How to find a cheap car hire deal in Southampton
Whether you need a small car for zipping around town or bigger wheels for bigger plans, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Southampton. Pick from options averaging RM486 a day and get on the road for less.
The cheapest daily price for a rental in Southampton is RM225.
Making it more than a quick visit? Pick up a weekly rental from RM521 and explore beyond the usual highlights.
If you want to time it right, book around two weeks ahead to drive away with the best price on a Southampton car hire.
Alamo, Enterprise and Budget are among the most trusted providers in the city. They're a smart place to start comparing offers.
The coverage Alamo or another company includes with your Southampton car hire can vary, so always check the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge extra for it.
Booking one-way could score you a discount on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Just click 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Southampton.
Avoid any unexpected fees by booking a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, and pay only for what you use.
Want to explore without worrying about how many miles you rack up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra fees.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value overall comes from this company, with average prices at RM471 a day.
Offering daily rates of around RM638, this provider comes in next.
The third option also keeps costs manageable. Expect to pay roughly RM514 a day for one of their rentals.
If you're not quite sure which ride is right for you, choose something from the Compact rental category. It's the most widely booked type of vehicle in Southampton.
Flying to Southampton? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're jetting into Southampton, get moving sooner by picking up a car hire at Southampton Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 10 kilometres and takes about 15 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Southampton
Small: These cheap rental cars in Southampton may be small in size, but they're big where it counts. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to drive, light on fuel, and perfect for city runs or weekend trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, comfort and space. Easy to manoeuvre in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they make sense for just about any journey.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this Southampton car hire category. Also known as full-size, they pack plenty of power for open-road performance. The extra legroom and comfort make them an excellent choice for groups of friends and families.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a commanding view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're weaving through remote countryside or cruising down long stretches of highway, many offer all-wheel drive to help you tackle any road.
Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Southampton makes short work of heavy loads and large groups. They're tough, versatile, and ready to take on any task.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your Southampton car hire can take the stress out of driving. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of theft or an accident. Insurance policies can vary from one provider to another, so compare before you book.
From navigation systems to reverse cameras, the right extras can make all the difference on the road. Consider which add-ons could enhance your trip when you rent a car in Southampton.
Good to know
You usually have to be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle in the United Kingdom. Being younger isn't always a deal-breaker — just expect some added charges or limits. Check the companies' terms and conditions before you book.
Add a car seat to your Southampton car hire reservation if you're planning to travel with the kids. Guidelines vary from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their age, weight and size is always the safest option.
Bring the right documents and save time at pick-up. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (no digital copies) and a second photo ID. Bring a credit card with enough balance for the deposit too. If anything else is expected, it'll be listed in your booking.
Driving in the United Kingdom can seem unfamiliar if it's your first time. Keep in mind you'll need to stay on the left side of the road.
Local speed limits are usually about 40kph in urban areas and around 100kph on highways. Road signs will show if a different limit applies.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United Kingdom is 0.08%. Since alcohol's effects vary from person to person, the only way to be sure you're safe to drive is to avoid drinking.
Aim to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a smoother run. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the British pound (GBP) for all your purchases on your trip. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cards and cash so you always have a backup option.
English is the language used most widely across the country.
Best hotels in Southampton for drivers
Pull in and settle straight into your stay at The Elizabeth House Hotel. Offering accessible parking as well as Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk, this hotel is about 2 kilometres from central Southampton.
Alternatively, take advantage of the parking at Riverside House. The city centre is roughly 8 kilometres from this stay, which also features a lounge and a bar.
Need more ideas for your trip? Browse the full lineup of hotels in Southampton. You can refine your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If your car's electric, you can select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter too.
After you've found a car hire deal in Southampton and the right hotel, it's time to plan where to go first. Site of Jane Austen's House, Mayflower Theatre and Port of Southampton are the perfect introduction to the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Southampton
Buckle up and make tracks to Reading. Around 64 kilometres northeast of central Southampton, you'll find must-sees like Reading Abbey Ruins and Reading river cruise Thames.
You'll be well looked after at Pentahotel Reading and Novotel Reading Centre, two accommodation options with parking in Reading.
Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Southampton and head roughly 80 kilometres north to Swindon. Featuring Lydiard Park and Steam Museum Of The Great Western Railways, its highlights live up to the hype.
Leonardo Hotel Swindon and Delta Hotels by Marriott Swindon are comfy places to stay in Swindon if you're sticking around for a bit. Go for one of these and take the hassle out of finding a spot for your ride.
Ready to go the extra mile? Bristol is a top road trip destination that's around 105 kilometres northwest of Southampton. Plan to make a few pit stops at Clifton Suspension Bridge and Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.
Hit the hay in Bristol at either Future Inn Bristol or Novotel Bristol Centre. They've got a bed waiting for you and a place to park too.
