Free CancellationBest Price GuaranteeNo Hidden Fees24/7 Multilingual SupportCar rental in Poole - Search, Compare, and Save
Free CancellationNo Hidden FeesPick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Poole
Poole
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Poole
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Poole
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Poole
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Poole?
Poole is a beautiful coastal town in Dorset, known for its stunning harbour, sandy beaches, and vibrant atmosphere. While Poole offers public transportation options, renting a car provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.
Explore the Jurassic Coast. Renting a car allows you to easily access the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and breathtaking views.
Visit Nearby Attractions. With a rental car, you can conveniently visit nearby attractions such as Bournemouth, the New Forest, and Corfe Castle.
Enjoy Water Sports Activities. Having a car makes it easier to transport equipment for water sports activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Poole
Before renting a car in Poole, ensure you understand the rental terms and conditions. Key factors include age requirements, driver's licence stipulations, insurance coverage, deposit policies, mileage options, and fuel guidelines. Additional fees may apply for young drivers or extra services.
Area
64.88 square miles (168.03 square kilometres)
Population
Approximately 150,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during British Summer Time
Ideal for
Family trips
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Poole require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some providers may impose a minimum age of 25 for certain vehicle categories. Young driver surcharges may be applicable for renters under 25.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is mandatory for all rentals. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English. A passport and a credit or debit card in the driver’s name are typically necessary.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but supplementary coverage options like collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection are available. A security deposit is usually held on the renter’s credit card and reimbursed upon vehicle return.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals offer unlimited mileage, whereas others might have restrictions. Fuel policies vary, with many requiring the car to be returned with a full tank to prevent additional charges.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges can apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras like GPS and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Poole – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Experiences higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often comes with discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Poole?
To book a car in Poole, compare prices, choose the right vehicle, and review rental terms. Booking early will ensure the best rates, especially in peak seasons. Don’t forget your licence, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or an SUV for longer trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About Poole
Poole offers a unique blend of coastal charm and modern amenities. Ideal for exploring its harbour and nearby attractions, it’s best to be aware of local traffic rules, parking, and fuel access, especially when venturing beyond the town centre.
Poole, located in Dorset, is renowned for its stunning harbour and beautiful beaches, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Exploring the area by car offers the freedom to discover hidden gems and picturesque landscapes. While public transport is available, renting a car provides added convenience and flexibility for day trips and excursions. Before embarking on your journey, it’s important to familiarise yourself with local traffic laws, parking regulations, and fuel station locations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Poole Harbour
One of the largest natural harbours in the world, perfect for boat trips and water sports.
Sandbanks Beach
Known for its golden sands and clear waters, ideal for sunbathing and swimming.
Brownsea Island
A National Trust-owned island, home to diverse wildlife and scenic walking trails.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use services like NCP and local council car parks for secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but often costly and time-limited, especially in central areas.
Park & Ride
Utilise the park-and-ride service to access Poole town centre.
Gas Stations in Poole
Major Brands Available
Find BP, Shell, Esso, and Texaco stations in and around Poole.
Convenient Locations
Fuel stations are readily accessible along main roads and highways.
Use Navigation Apps
Tools like Google Maps help locate nearby stations in real time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Poole
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Stay alert! Poole has significant foot and bike traffic, especially in the town centre.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (07:30–09:30 / 16:30–18:30) when roads are often congested.
Check Tide Times
Be aware of tide times when visiting coastal areas and beaches.
Key Transportation Hubs in Poole
Major Bus Stations
Poole Bus Station
Located in the town centre, serving local and regional bus routes.
Railway Stations
Poole Railway Station
Provides services to London Waterloo, Weymouth, and other destinations.
Airports
Bournemouth Airport (BOH)
Located approximately 10 kilometres (6 miles) north-east of Poole, serving domestic and European flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Poole?
Renting a car in the UK is straightforward, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements.
If you're from the UK, your standard licence is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country licence for up to 12 months, but some may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters
Our Content Quality
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Poole as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Pretty chilled vibe
Chloe Brown
Reviewed: 26.09.2024
Poole was charming, but the seagulls were relentless.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 20.07.2025
Quick trip to Poole to see friends was perfect! Getting around with a rental car was a breeze. Beautiful town.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 24.04.2025
Family vacation in Poole was fantastic; easy exploring with our rental.
Jessica Davis
Reviewed: 18.05.2025
Such a pleasant stop on our road trip! Having a car made exploring Poole's harbor a breeze.
Olivia Wilson
Reviewed: 29.01.2025
Poole was lovely! Having a car made exploring the harbor and surrounding areas so easy. We found charming little shops and enjoyed some beautiful coastal drives. Definitely recommend a visit!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 01.12.2024