Car Rental in Southampton

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Southampton, United Kingdom
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Driver's country of residence is United States of America (USA) and age is 30-65
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500+ Trusted Suppliers:

Cheapest Car Rental Rates

Southampton Cruise Terminal Car Rental
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
Fiat 500
  • 4
  • 2
  • 3
  • A/C
  • Man.
Easirent
$21.29 per day
Southampton Cruise Terminal Car Rental
Economy
Ford Fiesta or similar
Ford Fiesta
  • 5
  • 3
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
Easirent
$22.17 per day
Southampton Cruise Terminal Car Rental
Compact
Ford Focus or similar
Ford Focus
  • 5
  • 3
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
Easirent
$23.06 per day
Southampton Cruise Terminal Car Rental
Economy
Ford Fiesta or similar
Ford Fiesta
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Easirent
$37.25 per day

Most Popular Car Rental Deals

Southampton Cruise Terminal Car Rental
Intermediate
Skoda Yeti or similar
Skoda Yeti
  • 5
  • 4
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
Easirent
$39.91 / per day
Southampton Cruise Terminal Car Rental
Compact
Ford Focus or similar
Ford Focus
  • 5
  • 3
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Easirent
$39.91 / per day
Southampton Cruise Terminal Car Rental
Compact
Ford Focus STW or similar
Ford Focus STW
  • 5
  • 4
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
Easirent
$39.91 / per day
Southampton Cruise Terminal Car Rental
Intermediate
VW Passat STW or similar
VW Passat STW
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
Easirent
$46.40 / per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 15:18 on 2022-11-29. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.

Travel Information

Language
English
Currency
GBP
Traffic direction
Left-hand
Country code
44
Economy car rental price
$109.25 / per day
Average car rental length
4 days
Speed limit within town
48 km/h
30 mi/h
Speed limit out of town
97 km/h
60 mi/h
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.08%
Rating
10.0
Average gasoline price
$1.86 / 1 liter
Highest gasoline price
$2.16 / 1 liter
Lowest gasoline price
$1.75 / 1 liter

Why rent a car in Southampton?

Southampton is a great city to visit. Located on the southern coast of England, the historic maritime and trading center has reinvented itself as a place of art, culture, and museums. Travelers also love to explore the city’s long beautiful beaches and the protected nature areas that are just a short drive away.
Southampton Car Rental

Top ways to enter Southampton

  • Southampton Airport: Built over an Old Roman villa, Southampton Airport has been open since the 1930s. Although the airport is served by only four airlines, it handled nearly two million travelers in 2018. Most of its traffic is provided by Flybe. The airport is just 8km (5 miles) northeast of the city center and can be reached in 15-20 minutes.
  • Bournemouth Airport: Another small airport on the English coast, it served nearly 700,000 travelers in 2018. The airport is especially active during the summer months when it hosts flights to and from around 30 destinations in Spain, Portugal, Greece, Poland, and other European countries. Located 48km (30 miles) southwest of Southampton, Bournemouth Airport can be reached in about 45 minutes.
  • London Heathrow Airport: Having served 80 million travelers in 2018 for the first time in its history, Heathrow Airport is the busiest not only in the UK but also in the rest of Europe. It is also the seventh busiest airport in the world. Served by tens of airlines, the airport hosts flights to and from all continents. Located just 98km (61 miles) northeast of Southampton, the airport can be reached in about one hour by car.
  • London Gatwick Airport: The second-busiest airport in the United Kingdom and the ninth-busiest in all of Europe, London-Gatwick handled 46 million travelers in 2018. The airport is a hub for British Airways and Norwegian Air and a focus city for easyJet, TUI Airways, and Virgin Atlantic. The airport is 140km (87 miles) from Southampton and can be reached in about 90 minutes.
  • Bristol Airport: Also known as Lulsgate Airport, it serves the large city of the same name in Southwest England. The airport handled nearly nine million travelers in 2018 and is served by around 15 airlines including low-cost carriers like Ryanair and easyJet. The airport is 180km (112 miles) from Southampton and can be reached in about 2 hours and 10 minutes.
  • By sea: If arriving in Southampton by ferry, it is possible to pick up your rental car at the Southampton Cruise Terminal. Southampton has ferry connections with other destinations in the United Kingdom as well as in France, Spain, and the USA (although it is important to check the schedule in advance as the service is much more active during the spring and summer months).

