not used to it definitely pay the extra for an automatic.Tara
Jul 26th, 2006, 05:18 AM
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Driving in England...tips...
Take a look on http://www.dsa.gov.uk/ you can read all the rules/laws..I pay special attention to road signs and the way roads are marked.
When traveling on the motorways..I guess it felt "right" to travel on the right side of your lanes as a slow lane....guess somewhere there's logic in that...but that's how my mind compensated with me driving on the right side of a car and on the left side of the road...but you really are supposed to stay on the far left lanes...right lanes are used for passing. And I did try to turn into the wrong lanes a few times...the best key I can give is just to follow someone else while you're driving...do what they do and don't ever be in a hurry!
Have fun!
Tara
Take a look on http://www.dsa.gov.uk/ you can read all the rules/laws..I pay special attention to road signs and the way roads are marked.
When traveling on the motorways..I guess it felt "right" to travel on the right side of your lanes as a slow lane....guess somewhere there's logic in that...but that's how my mind compensated with me driving on the right side of a car and on the left side of the road...but you really are supposed to stay on the far left lanes...right lanes are used for passing. And I did try to turn into the wrong lanes a few times...the best key I can give is just to follow someone else while you're driving...do what they do and don't ever be in a hurry!
Have fun!
Tara
