Renting a car at Heathrow
May 25th 2003, 11:08 am
#1
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Posts: n/a
Renting a car at Heathrow
Our first visit to England. we plan to rent a car and tour england and
scotland.
from what i have read here it seems most people prefer to take a train
out of london and then rent a car at Bath. my husband preferes that we
rent it at the airport at heathrow itself and drive out to Bath. we
have driven in europe before and are familiar with left-hand driving
(in india). do you think we are making a mistake?
scotland.
from what i have read here it seems most people prefer to take a train
out of london and then rent a car at Bath. my husband preferes that we
rent it at the airport at heathrow itself and drive out to Bath. we
have driven in europe before and are familiar with left-hand driving
(in india). do you think we are making a mistake?
May 25th 2003, 11:15 am
#2
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Posts: n/a
Re: Renting a car at Heathrow
On 25 May 2003 16:08:34 -0700, [email protected] (champa) wrote:
>from what i have read here it seems most people prefer to take a train
>out of london and then rent a car at Bath. my husband preferes that we
>rent it at the airport at heathrow itself and drive out to Bath.
Heathrow isn't in London, it's the sort of place to "take the train
out to" before hiring, I'd say hire at the airport.
Jim.
>from what i have read here it seems most people prefer to take a train
>out of london and then rent a car at Bath. my husband preferes that we
>rent it at the airport at heathrow itself and drive out to Bath.
Heathrow isn't in London, it's the sort of place to "take the train
out to" before hiring, I'd say hire at the airport.
Jim.
May 25th 2003, 12:37 pm
#3
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Posts: n/a
Re: Renting a car at Heathrow
Heathrow is actually a really good place to rent a car from, as you have
nice wide roads to deal with, and paved shoulders if you get disoriented or
worried. You can hop onto the motorway towards Bath, and get used to driving
on the left. Bath, on the other hand, means smaller roads and less time to
make decisions.
Bob
--
Travel and Astonomy Photos
http://www3.sympatico.ca/bomo
"champa" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Our first visit to England. we plan to rent a car and tour england and
> scotland.
> from what i have read here it seems most people prefer to take a train
> out of london and then rent a car at Bath. my husband preferes that we
> rent it at the airport at heathrow itself and drive out to Bath. we
> have driven in europe before and are familiar with left-hand driving
> (in india). do you think we are making a mistake?
nice wide roads to deal with, and paved shoulders if you get disoriented or
worried. You can hop onto the motorway towards Bath, and get used to driving
on the left. Bath, on the other hand, means smaller roads and less time to
make decisions.
Bob
--
Travel and Astonomy Photos
http://www3.sympatico.ca/bomo
"champa" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Our first visit to England. we plan to rent a car and tour england and
> scotland.
> from what i have read here it seems most people prefer to take a train
> out of london and then rent a car at Bath. my husband preferes that we
> rent it at the airport at heathrow itself and drive out to Bath. we
> have driven in europe before and are familiar with left-hand driving
> (in india). do you think we are making a mistake?
May 25th 2003, 7:10 pm
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Renting a car at Heathrow
Couple of thoughts -
At a guess you are coming from North America (driving on left..,
reference to europe)
Most flights from North America are overnight, with a 5+ hours jetlag
- not the best time to start driving in unfamiliar conditions
If price matters (maybe it does not) airports are inclined to be a bit
more expensive than off airport locations for car rentals.
If you are not going to London, I would suggest you use public
transport to your first destination, get a good nights sleep, and then
get a car.
[email protected] (champa) wrote in message news:...
> Our first visit to England. we plan to rent a car and tour england and
> scotland.
> from what i have read here it seems most people prefer to take a train
> out of london and then rent a car at Bath. my husband preferes that we
> rent it at the airport at heathrow itself and drive out to Bath. we
> have driven in europe before and are familiar with left-hand driving
> (in india). do you think we are making a mistake?