City facts

  • Southampton has an oceanic climate with mildly warm summers and cool winters. The average high temperature is 22°C  (72°F) in July and August, the warmest months, and 8°C (47°F). Southampton has significant precipitation with an especial increase from October to January. Despite this, Southampton is often considered one of the warmest and sunniest cities in the United Kingdom.
  • Inhabited since the Stone Age and later invaded by Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, and Normans, Southampton has for millennia been an important hub of seafaring, business, science, and exploration. Many ships that went to explore (and colonize) places in Africa and Asia set out from here; later, so did thousands of migrants and refugees traveling to the New World. 

Top destinations and activities

  • Bargate. A gatehouse dating back to the late 12th century, Bargate was a part of the original city walls constructed by Norman Vikings. Having withstood a number of attacks, Bargate has always remained one of the symbols of Southampton (and is now one of the most photographed buildings in the city). Nowadays, Bargate hosts a modern art gallery.
  • SeaCity Museum. Opened in 2012 to mark the centenary of the Titanic (it set off to cross the Atlantic from Southampton), this museum tells the tragic story of the sunken ship and its connection to the city. But there are other exhibitions focusing on Southampton’s naval history with many interesting artifacts on display. A high-quality museum, it has become one of the must-visit places in Southampton.
  • Medieval Merchant’s House. Built in the late 13th century by an affluent Southampton trader, the merchant’s house offers a look into what life in the city was like in medieval times. The building has been carefully restored back to its original form including its timber-framed front, different chambers, and even the undercroft, an underground cellar made for wine-keeping.

Traffic and parking

  • The United Kingdom drives on the left-hand side of the road.
  • On-street parking is usually heavily restricted. Never park on a white, double yellow or double red line (stopping on motorways and next to red lines is illegal).
  • You are not allowed to use your mobile phone while driving unless you use a hands-free system.
  • Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limits are 112km/h (70mph) on motorways, 112km/h (70mph) on dual carriageways, 96km/h (60mph) on single carriageways and 48km/h (30mph) in residential areas and areas with street lighting.
  • In England and Wales, the legal alcohol limit is 0.08% for both experienced and novice drivers. Do keep in mind, however, that in Scotland the legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for both experienced and novice drivers. Exceeding the limit can lead to large fines, a suspended license, or even imprisonment.
  • Proof of insurance and registration of the car need to be in it whenever you’re driving.
  • When driving, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
  • The emergency numbers are 999 and 112.

Toll roads

Currently, there is only a single toll road in the United Kingdom, the M6 toll. You also have to pay a toll for using a number of bridges and tunnels as well as for entering the central areas of London and Durham (a city in North East England).

As an alternative to the M6 around Birmingham, the M6toll is a 43km (27 miles) long portion of road, also known as the Birmingham North Relief Road (BNRR), which relieves congestion on the M6 itself. There are toll gates where you can pay by either cash or credit card. As of October 2019, the price is £6.70 for using the toll road from Monday to Friday (from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.), £5.60 for using the toll road on Saturday or Sunday (from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.), and £4.20 for using the toll road at night time on any day of the week (from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.). Find out more on the M6 Toll official website. 

Find out more about toll roads in the United Kingdom on the European toll road website.

