A port city on the south coast of England, Southampton is the cruise capital of Europe, and offers everything from culture and history to fine dining and chic shopping. Airport Rentals makes it quick and easy to hire a car at Southampton Airport, so you can spend more time on the things you want to do.
Finding the best deals on Southampton Airport car hire with Airport Rentals
Airport Rentals pulls together all of the top car rental brands, their vehicles and their prices, so you can compare, book and save. Simply enter your travel dates to get a list of rental cars. The results are listed with the most affordable vehicle at the top, and you can either scroll down to view all your options (including budget, features, and benefits), or use the filters to narrow down your results by vehicle type, size, or transmission. Car hire deals are automatically applied in the search results, so make sure to keep an eye out for specials.
Car hire companies at Southampton Airport (SOU)
Airport Rentals partners with different car rental companies at Southampton Airport:
Alamo
Arnold Clark
Avis
Budget
Hertz
Keddy
National
Whatever rental vehicle you're looking for, whether it's Economy, Medium, Large, SUV, Electric or Premium, there are plenty of options to choose from with these suppliers.
Navigating Southampton car hire at SOU Airport
Southampton Airport (SOU) is a busy hub with more than 2 million passengers coming and going every year. From here, you can take flights around the United Kingdom and the world.
Pick up your car hire at Southampton Airport
To find the rental car company counters, exit the airport terminal building near the arrivals exit area. Cross the street using the pedestrian crossing and you will see the car rental office before entering the short stay car park. From here, you will be able to collect your keys and be shown to where your rental car is parked.
Returning your Southampton Airport car hire
To return your rental car, follow the signs to the return car park. Please park vehicle on the designated spot only. You will receive instructions on this before leaving the Southampton Airport branch. Once you have parked, you can hand your keys and completed rental contract back to the staff at the rental counter.
Many car hire companies offer 24-hour drop-off facilities for added convenience, allowing you to return the vehicle even when the rental offices are closed. For after hours service, return vehicle to the designated car park and leave keys in the drop box.
If you have any questions or need support with your booking, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our knowledgeable customer service team is available around the clock to ensure you’re ready for the road.
Driving your car hire in and around Southampton
Driving in England may be a little different to what you’re used to, so prepare for taking to the roads your Southampton airport car hire with these tips.
You will drive on the left-hand side of the road in England. Roundabouts (traffic circles) are common in the UK, remember to give way to traffic already on the roundabout. There is no turning on red lights anywhere in England.
If you plan to drive in London, there is a congestion charge incurred for driving in the central city. You must register your licence plate ahead of time if you wish to do this. Note that there are some toll roads in the UK.
There is a fuel station on the A335 Southampton Road, under a mile north of the airport.
Southampton Airport is about 4 miles from the city center, and the drive takes approximately 20 minutes. From the airport, turn right onto the M27, then take the exit for the M271. Follow this road as it becomes Redbridge Road, then Mountbatten Way, leading you directly into town and surrounding areas.
In Southampton, short-stay parking at the airport costs £1 for the first 10 minutes and £4 for the first 30 minutes. Long-stay parking, located a five-minute shuttle ride from the airport, requires a minimum stay of two days and is priced at £36 per day. In the city center, on-street parking is available from 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 1pm to 6pm on Sundays, with limits of two hours in the inner city and up to four hours in other areas. Additionally, parking garages, such as The Quays South by the waterfront, are scattered throughout the city.
FAQs about hiring a car at Southampton Airport
Is it cheaper to rent a car from an airport or a local location?
In many cases, renting a car from a local location in Southampton can be less expensive than hiring directly from Southampton Airport. Airports generally impose extra fees and have higher demand, which can drive up prices. A local rental site might offer more competitive rates, though you'll need to factor in the convenience of accessing the location.
How much does it cost to hire a car at Southampton Airport (SOU)?
Southampton Airport car hire prices fluctuate throughout the year, so we recommend you make a search for up to date pricing and availability.
What documents do I need to hire a car at Southampton Airport (SOU)?
When hiring a car at Southampton Airport or any location in the United Kingdom, you should expect to present a valid driver's license, a valid credit card in the name of the primary driver for payment and security deposit, and any additional identification requested by the rental company. For larger vehicle types, such as van rentals, there may be additional requirements. It’s also helpful to provide your flight details or flight itinerary to facilitate the rental process quicker.
Is there a minimum age requirement for renting a car at Southampton Airport (SOU)?
Most car hire companies require the renter who is the primary driver to be at least 21 years old, although age restrictions and surcharges may apply to a driver aged under 25. Be sure to check the specific requirements.
Can I hire a car from Southampton Airport one-way?
Yes, you can travel one way with a car hire from Southampton Airport. To see where else in the UK you can return your vehicle to, select a different drop off location when you make a search.
Can I book a long-term car rental at Southampton Airport (SOU)?
Yes, you can book long-term car rentals at Southampton Airport. Many hire car companies offer extended rentals, and it's best to book in advance for availability and better rates.
Can I add an additional driver to my rental?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your car hire in Southampton. Most rental companies allow this, either when booking or at pick-up, provided the additional driver meets age and license requirements. There’s usually an extra fee, and the additional driver will need to present a valid driver's license and possibly other ID at the rental counter.
What are the cheapest car hire companies at Southampton Airport?
For budget-friendly car hire in Southampton Airport, it’s wise to compare prices through Airport Rentals. This will help you identify the most affordable options and uncover any available promotions. Be mindful of extra costs like protection, mileage limits, and fuel policies to make sure you’re getting the best value for your money.
