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Find competitive car rental prices in Portsmouth with Road Genius. Find live rates for SUVs, hatchbacks and minivans, and reserve with no booking fees. Compare car hire at Portsmouth Harbour, Southsea and Lakeside for easy access to the A3 and M27 or the Isle of Wight ferry. Plan pick-up before 6pm as many city branches close early, and note there are no Clean Air Zone charges for private cars, with 24-hour drop-off available.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth Harbour (The Hard) | • Steps from ferry terminal and train station • Walk to rental office from transport links • Convenient for Historic Dockyard visitors |
• City traffic around ferry arrival times • Limited vehicle selection • Moderate queues on weekend mornings in summer |
| North Portsmouth (Lakeside) | • Easier access from motorway • Generally less congested • Larger vehicle selection |
• Requires taxi or bus ride from station/port • Limited public transport connections • Less convenient for ferry arrivals |
| Southsea | • Close to the beach and hotels • Quieter location • Good for stays in the resort area |
• Further from transport hubs • Smaller offices and limited opening hours • Fewer vehicle options |
On average, car rentals in Portsmouth cost around €42 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €22 per day.
Compare pickup spots: Price both Portsmouth Harbour and off-site branches like North Portsmouth (Lakeside). Harbour is super convenient but can be pricier with queues; Lakeside often has a bigger selection and easier motorway access, though you may need a short taxi or bus.
Time it for demand, not just early: For summer and big events like the Victorious Festival, book 2-3 months ahead. In quieter months, keep checking prices and adjust dates if you can.
Avoid paying for an “unused day”: Most city offices close by 6pm. If you arrive late, consider a next-morning pickup and use the 24-hour drop-off to save a day’s charge.
Stretch to a weekly rate: Weekly rentals in Portsmouth often run 15-25% cheaper per day than short bookings. If your schedule allows, a 7-day rental can beat piecing together shorter spans.
Trim local costs: Use supermarket fuel instead of motorway services. Check hotel parking fees (£10-15 per day) and consider the Park & Ride near the M275 (about £4 all day).
Isle of Wight maths: Bringing a car on the ferry is typically £50-80 return. Pre-book in summer and factor the ferry cost into your total when comparing rental options.
Portsmouth has various car park options throughout the city.
Car park locations:
Local driving rules:
Get a rental so you can drive to:
South Downs National Park – Petersfield, Buriton
New Forest – Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst
Chichester – Emsworth
The Witterings – West Wittering, East Wittering
Isle of Wight – Fishbourne, Ryde
Port Solent and Farlington Marshes
How does the Portsmouth Clean Air Zone affect rental cars? The Portsmouth Clean Air Zone doesn't charge private cars, including rental cars. Only drivers of older taxis, private hire vehicles, buses/coaches and heavy goods vehicles have to pay a fee. You can drive a standard rental car anywhere in Portsmouth without extra charges.
Can I take a rental car on the Isle of Wight ferry? Yes, most rental companies let you take their cars on Isle of Wight ferries. You will need to pay for the ferry crossing (about £60-120 return for a car) and you should book the ferry ahead of time, especially in summer.
Where's the best place to park for Portsmouth Historic Dockyard? We suggest you park at the Portsmouth Harbour car park (The Hard Interchange) because it's right next to the Historic Dockyard entrance. You could also park at Gunwharf Quays. It's a short walk away and they might offer you a discount for a longer stay if you also shop or eat there.
Is it easy to drive to Southsea beach from the city centre? Yes, Southsea is about 2 miles from the city centre. You just need to follow the signs for Seafront/Clarence Pier. You can find parking along the Esplanade and in special car parks near the beach, but these spots get taken quickly on sunny summer days.
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