Ideas for a day-trip

  • Portsmouth. Often considered a rival of Southampton (especially when it comes to football), Portsmouth is nonetheless worth a visit. The city’s number one attraction is the impressive Southsea Castle, but travelers also like the historic dockyards, the seafront area, and the futuristic Spinnaker Tower. Located 37km (23 miles) west of Southampton, Portsmouth can be reached in about 35 minutes.
  • New Forest National Park. One of the largest national parks in southern England, the New Forest is a major landmark of the region. Made up of heathlands, mixed forest areas, valley bogs, and hiking trails, the protected area is the perfect place for horse riding or simply spending a long day outdoors. The area is home to many types of birds, the European polecat, and even four species of deer. Located just a few kilometers east of Southampton, the borders of the New Forest can be reached in about ten minutes.
  • Winchester. A cathedral city, Winchester is a history lover’s dream. From ancient Roman sites to Winchester Cathedral, the Winchester City Mill, and the Westgate Museum, the city has enough attractions and landmarks to be explored for days. Located 21km (13 miles) north of Southampton, Winchester can be reached in just 20 minutes.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in Southampton is the Ford Focus, although many travelers also go for the Vauxhall Corsa and the Toyota Aygo. The most popular rental car types are compact, economy, and standard.

Further destinations

  • The Isle of Wight. A large island just off the coast, the Isle of Wight is one of the most popular holiday destinations in England, especially during the summer months. Thousands of tourists arrive every year to enjoy the island’s beaches, do watersports, or attend one of the many festivals that take place here. Thousands of dinosaur fossils have also been found on the Isle of Wight, many of which are on display in its museums. There are many ferries connecting the island with Southampton; many can carry a rental car, but you should look up each ferry company’s policy in advance; you should also ask your rental car provider if they permit it.
  • Bournemouth. A calm resort town, Bournemouth is known across the UK for its high quality of life and relaxed pace. It is also one of the sunniest places in Britain. Art lovers will also find plenty to enjoy during the winter months like the Russell-Cotes Gallery and Museum and TheGallery art center. Located 53km (33 miles) west of Southampton, Bournemouth can be reached in about 50 minutes.
  • London. One of the most famous cities in Europe (and, indeed, the world), London feels like a separate country. Home to a staggering amount of world-famous landmarks, the city is a melting pot of cultures, lifestyles, and cuisines. Everyone should visit it at least once. Located 120km (78 miles) northwest of Southampton, you can be in London in just 1 hour and 50 minutes. 

Car Rental Prices in Southampton

  • Station wagons - from $169 per day
  • Large cars - from $131 per day
  • Medium cars - from $89 per day
  • Vans - from $125 per day
  • Premium cars - from $231 per day
  • Small cars - from $84 per day
  • SUVs - from $108 per day

Money-saving tips

Land a great rental car in Southampton by following these simple tips:

  • Compare the rates of different rental car providers
  • Book your rental car well in advance
  • Plan your route before you go
  • Know your fuel and mileage requirements
  • Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Southampton is the cheapest in January when renting a car is about 72% cheaper than the yearly average. Start your year with a trip to the south of England!

Top 20 Cities near Southampton

  1. London Car Rentals from $25.19 per day
    93.9 km / 58.3 miles away
  2. Edinburgh Car Rentals from $38.86 per day
    571.7 km / 355.2 miles away
  3. Gatwick Car Rentals from $59.13 per day
    84.5 km / 52.5 miles away
  4. Manchester Car Rentals from $38.86 per day
    274.5 km / 170.6 miles away
  5. Glasgow Car Rentals from $151.99 per day
    578.6 km / 359.5 miles away
  6. Luton Car Rentals
    122.5 km / 76.1 miles away
  7. Belfast Car Rentals from $15.27 per day
    509.2 km / 316.4 miles away
  8. Birmingham Car Rentals from $38.86 per day
    169.4 km / 105.2 miles away
  9. Liverpool Car Rentals from $33.43 per day
    294.1 km / 182.7 miles away
  10. Bristol Car Rentals from $38.86 per day
    106.1 km / 65.9 miles away
  11. Leeds Car Rentals
    316.6 km / 196.7 miles away
  12. Newcastle Car Rentals from $40.75 per day
    446.7 km / 277.6 miles away
  13. Inverness Car Rentals from $38.86 per day
    753.4 km / 468.2 miles away
  14. Crawley Car Rentals from $105.60 per day
    84.3 km / 52.4 miles away
  15. Cardiff Car Rentals from $33.43 per day
    139.0 km / 86.4 miles away
  16. Aberdeen Car Rentals from $40.04 per day
    690.4 km / 429.0 miles away
  17. Sheffield Car Rentals
    270.0 km / 167.8 miles away
  18. Nottingham Car Rentals from $35.47 per day
    222.3 km / 138.2 miles away
  19. Chester Car Rentals from $91.34 per day
    270.6 km / 168.1 miles away
  20. Bournemouth Car Rentals from $140.32 per day
    43.1 km / 26.8 miles away

