I'm traveling to the UK. Should I rent a car online or just wait til I get ther

United States
March 27, 2010 2:22pm CST
Sorry about the title not quite fitting on the line. I've never been to England before but I have to go next month and I'm trying to plan everything out now. I travel all over in the US, but I'm wondering when I go overseas if I should plan the car rental ahead of time online ( http://www.ecarz.co.uk/ ) or if I can just do it when I get there like I do here in the US. I'd like to plan things out ahead of time, but it seems to me that no matter what, something else always comes up at the last minute and ruins my plans when I try to preplan things, so I'm thinking maybe I should just show up and pick a car then. Does it work that way in England or am I setting myself up for even more trouble? Thanks!
4 responses
@pratheep87 (1227)
• India
28 Mar 10
Yes if your new to UK and travel alone you can better rent a car online and so you will not be in problem
@randyw (216)
• Russell, Kansas
8 Nov 13
Yep, I agree!
@jwfarrimond (4473)
29 Dec 10
You can probably rent a car when you arrive as you'll find that most of the major car hire companies have an office at your arrival airport. It probably depends on what time you will be arriving though - the office may not be open when you arrive. I hope that you'll familiarise yourself with the UK rules of the road and with the fact that we drive on the left, (so all of the car controlls will be on the opposite side from what you are used to) and also be aware that even outside of the major cities, traffic will be heavier and the roads much narrower than what you are used to in the US. If you are arriving at Heathrow, you will be driving right into London traffic - not really a good idea if you have never driven a right hand drive car before. All that I can say is: Good luck!
@kingparker (9673)
• United States
29 Dec 10
Honestly, I never been to England myself, and I would like to see how it works out. Maybe it is wise to reserve your car online first handed. Otherwise, maybe when you got there, there is no car available for rental. Book ahead, and pick it up there.
@tomitomi (5429)
• Singapore
28 Mar 10
hello wwinter2. i've not done it myself. but a friend who went to nz did it there instead of doing it online. according to him, you get to see it there yourself and it's easier if you decide to change.