Search
Deals
Tips
FAQs
Agencies
Locations
When to book

Southampton car rentals

Driver's age: 26-65
Thu 4/25
Thu 5/2

Search hundreds of rental car sites at once for car rental deals in Southampton

Here is why travelers choose KAYAK

Free to useThere are no hidden charges or fees.

Filter your dealsFilter by car type, brand and more. Instantly customise your results.

Book with flexibilityUse our "free cancellation" filter for maximum flexibility at no extra cost.

Southampton car rental information

Pick-up locationSouthampton
Car types
Rental locations42
Airport locations17

Cheap car rentals in Southampton

Discover the best prices and deals for you by selecting your travel dates.
Choose your dates
Mini
Economy
Compact
Intermediate
Standard
Full-size
Luxury
Minivan
Passenger van
SUV
Commercial
Pickup truck
Mini
View Deal
Economy
View Deal
Compact
View Deal
Intermediate
View Deal
Standard
View Deal
Full-size
View Deal
Luxury
View Deal
Minivan
View Deal
Passenger van
View Deal
SUV
View Deal
Commercial
View Deal
Pickup truck
View Deal

KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Southampton

  • Southampton is a bustling port city with a host of coastal attractions nearby, so it’s a good idea to hire a car if you want the freedom to visit them all. We make car hire in Southampton easy and convenient, so you can use it to your advantage to reach outlying places like the New Forest or even to catch a ferry to the Isle of Wight. Additionally, a 14-mile drive out of town will see you at the Beaulieu & National Motor Museum, where you’ll find exhibits of famous movie cars.
  • If you’re flying into Southampton Airport, you’ll find that it has a dedicated car hire section. Most of the main companies offer Southampton car hire at the airport, including Sixt, Alamo, Europcar, Hertz and National. Enterprise is to your right just after you leave the baggage carousel, while the others are in the car park opposite the terminal across Spitfire Loop, just a few minutes’ walk away.
  • It’s relatively uncomplicated driving in Southampton as long as you’re not right in the city centre or in the docklands area. It’s one of the busiest sea-facing harbours in the UK, so you’ll probably find it easier to walk in these areas. The city is also known for its large green spaces and tranquil suburbs, like Ocean Village or the quaint Basset neighbourhood in the northern area of the city. Just be on the lookout for cyclists and people out walking.
  • Congestion usually isn’t too bad in Southampton, although it has rush hours just like other cities in the UK. Weekends are generally best for uncongested exploring. Try to avoid routes like Canute Road, Havlock Road and the Western Esplanade between the hours of 05:00 and 09:00. The same applies during the evening rush hour, which lasts from roughly 16:00 to 19:00 on those busier roads.
  • Book your rental car in Southampton at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price

FAQs about renting a car in Southampton

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Southampton?

    For driving around in the busier areas of town it’s perhaps best to get an economy or a compact car. You can step that up to a roomier saloon if you prefer, or take advantage of the coastal scenery in a convertible or sports model. If you want to get more off the beaten track or are travelling as a family, you could go for a spacious 4x4 or an MPV. This will allow you to explore everything that the Southampton area has to offer. You can also find car hire in Southampton offering minibuses for larger groups.

  • What’s the speed limit in Southampton?

    You’d be well advised to drive with caution in Southampton and pay close attention to speed limits. The local community takes them seriously, especially on busy roads like Maybray Way in the Bitterne neighbourhood, which is well known for its speed cameras. The speed limit is 30mph virtually across the board, until you reach the outlying areas, where on some roads like Bassett Green Road it is raised to 40mph.

  • Where are the best places to park in Southampton?

    The centre of Southampton is zoned as a City Centre Pay and Display Zone that operates every day of the week, even on bank holidays. This divides the city into parking areas where times are limited. The inner zones only allow a maximum of 2h, while others allow up to 10h of parking time. You can expect to pay roughly £4 to £5 for 2h, and many have adopted cashless instant transactions using mobile apps for your convenience.

  • How much is gas price in Southampton?

    The average gas price in Southampton is 26.36 ﷼ per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between 316 ﷼ and 422 ﷼, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular rental car in Southampton?

