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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, offers a blend of maritime history and modern attractions. While public transport is available, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and venture beyond the city limits.
Explore Historic Dockyard Easily. With a rental car, accessing the various attractions within the Historic Dockyard becomes much simpler, allowing you to maximize your visit without waiting for public transport.
Venture Beyond the City. A car allows you to easily visit nearby attractions such as the South Downs National Park, Chichester, and the scenic coastline.
Convenient for Families. If you're traveling with family, especially with children, a car offers greater comfort and convenience compared to public transportation.
Flexibility and Freedom. With a rental car, you can create your own itinerary and explore Portsmouth and its surroundings according to your own schedule.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Portsmouth
Before renting a car in Portsmouth, ensure you meet the age requirements, possess a valid driving license, and understand the rental agreement. Familiarize yourself with insurance options, deposit policies, mileage limits, and fuel guidelines.
Area
40.3 square kilometers (15.6 square miles)
Population
Approximately 240,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT & BST (GMT +1) during summer time
Ideal for
Coastal drives
Rush Hours
Expect traffic delays 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Portsmouth is generally 21, but some companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25. Young driver surcharges often apply for those under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driving license is essential. Non-[COUNTRY PLACE] residents may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their original license if it isn't in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but consider additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Theft Protection. A security deposit is required, typically held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy – unlimited or limited. Fuel policies vary; 'full-to-full' is common, requiring you to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesWatch out for extra charges for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras like GPS or child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Portsmouth – How Much Does It Cost?
Discover the average costs for renting a car in Portsmouth, considering vehicle type and seasonal demand.
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
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to high tourist demand.
Low season (November to February): Often offers discounts and better deals.
Understand how rental prices fluctuate throughout the year in Portsmouth.
How to Book a Car in Portsmouth?
Booking a car in Portsmouth involves comparing prices, selecting the right vehicle, understanding rental terms, booking in advance, and preparing required documents.
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 travel needs, whether it's a compact car for city driving or a larger vehicle for family trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better rates and vehicle availability by booking well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driving license, credit card, and passport when collecting your rental car.
General Information About Portsmouth
Portsmouth, a city steeped in maritime history, offers a mix of attractions, shopping, and dining experiences. Navigating by car requires awareness of local traffic regulations and parking options.
As a major naval city, Portsmouth presents a unique blend of historical sites and modern amenities. A car rental is useful for exploring the surrounding areas, but driving in the city center requires consideration of parking, one-way streets, and traffic. Understanding local traffic laws and fuel station locations will ensure a smooth visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Explore HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, and the Mary Rose museum.
Spinnaker Tower
Enjoy panoramic views of Portsmouth and the Solent.
Gunwharf Quays
Shop at designer outlets and dine at waterfront restaurants.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Utilize parking garages like Gunwharf Quays or Portsmouth City Council car parks.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but can be limited, especially in busy areas.
Park & Ride
Use the park-and-ride service at Tipner for convenient access to the city center.
Gas Stations in Portsmouth
Main Fuel Chains
Find BP, Shell, Esso, and Texaco stations throughout the city and on major roads.
Refuelling
Plan ahead, especially when driving outside the city, to ensure you have sufficient fuel.
Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Portsmouth
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in pedestrianized areas.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM) when roads are congested.
Use Contactless Payment
Many parking meters and public transport options accept contactless payments.
Check Tide Times
Be mindful of tide times when visiting coastal areas or beaches.
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 connections to London and other major cities.
Fratton
Station serving residential areas and local amenities.
Ferry Terminals
Portsmouth International Port
Ferry services to France, Spain, and the Channel Islands.
Wightlink Gunwharf Quays
Ferry services to the Isle of Wight.
Bus Stations
The Hard Interchange
Main bus station adjacent to Portsmouth Harbour station.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Portsmouth?
To rent a car in Portsmouth, you'll need to meet certain requirements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
A current, valid driver’s license is essential. If your license isn't in English, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, although some may have higher age restrictions and fees for younger drivers.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is needed for the security deposit. Some companies only accept credit cards.
A passport or other form of government-issued photo identification may be required, especially for international renters.
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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 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, really.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 26.04.2025
Portsmouth was a quick stop on our road trip, and having a rental car made getting around so much easier. The Historic Dockyard was fascinating, though the Spinnaker Tower's gift shop felt a bit overpriced.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 09.05.2025
Summer in Portsmouth was fantastic! Exploring the coast was a breeze with a car; so convenient.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 29.05.2025
Great short trip to Portsmouth! Catching up with friends was easy with the car, and the city is charming.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 03.07.2025
Getting around Portsmouth was a breeze thanks to having a car; the rental process was straightforward. The historic dockyard was fascinating, though the Spinnaker Tower felt a bit overpriced for what it offered.
David Lee
Reviewed: 08.12.2024
First time in Portsmouth, and renting a car made exploring easy. The Historic Dockyard was amazing, though the tourist shops felt a bit overpriced.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 22.05.2025
Pretty decent, really.
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 01.12.2024
Pretty relaxed, really.
Oliver Smith
Reviewed: 01.02.2025
Pretty chill vibe.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 09.07.2025
Pretty laid-back, yeah.
Ben Carter
Reviewed: 04.07.2025
Portsmouth was lovely! Coastal drives were easy, perfect relaxing getaway.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 10.06.2025