At a guess you are coming from North America (driving on left..,
reference to europe)
Most flights from North America are overnight, with a 5+ hours jetlag
- not the best time to start driving in unfamiliar conditions
If price matters (maybe it does not) airports are inclined to be a bit
more expensive than off airport locations for car rentals.
If you are not going to London, I would suggest you use public
transport to your first destination, get a good nights sleep, and then
get a car.
[email protected] (champa) wrote in message news:...
> Our first visit to England. we plan to rent a car and tour england and
> scotland.
> from what i have read here it seems most people prefer to take a train
> out of london and then rent a car at Bath. my husband preferes that we
> rent it at the airport at heathrow itself and drive out to Bath. we
> have driven in europe before and are familiar with left-hand driving
> (in india). do you think we are making a mistake?
May 26th 2003, 2:56 am
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Renting a car at Heathrow
From personal experience, I can tell you that renting from Heathrow is better than renting in Bath. We
rented in Bath on one trip, and returned a car in Bath on another, and I won't go near the place again.
Here's why:
Most (if not all) car rental agencies are very far from the center of Bath, in an industrial neighborhood
that is hard to find one's way around. Also hard to get to and from by taxi, and not cheap. Taxies have
to be called to the Bath rental agencies, but that doesn't matter much if you are renting from there,
only if you are dropping off there. The agencies also seem small. When we rented in Bath (taking the
train to Bath from London) the car was not available at the reserved time, and we wasted half a day
waiting for a car.
Anyway, I think renting in Bath, or even returning a car in Bath, is unpleasant and inconvenient. Just
my opinion, of course.
I would, however, like to hear opinions on renting in Exeter, or returning a car in Exeter, if anyone has
such experience.
Thanks,
Debbie
Donard wrote:
> Couple of thoughts -
> At a guess you are coming from North America (driving on left..,
> reference to europe)
> Most flights from North America are overnight, with a 5+ hours jetlag
> - not the best time to start driving in unfamiliar conditions
> If price matters (maybe it does not) airports are inclined to be a bit
> more expensive than off airport locations for car rentals.
> If you are not going to London, I would suggest you use public
> transport to your first destination, get a good nights sleep, and then
> get a car.
> [email protected] (champa) wrote in message news:...
> > Our first visit to England. we plan to rent a car and tour england and
> > scotland.
> > from what i have read here it seems most people prefer to take a train
> > out of london and then rent a car at Bath. my husband preferes that we
> > rent it at the airport at heathrow itself and drive out to Bath. we
> > have driven in europe before and are familiar with left-hand driving
> > (in india). do you think we are making a mistake?
rented in Bath on one trip, and returned a car in Bath on another, and I won't go near the place again.
Here's why:
Most (if not all) car rental agencies are very far from the center of Bath, in an industrial neighborhood
that is hard to find one's way around. Also hard to get to and from by taxi, and not cheap. Taxies have
to be called to the Bath rental agencies, but that doesn't matter much if you are renting from there,
only if you are dropping off there. The agencies also seem small. When we rented in Bath (taking the
train to Bath from London) the car was not available at the reserved time, and we wasted half a day
waiting for a car.
Anyway, I think renting in Bath, or even returning a car in Bath, is unpleasant and inconvenient. Just
my opinion, of course.
I would, however, like to hear opinions on renting in Exeter, or returning a car in Exeter, if anyone has
such experience.
Thanks,
Debbie
Donard wrote:
> Couple of thoughts -
> At a guess you are coming from North America (driving on left..,
> reference to europe)
> Most flights from North America are overnight, with a 5+ hours jetlag
> - not the best time to start driving in unfamiliar conditions
> If price matters (maybe it does not) airports are inclined to be a bit
> more expensive than off airport locations for car rentals.
> If you are not going to London, I would suggest you use public
> transport to your first destination, get a good nights sleep, and then
> get a car.
> [email protected] (champa) wrote in message news:...
> > Our first visit to England. we plan to rent a car and tour england and
> > scotland.
> > from what i have read here it seems most people prefer to take a train
> > out of london and then rent a car at Bath. my husband preferes that we
> > rent it at the airport at heathrow itself and drive out to Bath. we
> > have driven in europe before and are familiar with left-hand driving
> > (in india). do you think we are making a mistake?