    Economy (Vauxhall Corsa or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Southampton.

  • Which car rental companies are at Heathrow airport (LHR)?

    Car rental companies onsite at Heathrow airport include GREEN MOTION, DRIVALIA, SURPRICE CAR RENTAL, Avis, Dollar, Budget, Europcar and Sixt.

  • Which car rental companies are at Gatwick airport (LGW)?

    Car rental companies onsite at Gatwick airport include Dollar, Budget and Europcar.

  • Which car rental companies are at Stansted airport (STN)?

    Car rental companies onsite at Stansted airport include GREEN MOTION, DRIVALIA, Alamo and Budget.

  • Which car rental companies will pick you up at Heathrow airport (LHR)?

    Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Heathrow airport to off-airport locations include GREEN MOTION, Alamo, Avis, Dollar, Budget, Europcar, and Sixt.

  • Which car rental companies will pick you up at Gatwick airport (LGW)?

    Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Gatwick airport to off-airport locations include GREEN MOTION, Alamo, Avis, Dollar, Budget, Europcar, and Sixt.

  • Which car rental companies will pick you up at Stansted airport (STN)?

    Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Stansted airport to off-airport locations include GREEN MOTION, Alamo, Avis, Dollar, Budget, Europcar, and Sixt.

  • How can I find car rentals near me in Southampton?

    Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.

  • How much does an Economy car rental cost in Southampton?

    An Economy car rental in Southampton costs 243 ﷼ per day, on average.

Southampton car rental reviews and directory

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

10.0

Wonderful

4 reviews
Best rated

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

9.6

4 locations in Southampton

Show locations

Locations in Southampton

108 Bitterne Road West

+44 23 8023 2244

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

High Street

+44 23 8077 7555

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Southampton Intl Airport

+44 23 8065 3700

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Western Esplanade

+44 23 8017 8240

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Apr 2023

KAYAK
Always a good experience. Even got a ride to the ferry in Southampton.

10.0 Wonderful

Jul 2022

KAYAK
Zane was really great in his efforts to ensure that my rental experience was the best ever

1 out of 1

Alamo

8.0

Very good

1 review

Cleanliness

9.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.0

Value for money

6.0

3 locations in Southampton

Show locations

Locations in Southampton

Enterprise Rent A Car

+44 23 8077 7555

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

Enterprise Rent A Car

+44 23 8065 3700

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Western Esplanade

+44 23 8024 8190

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

Reviews

6.0 Okay

Aug 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

car Was better than I expected

Cons:

1) Alamo found one of the types to have a chip out of it so keep our GBP 300 deposit. Absolutely certain it was not us who did that ( we only did 60 miles and the car was left in secure parking over night). ......double and triple check before you hire! Video your car,

1 out of 1

Sixt

7.6

Good

5 reviews

Cleanliness

8.4

Comfort

8.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.4

Value for money

6.8

2 locations in Southampton

Show locations

Locations in Southampton

Mitchell Way

+44 20 7018 8246

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Wide Lane

+44 20 7018 8246

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Nov 2022

KAYAK
The process was calm and efficient.

10.0 Wonderful

Jun 2022

KAYAK
The whole experience was very good.

2.0 Poor

May 2023

KAYAK
Auto broke down after 3 hours. Not happy with resolution which is still pending.

1 out of 1

Budget

7.5

Good

2 reviews

Cleanliness

7.5

Comfort

7.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.5

Value for money

7.5

2 locations in Southampton

Show locations

Locations in Southampton

Southampton International Airp

+44 344 544 4085

Monday07:30 - 20:00
Tuesday07:30 - 20:00
Wednesday07:30 - 20:00
Thursday07:30 - 20:00
Friday07:30 - 20:00
Saturday08:30 - 14:00
Sunday12:30 - 20:00

Southampton Road

+44 344 544 4602

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Jan 2023

KAYAK
It was very easy to go through the process and people were helpful

1 out of 1

Avis

6.6

Okay

3 reviews

Cleanliness

6.6

Comfort

6.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.6

Value for money

6.0

One location in Southampton

Show locations

Locations in Southampton

Southampton Airport

+44 344 544 6026

Monday07:30 - 20:00
Tuesday07:30 - 20:00
Wednesday07:30 - 20:00
Thursday07:30 - 20:00
Friday07:30 - 20:00
Saturday08:30 - 14:00
Sunday12:30 - 20:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Aug 2022

KAYAK
Customer service were awesome! Thanks Southampton team!

