Book your car rental before you get to the airport, in order to save money and time. This can be done through the website of London Heathrow Airport which lists private companies which offer car rental.
Find a car rental desk in the airport. There are desks in each of Heathrow's five terminals. If you have booked in advance, you will be required to present yourself at the corresponding desk. If you haven't, you can choose whichever desk is convenient or offers the best deal.
Present your documentation in order to be rented the car. You will need a valid driver's license, accompanied by a passport if you are from outside the European Union (EU). If you are under 25 you will need proof of age, as most companies refuse to rent cars to those under 21, and will charge a surcharge for those under 25.
Pay the rental fee and sign the paperwork. Be sure to check the details before you sign. Some areas to check include whether the car is to be brought back with a full or empty tank of petrol (gasoline), and what time and where you are to return the car. If you are planning to take the car into another country, then you must inform the rental company who will be able to provide you with a kit required for driving in other countries of the EU, where the laws are slightly different to that of the U.K.
Check the car before you drive away. Any damage noticed must be reported before you begin driving, or you may be liable to pay for it yourself. Ensure that all of the paperwork is correct, and that any extras you may have paid for, such as satellite navigation, are present. Once this has been done, you are able to drive away. Be sure to drive on the left-hand side of the road.