May 26th 2003, 2:53 pm
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Renting a car at Heathrow
"Bob" wrote in message news:...
> Heathrow is actually a really good place to rent a car from, as you have
> nice wide roads to deal with, and paved shoulders if you get disoriented or
> worried. You can hop onto the motorway towards Bath, and get used to driving
> on the left. Bath, on the other hand, means smaller roads and less time to
> make decisions.
>
> Bob
This was our idea. I imagine after an overnight flight we would get
out of the airport and be on our way around 11 AM + or -. We are now
debating whether to be safe and find a place in Salibury overnight
rather than go all the way to Bath, tour the place as well as
Stonehenge in the morning and then head towards Plymouth for the
night. Would this give us adequate time to take in the area?
Also ayone can reccomend a good place (moderately priced) to stay in
Salisbury?
Thank you all again. I have received some excellent imformation.
> Heathrow is actually a really good place to rent a car from, as you have
> nice wide roads to deal with, and paved shoulders if you get disoriented or
> worried. You can hop onto the motorway towards Bath, and get used to driving
> on the left. Bath, on the other hand, means smaller roads and less time to
> make decisions.
>
> Bob
This was our idea. I imagine after an overnight flight we would get
out of the airport and be on our way around 11 AM + or -. We are now
debating whether to be safe and find a place in Salibury overnight
rather than go all the way to Bath, tour the place as well as
Stonehenge in the morning and then head towards Plymouth for the
night. Would this give us adequate time to take in the area?
Also ayone can reccomend a good place (moderately priced) to stay in
Salisbury?
Thank you all again. I have received some excellent imformation.
May 26th 2003, 2:57 pm
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Renting a car at Heathrow
Thanks Debra, it helps to know this. Could you reccomend places to
stay at Bath. Also we are planning to be there first week in Sept. Is
this a good place to take in a show?
Thanks,
Champa
Debra Weber Kurt Weber wrote in message news:...
> From personal experience, I can tell you that renting from Heathrow is better than renting in Bath. We
> rented in Bath on one trip, and returned a car in Bath on another, and I won't go near the place again.
> Here's why:
>
> Most (if not all) car rental agencies are very far from the center of Bath, in an industrial neighborhood
> that is hard to find one's way around. Also hard to get to and from by taxi, and not cheap. Taxies have
> to be called to the Bath rental agencies, but that doesn't matter much if you are renting from there,
> only if you are dropping off there. The agencies also seem small. When we rented in Bath (taking the
> train to Bath from London) the car was not available at the reserved time, and we wasted half a day
> waiting for a car.
>
> Anyway, I think renting in Bath, or even returning a car in Bath, is unpleasant and inconvenient. Just
> my opinion, of course.
>
> I would, however, like to hear opinions on renting in Exeter, or returning a car in Exeter, if anyone has
> such experience.
> Thanks,
> Debbie
stay at Bath. Also we are planning to be there first week in Sept. Is
this a good place to take in a show?
Thanks,
Champa
Debra Weber Kurt Weber wrote in message news:...
> From personal experience, I can tell you that renting from Heathrow is better than renting in Bath. We
> rented in Bath on one trip, and returned a car in Bath on another, and I won't go near the place again.
> Here's why:
>
> Most (if not all) car rental agencies are very far from the center of Bath, in an industrial neighborhood
> that is hard to find one's way around. Also hard to get to and from by taxi, and not cheap. Taxies have
> to be called to the Bath rental agencies, but that doesn't matter much if you are renting from there,
> only if you are dropping off there. The agencies also seem small. When we rented in Bath (taking the
> train to Bath from London) the car was not available at the reserved time, and we wasted half a day
> waiting for a car.
>
> Anyway, I think renting in Bath, or even returning a car in Bath, is unpleasant and inconvenient. Just
> my opinion, of course.
>
> I would, however, like to hear opinions on renting in Exeter, or returning a car in Exeter, if anyone has
> such experience.
