Top 10 Best Car Rental Companies in Mole Valley

Why Car Rental Is Useful in Mole Valley

Mole Valley is well served by rail at Dorking, Leatherhead, Ashtead, Bookham and Box Hill and Westhumble, but much of the district is rural. Villages such as Coldharbour, Abinger, Ockley, Capel and Holmwood have limited public transport, and attractions such as Leith Hill, Polesden Lacey and countryside pubs are far easier to reach by car. For visitors, a rental car opens up the full beauty of the Surrey Hills.

Residents also use rental services for many reasons, from replacing a car during repairs to hiring a van for moving house or an estate car for a family holiday. Gatwick Airport, a short drive from the southern half of the district, hosts all the major rental brands, while local branches serve Leatherhead and Dorking. The following ten companies offer the best combination of choice, service and value.

The Top 10 Car Rental Companies Serving Mole Valley

1. Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Enterprise is renowned for customer service and is particularly popular for local rentals, insurance replacement vehicles and business hire. Its pick-up service, where available, is a major convenience for residents without easy access to a branch. Enterprise also offers vans and larger vehicles through its commercial rental division.

2. Hertz

Hertz has a strong presence at Gatwick and Heathrow, with a broad fleet that includes premium models, SUVs and electric vehicles. Its Gold Plus Rewards programme allows frequent renters to skip queues and collect cars quickly.

3. Avis

Avis offers a wide fleet and reliable service at airports and city locations. Its app allows customers to manage bookings, choose vehicles and speed up collection, which is valuable for travellers returning to Gatwick after a long flight.

4. Europcar

Europcar provides cars and vans for leisure and business customers, with a strong range of compact and family vehicles. Its van hire options are helpful for local moves within Mole Valley.

5. Sixt

Sixt is known for premium vehicles, often offering German luxury models at competitive prices. It is a good choice for travellers who want a more refined driving experience on the winding lanes of the Surrey Hills.

6. Budget

Budget, part of the Avis group, focuses on value without sacrificing reliability. It is a practical option for cost-conscious travellers flying in or out of Gatwick.

7. Green Motion

Green Motion focuses on low-emission and electric vehicles. As interest in sustainable travel grows, it offers an appealing option for eco-conscious visitors to a district celebrated for its natural environment.

8. Zipcar

Zipcar's car club model allows members to book vehicles by the hour or day. It is particularly useful for residents commuting into London who need a car only occasionally, and for those exploring car-free living.

9. Thrifty

Thrifty offers competitive rates on cars and vans, with a straightforward approach that appeals to both leisure and business customers in the South East.

10. Hiyacar

Hiyacar is a peer-to-peer car sharing platform that allows people to rent cars from private owners nearby. It can offer convenient local pick-ups and a variety of vehicles, sometimes at lower prices than traditional rental companies.

Driving in Mole Valley: What to Know

Many roads in the district are narrow country lanes with sharp bends, steep hills and limited passing places, particularly around Box Hill, Leith Hill and Coldharbour. Drive carefully and watch for cyclists, horse riders and walkers, especially at weekends. Parking at popular attractions such as Box Hill and Leith Hill can be busy on sunny days, so arrive early. National Trust members often enjoy free parking at Trust car parks.

The A24 runs north to south through Dorking, the A25 runs east to west, and the M25 junction 9 at Leatherhead connects to the wider motorway network. Gatwick is reached via the A24 and A217 or the M25 and M23.

Tips for Renting a Car

Book early for school holidays and summer weekends to secure the best rates. Compare total costs, including insurance excess, fuel policies, additional drivers and young driver fees. Inspect the vehicle carefully at collection and take photographs of any existing damage. Choosing a full-to-full fuel policy usually offers the best value.

Consider vehicle size carefully. A compact car is easier to manoeuvre on narrow lanes and in tight village car parks, while families with bikes or walking gear may need an estate or SUV.

Trends in Car Rental

Electric vehicle rentals are growing rapidly, supported by expanding charging infrastructure in Surrey. Digital check-in, contactless key collection and app-based management are becoming standard. Subscription models offering monthly car access without long-term ownership are also gaining popularity among residents who want flexibility.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are flying into Gatwick for a Surrey Hills holiday, replacing a car during repairs or hiring a van to move house in Dorking, the ten rental companies above offer reliable service and a wide range of vehicles. With the right car, you can explore every corner of Mole Valley at your own pace.