Car Hire Lewisham

Car Hire

Lewisham is a borough in the southeastern region of Inner London, renowned for being one of the oldest districts outside the City of London’s Square Mile. The borough is predominantly residential, but there are some interesting sites within the area, including London’s famous Blackheath, which sits beneath Greenwich Park. The borough is also within close proximity of some fantastic daytrips destinations in the southern reaches of the UK. Car hire in Lewisham gives tourists unparalleled access to these natural and historical towns.

Who to Book With
National, Europcar, Alamo, Enterprise and Hertz are among Lewisham’s major car hire firms. Tourists will be able to find these companies in the heart of the borough, making it convenient for pick-up and drop-off. It is possible to book vehicles online, which is a simple way to find the best available rates.

Best Time to go
July and August are the best months to visit Lewisham. The weather is warmest during this period, and the borough transforms into a hive of activity for tourists and locals alike. However, prices tend to be higher during these months. If you are looking to save money, visiting during the cooler months is recommended. However, the northern parts of Lewisham can become blanketed with fog in the winter, so motorists need to be cautious when driving during this period.

Need to Know Essentials
A range of documents are required to rent a car in Lewisham:

- A valid national driving permit
- Proof of address and secondary identification document
- Booking voucher number
- Valid credit card

Further information can be found in our FAQ's.

Driving
Driving in the borough is possible, although motorists will encounter some heavy traffic during the rush hour periods. Parking is possible along some streets, and there are also several parking garages found throughout the borough. Getting away from the borough is relatively simple, as several highways, including the A20 and the A2, connect to the arterial M25 motorway. Therefore, daytrips to the south and southeast of London are effortless with a car.

Visit our guide to the UK for more details on driving in the country.

Transport

Unlike the rest of southern London, Lewisham is not well served by the Tube. Nevertheless, there are several other transportation options that tourists can choose from to get around the borough. Buses and Overground rail services are the most popular choices, and despite the higher costs, taxis are also in abundance. Tourists looking to enjoy a daytrip outside of town should drive rather than rely on public transport.

Taxis
Black cabs are a popular service within Lewisham as they can be hailed from the street side and are extremely reliable. For a cheaper option, use a private hire taxi (often called a minicab), which are available from several taxi, such as Blackheath Mini Cabs and Seven Star Mini Cabs. Tourists need to remember that minicab services must be reserved ahead of time.

Buses
The main bus station in the borough is Lewisham Service Station, which sits in the heart of the district, along Lewisham Road. Visitors can walk from the main Light Rail and Overground train stations to this central bus depot effortlessly. There are several routes operating within and around Lewisham, including Route 180 to Belvedere and the 931 to Crystal Palace. Timetables and scheduling of both day and night buses are found at the Transport for London website.

Trains
London Bridge is the nearest major train hub to Lewisham, from where several trains pass through the borough. The closest Tube stations are found at New Cross Gate, Brockley and Honey Oak Park. However, Transport for London operates the Docklands Light Rail system and the Overground train line within Lewisham, which connect to the City of London. London Bridge Station is only 10 minutes away from Lewisham.

Exploring

Lewisham’s location in the southern reaches of London means tourists can head to some of England’s most delightful southeastern towns with ease. Just a few miles from the M25, the borough of Lewisham is less than two hours from the coastal seaside towns of southern England, not to mention several breathtaking cathedral cities to the east.

Recommended Drives

Canterbury - One of the United Kingdom’s most astonishing cities. This cathedral and university city is found in the county of Kent, and, not surprisingly, is famous for its stunning cathedral. However, there are also other sites well worth visiting, including St Martin’s Church, the Canterbury Roman Museum and the free-to-explore Canterbury Castle.

The South Downs - This is a national park less than two hours to the south of Lewisham. Driving through this breathtaking landscape is highly recommended, as visitors can explore plenty of important landmarks along the way, such as Devil’s Dyke and Firle Beacon. Expect to spend an entire day discovering all the gems in this national park.

Southend-on-sea - Located only 35 miles from Lewisham, situated on the estuary of the River Thames. This seaside resort town is famous for its traditional entertainment, which includes an old Victorian pier that happens to be the longest of its kind in the world. The Sea Life Centre, Amusement Arcades and Hadleigh Castle are also among the main attractions of the town.