> Thanks,
> Debbie
May 26th 2003, 6:26 pm
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Renting a car at Heathrow
On Mon, 26 May 2003 10:56:09 -0400, Debra Weber Kurt Weber
wrote:
>Anyway, I think renting in Bath, or even returning a car in Bath, is unpleasant and inconvenient. Just
>my opinion, of course.
>I would, however, like to hear opinions on renting in Exeter, or returning a car in Exeter, if anyone has
>such experience.
>Thanks,
>Debbie
what is this thing about Bath? is it supposely the cheapest place or
something to rent a car from in uk?
Since otherwise you can rent from say Reading, you can get on the
flightlink from heathrow to reading and get the car there. or you can
even (some companies do as the ones my dad used) get the car delivered
at heathrow and still work out cheaper than renting from a firm based
at heathrow.
wrote:
>Anyway, I think renting in Bath, or even returning a car in Bath, is unpleasant and inconvenient. Just
>my opinion, of course.
>I would, however, like to hear opinions on renting in Exeter, or returning a car in Exeter, if anyone has
>such experience.
>Thanks,
>Debbie
what is this thing about Bath? is it supposely the cheapest place or
something to rent a car from in uk?
Since otherwise you can rent from say Reading, you can get on the
flightlink from heathrow to reading and get the car there. or you can
even (some companies do as the ones my dad used) get the car delivered
at heathrow and still work out cheaper than renting from a firm based
at heathrow.
May 27th 2003, 3:08 am
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Renting a car at Heathrow
> rent it at the airport at heathrow itself and drive out to Bath. we
As long as you avoid Hertz there you should be fine.
The directions they gave us from the train were abysmal, putting us at an
unmanned desk in a terminal with a phone that wasn't working and with no
clear directions to proceed. A friendly policeman helped us track down a
Hertz contact, who finally got a shuttle-bus for us to the off-site
location.
From there, we found that the paperwork they promised would be ready was
not, and after they reprocessed it three tiems to get it right (and why a
simple overnight rental should be so hard to handle escapes me), we ended up
leaving Heathrow an hour after we intended.
The car itself was fine - a Vauxhall, forget the specific kind but it was
close to a Ford Mondeo - but further delays when we got back only added to
our annoyance with them. We cancelled our VIP-club cards with Hertz and
won't be going back.
If Dan Dooley happens to have offices at Heathrow, we can't recommend them
highly enough. They helped make our last trip to Ireland trouble-free, and
I'll rent from them whenever possible.
As long as you avoid Hertz there you should be fine.
The directions they gave us from the train were abysmal, putting us at an
unmanned desk in a terminal with a phone that wasn't working and with no
clear directions to proceed. A friendly policeman helped us track down a
Hertz contact, who finally got a shuttle-bus for us to the off-site
location.
From there, we found that the paperwork they promised would be ready was
not, and after they reprocessed it three tiems to get it right (and why a
simple overnight rental should be so hard to handle escapes me), we ended up
leaving Heathrow an hour after we intended.
The car itself was fine - a Vauxhall, forget the specific kind but it was
close to a Ford Mondeo - but further delays when we got back only added to
our annoyance with them. We cancelled our VIP-club cards with Hertz and
won't be going back.
If Dan Dooley happens to have offices at Heathrow, we can't recommend them
highly enough. They helped make our last trip to Ireland trouble-free, and
I'll rent from them whenever possible.
May 27th 2003, 10:11 am
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Renting a car at Heathrow
"Fustanella" wrote in message news:...
> > rent it at the airport at heathrow itself and drive out to Bath. we
>
> As long as you avoid Hertz there you should be fine.
We've traditionally picked up a car at Heathrow and driven to Bath.
You get there mid-afternoon, take a nap (whatever your age) then
you're good to go for the evening, waking up quite 'normal' the next
day. Stonehenge, Salisbury and / or Avebury are better left, I think,
for a day trip from Bath.
I won't defend Herz (too much) but rental experiences vary all over.