2.0 Poor

Jan 2022

KAYAK
Wrong car offered at the end of a long lengthy process with no alternatives.

1 out of 1

Hertz

6.2

Okay

8 reviews

Cleanliness

9.0

Comfort

9.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.0

Value for money

5.0

4 locations in Southampton

Show locations

Locations in Southampton

Southampton Int'l Airport

+44 843 309 3069

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00

West Quay Ind Estate

+44 843 309 3070

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00

West Quay Ind Estate

+44 843 309 3070

Monday09:00 - 12:00
Tuesday09:00 - 12:00
Wednesday09:00 - 12:00
Thursday09:00 - 12:00
Friday09:00 - 12:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

West Quay Road

+44 843 309 3070

Monday09:00 - 12:00
Tuesday09:00 - 12:00
Wednesday09:00 - 12:00
Thursday09:00 - 12:00
Friday09:00 - 12:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

Reviews

8.4 Very good

Jun 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Drop off was a matter of minutes.

Cons:

Shuttle service from port would have helped. Had double wait time. One hour wait for taxi at port and one hour at Hertz pickup.

10.0 Wonderful

May 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Friendly and helpful

Cons:

I liked everything

10.0 Wonderful

Oct 2016

KAYAK

Pros:

Organized No fuss

Cons:

Signage and parking arrangements confusing.

4.0 Mediocre

Jun 2022

KAYAK
Car wasn’t ready for pickup even though I was a bit late getting there. The staff were definitely not rushed off their feet, just inefficient with being prepared. Also, I did not like having to pay with my card before the total price could be confirmed. This is either a bad business practice or the staff were not acting properly. On a more positive note, the drop off procedure was smooth, painless and very efficient.

1 out of 2

Europcar

5.3

Fair

3 reviews

Cleanliness

4.0

Comfort

5.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

4.6

Value for money

5.3

2 locations in Southampton

Show locations

Locations in Southampton

Car Rental Building

+44 371 384 3418

Opening times not available

Unit J

+44 371 384 5983

Opening times not available

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Apr 2024

KAYAK
Had to rate as poor across the board. When I booked the hire car through Kayak, the confirmation email clearly stated that Third Party Insurance was included. When I arrived to collect the car, I was told this was not the case and effectively there was no Third Party Insurance on my booking, and the excess was £100,000 unless I agreed to pay a further £280 in additional insurances. I hire cars frequently and am well aware of the different levels of insurance to consider - but I was careful to book a car where the Third Party Insurance was included. I couldn’t believe it when the team at Europcar ignored what was on the booking form and maintained that it was not, and that I would be liable for the large amount excess in the case of any incident. I refused to drive the car on that basis and currently am left over £500 out of pocket for this non refundable booking. Won’t use Europcar (or Kayak) again.

8.0 Very good

Oct 2023

KAYAK
The exterior of the car was dirty, with bird droppings on it. Otherwise, the only other issue was that the car kept falsely showing low rear tire pressure.

6.0 Okay

Oct 2022

KAYAK
Had it not been for Tatiana wh was very helpful I would still be stood at the counter wondering where everybody was!

1 out of 1

National

3.9

Poor

No reviews available

Cleanliness

7.9

Comfort

3.9

Pick-up/Drop-off

1.9

Value for money

5.9

3 locations in Southampton

Show locations

Locations in Southampton

Enterprise Rent A Car

+44 23 8077 7555

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

Enterprise Rent A Car

+44 23 8065 3700

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Western Esplanade

+44 23 8024 8190

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

No reviews available

Easirent

4.8

Mediocre

1 review

2 locations in Southampton

Show locations

Locations in Southampton

Southampton Airport

+44 238 001 6158

Monday06:00 - 23:00
Tuesday06:00 - 23:00
Wednesday06:00 - 23:00
Thursday06:00 - 23:00
Friday06:00 - 23:00
Saturday06:00 - 23:00
Sunday06:00 - 23:00

Southampton Cruise Terminal

Opening times not available

Filters

Reviews

3.6 Poor

Apr 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

The lady that helped us was very patient and polite. She must meditate and listen to relaxing music in her free time to be able to cope with all the angry customers she gets.

