Compare Southampton car hire

One of the south coast's biggest cities, Southampton is a thriving port with a rich maritime history, and is one of the UK’s main cruise departure points. It’s also a gateway to the New Forest, the Isle of Wight and the rest of Hampshire – all are within easy reach when you rent a car in Southampton.

There are several car hire offices in the city centre, including Hertz and Europcar, both of which are based at Southampton Cruise Terminal. There's also a Thrifty office near Ocean Village, which is more convenient if you're heading east out of town.

At Southampton Airport (SOU), you'll find all the major car rental players, including Budget, Enterprise and Hertz. Head to the Car Rental Reception Centre opposite the terminal building, next to the short stay car park. The airport is just four miles – less than a 15-minute drive – from Southampton city centre.

The only car rental company located inside the terminal is Enterprise. Some car hire companies have off-site locations, but these usually offer a free shuttle service. When returning hire cars out of the reception centre opening times, there’s a key drop box located in the main terminal, opposite the check-in desks.

Car rental companies that have desks at Southampton Airport include:

• Budget (Tel: +44344 544 4085)
• Enterprise (Tel: +4423 8065 3700)
• Hertz (Tel: +44843 309 3069)
• Europcar (Tel: +44371 384 3418)
• Alamo (Tel: +4423 8065 3700)
• Tipoa (Tel: +44120 261 8281)

The drive to the city centre from the airport takes around 10-20 minutes, and is straightforward. Head southwest along Mitchell Way and on to Wide Lane, then follow the A335 south to Above Bar Street, the main road through the city centre.

Driving in Southampton city centre is straightforward. The roads are generally wide and well signposted, although there are some interesting one-way systems to navigate in the centre. Like most cities, traffic can be heavier throughout the day, especially during rush hour. Planning your route in advance, and using a satnav or a GPS-enabled smartphone, can smooth the experience and avoid jams. Local drivers, used to an influx of tourists, are mostly friendly and patient.

Southampton city centre is not short of parking opportunities. There are several multi-storey car parks in and around the city centre and these are usually cheaper and easier to find than on-street parking bays. On the outskirts of the city, you'll find big-name stores and retail parks, which offer cheap or even free parking when shopping.

The New Forest

Driving time: 20 minutes

Meet the famous New Forest ponies as they roam around William the Conqueror's royal hunting ground. Visit the charming village of Brockenhurst – named Britain’s most beautiful place to live – potter around Beaulieu Motor Museum or explore the 18th-century shipbuilders at Buckler's Hard, now a living museum.

Paultons Park

Driving time: 30 minutes

If you're travelling with anyone under the age of six, then a day out at Paultons Park – Home of Peppa Pig World – has to be top of the list. Aside from being the home of the world's most famous porker, Hampshire's premier theme park also features animatronic dinosaurs in the Lost Kingdom, and Little Africa, an animal encounter area new for 2019, which has a walk-through aviary and nocturnal house.

The Isle of Wight

Driving time: Two hours (including ferry)

Get some island sun when you head over to the Isle of Wight. One of the most popular day trips from Southampton, book your hire car onto the IOW ferry to Cowes and visit the famous Needles, a spiky trio of chalk rocks; enjoy the many experiences available at Robin Hill Country Park; or explore Carisbrooke Castle, an Elizabethan fortress.

Fair fuel policy

A fair fuel policy (also known as full-to-full or same-to-same) means you’ll only pay for the fuel you use. All car rental deals compared on TravelSupermarket come with a fair fuel policy, so you can book your hire car safe in the knowledge there will be no nasty surprises at drop-off. More information on TravelSupermarket’s commitment to fair fuel policies can be found here.

No hidden fees

All rental deals compared on TravelSupermarket include mandatory fees (for example, one-way and young driver surcharges) in your rental quote at the time of booking, meaning you’ll know the full price of your car hire upfront.