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Car Hire Putney

All you need to know about hiring a car in Putney

A gorgeously green suburb set in the capital, you could do far worse than a visit or stay here in Putney. And if you are planning a trip, hiring a car in Putney is well worth it – it’s a great way to pack in everything this pleasant location has to offer.

Part of Putney’s appeal lies in its location, where it’s flanked by the River Thames. A meandering body of water that’s loved by boaters, dog walkers, families and more, there’s lots to do and see here – think homely pubs and cafes for comfort food or a relaxing drink, and water sports and boat rides for year-round activities. In fact, rowing is part of the area’s heritage. Whether you’re near the area or not, you’ll likely know that Putney Embankment is the starting place for the annual university boat race that takes place between London’s top two schools: Oxford and Cambridge.

Like all places in London, Putney is served by top transport links – be it the underground, overground, bus routes or even boats. But a hire car in Putney is the perfect way to get around and explore everything it has to offer. When you do travel, there are a few things to bear in mind:

  • Putney can be affected by traffic along its High Street and the Upper Richmond Road, especially during key commuting hours.
  • Nearby Hammersmith Bridge can occasionally close. The bridge can impact traffic in the area, so do check this in advance of any travel plans.
  • Lots of London is affected by ULEZ, the Ultra-Low Emission Zone. This means you might need to pay a daily charge for your vehicle. Again, check in advance, and be mindful of any boundaries which you might cross while driving. TFL has a useful postcode checker for just this purpose, and you can look up ULEZ charges here.  ULEZ areas are usually signposted, too.

Understanding and planning your route when hiring a car in Putney (or London in general) can help you get the most out of your visit. Here’s a few things to bear in mind.

Crucial road links

One of the main connections out of Putney is the Portsmouth Road (often called London Road and the A3). This takes you to the popular port town, where you can then catch a ferry overseas. A dual-carriageway road, the A3 is fast-flowing but can get backed up during holiday times.

There’s also the South Circular Road, connecting Woolwich Ferry in the east and Chiswick Flyover in the west. Along with the North Circular Road, it forms the ULEZ zone while encircling Central London – which makes it a useful link with other parts of the city.

Messing about in boats

As the starting ground for the university boat race, you’ll find Putney and its surrounding areas get incredibly busy in the run-up to the event. You might find restrictions on parking, increases on traffic, road closures and traffic management measures in place. The previously mentioned Hammersmith Bridge is also closed for the majority of the day, though do check in advance. Finally, routes in and out of Putney are likely to be affected on race day, so you might like to park outside Putney and then use public transport.

Things to do

On the topic of boats and water, vehicle hire in Putney opens you up to the many picturesque walks by the Thames. And with green spaces all around – including the famed Putney Heath – there’s ample opportunity for walks, sports and picnics. Plus, Putney’s location puts you in close proximity to days out in the Surrey Hills, Kent’s Hever Castle and even Brighton for a day at the seaside.

Putney hire cars can take you to everything from rowing and cricket areas to pubs and clubs, shops, theatres, and even event venues – think Eventim Apollo, based in nearby Hammersmith, or Brixton Academy. Again, events can affect traffic and timings while you travel.

Tuning in locally

If you’re driving in Putney or its surrounding areas, travel and traffic news is essential – and you’ll get regular updates on local stations like BBC London 94.9 and Capital FM London 95.8. Or, you can look at websites like the AA and TFL for travel insights and information. It’s all to help you enjoy your time in this unique, pleasant neighbourhood – as well as the capital as a whole.

Talk to us today

We make vehicle hire in Putney easy. For help with hiring a car or in or around London, get in touch with our helpful team.