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Finding a car rental in Southampton is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers in the UK with no booking fees. Pick up in the city centre, near the cruise terminals or at Southampton Airport, then take the M3 or M27 to London, the New Forest or Portsmouth. Arriving on a cruise day? Book early for summer weekends when demand is high and queues can build around 9 to 10am.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| City Centre | • Near Southampton Central Station • Convenient for cruise passengers • Short taxi ride from terminals • Early opening for cruise arrivals |
• City traffic can delay departure • Limited late-night service • Queues on cruise changeover days • Can sell out on big cruise days |
| Near Cruise Terminals | • Close to cruise ship arrivals • Convenient for one-way hires • Staff familiar with cruise needs • Good for starting road trips after cruises |
• Limited availability on cruise changeover days • Long queues (30-45 min) on ship arrival mornings • Higher rates during cruise season • Limited vehicle selection |
| Southampton Airport (SOU) | • All major providers on-site • Walk from airport or train station • Largest selection in one location • Extended opening hours |
• Airport location fee • Busier during flight arrivals • Higher rates than off-airport locations • May require shuttle for some budget providers |
On average, car rentals in Southampton cost around €44 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €14 per day.
Compare pick-up spots: Check city centre vs airport vs near-cruise locations. City branches often cost less, while the airport usually adds a location fee.
Time it around cruise traffic: In cruise season (Apr–Oct), book a few months ahead and avoid 9–10am pickups on ship disembark days. If you can, shift to a non-turnaround day.
Play with dates and length: Move pickup/return by a day or two and check midweek. A 7-day booking often beats 4–5 separate days by 15–25%.
Choose the smallest car you actually need: Smaller classes are cheaper and easier to park around Southampton’s one-way systems. Skip paid add-ons if you can use your phone for nav or bring your own child seat.
Compare one-way vs alternatives: One-way to London can carry a £40–100 fee. Price it against returning in Southampton and taking the train to London, then renting there.
Save on fuel: Fill up at supermarket stations, not motorway services. For SOU returns, a cheap and convenient top-up is Tesco in Bursledon.
Southampton offers various options for leaving your car throughout the city.
Car parking:
Local driving rules:
Rent a car to drive to:
New Forest – Lyndhurst
Portsmouth
Bournemouth – Bournemouth
Winchester – Winchester Cathedral
Stonehenge
Isle of Wight – Isle of Wight – East Cowes, Yarmouth
How far is Southampton from major cruise terminals? Southampton has several cruise terminals along the city's waterfront. You can reach most car rental offices in a 5-10 minute taxi ride from any terminal. Some companies also offer shuttle services for cruise passengers if you arrange it beforehand.
Is there a toll to cross the Itchen Bridge in Southampton? Yes, you'll need to pay a toll of about £1 each way for a car to cross the Itchen Bridge that connects central Southampton and Woolston. You can pay by cash or contactless card at the toll booths.
Can I pick up a car in Southampton and drop it off in London? Yes, one-way rentals are popular, especially for cruise passengers. You'll pay a one-way fee of about £40-100, depending on the company. Book early because there are fewer one-way cars available during cruise season.
Do I need to pre-book if arriving on a cruise ship? Yes, you really need to pre-book, especially if you arrive during the peak cruise season (May-September). On days when several ships dock, rental companies can run out of cars. For your cruise dates, make sure you book at least 2-3 months ahead.
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