Car Rentals in Southampton, GBR

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Southampton

Renting a car in Southampton offers the freedom and flexibility to explore this vibrant city and its beautiful surroundings at your own pace. Whether you are travelling with family, managing luggage, or seeking adventure, a rental car makes it convenient to visit key attractions. You can easily head to the Ocean Village Marina for outdoor experiences or enjoy a leisurely day at Mayflower Park, both located within Southampton.

For those looking to venture further, the stunning New Forest National Park is a mere 16 km away, providing ample opportunities for scenic drives and outdoor activities. Additionally, exploring nearby destinations such as Eastleigh, just 8 km from Southampton, allows for visits to attractions like Paultons Family Theme Park - Home of Peppa Pig World. The convenience of a rental car ensures that you can manage your travel plans flexibly, making it easier to discover the rich offerings of Southampton and its surroundings. Overall, hiring a car enhances your experience, allowing you to make the most of your trip, whether you are seeking adventure or leisurely sightseeing.

Most popular car hires in Southampton

• Compact: This car option accommodates 5 travellers and up to 3 medium suitcases, making it ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families. Its smaller size is perfect for navigating the streets of Southampton and allows for easy parking, ensuring a hassle-free experience as you explore the city and its surroundings.
• Midsize SUV: Accommodating 5 travellers with up to 3 large suitcases, the midsize SUV is a fantastic choice for families, couples, or small groups. With its spacious interior, you can enjoy comfort while having ample luggage space, making it suitable for longer journeys or road trips around the area.
• Economy: The economy car option is perfect for up to 5 travellers and allows for 2 medium suitcases. This choice is well-suited for solo travellers, couples, or small families looking for a cost-effective solution. Its efficient size combines convenience with flexibility, ensuring you can navigate Southampton with ease while managing your luggage effectively.

Top rated car suppliers in Southampton

• Alamo Rent A Car: With 2 rental locations in Southampton, Alamo is a popular choice for travellers seeking flexibility. Known for their reliable service, the most booked vehicles include Compact SUVs and Midsize SUVs, making them ideal for exploring the area comfortably and with ample space for luggage.
• Budget: Offering 1 rental location in Southampton, Budget is synonymous with value. They provide a selection of vehicles, with Compact SUVs and Economy cars being the most popular choices among customers. This makes Budget a great option for those looking to manage their travel expenses without compromising on quality.
• Enterprise: With 4 convenient rental locations across Southampton, Enterprise stands out for its extensive availability. Their fleet features a range of vehicles, with Compact and Midsize SUVs being the top choices. This supplier is well-regarded for customer service, ensuring that your car hire experience is smooth and hassle-free.

Where to stay in and around Southampton

• The Polygon: This vibrant neighbourhood offers a unique blend of family-friendly activities and outdoor experiences. With attractions like the New Forest National Park, perfect for adventure and scenic views, and the Paultons Family Theme Park - Home of Peppa Pig World, it's an ideal spot for families. Additionally, the Beaulieu National Motor Museum caters to culture enthusiasts. The local amenities include theatres and shopping centres, making The Polygon a great base for entertainment seekers.
• Southampton City Centre: The heart of Southampton, this bustling area provides excellent beach and outdoor experiences. Key highlights include the Ocean Village Marina, which is perfect for adventure lovers, and Mayflower Park, ideal for family outings. With easy access to the New Forest National Park, Southampton City Centre is a suitable choice for those looking to explore nature as well as enjoy a vibrant city atmosphere, featuring numerous dining options and shopping centres.
• Lyndhurst: Located 13 km from Southampton, Lyndhurst is a picturesque city that showcases the beauty of the New Forest. Known for its outdoor activities and stunning scenery, visitors can explore the New Forest Museum and enjoy the recreational areas nearby. The Paultons Family Theme Park is also within reach, making it suitable for families. With various dining options and golf courses, Lyndhurst stands out as a fantastic destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer outings, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilise filters on Expedia to help you identify the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you are likely to obtain lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning that you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favourable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling alternatives, which can also be acceptable. Just ensure that you return the car empty in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire providers exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should something unforeseen occur during your trip. It's straightforward to add car hire insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you intend to embark on long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Southampton

The best value period to rent a car in and around Southampton is March, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. January and February also offer good opportunities, with slightly low prices and lower demand, particularly in February. As the months progress, May and June see slightly high prices and moderately high demand, while July becomes the busiest and most expensive month. Following this peak, September also features slightly high prices with moderately low demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	41.9°F (5.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
February	42.4°F (5.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
March	45.0°F (7.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	48.7°F (9.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	54.0°F (12.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	59.7°F (15.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
July	63.3°F (17.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	63.0°F (17.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
September	59.7°F (15.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly High
October	54.7°F (12.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	48.4°F (9.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average
December	44.4°F (6.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average