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The Secret to Cheap Automatic Car Hire at Gatwick
When you are flying into London Gatwick Airport, managing your travel budget is usually a top priority. While the UK car rental market has historically placed a massive premium on automatic transmission vehicles, the landscape has changed dramatically. Today, finding a cheap automatic car hire at Gatwick is entirely possible if you know exactly what to look for and when to book.
Because Gatwick is located right next to the M23 and the heavily congested M25, driving an automatic provides unparalleled stress relief. You avoid the fatigue of constant clutch control during rush-hour traffic. Let's break down how you can secure an affordable, budget-friendly automatic vehicle without sacrificing comfort or reliability.
Cost-Saving Tip: Because international tourists heavily favour automatic vehicles, demand spikes during the summer. To lock in the cheapest daily rates, book your compact automatic at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to your arrival at Gatwick.
Budget Automatic Fleet Options at Gatwick
To keep your rental costs as low as possible, you should focus your search on the Economy and Compact vehicle classes. These smaller cars not only cost less per day, but they are incredibly cheap to refuel. If you require more space, we also offer competitive rates on larger SUV rentals and family vehicles.
| Category Class | Example Model | Capacity | Fuel Efficiency | Relative Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Automatic | Vauxhall Corsa Auto | 4 Passengers | Excellent (50+ mpg) | Lowest (£) |
| Compact Hybrid | Toyota Yaris Hybrid | 4 Passengers | Outstanding (60+ mpg) | Low (££) |
| Standard Automatic | VW Golf DSG | 5 Passengers | Good (45 mpg) | Medium (£££) |
| Premium Automatic | BMW 3 Series Auto | 5 Passengers | Average (40 mpg) | High (££££) |
Top 3 Ways to Keep Your Automatic Rental Cheap
Renting a car at a major airport like Gatwick involves numerous optional extras. Here is how you keep your final bill low:
- Choose the Right Fuel Policy: Always filter for a "Full-to-Full" fuel policy. This means you pick up the automatic car with a full tank and return it full. If you fill up at the BP station right outside Gatwick South Terminal before dropping off the car, you avoid exorbitant supplier refuelling fees.
- Book a Compact Automatic or Hatchback: Compact automatic cars and automatic hatchbacks are significantly cheaper than estates or SUVs. If you are travelling as a couple and only have two suitcases, an economy hatchback like a Ford Fiesta or Vauxhall Corsa is all you need. They are also much easier to park if you are visiting tight coastal towns like Brighton.
- Leverage Hybrid ULEZ Compliance: London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charges non-compliant vehicles £12.50 per day. By booking a modern automatic, you are highly likely to receive a mild-hybrid (like a Toyota Corolla), which is fully ULEZ-compliant, saving you money if you drive north towards the capital.
Collecting Your Budget Vehicle at Gatwick
Whether you have booked an economy hatchback or a luxury automatic vehicle, Gatwick makes the collection process seamless by grouping all rental companies into one central Car Rental Village.
If you are landing at the South Terminal (which handles British Airways and Ryanair), you can simply walk out of the arrivals hall directly to the rental desks in under 3 minutes.
If you arrive at the North Terminal (used by easyJet and Emirates), you do not have to pay for a taxi. Simply take the free, 24/7 inter-terminal monorail shuttle. It takes exactly two minutes to reach the South Terminal, where you can walk straight to your rental desk and pick up your cheap automatic car.
Cheap Automatic Car Hire FAQs
Everything you need to know about securing the lowest rates for automatic vehicles at LGW.