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    CHEAP CAR HIRE IN SOUTHAMPTON

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    Car hire in Southampton – Gateway to Southern England

    Car hire in Southampton

    A vibrant port city on England's southern shoreline, Southampton is still firmly attached to its ancient roots dating as far back as the Stone Age. All of its tourist attractions are within a short walking distance of the centre, plus it is the perfect base from which to explore some of the UK's most appealing sights. In just a couple of hours, visitors can walk the same streets Jane Austen used when she lived in the city before exploring the medieval vaults that Once stored some of England's best wines many centuries ago. They can also learn all about the important role Southampton played in World War II by manufacturing the orld-famous Spitfire plane whilst suffering heavy bombing raids.

    Southampton is rich in history, boasting the third-longest medieval walls in England. The Romans, Saxons and Normans are all associated with this magnificent city and it has often been the point of departure for British Armies. Southampton's docks are strongly linked with the great transatlantic liners, most notably The Titanic which emarked upon its one and only ocean-going voyage in 1912. The excellent SeaCity Museum tells the story of this and other key moment's in the city's long maritime history, while the Solent Sky Museum (another must) illustrated Southamption's very close ties with Britain's pioneering activities in the aviation industry. Other don't miss highlights for tourists visiting Southampton include The Bargate (one of the city's most iconic landmarks) and the Tudor Housea originally built as a Norman domestic dwelling in the 1180s.

    With a car hire in Southampton you'll have quick access to a great number of interesting places once all the city sightseeing is done. Top of the list for most newcomers is the New Forest National Park which features in the Domesday Book and was proclaimed a royal forest by William the Conqueror. And few visitors can resist the opportunity to spend a few hours on the Isle of Wight, one of the largest islands in the Uk and just a couple of miles off the Hampshire coast. Auto Europe is a company that prides itself on being able to offer the lowest rates and best service for a car hire in Southampton and other parts of southern England. One of key strengths is our strong working partnerships with some of the best car hire companies around the world. Please note that our rental agents can be reached on +44 123 3225 114 should you require any personal assistance. Please see the user ratings and comments posted by some of our previous customers on our Southampton car hire reviews page for added pe ace of mind.

    For more information on renting a vehicle in Southampton, click on the car hire related topics listed below:

    Suppliers Car Hire FAQs Travel Guide

    Where to pick up a car hire in Southampton

    One of the advantages of booking with Auto Europe is that we work with all the world's top car hire suppliers, which means we can offer you the widest choice of locations in the city of Southampton. For instance, you can pick up your vehicle in the city centre and be on your way quickly and easily in just a few minutes. Alternatively, you can choose from our many companies operating at Southampton Airport. To help you make the right choice, make a quick search in our state-of-the-art booking engine to find the best vehicle and the most suitable pick-up location for your trip on an interactive map that comes up with all the available car hire options for booking a car rental in Southampton.

    Southampton Airport

    Gateway to the glorious south coast, Southampton Airport is a major air transportation hub in the south of the country that caters for about two million annual passengers each year, and growing. It is located just 4 miles from the city centre, so transfer times take only 10-15 minutes outside the weekday rush-hours. The first flight ever recorded at the airport took place in 1910 when a local man landed a single seat monoplane on the meadows. The airport was also used for the first test flight of the famous Submarine Spitfire airplane which was a familiar sight in the skies during World War II. Southampton Airport has been greatly expanded and improved over the years, most notably in 1993 when the old terminal was replaced by a new and much more modern facility. You can rent a car at Southampton Airport with a number of providers, such as Sixt, Alamo, Enterprise and Europcar, all of whom have their reception desks in the Arrivals Hall, which you'll enter straight after passing through the baggage-reclaim area.

    Southampton Airport (SOU)
    Website: southamptonairport.com
    Address: Southampton, Hampshire, SO18 2NL, England
    Telephone: +44 344 481 7777

    Southampton Central Train Station

    Opened in 1895, Southampton Central Train Station is a main line facility mainly serving the city of Southampton in Hampshire, southern England. Approached from the London direction by passing through Southampton Tunnel, it is on the South West Main Line and also connects with the Wessex Main Line and the West Coastway Line. Managed by South Western Railway, it is mainly served by GWR, Southern and South Western Railway trains, while frequent Southern services connect Southampton Central with London Victoria in two and a half hours and Brighton in one and a half hours. The main routes served by GWR are from Cardiff to Southampton Central (2h31m) and from Portsmouth Harbour to Southampton Central (43m). The main route operated by South Western Railway is from Bournemouth to Southampton Central in just 27 minutes. Several global car rental providers are located in close proximity to Southampton Central Train Station, including Enterprise (Western Esplanade), Hertz (West Quay Road) and Europcar (also in West Quay Road).

