Last updated: May 2026 | Editorial review based on verified information from hertz.co.uk and independent travel research
Quick Answer
Quick Answer: Hertz is one of the world’s largest car hire companies, operating at over 8,000 locations across 147 countries. In the UK, it offers a wide fleet covering economy cars, SUVs, vans, electric vehicles, and prestige models. The free Gold Plus Rewards programme lets members skip the counter, earn points toward free rental days, and save up to 10% on base rates in Europe.
BOOK NOWEditorial note: Pricing, fleet availability, and programme terms change regularly. Always confirm current rates and vehicle availability directly at hertz.co.uk before booking.
Choosing a car hire company takes more thought than most people give it. Price matters, of course. However, counter speed, fleet condition, loyalty benefits, and how smoothly a booking runs from pickup to drop-off matter just as much. In particular, frequent travellers who rent several times each year will notice these differences on every single trip.
Hertz has operated since 1918 and now serves more destinations than almost any competitor. Consequently, this review explains what Hertz offers UK travellers in 2026, how it compares to its main rivals, and which type of traveller benefits most from booking with Hertz.
What Makes Hertz Stand Out in 2026?
Hertz combines one of the broadest global networks in the car hire market with a well-structured loyalty programme and a growing electric vehicle fleet. The Gold Plus Rewards programme is free to join, active from your first rental, and provides genuine practical benefits — including counter bypass at participating airports and up to 10% off base rates across Europe.
A Global Network With Strong UK Coverage
Hertz operates at over 8,000 locations in 147 countries. In the UK, locations cover all major airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Birmingham, plus city-centre and neighbourhood sites across England, Scotland, and Wales.
That breadth matters for practical reasons. Specifically, travellers who combine UK rentals with international trips can use the same loyalty account and earn points on every qualifying rental worldwide. Additionally, one-way rentals between many UK and European locations are available — useful for travellers who want to travel linearly rather than returning to the same airport.
A Fleet That Covers Every Need
Hertz’s UK fleet spans a wide range:
- Economy and compact cars — fuel-efficient, city-friendly options for short trips
- Standard and full-size cars — comfortable for longer journeys and small families
- SUVs and people carriers — suited to families and group travel
- Vans — available for removals, deliveries, and large cargo needs
- Electric vehicles — including Tesla models at select locations, with a growing EV collection
- Prestige Collection — premium and luxury vehicles including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Porsche
Furthermore, Hertz’s Dream Cars collection covers exotic and sports car rentals for special occasions — a category that few mainstream rental brands match in depth or variety.
The Gold Plus Rewards Programme: Real Benefits Explained
The Hertz Gold Plus Rewards programme is free to join and begins delivering benefits immediately. Members skip the counter at select locations, add a spouse or domestic partner as a free additional driver, save up to 10% on European base rates, and earn one point for every dollar spent on qualifying rentals — redeemable toward free rental days.
Membership Tiers
| Tier | How to Qualify | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | Join free — active after first rental | Counter bypass, free additional driver, 10% discount in Europe |
| Five Star | 10 qualifying rentals or 2,000 points per year | More rental choice, one free car-class upgrade |
| President’s Circle | 20 qualifying rentals or 5,000 points per year | Guaranteed upgrades, widest vehicle selection |
Counter Bypass: The Most Practical Benefit
The counter bypass is, in practice, the most useful daily benefit for frequent renters. At participating airports, Gold members go directly to their vehicle without queuing at the desk. On return, they drop the car and receive an eReceipt — again without counter interaction.
Additionally, in 2025 and beyond, Gold Plus Rewards members who book EV rentals directly through hertz.co.uk can earn double points. Consequently, this makes the programme particularly rewarding for environmentally conscious travellers who prefer electric vehicles.
Earning and Redeeming Points
Members earn one point per dollar spent on qualifying time and mileage charges. Higher tiers earn additional points per rental. Consequently, frequent renters accumulate free days considerably faster at Five Star or President’s Circle level than at standard Gold.
Points redeem toward free rental days. Importantly, any vehicle category qualifies — including luxury vehicles from the Prestige Collection. This flexibility makes Hertz’s loyalty currency more versatile than programmes that restrict redemptions to economy or standard cars only.
