Car Rentals in Portsmouth, GBR

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Portsmouth

Renting a car in Portsmouth offers the freedom to explore this historic city and its surroundings at your own pace. With the convenience of a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans that suit your itinerary. Whether you are visiting with family or for business, having a car allows you to access key attractions such as the HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Museum, both perfect for culture enthusiasts. You can also enjoy a day at Southsea Beach, ideal for those looking to unwind by the sea.

The benefits extend beyond Portsmouth, as a rental car makes it simple to visit nearby destinations like Bembridge, just 12 km away, where you can relax on Whitecliff Bay Beach or Bembridge Beach. In Southsea, you can explore The D-Day Story and Southsea Castle, while Gosport, only 2 km from Portsmouth, offers Stokes Bay Beach and the Royal Navy Submarine Museum. With a car, you can easily tailor your travel experience, making it a popular choice for those looking to make the most of their time in and around Portsmouth.

Most popular car hires in Portsmouth

• Compact: The Compact car option is a popular choice for up to 5 travellers and can accommodate up to 3 medium suitcases. This makes it ideal for solo adventurers, couples, or small families looking for a convenient and economical way to explore Portsmouth. Its size allows for easy manoeuvrability through the city while still providing enough space for luggage, making it a practical option for those who value flexibility in their travel plans.
• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV is perfect for families, couples, or small groups, offering room for 5 travellers and up to 3 large suitcases. This car type strikes a balance between space and comfort, making it an excellent choice for those needing extra room for both passengers and luggage. Its versatility allows for easy handling while providing a more elevated driving position, which can enhance visibility during your journey around Portsmouth and beyond.
• Economy: If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, the Economy car is an excellent choice. Suitable for up to 5 travellers with space for up to 2 medium suitcases, this car type is ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families who wish to keep costs down without sacrificing convenience. Its compact size makes it easy to navigate Portsmouth's streets, while still offering enough room for your essentials, making it a practical and economical option for your car hire needs.

Top rated car suppliers in Portsmouth

• Europcar: With one rental location in Portsmouth, Europcar is a popular choice for travellers seeking flexibility and convenience. The most booked cars with this supplier include Standard and Compact models, making it easy to find a vehicle that suits your needs as you explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace.
• Enterprise: Also featuring a single rental location in Portsmouth, Enterprise is known for its excellent service and diverse range of vehicles. The most popular options include Luxury Vans and Midsize Vans, perfect for those needing extra space or travelling in groups. Enjoy the freedom to manage your itinerary effortlessly with Enterprise.
• Routes: With one rental location in Portsmouth, Routes offers a selection of vehicles tailored to suit various travel styles. The Compact SUVs and Midsize SUVs are particularly popular among customers, providing ample space and comfort for your journeys. Enjoy the flexibility of exploring Portsmouth and beyond with ease.

Where to stay in and around Portsmouth

• Bembridge: Located 12 km from Portsmouth, Bembridge offers a delightful escape for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. With stunning scenery, the area boasts attractions such as Whitecliff Bay Beach and Bembridge Beach, perfect for a beach holiday. Explore hiking trails and enjoy the beauty of the nearby national park. The local dining scene includes various restaurants, breweries, and wineries to satisfy your culinary cravings after a day of adventure.
• Southsea: Situated in close proximity to Portsmouth, Southsea is ideal for families and business travellers alike. This vibrant neighbourhood features attractions such as The D-Day Story military museum and Southsea Castle, making it a culturally rich destination. Enjoy shopping at the local mall and relax at the family-friendly beach. With nearby bars serving refreshing drinks, Southsea is a fantastic base for both relaxation and exploration.
• Gosport: Just 2 km from Portsmouth, Gosport is another excellent choice for those seeking outdoor activities and family-friendly experiences. Highlights include Stokes Bay Beach, perfect for a beach holiday, and Haslar Marina for adventure seekers. Don’t miss the Royal Navy Submarine Museum, which offers a glimpse into naval history. With shopping areas and theatres nearby, Gosport combines leisure and culture seamlessly.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around Portsmouth

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for cost-effectiveness, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to reserve your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you’re likely to secure lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are less expensive to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 years old may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This also applies to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid extra charges. This is typically the most favourable option. Others might offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You will often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car from airports, but this may be worthwhile for the added convenience.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you sidestep unnecessary expenses and provide peace of mind should something unexpected occur during your trip. It’s straightforward to add car hire insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extensive road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Portsmouth

The best time to rent a car in and around Portsmouth is January, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. February can also be a quiet month, though prices tend to be average. Moving into spring, March and April see slightly higher prices and average demand. However, July stands out as the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and average demand. August continues this trend, with demand remaining moderately high.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	43.3°F (6.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
February	43.3°F (6.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average
March	45.7°F (7.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
April	49.1°F (9.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	54.1°F (12.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
June	59.5°F (15.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
July	63.1°F (17.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
August	63.1°F (17.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	60.4°F (15.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
October	55.9°F (13.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
November	50.0°F (10.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	46.0°F (7.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average