Last reviewed: · Prices in British Pounds Sterling (£ GBP) and US Dollars ($ USD) are approximate and for orientation only.
When You Need a Car (and When You Definitely Don't)
Never rent a car inside London, Edinburgh, Bath, Oxford, Cambridge, or York — parking costs £25–£50/day and historic centres have strict bus-lane cameras. Rent a car only when leaving the city for the Cotswolds, Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye, Lake District, Cornwall, Eryri (Snowdonia), or Northern Ireland's Causeway Coast.
Golden Rules for Driving on the Left
- Clockwise Roundabouts: Enter to the left (clockwise) and always yield to traffic already on the roundabout approaching from your right.
- Highland & Lakeland Single-Track Roads: Use paved Passing Places on your left to let oncoming vehicles pass, or pull in to allow faster local traffic behind you to overtake. Never park in a Passing Place.
- London Congestion Charge (£15/day) & ULEZ: Central London charges £15/day automatically via ANPR cameras; pick up rental cars at Heathrow (LHR), Oxford, Bath, or Edinburgh Airport instead.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important tip for Driving in the UK?
When to rent a car in the UK (Cotswolds, Skye, Lake District, Cornwall), clockwise roundabout priority, Highland passing places, and London Congestion/ULEZ fees.
Can I pay with a contactless card or Apple/Google Pay?
Yes — contactless Visa, Mastercard, and Apple/Google Pay are accepted across 99% of UK trains, buses, Tube gates, pubs, and attractions in £ GBP.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: