The Congestion Charge and your hire car
The Congestion Charge is a daily charge for driving in central London during set hours. It applies to the car, whoever owns it, so if you drive a hire car into the zone during charging hours, you need to pay it.
Where the zone is
The Congestion Charge zone covers central London, including the City and the West End. Signs on the road mark the boundary with a white C on a red circle. Transport for London publishes a map of the zone on its website.
Some of the places our customers visit are inside the zone, such as the City and the West End. Others, such as Canary Wharf and Stratford, are outside it.
When it applies
- Monday to Friday: 7am to 6pm.
- Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays: 12pm to 6pm.
- Christmas Day: no charge.
How to pay
The charge is paid to Transport for London, not to us. You can pay:
- online on the TfL website;
- through TfL's Pay to Drive in London app;
- by phone.
You can pay in advance, on the day, or up to midnight on the third day after you travel. Paying in advance or on the day costs less than paying later.
Avoiding a penalty
If the charge isn't paid by the deadline, Transport for London issues a penalty notice to the registered keeper, which is us. It's passed on to the driver, as set out in your hire agreement.
The simplest habit: if you've driven into the zone during charging hours, pay that evening.
Electric cars
Electric cars aren't automatically exempt. Some may qualify for a discount, but eligibility depends on the vehicle and current TfL policy. Check with Transport for London before you drive.
Driving into central London
- Check whether you'll be in the zone during charging hours.
- Pay the charge on the day.
- Plan your parking, which is limited and often expensive in central London. See parking in London.
- Remember the ULEZ rules apply too. See the ULEZ.
Always check the latest rules
Charges and hours can change. Check the TfL website before you drive.