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Car Hire In London, Ontario: Competitive Prices And A Practical Local Guide

Compare great-value deals and pick-up points across London, Canada—then use our straightforward tips on insurance, fuel, and fees to drive away with confidence.

Updated Guide
London, Ontario Car Hire Guide For UK Travellers
Hiring a car in London, Ontario is often the easiest way to explore beyond the city centre—particularly for day trips across Southwestern Ontario where public transport is limited. Driving is on the right, roads are generally straightforward, and parking is widely available outside peak downtown hours. For travellers from the United Kingdom, the main advantages are flexibility (you can reach smaller towns, parks, and attractions on your own schedule) and value (multi-day hires can be cost-effective compared with repeated taxis or rideshares). The main downsides are winter driving conditions, potential extra charges (young driver fees, additional drivers, and premium location surcharges), and the need to plan fuel and toll-free routes (most local routes are toll-free, but motorway driving elsewhere in Ontario may vary).
Alamo
Avis
National
Dollar
Budget
Hertz
+ more
London International Airport (YXU) Car Rental Centre
Most convenient for arrivals and late pickups. Pros: extended opening hours, quick access to Highway 401 and regional routes, and a good range of vehicle classes. Cons: airport-related surcharges can apply and choices may be limited during peak arrival windows. Navigation tip: follow terminal signage for ‘Car Rentals’; allow extra time in winter for clearing snow/ice from the vehicle before departure.
Downtown Core (Richmond Row / Central Business District)
Pros: ideal if you are staying centrally, easier to reach on foot or by local bus, and practical for short urban hires. Cons: tighter streets, paid parking, and heavier traffic at commuting times; some branches have shorter weekend hours.
London VIA Rail / Regional Transit Area
Pros: convenient if arriving by train or coach and want to collect without going to the airport; useful for one-way plans. Cons: limited vehicle availability at peak times and occasional reduced counter hours—book ahead for specific car categories.
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Best Car Rentals in London, Ontario for Every Journey

Discover the perfect vehicle for your Canadian adventure from London. Whether you're exploring scenic routes or navigating city streets, find your ideal ride here and unlock more popular options.

By Trip Type
Popular Makes

Winter

SUV

Winter-Ready & Confidence-Inspiring
5
3
Auto

Canada's winters demand respect, and London's snowy months require a vehicle that commands the road. An SUV with all-wheel drive offers superior traction on ice and slush, keeping you safe during your commute or weekend escape. The elevated driving position provides excellent visibility, while heated seats make those frosty mornings far more bearable. For a British driver unaccustomed to left-hand-drive winter motoring, the added stability proves invaluable.

Summer

Convertible

Open-Air Freedom on Ontario's Best Roads
4
2
Auto

When summer arrives, London's surrounding region transforms into a driver's paradise. A convertible lets you fully experience the warm breeze as you cruise toward Prince Edward County or along Lake Erie's coastline. The extended daylight hours of Canadian summer make convertible motoring truly magical, especially when heading to Niagara or Tobermory. British visitors often find this the most memorable way to explore this vast and beautiful country.

Adventure

SUV

Explore Beyond London's Boundaries
5
3
Auto

The terrain surrounding London offers diverse landscapes, from Carolinian forests to the rocky shores of Georgian Bay. A mid-size SUV provides the perfect balance of capability and comfort for venturing into Muskoka's wilderness or Bruce Peninsula's dramatic cliffs. Higher ground clearance handles unpaved access roads with ease, while sufficient luggage space accommodates camping gear or outdoor equipment for extended adventures across Ontario's provincial parks.

Choose Your Ride

Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.

Airport Pickup (YXU)
Downtown Pickup

Fastest Start For Flights And Road Trips

Collecting at London International Airport suits travellers landing late, connecting onward quickly, or wanting a broad choice of vehicles in one place. You can often step straight from arrivals to the rental area, then join major routes with minimal city driving. Do note that airport concessions and facility fees may make the total slightly higher, so compare the all-in price and fuel policy before booking.

London YOW Car Hire: See Why Travelers Rate Us Top

Read genuine reviews from travellers who hired cars at London YOW. Make informed decisions for your next trip.

Rental companyRatingAvg. Daily RatePickup Method/DistanceSecurity depositAccepts Debit CardsKey Advantages
National
2.9
2 reviews
$192In terminal, Walk to counterLow deposit
  • Standard pickup and return process
  • Various vehicle options available
Budget
2.9
2 reviews
$126In terminal, Walk to counter
$257 - $556
  • Smooth pick-up and drop-off process
  • Reasonable pricing with no hidden fees
Alamo
2.0
136 reviews
$264In terminal, Walk to counterLow deposit
  • Easy pick-up and drop-off
  • Friendly and helpful staff
  • Smooth rental experience
Avis
1.5
46 reviews
$1065.7 mi from London Downtown
$556
  • Fast efficient service
  • Friendly professional staff
  • Clean well-maintained vehicles

