Car Hire Hammersmith

All you need to know about hiring a car in Hammersmith

Hammersmith is undoubtedly one of the most famous London districts. It’s perhaps best known for being an entertainment destination, being home to the Eventim Apollo (once known as the Hammersmith Apollo). And for almost 100 years, it’s put on a show for tourists and Londonites alike – covering comedy, music and performing arts. It’s no wonder that the Eventim Apollo is one of the area’s biggest draws.

If you’re hiring a car in Hammersmith, there’s lots to see and do here. Although it’s relatively small in size being London’s third borough, it’s packed with lively venues, bars, eateries, green spaces and the bustling waterfront of the River Thames. In fact, you can have a day out just by meandering down the Hammersmith Thames Path River Walk. This circular route is popular with walkers, cyclists and families and takes in lots of beauty spots. You’ll pass Barnes Common (a nature reserve), Chiswick House (a manor house with gorgeous gardens) and the London Wetland Centre (home to an array of wildlife, as well as plenty of family events).

But of course, we can’t mention the river without tipping our hat to the Oxford vs Cambridge annual boat race. One of the most celebrated events in the London calendar, it draws a huge crowd to the riverbank (something to bear in mind when you’re hiring a car in Hammersmith). The race covers four miles of the river, with the best spectator spots along the Lower Mall, Upper Mall or Hammersmith Bridge. Nearby Furnivall Gardens can be a quieter spot to watch, as it has a big screen, pretty gardens and a pop-up bar.

One of the best things about hiring a car in Hammersmith is how close it is to the city centre. Residents, tourists and visitors will find plenty of local transport connections, but being a main route through London, it’s also well-served for motorists.

Finally, Hammersmith is close to Shepherd’s Bush, Chiswick and the Charing Cross area, making hiring a car in Hammersmith ideal for visiting these nearby locations. Whether you’re new to the area or a seasoned Hammersmithite, driving in and around is easy with some of our tips and advice – so read on to find out more.

Driving zones

London’s Ultra-Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) are well-known about – and for the past few years, they’ve covered all of Hammersmith. That means that driving a hire car in Hammersmith (even if you’re just passing through) will likely land you with a toll. You can check here to see if your vehicle is subject to a daily charge, and don’t forget to use a postcode checker before you travel. The good news is that ULEZ areas are often clearly sign-posted, so even if you’re not sure where the boundaries are, the chances are you’ll see a notice when driving.

Road links and things to know

As we’ve mentioned, Hammersmith is a very popular destination, and sits right in the centre of London. It’s also home to one of the capital’s busiest traffic junctions: Hammersmith Flyover. But this isn’t just a road. It features a bus and tube interchange, as well as a shopping mall.

While useful road links like the A4 and A219 branch off the flyover, they also contribute to the traffic. In fact, the roundabout that connects them with the flyover is a notorious accident spot (Motoreasy.com dubbed it the UK's most dangerous roundabout).

In other words, expect there to be lots of traffic when driving a car in Hammersmith, and take care while out on the roads.

Visiting events and attractions

It’s always crucial to check out routes, parking, ULEZ areas and other tolls when travelling around London, and driving a hire car in Hammersmith is no different. One advantage to getting behind the wheel is that many venues (like Wembley and the O2) have parking on-site, where you can book a space before you travel. Motorists find this makes planning a day out much easier and less stressful, and it’s possible you could save money if you book in advance (depending on the venue).

Theme park attractions such as Thorpe Park, Legoland and Chessington World of Adventures are also popular for tourists. Again, most have car parks, and many have a fee for parking as well. Generally, try to avoid parking in residential areas near these if you can.

Airport drop off and pick up

London is covered for flights with six major airports: London City, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Luton, London Stansted and London Southend. In fact, it has the most airports of any European city, with daily flights all around the world.

Hiring a car in Hammersmith can help you transport a small group to the airport for your travels, or to collect a visitor – but do check restrictions before you go. Many airports charge even for drop-off, and there can be different zones and lanes to drive in, depending on whether you’re there to pick-up or drop-off passengers. Short and long stay areas are also key to take note of.

Forget the change

Have you heard of the Dartford Crossing? It’s a major road crossing over the River Thames. Built in the 1960s, there’s a toll to use it, if you’re crossing between 6am and 10pm. The ‘Dart Charge’, as its known, can vary according to your vehicle type, and must be paid online or at a Payzone store. You can pay the toll in advance by up to 12 months, and if you create an account, you might even get a discount.

Tune in locally

When you’re hiring a car in Hammersmith, don’t forget to check out the latest travel news and tunes. The best local radio stations for travel reports in this area are BBC London 94.9 and Capital FM London 95.8.

Get in touch

If you’ve got questions about Hammersmith hire cars or the area itself, get in touch, and our experts will be happy to help.

Hammersmith Car Hire