UK Car Rental Rates Hold Steady Amid Market Shifts

Amex GBT's latest Ground Monitor report has forecast near-flat UK car rental rates for 2026 and 2027, but warns of significant changes in the ground travel market. The report predicts that UK companies will see some of the smallest car hire increases in Europe over the next two years, with rates expected to rise by between 0.6% and 1.3%. This makes ground transport one of the few parts of the trip budget not under obvious inflationary pressure.

The report also highlights that while base rates may remain stable, other costs such as city surcharges, supplier consolidation, and ride-hailing deals will reshape ground travel budgets. Amex GBT advises corporates to be cautious when hiring in North America due to the significant rise in city surcharges, including day of week charges and airport fees.

The report also models airport-to-city-centre return journeys in ten major US business destinations, comparing daily rental rates against ride-hailing fares and factoring in tolls and parking. The results show that renting came out cheaper in five cities outright, with several others close enough that ride-hailing wins once refuelling is added.