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental
Last updated: Jun. 16 2026
Essential Rental Hub
Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.
A Brit's Guide to Canadian Petrol Stations
Discover the essential steps and tips for using self-service petrol stations in Canada, including payment methods and fuel types to ensure a smooth refueling experience.
View details
Avoid Highway 407 Tolls – Essential London, Ontario Self‑Drive Car Hire Guide
Comprehensive guide for British travellers renting a car in London, Ontario: how Canada’s mostly toll‑free roads work, the risks and costs of the Highway 407 ETR, using satnav 'Avoid Tolls', interpreting hire‑company toll policies, what to ask at the rental desk, and how to handle delayed post‑rental charges.
View details

Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024

Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

Market Experience

Data Authority

Expertise Verification

QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"London International Airport (YXU) captures 35% of regional rentals, downtown London holds 38%, and Highway 401 corridor pickups account for 27%. Airport convenience drives 62% of traveller bookings in Southwestern Ontario."

Booking Patterns

"SUV bookings in Southwestern Ontario grew 26% in 2024, capturing 43% of market share. Summer peak drives 53% of annual demand. Average rental duration is 4.8 days, up 15% from 2022. Advance booking averages 10-14 days ahead."

Customer Pain Points

"42% of Ontario renters report confusion over insurance coverage options, the top complaint, with 31% citing unexpected damage waiver charges and 23% noting hidden fee confusion at pickup."

Data Sources

  • QEEQ internal booking databse
  • Global Market Insights - Canada Car Rental Market Analysis
  • Statistics Canada - Travel Agency and Car Rental Services Report
  • Ontario Tourism Industry Report
  • London International Airport - Ground Transportation Data
  • Enterprise Holdings - Canadian Market Trends Report
  • Canadian Automobile Association - Travel Statistics
  • Global Market Insights - Canada Car Rental Market
  • Consumer Reports Canada - Car Rental Survey
  • J.D. Power - Car Rental Customer Satisfaction Study
  • Hellascar - Hidden Costs Research

Road Trips

One-way rental routes starting from London

Plan your ultimate road trip with these popular one-way routes departing from London

Drive Through Canada's London: Essential Road Trip Guide

Everything you need to know about driving in London, Ontario - from speed limits to fuel costs, plan your perfect Canadian road adventure

LANGUAGES

English, French

CURRENCY

CAD

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+1

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

40-50 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

80-110 km/h

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.08% (Strictly Enforced)

London, Ontario Car Hire FAQs

Practical answers to common questions about renting and driving a car in London, Ontario, Canada

Can I drive in London, Ontario with just my UK photocard licence, or do I need an IDP?
Your valid UK photocard licence is accepted in Ontario for stays up to three months, with no International Driving Permit required. Carry the paper counterpart details if your licence was issued before 2015. Drivers under 25 face a 'young driver surcharge' of roughly CAD 20–35 per day, and most suppliers require a credit card in the main driver's name, plus a passport for identity checks at the counter.
What side of the road do they drive on in London, and what are the trickiest local rules?
Canada drives on the right-hand side of the road, with the steering wheel on the left, so right-hand-drive UK drivers should take extra care at roundabouts and on motorway on-ramps. Ontario's Hwy 401 and Hwy 402 around London are well maintained, with a default 100 km/h limit; school zones drop to 40 km/h and urban arterials to 50 km/h. Right turn on red is permitted after a full stop, and winter brings frequent black-ice risks from November to April.
Are there toll roads around London, and how do I pay for parking downtown?
London itself has zero toll roads and no congestion charge; the nearest toll route is the 407 ETR east of Toronto. Downtown parking costs around CAD 1.50–2.50 per hour at meters, payable by coin, credit card or the ParkMobile app. Free street parking is generally limited to 1–2 hours on weekdays, and most city car parks offer evening flat rates of about CAD 5 after 6pm.
What fuel do hire cars take in Ontario, and is the full-to-full rule strict?
Most rental cars run on regular unleaded 87-octane petrol, with diesel options mainly in larger SUVs; many suppliers also offer hybrid and a small number of EVs. Refuel at brands like Petro-Canada, Shell or Esso, which are common along the 401 corridor. Almost every company enforces full-to-full strictly, charging CAD 2.50–4.00 per litre plus a refuelling service fee of CAD 10–20 if you return the car short.
What winter driving rules and insurance extras should I sort out before a London trip?
Studded tyres are permitted in Ontario from 1 October to 30 April, and rental firms automatically fit winter tyres during this window for an extra CAD 10–15 per day. Winter tyres are genuinely advisable rather than optional, as London averages 150 cm of snow and temperatures below –20°C. Basic CDW includes collision and theft, but you can cut the excess from CAD 500–1,000 to zero with a full-coverage upgrade or by using a UK credit card that includes primary rental cover.

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Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2025

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Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2024

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Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2023

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Best Car hire Platform Partner 2022 OF ABG

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The Travolution Awards for Best On the Road

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