Quick Navigation: Jump to Guide Section
The Essential Guide to Automatic Car Hire Gatwick for American Visitors
Welcome to the United Kingdom! If you are an American traveler flying across the Atlantic—perhaps via Delta, JetBlue, or British Airways directly into London Gatwick Airport—you are about to embark on an incredible journey. However, renting a car in the UK presents a few unique challenges that are vastly different from renting a vehicle in the US.
In the United States, an automatic car is the absolute standard. In the UK and across Europe, the opposite is true: manual transmission (stick shift) is the default. This single difference catches thousands of American tourists off guard every year. Securing an automatic car hire at Gatwick for American visitors is the most crucial logistical step you will take before your trip.
Crucial Booking Advice: Because standard European fleets are heavily skewed toward manual cars, automatic vehicles are incredibly highly requested by North American tourists. They sell out rapidly, especially during the summer. You must book your automatic rental at least 6 to 8 weeks prior to your flight to guarantee availability.
Adjusting to Driving on the Left
For US citizens, stepping into a rental car at Gatwick means sitting on the right side of the vehicle and driving on the left side of the road. This requires a significant mental adjustment. Your spatial awareness will be challenged, as the bulk of the car is now to your left, not your right.
This is precisely why an automatic transmission rental is non-negotiable for most American visitors. If you rent a manual car, you force your brain to learn how to shift gears with your left hand while simultaneously adjusting to driving on the left and navigating clockwise roundabouts. By booking an automatic, you remove the physical mechanics of the car from the equation, allowing 100% of your focus to remain on the road, signage, and traffic flow.
Using Your US Driving License in the UK
We receive countless questions about licensing. The good news is that the rules are incredibly straightforward for US citizens.
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP)? No. As an American visitor, you are legally permitted to drive in the UK for up to 12 months using your valid, state-issued US driving license. When you arrive at the Gatwick Car Rental Village, you simply need to present your US passport, your US state driving license, and a physical credit card in your name.
Furthermore, navigating the UK is mathematically familiar to Americans. Unlike mainland Europe, which uses kilometers, UK speed limits and road signs are displayed in Miles Per Hour (mph) and distances are measured in miles. The national speed limit on the M23 motorway leaving Gatwick is 70 mph.
UK vs US Vehicle Sizes: Pack Light
Another major difference US visitors must understand is vehicle sizing. What is considered a "mid-size" car in Texas might be considered a large vehicle in Surrey. UK roads, parking spaces, and especially historical town centers are significantly narrower than American infrastructure.
If you are traveling with a family of four and four large American-sized hard-shell suitcases, a standard UK compact car will not fit your luggage. You must specifically filter your search for an SUV rental or an Estate car (station wagon). Even our premium automatic vehicles like the BMW 5 Series have smaller trunks than standard American SUVs. Pack as lightly as possible, and always over-index on vehicle size if you are carrying heavy luggage.
Collecting Your Car at Gatwick Terminals
Whether you land at the North or South Terminal, Gatwick's rental operations are centralized, making your transition from the aircraft to your automatic car extremely smooth.
If your flight arrives at the North Terminal (common for JetBlue and Delta), follow the signs for the free Inter-Terminal Shuttle. This monorail takes exactly 2 minutes and drops you at the South Terminal.
If you arrive at the South Terminal (common for British Airways), the main Car Rental Village is located directly outside the arrivals hall. It is a flat, 3-minute walk. You will find global suppliers you recognize from the States—like Enterprise, Alamo, and Hertz—ready to hand you the keys to your automatic vehicle.
US Visitors Car Hire FAQs
Essential information for American citizens renting automatic vehicles at LGW.