I had one of those "no-one home" experience at Hertz in Calais which
cost me hours. On the other hand, one time, we were met at Plymouth
docks at something like 10:00 PM (dark and rainy night) by a woman
from Hertz who not only got us situated but then went out of her way
leading us out of town to the main road. Note - we paid more for
being met, but she went beyond.
Enjoy Bath (you can't not). We stayed at a B&B halfway up to
Claverton. I really recommend this area (long ago we lived in Bath
and it's what we like).
email directly if any Qs
Keith
> > rent it at the airport at heathrow itself and drive out to Bath. we
>
> As long as you avoid Hertz there you should be fine.
We've traditionally picked up a car at Heathrow and driven to Bath.
You get there mid-afternoon, take a nap (whatever your age) then
you're good to go for the evening, waking up quite 'normal' the next
day. Stonehenge, Salisbury and / or Avebury are better left, I think,
for a day trip from Bath.
I won't defend Herz (too much) but rental experiences vary all over.
I had one of those "no-one home" experience at Hertz in Calais which
cost me hours. On the other hand, one time, we were met at Plymouth
docks at something like 10:00 PM (dark and rainy night) by a woman
from Hertz who not only got us situated but then went out of her way
leading us out of town to the main road. Note - we paid more for
being met, but she went beyond.
Enjoy Bath (you can't not). We stayed at a B&B halfway up to
Claverton. I really recommend this area (long ago we lived in Bath
and it's what we like).
email directly if any Qs
Keith
May 27th 2003, 12:06 pm
#11
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Renting a car at Heathrow
Picking up a rental car at Heathrow and driving to Bath is feasable if
you don't mind the long drive. The cost of the one day rental may be
more economical than the fares for two people using a bus or train to
get to Bath, plus the cost of transport in Bath from the station to the
car rental location (somewhere inconvenient).
The hardest part is dealing with the multiple "traffic circles" leaving
the car rental site on the perimeter of the airport.
Last summer, we arranged for a car rental pickup at Heathrow using the
Kemwel car rental web site - www.kemwel.com. Our flight from
Philadelphia arrived early, so after passing thru customs and collecting
our luggage, we spent some time having coffee and a bun to regroup
mentally from the mad rush to get thru the airport.
The actual rental was handled in the UK by National/Alamo (they appear
to share the same paperwork, site, and management). No problems.
I drove us to Birmingham (a distance comparable to Bath) in order to
attend an exhibition of canal boats. Stoped along the way several times
for breaks. Got lost several times in downtown Birmingham due to wrong
way one way streets that didn't appear (clearly) on my Mapquest maps.
The drive was a bit stressful due to the high speeds and booring
stretches on the M motor ways, but it was worth it bacause it got me
over my initial stress of driving on the (to me) wrong side of the road.
Richard Antisdel
Owings Mills, MD USA
you don't mind the long drive. The cost of the one day rental may be
more economical than the fares for two people using a bus or train to
get to Bath, plus the cost of transport in Bath from the station to the
car rental location (somewhere inconvenient).
The hardest part is dealing with the multiple "traffic circles" leaving
the car rental site on the perimeter of the airport.
Last summer, we arranged for a car rental pickup at Heathrow using the
Kemwel car rental web site - www.kemwel.com. Our flight from
Philadelphia arrived early, so after passing thru customs and collecting
our luggage, we spent some time having coffee and a bun to regroup
mentally from the mad rush to get thru the airport.
The actual rental was handled in the UK by National/Alamo (they appear
to share the same paperwork, site, and management). No problems.
I drove us to Birmingham (a distance comparable to Bath) in order to
attend an exhibition of canal boats. Stoped along the way several times
for breaks. Got lost several times in downtown Birmingham due to wrong
way one way streets that didn't appear (clearly) on my Mapquest maps.
The drive was a bit stressful due to the high speeds and booring
stretches on the M motor ways, but it was worth it bacause it got me
over my initial stress of driving on the (to me) wrong side of the road.
Richard Antisdel
Owings Mills, MD USA
