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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Southampton
Southampton
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Southampton
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Southampton
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Southampton
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 Southampton?
Southampton is a vibrant coastal city, a gateway to the New Forest and the Isle of Wight. While public transport is available, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Explore the New Forest. A short drive from Southampton, the New Forest offers stunning landscapes, walking trails, and charming villages. With a rental car, you can easily discover its hidden gems.
Visit the Isle of Wight. Southampton is a major ferry port, and having a car allows you to drive straight onto the ferry and explore the island's beautiful beaches and attractions.
Discover Coastal Towns. Explore the nearby coastal towns of Lymington, Beaulieu and Portsmouth, each with its unique charm and attractions, conveniently accessible by car.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Southampton
Before renting a car in Southampton, be aware of the following conditions.
Area
72 square kilometres (28 square miles)
Population
Approximately 253,651 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summertime
Ideal for
Exploring the South Coast
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Southampton require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may face a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is mandatory. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary—some offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies typically require returning the car with a full tank.
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 Southampton – 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): Demand is higher, with prices rising 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 Southampton?
Compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison sites to find the best deals based on your dates and needs.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, from economy cars to SUVs.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Book early for lower prices and better availability, especially in peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your license, credit card, and ID.
General Information About Southampton
Southampton combines maritime history with modern attractions. Understanding local traffic rules and parking is key for a smooth experience.
As a major port city, Southampton is rich in history and culture. While the city centre is walkable, renting a car is beneficial for exploring surrounding areas. Be mindful of traffic and parking regulations.
Top Attractions to Discover
SeaCity Museum
Discover Southampton's Titanic connection and maritime history.
Mayflower Park
Enjoy waterfront views and events.
Tudor House and Garden
Explore a historic house and its beautiful gardens.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use Q-Park and NCP for secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but can be limited.
Park & Ride
Use the Park & Ride service to avoid city centre traffic.
Gas Stations in Southampton
Availability
Gas stations are readily available on the outskirts of the city.
Major Brands
Look for BP, Shell, Esso, and Texaco.
Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to find nearby stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Southampton
Contactless Payment
Use contactless for buses and local travel.
Pedestrians & Cyclists
Be aware of pedestrian and cyclist traffic.
Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:00–9:00 / 16:00–18:00).
Plan Ahead
Consider Park & Ride to avoid congestion.
Key Transportation Hubs in Southampton
Major Bus Stations
Southampton Coach Station
Located in the city centre, it serves regional and national bus services.
Railway Stations
Southampton Central
The main railway station, offering services to London, Bournemouth, and other destinations.
Airports
Southampton Airport (SOU)
Located just outside the city, providing domestic and European flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Southampton?
Renting a car in the UK is easy if you meet the requirements.
A valid license is required. International visitors may need an IDP.
Most companies require drivers to be at least 21. Fees may apply for those under 25.
A card in the driver’s name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport 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 Southampton 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.
Lovely coastal getaway! Having a car made exploring Southampton and the nearby beaches so convenient. Relaxing and scenic – highly recommend!
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 25.02.2025
Wonderful spontaneous weekend! Southampton was charming, easily explored by car. Highly recommend!
Jessica Davis
Reviewed: 02.09.2024
Pretty chill vibe
Mia Garcia
Reviewed: 10.03.2025
Pretty relaxed vibe
Olivia Wilson
Reviewed: 28.04.2025
Okay, but kinda bland.
Ava Lee
Reviewed: 14.11.2024
Efficient business trip! Southampton was easily navigable by car; lovely city.
Chloe Brown
Reviewed: 17.02.2025
Southampton exceeded expectations! So easy to get around with a car, and the coast was breathtaking.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 03.05.2025
Southampton was fantastic! Exploring the city and surrounding areas with the family was so easy with our rental car. Highly recommend!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 03.08.2025