Van and Car Hire: All the Information You Need for Your Travelling

London is a busy city with many transport options. Public transport can be less convenient and flexible, especially for groups. This is where passenger van and car hire services come in. Hiring a vehicle in London offers freedom, comfort, and ease. Whether you're a tourist visiting landmarks, a family on a day trip, or a corporate group at events, it's a great choice.

In this guide, you'll find all you need about van and car hire in London. We'll cover vehicle types, important points to consider, booking tips, pricing comparisons, and more. This will help make your travel easy and enjoyable.

Why Van and Car Hire Is the Best Option for Traveling?

Hiring a passenger vehicle in London comes with multiple benefits.

Convenience: Travel directly to your destination without transfers or schedules.
Comfort: Spacious seating and climate-controlled interiors ensure a pleasant journey.
Flexibility: Customize your route, stop at any location, and manage your own schedule.
Cost-effective for groups: Splitting the cost of van hire can be cheaper than multiple taxis or rideshares.

Best Options for Hiring a Van and Car

When hiring a vehicle for passenger transport in London, it is important to select the right type for your group size and purpose.

1. Cars

Seats: 2–5
Best for: Small families, couples, or solo travelers
Features: Automatic or manual transmission, fuel-efficient, air-conditioned
Use case: Ideal for city sightseeing, airport transfers for small groups, or daily commuting

Cars are perfect when you need a vehicle that is easy to park and navigate through London traffic. They are also the most economical option for solo travelers or couples.

2. Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs)

Seats: 7–17
Best for: Families, friends, corporate groups
Features: Flexible seating arrangements, spacious interiors, air-conditioning, modern safety features
Use case: Group trips, airport transfers, sightseeing tours with multiple passengers

MPVs balance space and maneuverability. They are perfect for medium-sized groups traveling together while keeping luggage organized.

3. Passenger Vans

Seats: 9–17
Best for: Large groups, corporate events, airport transfers
Features: Comfortable passenger seating, automatic transmission, air-conditioning
Use case: Corporate travel, group excursions, guided tours, long-distance travel

Passenger vans are great for large groups that want to stick together. They ensure everyone can travel in one vehicle, avoiding the hassle of coordinating multiple cars.

4. 4x4 Vehicles

Seats: 5–7
Best for: Small groups needing more power or off-road capability
Features: All-wheel drive, robust design, premium interiors
Use case: Trips outside London, countryside travel, weekend getaways

4x4s are perfect for those who want a mix of luxury, space, and capability. They are ideal for short trips outside the city where roads may be less predictable.

Key Points to Consider When Hiring a Vehicle

When hiring a passenger van or car in London, it is essential to consider multiple factors to ensure a smooth experience.

Vehicle Size and Seating Capacity

Choose a vehicle that fits all passengers comfortably. Overcrowding can lead to discomfort and potential safety issues. For instance, a 9-seater van is ideal for groups of 8 or 9, while a 17-seater MPV suits larger corporate or family outings.

Transmission Type

Automatic vans are great for London’s busy streets and heavy traffic. They are especially useful for travelers who may not know UK roads well. Go Rentals offers a wide selection of automatic vehicles, ensuring stress-free driving.

Luggage Space

Even if your group is small, luggage space is crucial. Passenger vans and MPVs offer flexible storage. You can fold or adjust the seats based on your baggage needs.

Insurance and Roadside Assistance

Always check for comprehensive insurance coverage and 24-hour roadside assistance. Go Rentals includes these services as standard, ensuring that any unexpected issues do not ruin your trip.

Pick-up and Drop-off Locations

Convenient pick-up points save time and effort. Go Rentals has more than 120 pick-up and drop-off spots in London. They also offer meet-and-greet services at the airport for extra convenience.

How to Choose the Right Vehicle for Your Trip: A Quick Checklist

Booking a vehicle in London is straightforward if you follow these steps:

Select your vehicle type: Car, MPV, passenger van, or 4x4.
Choose pick-up location: City center or airport, whichever is convenient.
Select rental dates: Ensure you account for travel time and potential delays.
Check vehicle features: Automatic transmission, seating capacity, luggage space.

Confirm insurance and roadside assistance: Standard coverage is included with Go Rentals.

Comparison of Vehicle Types for Passenger Transport

Choosing the right vehicle type depends on your group size, travel purpose, and comfort preferences.

Vehicle Type	Seats	Comfort	Luggage	Best For
Car	2–5	Moderate	Small	Couples, solo travelers
MPV	7–17	High	Medium	Families, medium groups
Passenger Van	9–17	High	Large	Large groups, corporate
4x4	5–7	Premium	Medium	Luxury travel, countryside trips

Cars are economical and convenient, MPVs are versatile for family or group trips, passenger vans are ideal for large groups, and 4x4 vehicles combine luxury with capability.

Benefits of Hiring a Passenger Vehicle Instead of Taxis

Cost Savings: Split cost among passengers; cheaper for long trips.
Comfort and Space: More room for passengers and luggage.
Control Over Travel: Set your own schedule and route.
Safety: Modern vehicles are equipped with safety features and maintained regularly.

For example, a family of eight traveling from Heathrow to central London will find a 9-seater passenger van far more practical and cost-effective than multiple taxis.

Additional Services Offered by Go Rentals

Go Rentals provides several services to make passenger travel seamless:

Airport Meet & Greet

Your vehicle is driven directly to you at the airport, avoiding long queues and travel delays.

Free Unlimited Mileage

No extra charges for long-distance trips within London or surrounding areas.

Vehicle Cover

Comprehensive insurance and 24-hour roadside assistance for complete peace of mind.

European Travel

Full European cover is available for those traveling to 17 European countries.

Suggested Itineraries Using Passenger Vehicles

Family Day Out

Vehicle: 7-seater MPV
Route: London Eye → Natural History Museum → Hyde Park
Benefit: All family members travel together comfortably

Airport Transfer

Vehicle: 9-seater passenger van
Route: Central London → Heathrow/Gatwick
Benefit: Ample luggage space and convenience for group travel

Corporate Travel

Vehicle: 12–17 seater MPV
Route: Office → Event venue → Hotels
Benefit: Keeps team together and ensures punctuality

Tips for Smooth Vehicle Hire in London

Book early, especially for weekends and holidays.
Confirm vehicle specifications before booking.
Check insurance coverage and roadside assistance.
Consider airport meet-and-greet services for convenience.
Plan your route using GPS or mobile apps for stress-free travel.

Conclusion

Hiring a passenger van or car in London is a smart choice for families, groups, and corporate travelers. Enjoy flexibility, comfort, and safety as you explore London or travel across Europe. You won’t need to worry about schedules, parking, or transfers.

Go Rentals offers a wide selection of automatic vans, MPVs, cars, and 4x4s with over 25 years of experience in the rental industry. With more than 120 pick-up spots, you get free unlimited mileage. Comprehensive insurance is included, and we also offer airport meet-and-greet services. Your group transportation needs are fully covered.

For a day trip, airport transfer, corporate event, or European journey, hiring a passenger vehicle is a reliable and easy way to travel. Book today and enjoy London your way.