Hertz Electric Vehicle Rental in the UK
Hertz operates one of the most developed EV fleets among mainstream rental companies in the UK. Tesla models are available at select locations. The broader EV collection includes other electric models at major airports and city locations. Members earn double points on EV rentals booked directly through hertz.co.uk.
EV Availability and What to Know Before Booking
Electric vehicle availability varies by location. Major UK airports and city-centre sites hold the largest EV inventory. Consequently, travellers who specifically want an EV should confirm availability at their pickup location before finalising the booking. In particular, general fleet listings do not guarantee a specific model at a specific site — always check the exact location.
When booking an EV, also confirm the charging policy. Specifically, some rentals include charging within the rental terms; others operate on a usage basis. Understanding the policy before pickup avoids unexpected charges on return.
Hertz vs Competitors: Side-by-Side Comparison
Hertz positions itself at the upper end of the mainstream rental market — offering a stronger loyalty programme, broader global reach, and more premium vehicle options than budget-first brands, while remaining more accessible in price and availability than specialist luxury operators.
The table below covers the most common choices for UK travellers booking car hire in 2026:
| Feature | Hertz | Sixt | Enterprise | Europcar | National |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global locations | 8,000+ in 147 countries | 2,000+ in 100+ countries | 9,500+ in 90+ countries | 3,000+ in 140+ countries | 1,500+ in 40+ countries |
| UK airport coverage | ✅ All major airports | ✅ Major airports | ✅ All major airports | ✅ All major airports | ✅ Strong airport focus |
| Loyalty programme | Gold Plus Rewards (free) | Sixt+ subscription | Enterprise Plus (free) | Privilege (free) | Emerald Club (free) |
| Counter bypass | ✅ Yes — Gold members | ✅ Gold/Platinum Card | ✅ Enterprise Plus | ✅ Privilege tiers | ✅ Emerald Aisle |
| Vehicle choice at pickup | ✅ Select at Five Star+ | Limited | Limited | Limited | ✅ Emerald Aisle choice |
| EV fleet | ✅ Growing — Tesla available | ✅ Growing | ✅ Growing | ✅ Growing | ✅ Available |
| Prestige/luxury vehicles | ✅ Prestige Collection | ✅ Strong luxury range | Limited | Limited | Limited |
| Free additional driver | ✅ Spouse/partner (Gold) | Paid extra | ✅ Some programmes | Paid extra | ✅ Emerald members |
| One-way rentals | ✅ Many locations | ✅ Many locations | ✅ Many locations | ✅ Many locations | ✅ Many locations |
| Points toward free days | ✅ Yes | Limited | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Which Traveller Type Benefits Most from Hertz?
Hertz suits a wide range of travellers — but it delivers the strongest value for frequent flyers, business travellers, and families who want a reliable, globally recognised brand with a meaningful loyalty programme and consistent fleet quality across multiple destinations.
Business Travellers
For business travellers renting regularly across the UK and Europe, the Gold Plus Rewards counter bypass is a genuine time-saver. Specifically, skipping the desk on every pickup removes the most frustrating part of the rental experience. In particular, this matters on tight travel schedules where every minute between landing and leaving the airport counts.
Additionally, the free additional driver benefit for spouses and domestic partners suits business travellers who combine work trips with leisure travel. Furthermore, Hertz’s widespread airport coverage means the same membership works consistently across domestic and international business destinations.
Families
Families benefit from Hertz’s wide vehicle range. SUVs, people carriers, and seven-seater options accommodate most family sizes. Child seats are bookable in advance at most locations. Furthermore, the Gold Plus Rewards counter bypass reduces the most stressful part of family airport arrivals — specifically, queuing at a rental desk with tired children after a long flight.
Frequent Renters Seeking Rewards
For anyone who rents five or more times per year, the Gold Plus Rewards points accumulation makes a measurable difference. Specifically, reaching Five Star status at ten qualifying rentals unlocks free car-class upgrades. In practice, this means the vehicle you actually drive is consistently better than the vehicle you booked and paid for.
