Free cancellationBest price guaranteeNo hidden fees24/7 multilingual supportCar rental in Winchester - 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 Winchester
Winchester
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Winchester
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Winchester
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Winchester
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 Winchester?
Winchester, a city steeped in history and charm, offers a wealth of attractions both within its ancient walls and in the surrounding Hampshire countryside. While walkable, a car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace and venture further afield.
Explore Beyond the City: A rental car allows you to easily visit nearby attractions such as the South Downs National Park, Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey), and the historic city of Salisbury.
Convenience and Flexibility: Public transportation can be limiting. With a car, you can travel on your own schedule, stopping wherever and whenever you please.
Perfect for Families: Traveling with children or a group? A rental car offers ample space for luggage, strollers, and souvenirs, making your journey much more comfortable.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Winchester
Before booking a rental car in Winchester, ensure you're familiar with the standard rental terms. These usually cover age requirements, necessary documentation, insurance policies, and potential extra charges.
Area
71.37 square kilometers (27.56 square miles)
Population
Approximately 45,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during winter time
Ideal for
Weekend getaways
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Winchester require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is essential. International visitors might need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license isn't in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is typically included, but additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is available. A security deposit will be held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy – unlimited or limited. Fuel policies vary; returning the car with a full tank avoids extra charges.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras like GPS or child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Winchester – 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 £9.50 / $12 / €11 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 come with discounts as demand decreases.
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 Winchester?
Booking a car in Winchester involves a few straightforward steps to ensure a smooth rental experience. Take your time to compare prices, choose the right car for your needs, and carefully review the rental terms and conditions before finalizing your booking.
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 - Review the mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About Winchester
Winchester is a city renowned for its historical significance and stunning architecture, best explored with a plan for navigating its charming streets. Understanding traffic regulations, parking availability, and refuelling options will ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.
As the ancient capital of England, Winchester offers a fascinating journey through time. Renting a car is a practical choice for exploring beyond the city center to discover the beauty of Hampshire. While driving within Winchester is relatively easy, it's useful to be aware of local traffic laws, fuel station locations, and parking regulations to ensure a stress-free experience during your visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Winchester Cathedral
One of the largest cathedrals in Europe, known for its stunning Gothic architecture.
Great Hall & King Arthur's Round Table
Home to the legendary Round Table, a symbol of Arthurian legend.
Winchester College
One of the oldest public schools in the United Kingdom, showcasing centuries of history.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Utilize car parks such as Chesil Street or Worthy Lane for secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available, but can be time-limited, especially in the city center.
Park & Ride
Leave your car at a park-and-ride site outside the city and use public transport to access the center.
Gas Stations in Winchester
Major Brands Available
Find BP, Shell, and Esso stations located on the outskirts of the city.
Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps to locate the nearest petrol stations in real-time.
Plan Ahead
Fuel stations are less common in the city center, so plan your refills accordingly.
Useful Tips for Visiting Winchester
Be Aware of Pedestrians
Winchester has high foot traffic, particularly in the city center.
Allow Extra Time for Traffic
Plan for potential delays, especially during rush hours (7:00–9:00 / 16:00–18:00).
Use Contactless Payment
Most parking and transport services accept contactless payments for convenience.
Respect Local Traffic Laws
Observe speed limits and be mindful of one-way streets.
Key Transportation Hubs in Winchester
Major Bus Stations
Winchester Bus Station
Located in the city center, it serves as the primary hub for local and regional bus services.
Railway Stations
Winchester Railway Station
Provides direct train services to London, Southampton, and other major cities.
Airports
Southampton Airport (SOU)
Located approximately 10 miles from Winchester, offering domestic and European flights.
Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Situated about 60 miles away, it provides extensive international flight options.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Winchester?
Renting a car in the UK, including Winchester, requires meeting certain criteria to ensure a smooth and compliant rental process. Here's a summary of what you'll typically need.
A full and valid driver’s license is essential. International visitors might need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their home country license.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21, with some applying surcharges for those under 25.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is required for the security deposit. Some companies may prefer or require a credit card.
A passport or other valid 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 Winchester 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 relaxed vibe
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 29.04.2025
Relaxing, car helpful
Emily Brown
Reviewed: 16.04.2025
Winchester in the summer was lovely! Having a car made exploring so easy. Highly recommend.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 19.10.2024
Wonderful to be back in Winchester after all these years! Exploring with a car was perfect.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 21.12.2024
Efficient business trip; Winchester's charm delightful.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 24.12.2024
Pleasant enough, really
Liam Miller
Reviewed: 01.12.2024
Pretty chill, really
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 29.09.2024