Free cancellationBest price guaranteeNo hidden fees24/7 multilingual supportCar rental in Portsmouth - Search, Compare, and Save
Free cancellationNo hidden feesPick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Portsmouth
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Portsmouth
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Portsmouth
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
Why Rent a Car in Portsmouth?
Portsmouth, a vibrant waterfront city with a rich maritime history, offers numerous attractions and scenic routes best explored with the flexibility of a rental car. While public transport is available, a car provides the freedom to discover hidden gems and nearby areas at your own pace.
Explore Coastal Routes. Portsmouth is surrounded by beautiful coastlines, including the South Downs National Park. A rental car allows you to easily access these scenic drives and explore picturesque villages.
Visit Historic Dockyard. The Historic Dockyard, home to famous ships like HMS Victory and HMS Warrior, is a must-see. Having a car ensures convenient access and ample time to explore.
Venture Beyond the City. With a rental car, you can easily venture to nearby attractions such as the Isle of Wight, Southampton, and Winchester, making the most of your trip.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Portsmouth
Before booking a rental car in Portsmouth, be sure you meet the minimum age requirements, possess a valid driver's license, and understand the rental company's policies regarding insurance, deposits, mileage, and fuel. Familiarize yourself with potential extra fees and local driving regulations.
Area
40.25 square kilometers (15.54 square miles)
Population
Approximately 248,559 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summer time
Ideal for
Exploring the South Coast
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Rating
4.6/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Portsmouth require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some providers may have a minimum age of 25 for certain vehicle categories, and young driver surcharges may apply for renters under 25.
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. A passport and a credit or debit card in the driver’s name are typically required.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance. Additional coverage options, such as collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection, are available. A security deposit is usually held on the renter’s credit card and is refunded upon vehicle return.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals come with unlimited mileage, while others may have restrictions. Fuel policies vary, with many requiring the car to be returned with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Portsmouth – How Much Does It Cost?
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 / $12 / €11
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come 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 Portsmouth?
To book a car in Portsmouth, compare prices, choose the right vehicle, and carefully review the rental terms to avoid any surprises. Booking early is recommended to secure the best rates, especially during peak seasons. Remember to bring your driver's license, credit card, and identification 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 license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About Portsmouth
Portsmouth is a vibrant city with a rich maritime history and a blend of historical and modern attractions. Renting a car offers the flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings, but familiarity with local traffic laws, parking regulations, and fuel access is essential.
Portsmouth, a city steeped in naval history, offers a unique blend of maritime heritage, cultural attractions, and modern amenities. As an island city, it provides easy access to both urban centers and coastal landscapes. Renting a car in Portsmouth is beneficial for exploring beyond the city center, allowing you to discover the South Downs National Park, nearby coastal towns, and historical sites at your own pace. However, driving within Portsmouth requires awareness of local traffic conditions, parking restrictions, and one-way systems. Before you set off, ensure you are familiar with local driving laws, fuel station locations, and parking options to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Historic Dockyard
Explore HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, and the Mary Rose Museum.
Spinnaker Tower
Enjoy panoramic views of Portsmouth and the surrounding coastline.
Gunwharf Quays
Shop at designer outlets and dine at waterfront restaurants.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use services like NCP and Q-Park for secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but can be time-limited and costly, especially in central areas.
Park & Ride
Use the park-and-ride service to access the city center from outside the main congestion areas.
Gas Stations in Portsmouth
Availability in the City
Fuel stations are available throughout Portsmouth, with major brands like BP, Shell, and Esso easily accessible.
Planning Your Refuels
Plan your refueling stops, especially if you are planning to explore the surrounding areas.
Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby fuel stations in real time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Portsmouth
Use Contactless Payment
Pay for parking and public transport with a contactless bank card for convenience.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Stay alert for pedestrians and cyclists, especially in the city center.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (07:30–09:30 and 16:30–18:30) when roads are congested.
Check Tide Times
Be aware of high tide if driving along coastal routes, as some roads may be affected.
Key Transportation Hubs in Portsmouth
Railway Stations
Portsmouth Harbour
Main station serving the Historic Dockyard and Isle of Wight ferries.
Portsmouth & Southsea
Central station with frequent services to London Waterloo and other destinations.
Fratton
Important station for local and regional connections.
Ferry Terminals
Portsmouth International Port
Offers ferry services to various destinations, including France and Spain.
Airports
Southampton Airport (SOU)
Located approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Portsmouth, offering domestic and European flights.
Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Located approximately 110 kilometers (68 miles) from Portsmouth, serving numerous international flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Portsmouth?
Renting a car in Portsmouth is a straightforward process, provided you meet a few key requirements. Here’s what you’ll need to ensure a smooth rental experience.
If you're a UK resident, your standard driver’s license is sufficient. 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, and some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies may only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required, especially for international renters.
Our Content Quality
This content was written, fast-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, localization accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
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 Customers Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Portsmouth 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.
Pretty chill, actually.
Dave Miller
Reviewed: 30.10.2024
Pretty decent, really.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 15.10.2024
Pretty relaxed, overall.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 18.01.2025
Pretty laid-back, really.
Oliver Smith
Reviewed: 09.03.2025
Heard great things about Portsmouth, and they were right! Exploring by car was effortless; loved it.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 16.02.2025
Portsmouth charmed me! Getting around with a car was a breeze, making it easy to see everything. Highly recommend!
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 21.09.2024
Pretty alright, really.
Ben Wilson
Reviewed: 24.06.2025
Pretty good, actually.
Jessica Thompson
Reviewed: 17.02.2025
Portsmouth was a fantastic spontaneous weekend! Exploring with our rental car made everything so easy.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 11.02.2025