Leisure and Occasional Travellers
Even for occasional travellers, joining Gold Plus Rewards is worthwhile. The programme is free and the 10% discount on base rates in Europe applies from the very first booking. Consequently, the act of joining before your first rental always reduces your cost. There is no threshold to reach before the discount activates — it simply applies.
Hertz for UK Holiday and Road Trip Hire
Hertz’s UK coverage makes it practical for both airport collection and longer road trips. The fleet depth — from small city cars to full-size SUVs — suits everything from a weekend in the Highlands to a family drive through the Cotswolds or a coastal road trip in Cornwall.
Tips for Getting the Most From a Hertz UK Rental
Several straightforward steps improve the Hertz experience practically:
- Book direct at hertz.co.uk — the Best Rate Guarantee applies, and Gold Plus Rewards points only accrue on direct bookings
- Join Gold Plus Rewards before booking — the 10% European discount and counter bypass apply immediately after your first rental
- Reserve your vehicle category in advance — specific models and sizes are not guaranteed; booking early secures your preferred category
- Confirm EV availability at your location — EV fleet composition varies by site; confirming before booking avoids disappointment
- Check fuel policy at booking — full-to-full is the most cost-effective policy for most rentals
Honest Consumer Analysis: Is Hertz the Right Choice for You?
Hertz represents strong value for travellers who rent frequently and want a globally consistent experience with a meaningful rewards programme. For occasional renters seeking the absolute lowest price, budget-first brands may quote lower base rates — though the Gold Plus Rewards 10% discount closes that gap considerably on direct bookings.
Where Hertz Excels
Hertz’s strongest advantages for UK consumers are:
- Global network breadth — 8,000+ locations mean one loyalty account works worldwide
- Gold Plus Rewards counter bypass — genuinely saves time on every airport collection
- Prestige Collection — luxury vehicle access that most competitors cannot match in mainstream booking channels
- Free additional driver — a benefit that saves meaningful money for couples who share driving
- EV fleet growth — Tesla and other EV models available at major UK airports
Choosing Between Hertz and Its Rivals
Vehicle choice at pickup suits Hertz at Five Star tier or above, or National’s Emerald Aisle — both give members direct selection from available vehicles on the lot.
Luxury and sports vehicles are best served by Hertz’s Prestige Collection or Sixt’s premium range. Both lead the mainstream market in this category.
When European coverage and pricing is the priority, Europcar and Hertz both provide strong networks across the continent. Hertz’s Gold Plus Rewards discount makes direct bookings particularly competitive.
Travellers who need the widest global network will find Hertz and Enterprise at the top of the mainstream market in total location count.
FAQs About Hertz Car Hire UK in 2026
The Gold Plus Rewards Programme
Joining, Benefits, and Counter Bypass
Is Hertz Gold Plus Rewards free to join? Yes. Gold Plus Rewards is free to join online at hertz.co.uk. Benefits begin after your first qualifying rental — including counter bypass at participating locations, the free additional driver benefit, and the 10% discount on base rates in Europe. Moreover, there is no fee, no minimum spend to join, and no subscription required.
What is the Hertz counter bypass and how does it work? At participating airports and locations, Gold Plus Rewards members skip the rental desk entirely. They go directly to their vehicle, which is assigned in advance. On return, members drop the car and receive a digital eReceipt — again without queuing at the counter. The benefit activates after your first qualifying rental.
Earning Points and Free Days
How do I earn points with Hertz Gold Plus Rewards? Members earn one point for every dollar spent on qualifying time and mileage charges. Five Star and President’s Circle members earn additional points per dollar. Points redeem toward free rental days across all vehicle categories — including Prestige Collection vehicles. The double-points promotion for EV bookings through hertz.co.uk provides accelerated earning for electric vehicle rentals.
Can I earn free rental days with Hertz? Earning free days is straightforward. Points earned through Gold Plus Rewards redeem toward free rental days. Free days cover the base rate (time and mileage). Taxes, optional extras, and additional fees are separate. Any vehicle category qualifies for redemption — including luxury models — which makes the Hertz programme more flexible than programmes that restrict free days to economy or standard cars.