Top 20 Locations near Southampton

  1. Southampton Cruise Terminal Car Rentals from $21.29 per day
    2.6 km / 1.6 miles away
  2. Southampton Airport Car Rentals from $89.46 per day
    4.5 km / 2.8 miles away
  3. Portsmouth Hilsea Car Rentals from $60.94 per day
    24.7 km / 15.4 miles away
  4. Bournemouth Airport Car Rentals from $129.06 per day
    34.9 km / 21.7 miles away
  5. Reading East Car Rentals from $65.71 per day
    67.2 km / 41.8 miles away
  6. London Airport Gatwick Car Rentals from $59.13 per day
    88.1 km / 54.7 miles away
  7. London Airport Heathrow Car Rentals from $38.86 per day
    90.1 km / 56.0 miles away
  8. London Hammersmith Train Station Car Rentals from $62.57 per day
    103.1 km / 64.0 miles away
  9. North Wembley Car Rentals from $96.70 per day
    103.7 km / 64.4 miles away
  10. Bristol Airport Car Rentals from $38.86 per day
    105.5 km / 65.6 miles away
  11. London Paddington Train Station Car Rentals from $46.96 per day
    107.9 km / 67.0 miles away
  12. London Marylebone Train Station Car Rentals from $78.67 per day
    109.1 km / 67.8 miles away
  13. London Edgware Car Rentals from $24.42 per day
    109.4 km / 68.0 miles away
  14. Waterloo Train Station Car Rentals from $94.32 per day
    110.2 km / 68.5 miles away
  15. London Euston Train Station Car Rentals from $98.18 per day
    111.0 km / 69.0 miles away
  16. London St Pancras Train Station Car Rentals from $52.04 per day
    111.7 km / 69.4 miles away
  17. London Kings Cross Train Station Car Rentals from $52.04 per day
    112.1 km / 69.6 miles away
  18. London Lewisham Car Rentals from $92.84 per day
    114.1 km / 70.9 miles away
  19. London Stratford Train Station Car Rentals from $167.58 per day
    119.2 km / 74.1 miles away
  20. London City Airport Car Rentals from $38.86 per day
    120.3 km / 74.8 miles away

Map of Car Rental Locations

Which is the cheapest month to rent a car in Southampton?

Car rental prices in Southampton vary a lot according to the time of year. This graph compares month-to-month price changes to help you find the best offer.
Average Rental Price in Southampton
$12.41
January
$31.03
February
$68.27
March
$48.54
April
$34.22
May
$55.34
June
$35.86
July
$60.33
August
$42.57
September
$64.13
October
November
$37.24
December
The best month to rent a car in Southampton is January (when prices for an Economy class start from $12.41). This is 72% cheaper than the yearly average and 82% cheaper than renting in March (when rental prices start at $68.27 for a Compact class). Knowing this can help you find the best price.

What’s the usual rental length in Southampton?

Travel lengths vary from month to month: in January, travelers rent a car for an average of 28 days in March, the average rental period is 3 days.
Average Rental Length in Southampton
28
January
5
February
3
March
4
April
3
May
4
June
7
July
4
August
7
September
3
October
4
November
6
December

What's the most popular month to rent a car in Southampton?