    Southampton Central Train Station
    Website: southwesternrailway.com
    Address: Southampton Central station, Blechynden Terrace, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 1AL, England
    Telephone: +44 345 6000 650


    Book with the best car hire suppliers in Southampton

    Auto Europe is a top international car rental company with 24,000-plus pick-up and drop-off locations in over 180 global destinations. Thanks to the many years' experience we've had dealing with all the major global and local car hire companies, today we can offer you the best standard of service and cheapest prices on the market.

    Budget - Car Hire Information Avis - Car Hire Information Europcar - Car Hire Information Enterprise - Car Hire Information

    Should you require additional information about the car hire companies we work with or their policies, for example out of office pick up or questions regarding age restrictions, our car rental specialists are just a phone call or e-mail away and happy to assist you.


    Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Southampton

    Contact Us

    This section features the most frequent questions asked by people booking a car rental in Southampton. Scroll down for important tips relating to a wide range of essential car hire topics, such as credit cards, coverage, tolls, traffic and much more. If you need any more information, please call our reservations team on +44 123 3225 114 and they will be happy to help you with your reservation and assist you with your travel itinerary.


    Do I need a credit card to rent a car in Southampton?

    Yes, you do. Whenever you rent a car in Southampton and other parts of the UK you are required to have a valid credit card in the main driver's name in order to be able to collect the vehicle. Please note that debit and pre-paid cards will not be accepted. The local vehicle provider will then use your credit card to place a security deposit against the vale of the car, the amount of which is specified on your car rental voucher. When you drop off the vehicle at the end of the rental period, the deposit is promptly released back onto your card once the car is signed off as being in the same condition as when you collected it. For cars in luxury category, some suppliers might request a second credit card also in the main driver’s name (such as, Mastercard, Visa, Diners and American Express). Please make sure you have enough funds to cover the deposit or you might risk not being able to collect your car. All the credit card details can be found on the Auto Europe with a single click of the mouse just by clicking on the blue and white info icon (i) after making a quick search in our booking engine. For a list of the most common questions please visit our credit cards and deposits section.

     

    What insurance do I need for my car rental in Southampton?

    All our rates include the minimum amount of legally-required coverage, so you'll never be driving without any coverage when you book with Auto Europe. Our basic car hire rates always come with Liability Insurance, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection (TP) included which is the minimum requirement as stipulated by law. Depending on which supplier you choose to travel with, these can be with or without excess. It is important to note that CDW does not cover any damage caused to tyres, wheels and other parts of the vehicle, so it's always best to add our Full Damage & Theft Protection cover to your booking at the time of check-out for a small additional charge.

    As its name suggests, with Auto Europe's Full Damage & Theft Protection policy you'll be fully covered for any damage caused to the vehicle's glass, mirrors, roof and undercarriage, along with any damage or loss of the car's keys, misfuelling, towing and administration costs. Depending on the claim filed, there is a maximum cover limit of £300 or £3000. If you’re interested in adding Full Damage & Theft Protection to your reservation, then the fee is charged on a daily basis and can be added during the online booking process. The cost for Full Damage & Theft Protection varies between car category, location and supplier.

    All the info you need regarding coverage is always very clearly stated on the Auto Europe website. After selecting your dates, vehicle type and preferred suppkier in our booking engine, you only need to click on the blue and white info icon (i) to see what's included in the rate, including the CDW Deductible, Theft Insurance Deductible and Liability Insurance. The same information is also available in our Terms and Conditions when making an enquiry or once the booking has been confirmed.

    During pick-up, often the car hire supplier will try to sell you additional insurances – these are optional! They can include Personal Accident Insurance (PAI), Personal Effects Coverage (PEC), Super CDW, Seguro Relax Insurance and Roadside Assistance, amongst others. Any insurance purchased directly with the supplier Auto Europe does not refund. Please note, that if you have previously purchased coverage through us, but are offered additional insurance locally, you will more than likely already be covered. Do not hesitate to call our reservation department to check or if you have any issues.

     

    How is the traffic in Southampton?

    Southampton is very accessible by road, with major links in from the M3 and M27 motorways. In fact, the experience of driving in and around Southampton is similar to that of any other provincial city in the United Kingdom. The city centre is best to avoid during the morning and evening weekday rush-hours, as you would expect. If you need more information on driving in Southampton and other parts of the UK, please take a look at our guide. As a major port in the UK, Southampton is well connected to the country's road network, which means there's good direct access to many other key cities such as London, Bristol, etc.

     

    Where can I park my car hire in Southampton?

    Finding a place to park your car hire in Southampton should be fairly easy. Paid on-street parking is in operation from Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm and on Sundays and bank holidays from 1pm to 6pm with various limited parking times, so pay attention to the road signs. Public car parks and multi-storey parking facilities are available throughout the city. Long-stay and short-stay parking lots can be found on the outskirts. Southampton has 42 car parks, including surface car parks around the city centre and covered car parks within the city's main shopping area such as WestQuay shopping centre’s facility of 4,000 parking spaces, Western Esplanade's two car park areas and The Marlands shopping centre. There may be height, weight or length-of-stay restrictions and differing parking charges. In addition to this, there is a multi-storey and plenty of surface car parks at Ocean Village Marina, one of Southampton's main tourist centres.

