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Excellent
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Cheapest Car Rental 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 rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
Why Rent a Car in Southampton?
Southampton is a vibrant port city with a rich maritime history and plenty to explore both within and beyond its boundaries. While public transport is available, renting a car offers unparalleled freedom to discover the region at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City: With a rental car, you can easily visit nearby attractions such as the New Forest National Park, the historic city of Winchester, and the beautiful coastline of Dorset.
Convenience and Flexibility: Having your own car means you can travel on your own schedule, without being tied to bus or train timetables. This is especially beneficial for families or those with specific itineraries.
Access to Hidden Gems: A car allows you to reach smaller, less accessible villages and scenic spots that are often missed by tourists relying on public transport.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Southampton
Before renting a car in Southampton, it's essential to understand the terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Area
72 square kilometers (28 square miles)
Population
Approximately 250,000 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
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with some charging a young driver surcharge for those 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.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but consider additional coverage like a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is typically required and held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy – unlimited mileage is preferable. Fuel policies vary, but full-to-full is common, requiring you to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges 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?
Car rental prices in Southampton vary depending on the season, vehicle type, and rental duration.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £25 / $31 / €28 per day
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €17 per day
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
7 Seater:
from £45 / $56 / €51 per day
Automatic:
from £28 / $35 / €32 per day
SUV:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.
Low season (November to February): Often offers discounts and lower rates due to reduced tourist activity.
Prices fluctuate throughout the year, with peak seasons experiencing higher rates.
How to Book a Car in Southampton?
Booking a car in Southampton is easy if you follow these simple steps.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering size, fuel efficiency, and comfort.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Book your car well in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure the best rates and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, passport, and credit card to the rental counter when picking up your vehicle.
General Information About Southampton
Southampton is a historic port city with a mix of modern amenities and charming attractions.
Southampton is a city with a rich maritime history, known for its links to the Titanic and its bustling port. It's a great base for exploring the south coast of England, but driving requires awareness of local traffic regulations and parking options.
Top Attractions to Discover
SeaCity Museum
Explore Southampton's maritime history, including its connection to the Titanic.
Tudor House and Garden
Visit a historic house and garden offering a glimpse into Tudor life.
Southampton City Art Gallery
Discover a collection of fine art from various periods.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use city center car parks for secure parking, but be prepared for higher rates.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available, but check time limits and restrictions.
Park & Ride
Use the Park & Ride service to avoid city center traffic and parking fees.
Gas Stations in Southampton
City Center Availability
Fuel stations are available in and around the city center.
Major Brands
Look for brands like BP, Shell, and Esso.
Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps to locate nearby stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Southampton
Contactless Payment
Use contactless payment for parking and public transport.
Traffic Delays
Allow extra time for travel during rush hour.
Pedestrians & Cyclists
Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in pedestrianized areas.
Key Transportation Hubs in Southampton
Major Bus Stations
Southampton Coach Station
Located in the city center, it provides services to various destinations across the UK.
Railway Stations
Southampton Central
The main railway station, providing frequent services to London, Bournemouth, and other major cities.
Airports
Southampton Airport (SOU)
Located just outside the city, offering domestic and European flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Southampton?
To rent a car in Southampton, you'll need to meet certain requirements.
You need a valid driver's license, and international visitors might require an IDP.
Most companies require drivers to be at least 21, with potential surcharges for younger drivers.
A credit or debit card in the driver's name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of ID may be required.
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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 Southampton 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 vibe
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 03.06.2025
Solid, pleasant enough
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 06.10.2024
Pretty decent, really
Olivia Brown
Reviewed: 07.06.2025
Southampton exceeded expectations! Cruising around in my rental, I discovered charming streets and stunning harbor views.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 15.06.2025
Pretty relaxed, really
Mia Davis
Reviewed: 13.01.2025
Southampton was delightful! Getting around with a rental car was a breeze, making it easy to see everything.
Katherine Lee
Reviewed: 15.01.2025
Having a car made exploring Southampton so much easier! The city's charm was delightful; I loved it.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 07.12.2024
Southampton was perfect! Easy car rental, great weekend.
Amelia Smith
Reviewed: 23.09.2024
Relaxing coastal escape; Southampton's seafront was a bit underwhelming.
Isabelle Martinez
Reviewed: 08.04.2025
Southampton was a lovely surprise! Exploring the city by car was easy, and I loved the maritime history. The SeaCity Museum was fascinating, though the cafe there was a bit underwhelming.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 18.04.2025