Cons:

Off airport. Compulsary insurance which costs a fortune. From the look of it the cars that were provided had quite some damage already so maintanance/turnover is questionable. Uber was a lot more afordable in our case. We ended up going back to the airport and taking a taxi.

1 out of 1

Firefly

9.6

Wonderful

No reviews available

2 locations in Southampton

Show locations

Locations in Southampton

Southampton / Weather Centre

Opening times not available

W Quay Road

+44 843 309 3070

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

No reviews available

keddy by Europcar

7.6

Good

No reviews available

3 locations in Southampton

Show locations

Locations in Southampton

Car Rental Building

8713843418

Monday07:30 - 20:00
Tuesday07:30 - 20:00
Wednesday07:30 - 20:00
Thursday07:30 - 20:00
Friday07:30 - 20:00
Saturday07:30 - 20:00
Sunday09:30 - 22:00

Herbert Walker Avenue

+44 371 384 5983

Opening times not available

Unit J, West Quay Road

+44 371 384 5983

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

No reviews available

Thrifty

5.6

Fair

No reviews available

One location in Southampton

Show locations

Locations in Southampton

Floating Bridge Rd

+44 23 8063 8437

Monday08:30 - 14:00
Tuesday08:30 - 14:00
Wednesday08:30 - 14:00
Thursday08:30 - 14:00
Friday08:30 - 14:00

Filters

No reviews available

DRIVALIA

5.0

Fair

No reviews available

One location in Southampton

Locations in Southampton

Unit G Woodside Trade Centre Parham Drive

+44 23 8001 6158

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Routes Car & Truck Rentals

2.9

Poor

No reviews available

One location in Southampton

Locations in Southampton

Unit J,west Quay Road, Southampton

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

INTERRENT

2.6

Poor

No reviews available

One location in Southampton

Locations in Southampton

Car Rental Centre

+44 371 384 3418

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

FLIZZR

8.2

Very good

No reviews available

2 locations in Southampton

Locations in Southampton

204 Millbrook Rd E

+44 844 499 3399

Opening times not available

Car Rental Building Southampton Int.airport, Wide Lane

+44 207 018 8246

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Free2Move

No score available yet

2 locations in Southampton

Locations in Southampton

Britannia Road

Monday09:00 - 12:00
Tuesday09:00 - 12:00
Wednesday09:00 - 12:00
Thursday09:00 - 12:00
Friday09:00 - 12:00

Portsmouth Road

+44 23 8044 9232

Monday13:00 - 18:0008:00 - 17:00
Tuesday13:00 - 18:0008:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:0013:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:0013:00 - 18:00
Friday13:00 - 18:0008:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

No reviews available

Sunnycars

No score available yet

2 locations in Southampton

Locations in Southampton

Southampton Int.airport, Wide Lane

Opening times not available

West Quay Road

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

A Car Rental

No score available yet

One location in Southampton

Locations in Southampton

3 Flanders Road, Hedge End

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Low C Rent

No score available yet

One location in Southampton

Locations in Southampton

Car Rental Building Southampton Int.airport, Wide Lane

+44 148 987 8229

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Low Cost Cars

No score available yet

One location in Southampton

Locations in Southampton

Southampton airport

080 0170 1331

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Toyota Rent a Car

No score available yet

One location in Southampton

Locations in Southampton

Toyota Snows Southampton

+44 1494 769810

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

27 travelers who rented a car in Southampton gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5.2

Car rental locations in or near Southampton

Go to map view

Good to know

Most popular car type

Economy

When to book a rental car in Southampton

Average daily price per month
Rental car prices as pick-up date approaches