     

    Do I need to pay a congestion charge when driving my car hire in Southampton?

    Not yet. Southampton's much talked about Clean Air Zone currently operates as a non-charging zone with the emphasis on low-emissions taxis. It also involves the introduction of an increasing number of electric vehicle charging points and a free trial scheme for taxi operators to consider the benefits of electric vehicles.


    Southampton Travel Guide

    A major maritime port and transport hub, Southampton is a dynamic city that offers visitors good access to many key attractions in the local area, most notably the New Forest and the Isle of Wight. Its convenient location also puts it within easy striking distance of some of southern England's most popular destinations, such as Stonehenge, Bath, Windsor Castle and the country's great capital, London.

    Best day trips with my car rental in Southampton

    Southampton is very much the beating heart of Hampshire, one of the most scenic and culturally-rich counties in the south of England. With a cheap car rental in Southampton you can enjoy the blend of city, coast and countryside to the full by making the most of all the natural beauty to be found in the county's national parks whilst soaking up all the local culture, history and heritage that's all around to see.

    For clients wishing to explore further when they rent a car in Southampton, it is also possible to undertake a road trip and return the car rental in another city, a so called One Way car hire, which will allow for extra flexibility. Furthermore, why not take advantage of Auto Europe's regular Free Additional Driver offers to share the driving with friends and family members.

    New Forest National Park

    Covering large swathes of south-west Hampshire and south-east Wiltshire, the New Forest National Park is one of the largest remaining expanses of wild heath, forest and pasture in England. Covering a total area of 28,924.5 hectare (71,474 acres), it is a haven for rare birds and a wide variety of other animals such as snakes, lizards, red squirrels, ponies and deer. Ket attractions for tourists include the charming village of Beaulieu, Exbury Gardens and the New Forest Wildlife Park.

    Bournemouth:

    The popular resort town of Bournemouth is one of the top holiday destinations in southern England. Located less than an hour's drive south-west of Southampton, it is one of the warmest places in the British Isles and boasts a long sandy beach which is safe for families with young children. Bournemouth has more than 200 listed buildings (including three grade I churches), most of which are from the Victorian and Edwardian eras. No visit to the town is complete without a walk down Bournemouth Pier which was built in 1880 and is still standing today.

    Isle of Wight

    Not too far from Southampton lies one of England's most popular holiday hotspots - the Isle of Wight. With its historic dating back to the Lower Palaeolithic Period, today's visitors will find much to see and do, especially for those who pick up their car hire in Southampton because the island has an extensive roadway covering 489 miles (787 km). Highlights include Dinosaur Isle, the Classic Boat Museum in Cowes, Amazon World Zoo, the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and Yarmouth Castle.

    Netley Abbey

    Founded in 1239, the impressive and well-mpreserved ruins of Netley Abbey have been the source of inspiration for countless artists, poets and writers over the centuries, including the master painter John Constable. Don't miss the nearby village of Netley which is also associated with many famous people and the Royal Victoria Country Park covering some 200 acres of fertile woods and parkland.

    What to do in Southampton

    A modern seaside destination in its own right, Southampton is a historical port town with numerous attractions and a thriving fine-dining and shopping scene. Southampton is a melting pot of cultures and tourist activity where you can spend time visitong museums and art galleries before immersing yourself in the city's deep martime heritage.

    • The Bargate: The unmissable Bargate has been an architectural landmark of the city of Southampton for almost a thousand years. Built in the times of the Norman to form part of the original fortified walls, it was once the main entrance to the old town of Southampton. It has had many uses over the centuries, including holding the city’s original Guildhall where merchants gathered for hundreds of years. Today it stands proud as one of the city's most iconic attractions.

    • Tudor House and Garden: A fascinating place for the whole family to visit, Tudor House is vast warren of halls and rooms in one of Southampton’s oldest surviving buildings. One of Southampton’s most historic buildings, it dates back to the days of King Henry VII and its gardens are filled with rare trees and plants.

    • SeaCity Museum: The amazing SeaCity Museum tells the story of Titanic’s one and only sea voyage which set sail from Southampton and came unstuck midway across the Atlantic Ocean. Carrying many crew members (around 500 in all) and passengers from the Southampton area, the disaster is still felt in the community today, with flowers adorning many of the memorials to the dead. The museum details the lives and the times of Southampton focusing on the city’s immense contribution to the Titanic story.

    • Solent Sky Museum: This superb tribute to the rich heritage of British aviation tells the story of the Southampton area’s history of building outstanding aircraft, including the iconic Spitfire and flying boat. Visitors can climb up and sit in the seat of former fighter planes as well as a Sandringham Flying Boat, one of the very few that still remain intact.

    Useful links

    Southampton Tourist Information