Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Bournemouth
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Bournemouth
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Bournemouth
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Bournemouth
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
Bournemouth is a vibrant coastal town with stunning beaches, lively entertainment, and beautiful surrounding countryside. While public transport is available, renting a car offers unparalleled freedom and convenience to explore at your own pace.
Discover the Jurassic Coast. With a rental car, you can easily explore the iconic Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit charming coastal towns like Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door.
Explore the New Forest National Park. Drive through the picturesque New Forest, home to wild ponies, ancient woodlands, and scenic walking trails.
Enjoy Bournemouth's Attractions. Easily access Bournemouth's attractions, including its beautiful beaches, pier, gardens, and vibrant town center.
Before renting a car in Bournemouth, familiarize yourself with the standard terms and conditions, including age restrictions, required documentation, and insurance policies. Being prepared can ensure a smooth and hassle-free rental experience.
Area
46.2 square kilometers (17.8 square miles)
Population
Approximately 190,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summer time
Ideal for
Family holidays
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Bournemouth require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, drivers under 25 may face additional surcharges.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English. Always carry your passport or another form of identification.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price. Additional coverage options, like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), are available. A security deposit is typically required and will be refunded upon the car’s safe return.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the rental agreement for mileage restrictions. Fuel policies vary—some require returning the car with a full tank, while others offer a prepaid fuel option.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, child seats, GPS navigation, or one-way rentals. Be sure to clarify these fees before finalizing your booking.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20
SUV:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.
Low season (November to February): Offers discounts and lower rates for car rentals.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Booking a car in Bournemouth involves a few simple steps to ensure you get the best deal and the right vehicle for your needs. Consider the tips below for a seamless experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various car rental companies. Consider factors like price, vehicle type, and rental terms.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a car that suits your needs, whether it's a compact car for city driving or a larger vehicle for family trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements before booking.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure vehicle availability by booking well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and passport when collecting your rental. Inspect the car for any existing damage before driving off.
Bournemouth offers a mix of coastal charm and urban attractions, making it an ideal destination for a road trip. Understanding local traffic conditions, parking regulations, and fuel availability will enhance your driving experience.
Bournemouth, located on the south coast of England, is famous for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful gardens. Renting a car allows you to explore the surrounding Dorset countryside and nearby attractions at your own pace. Driving in Bournemouth is generally straightforward, but it’s helpful to be aware of local traffic patterns and parking options.
Top Attractions to Discover
Bournemouth Beach
Enjoy miles of golden sand and clear waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Bournemouth Pier
Visit the iconic pier with amusement arcades, a theater, and stunning views of the coastline.
Oceanarium
Explore an underwater world with marine creatures from around the globe.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use car parks like the Avenue Road Car Park or the Richmond Gardens Car Park for secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but can be costly and time-limited, especially in the town center.
Park & Ride
Utilize park-and-ride services from Kings Park to access the town center easily.
Gas Stations in Bournemouth
Major Brands Available
Find BP, Shell, Esso, and Texaco stations throughout Bournemouth and the surrounding areas.
Convenient Locations
Most gas stations are located on main roads and near major intersections.
Check Fuel Levels Regularly
Keep an eye on your fuel level, especially when venturing into rural areas.
Useful Tips for Visiting Bournemouth
Use Contactless Payment
Pay for parking and public transportation using contactless bank cards for convenience.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during peak hours (7:30 AM – 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM) to minimize traffic delays.
Watch for Pedestrians
Be mindful of pedestrians, especially in busy areas like the town center and along the beach.
Check Weather Conditions
Check the weather forecast before heading out, as coastal conditions can change rapidly.
Major Bus Stations
Bournemouth Travel Interchange
The main bus station serving local and regional routes.
Railway Stations
Bournemouth Railway Station
Provides rail services to London Waterloo, Southampton, and Weymouth.
Airports
Bournemouth Airport (BOH)
Located approximately 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) north of Bournemouth, serving domestic and European destinations.
Renting a car in Bournemouth requires a few essential documents and meeting certain criteria to ensure a smooth rental process. Here’s what you typically need.
You need a valid driver’s license. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra for drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is necessary for the security deposit. Some companies only accept credit cards.
A passport or another form of identification may be required, especially for international renters.
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This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Bournemouth as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
Stunning Bournemouth! Summer holiday perfection. Having transport readily available made exploring the coastline and charming towns a breeze. Highly recommend!
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 23.05.2025
Relaxing, good vibes.
Chloe Wilson
Reviewed: 24.09.2024
Fantastic family trip to Bournemouth! Having a car made getting around so much simpler, and the beaches were beautiful.
Jessica Davis
Reviewed: 16.08.2025
Beautiful Bournemouth! Road trip smooth thanks to easy car rental.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 10.06.2025
Quick business trip, but Bournemouth charmed me! Getting around with my car was a breeze.
Oliver King
Reviewed: 21.07.2025
Absolutely loved Bournemouth! The summer weather was perfect, and having a car made getting around so easy. The beaches were stunning.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 30.03.2025
Heard great things, and Bournemouth exceeded expectations! Getting around was a breeze, and the beaches were amazing.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 16.03.2025
Bournemouth was fantastic! Family holiday, perfect beaches, and exploring was effortless with our car.
Liam Brown
Reviewed: 20.02.2025
Pretty chill vibe.
Noah Evans
Reviewed: 28.07.2025
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Bournemouth was lovely for a weekend getaway! Having a car made exploring so easy. The beach was fantastic, though the pier felt a bit dated.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 24.03.2025