Vehicles and Fleet
Electric Vehicles and Prestige Cars
Does Hertz have electric vehicles available in the UK? Hertz does. The brand operates a growing EV fleet at major UK airports and city-centre locations. Tesla models are available at select sites. Availability varies by location, so always confirm EV availability at your specific pickup point when booking. Gold Plus Rewards members earn double points on EV rentals booked directly through hertz.co.uk.
What luxury and prestige cars does Hertz offer? Hertz’s Prestige Collection covers premium vehicles including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and Porsche at select UK and international locations. Additionally, the Dream Cars range adds sports and exotic vehicles for special occasions. Booking the Prestige Collection is available directly through hertz.co.uk, with points redeemable toward prestige rentals at Five Star and President’s Circle membership levels.
Family and Group Vehicles
Is Hertz suitable for family car hire in the UK? Hertz suits families well. The fleet includes a range of family-appropriate vehicles — including SUVs, people carriers, and seven-seater options — at UK airport and city locations. Child seats and additional equipment are bookable in advance at most sites. Additionally, the Gold Plus Rewards counter bypass benefit is particularly practical for families arriving at airports with young children.
Can I add a driver for free on a Hertz rental? This is one of the programme’s most practical perks. Gold Plus Rewards members can add a spouse or domestic partner as a free additional driver on qualifying rentals. This benefit applies at participating locations and represents a meaningful saving — additional driver fees at most competitors typically run £10–£15 per day. Always confirm the free additional driver benefit applies at your specific booking location.
Booking, Pricing, and Policies
Booking and Best Rate Guarantee
Does Hertz offer a Best Rate Guarantee? The Best Rate Guarantee applies to all direct bookings through hertz.co.uk. Specifically, Hertz guarantees the best available rate when you book directly on the site. If you find a lower rate for the same vehicle, dates, and location on a comparison site after booking direct, Hertz will match it. Additionally, booking direct through hertz.co.uk is the only way to earn Gold Plus Rewards points — bookings made through third-party comparison sites do not accrue rewards.
Does Hertz offer one-way rentals in the UK? One-way rentals are available between many participating UK locations and across European destinations. Drop-off fees may apply depending on the collection and return points. Consequently, always check the specific one-way fee for your route when booking rather than assuming it is included in the base rate.
Young Drivers and Cross-Border Travel
Does Hertz charge a young driver surcharge? A surcharge applies for younger drivers. Specifically, drivers under 25 typically face an additional young driver fee. The amount varies by country, vehicle category, and rental duration. However, drivers aged 25 and over are generally not subject to the surcharge. Always check the specific surcharge applicable to your booking location and vehicle type when reserving.
Can I drive a Hertz rental across European borders? In most cases, yes. However, you must declare cross-border travel at the time of booking — not after collection. Some countries require additional documentation or insurance. Attempting to cross a border without prior authorisation can affect your insurance coverage. Confirm permitted countries and any associated fees directly with Hertz at the point of booking.
Comparing Hertz to Other Brands
Hertz vs Enterprise
How does Hertz compare to Enterprise for UK car hire? Both Hertz and Enterprise offer broad UK and global coverage, free loyalty programmes, and counter bypass options for members. Enterprise has more off-airport and neighbourhood locations — useful for non-airport collections. Hertz has a stronger prestige vehicle offering and a more established luxury fleet. Consequently, for airport-focused travel and premium vehicles, Hertz is generally the stronger choice.
Hertz vs Sixt
How does Hertz compare to Sixt for car hire? Sixt focuses strongly on newer, premium, and luxury vehicles — its fleet quality is consistently high. Hertz, in contrast, offers a broader global network with more locations worldwide. For travellers who want a prestige vehicle and strong European coverage, both are competitive. However, Hertz’s Gold Plus Rewards free tier provides immediate practical benefits — counter bypass and a free additional driver — that Sixt’s programme requires more investment to unlock.
All information in this article is based on publicly available data from hertz.co.uk and verified independent sources as of May 2026. Pricing, programme terms, and vehicle availability are subject to change. Always confirm current details directly at hertz.co.uk before booking.
Editorial & Accuracy Standards
- Expert Review:
Ammara Azmat,
Senior Travel Mobility Analyst (12+ years experience) - Status: Verified for accuracy against official 2026 service data and real-time traveller reports.
- Our Process: This content follows our Fact-Checking Policy.
