Does anyone know whether automatic transmission cars are available for rent in the U.K. or are they all manual? Would a U.S. citizen need an international drivers license to drive there, and how do you get one? Thanks!

You can usually specify if you want an automatic or a manual car when you are reserving your car online - I am pretty sure you could get an automatic if you wanted one.

- Of course you can rent an automatic. It will cost you more though

- You do not need and IDP (not license) to drive in the UK. If you do need one (they are required
in Greece, Italy, Austria among other places) they are available at American Automobile Association offices (or the appropriate auto club for your country)

- check with AutoEurope.com You seem new at renting internationally ... they have an 800 number and can answer specific questions. Because they are brokers can set you up with
the best deal.

Thanks for the info - and, yes, I've never rented a car internationally so I appreciate the help!

plan to pay as much as 30% more for an automatic---if you can believe it....

i really like alamo in the UK

We looked into doing that this year. Previously we rented/leased and did our own touring in Euorpe (4 times and also Australia and New Zealand). Problem this time was that when we communicated with various companies a lease was not feasible and they could not or would not guarantee and automatic. In mainland Europe we had manuals before and it was not a problem. In Australia and NZ we did have an automatic which was good with driving on the left.
As a result, we gave up this time and decided to take our first tour of the countryside with an escorted tour and not stress about the stick being on the opposite side of the car!

Yes, there are plenty of automatics available - we always get one - figuring driving on the wrong side of the road is enough to deal with. Naturally the price will be higher bu tIMHO the convenience is worth it. And no one has ever asked for an International permit.