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Minibus & MPV Hire Hammersmith
All you need to know about hiring a minibus or MPV in Hammersmith
Southwest of Charing Cross, Hammersmith is a popular district of West London. As London's third smallest borough, bordering Kensington, Shepherd's Bush, and Chiswick, Hammersmith is a significant commercial and cultural centre.
Right on the River Thames, this west London neighbourhood is known for being home to great bars and restaurants, live entertainment venues, and waterfront loveliness. But there's more to it than that. From its exciting history to its famous residents to its music prowess and growing residential appeal, Hammersmith has something for everyone.
If you're looking for entertainment, the Eventim Apollo (formerly the Hammersmith Apollo) is the place to be. It has hosted some of the finest live entertainers and shows since opening in 1932. These include but are not limited to Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Riverdance, Bruce Springsteen, Oasis, Paul Weller, Queen, Elton John, Black Sabbath and Nick Cave.
To escape the hustle and bustle of busy city life, venture down one of the side streets off King Street, and in minutes it will bring you to one of the most beautiful riverside spots in London. The Hammersmith Thames Path River Walk makes you forget you're in the capital. Genuinely peaceful and idyllic, this riverside walk (or cycle) is a circular route from Hammersmith which takes you along the River Thames Path. It takes in local highlights, including Chiswick House, Barnes Common, the London Wetland Centre and the Beverley Brook Walk.
Whilst music is a big thing in Hammersmith, we must remember the celebrated annual Oxford vs Cambridge boat race is also extremely popular. It is easily watched from the Hammersmith riverside every year, and this is the perfect viewpoint to catch the Oxford and Cambridge men's and women's boat teams take on the 4-mile course. The best spot to watch the boat race in Hammersmith is along Lower Mall or Upper Mall or from Hammersmith Bridge itself. Also, Furnivall Gardens often has pop-up bars and a big screen to catch the racing from the start.
Hammersmith's proximity and easy accessibility to the heart of the city make it a desirable destination to live, work, and visit. Although well connected by public transport, it still has a lot of through traffic, being one of the main routes into the city. If you plan on hiring a minibus or MPV in Hammersmith and driving in and around the area, it's worth getting to know your route. To help you out, we've pulled together a few pieces of information that may make it easier for you.
Driving zones
Since October 2021, the Ultra-Low Emission Zone covers all of Hammersmith. If your route takes you into this area, you must pay a toll – you can check here to see if your vehicle is subject to a daily charge. A few postcodes cross the zone, so be aware of this too. Check a postcode online before you travel and see if it falls within the ULEZ, but also keep an eye out for ULEZ boundary signs on the street whilst you're on your journey.
Road links and things to know
Hammersmith flyover – dubbed 'the gateway to west London' – was built in 1961. It is one of London's busiest traffic junctions, with a bus and tube interchange and shopping mall at its centre. This roundabout connecting roads like the A4 and A219 gets extremely busy and can be potentially hazardous. It was cited as the UK's most dangerous roundabout by Motoreasy.com, with a reported record of 287 incidents between 2010 and 2020.
Heading to an event or attraction
If you're considering MPV or minibus hire for a day out with friends and family, we recommend scoping out routes and parking before you embark on your journey. Venues like Wembley and the O2 have parking available that you can book in advance to ensure no problems on the day. Parking on the surrounding streets is generally a no-no when visiting venues like these. Theme park attractions such as Thorpe Park, Legoland and Chessington World of Adventures also have plenty of parking on-site. Always check with the venue for specific minibus parking requirements.
Airport drop off and pick up
There are six major airports within the London area: London City, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Luton, London Stansted and London Southend. From each, you can travel worldwide, 365 days a year. A minibus or MPV is perfect for transporting holiday-goers to an airport, and hiring one can be a more cost-effective option for groups travelling together. All London airports have zones and lanes allocated specifically for dropping off and picking up passengers, some with associated costs. There are also multiple parking options at each for short and long stays. Check out the individual travel pages of the airport you are heading to for more information, and if you are considering leaving a vehicle, double-check any height restrictions in place at the available car parks.
Forget the change
If your route takes you around the M25, be aware of a toll charge to use the Dartford Crossing between 6 am and 10 pm. Dart charges vary depending on the type of vehicle you are driving and if you have an account. Unfortunately, you can't pay at a pay station as you cross anymore. Payments are online only; you can make them from 6 am the previous day up to 12 months in advance. Opening an account also gives you a discount on the standard cost, which may be worth doing. You can pay for The Dart at a designated Payzone store if you can't go online.
Tune in locally
If driving in and around Hammersmith, keep up to date with the latest travel news by tuning in to a local radio station. The best local radio stations for travel reports in the Hammersmith area are BBC London 94.9 and Capital FM London 95.8.