The most popular month for renting a car in Southampton is May, and the least popular is December.
Popularity of Car Rental in Southampton by Monthly Searches
101%
January
96%
February
95%
March
110%
April
129%
May
85%
June
114%
July
115%
August
84%
September
99%
October
87%
November
83%
December

Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers

Rental Supplier Model Doors Luggage Type
Hertz Vauxhall Astra 5 2 Medium cars
Enterprise Ford Focus 5 2 Medium cars
Alamo Nissan Qashqai 5 3 SUVs
Alamo Ford Focus 4 2 Medium cars
Enterprise Vauxhall Corsa 3 1 Small cars
Enterprise Ford Tourneo 5 3 Vans
National Nissan Juke 4 4 SUVs
Europcar VW Passat 4 3 Large cars
Alamo Vauxhall Corsa 3 1 Small cars
Enterprise Ford Focus 5 2 Medium cars

Our Customers' Reviews

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have an option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.

Ireland
Ford Focus
July 24, 2019
We travelled southampton to ferry and on to isle of wight

Car Rental Statistics

Highest rated company
Arnold Clark
9.07 / 10
Lowest rated company
Easirent
7.54 / 10
Total rental companies
11
Average daily price
$109.25
Lowest daily price
$21.29
Total cars available
188

Top 11 Suppliers in Southampton in 2022

Arnold Clark
Arnold Clark
Exceptional 9.1
+442382146440
Rushington Roundabout, Totton, Southampton SO40 9EB
Working hours
Mon:08:00-17:30
Tue:08:00-17:30
Wed:08:00-17:30
Thu:08:00-17:30
Fri:08:00-17:30
Sat:08:00-17:00
Alamo
Alamo
Excellent 8.6 / 1 reviews
02380653700
Airport, Southampton SO18 2NL, United Kingdom
Enterprise
Enterprise
Excellent 8.6 / 3 reviews
02380653700
Airport, Southampton SO18 2NL, United Kingdom
Avis
Avis
Excellent 8.6
+4403445446026
Southampton Airport
Working hours
Mon:07:30-20:00
Tue:07:30-20:00
Wed:07:30-20:00
Thu:07:30-20:00
Fri:07:30-20:00
Sat:08:30-16:00
Sun:12:30-20:00
Hertz
Hertz
Excellent 8.6 / 1 reviews
+4408433093070
West Quay Industrial Estate, W Quay Rd, Southampton SO15 1GZ
Working hours
Mon:08:00-16:00
Tue:08:00-16:00
Wed:08:00-16:00
Thu:08:00-16:00
Fri:08:00-16:00
Sat:08:00-11:00
Keddy
Keddy
Excellent 8.6
+4403713845983
UNIT J
Working hours
Mon:08:00-18:00
Tue:08:00-18:00
Wed:08:00-18:00
Thu:08:00-18:00
Fri:08:00-18:00
Sat:08:00-13:00
SIXT
SIXT
Excellent 8.6 / 7 reviews
+442070188246
Short Stay Car Park 1, Southampton SO18 2HG
Europcar
Europcar
Excellent 8.5
+4403713845983
WEST QUAY ROAD
Working hours
Mon:08:00-18:00
Tue:08:00-18:00
Wed:08:00-18:00
Thu:08:00-18:00
Fri:08:00-18:00
Sat:08:00-13:00
National
National
Excellent 8.4 / 1 reviews
+4402380653700
Southampton Airport, Southampton SO18 2NL
Working hours
Mon:08:00-17:00
Tue:08:00-17:00
Wed:08:00-17:00
Thu:08:00-17:00
Fri:08:00-17:00
Sat:09:00-16:00
Sun:09:00-16:00
Interrent
Interrent
Very good 7.9
+443713843418
Southampton Airport - (In Terminal)
Working hours
Mon:08:00-20:00
Tue:08:00-20:00
Wed:08:00-20:00
Thu:08:00-20:00
Fri:08:00-20:00
Sat:08:00-18:00
Sun:10:00-18:00
Easirent
Easirent
Very good 7.5 / 12 reviews
+442380016158
Southampton Airport - Shuttle
Working hours
Mon:06:00-23:00
Tue:06:00-23:00
Wed:06:00-23:00
Thu:06:00-23:00
Fri:06:00-23:00
Sat:06:00-23:00
Sun:06:00-23:00

Highly recommended by our customers

Trustpilot

Southampton, United Kingdom

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