Compare Southampton Airport (SOU) car hire

Collect a hire car from Southampton Airport (SOU) to explore the many gems of Southampton, the scenic county of Hampshire (home to two national parks), and the best of southern England with total freedom and comfort.

To find the car hire reservation desks after you’ve landed at Southampton Airport, leave the terminal via the Spitfire Loop exit and cross the road to the Car Rental Building and car park.

Familiar names include:

• Avis: +44 344 544 6026
• Budget: +44 344 544 4085
• Enterprise: +44 238 065 3700
• Europcar: +44 371 384 3418
• Sixt: +44 207 018 8246

Opening times vary for each car rental company at Southampton Airport. For instance, Enterprise is open 8am to 8pm, Monday to Sunday, while Europcar is open 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday (and not on the weekends). Book in advance to secure a time that works for you.

Once you’re happily behind the wheel, take the A335 to head into the city. With plenty of conveniently located car parks available, you can quickly dive into everything Southampton has to offer. Take in the Old Town Walls and the stout Bargate medieval entrance while you’re here.

To see more of the south of England’s top sights, head along the A303 to prehistoric Stonehenge – it’s less than an hour away. In the other direction, the M27 and A27 will connect you to the nearby coastal cities of Portsmouth and Brighton.

When it’s time to return your Southampton Airport hire car, head for the terminal building and follow signs for the rental car parking area. Each company’s parking bays are clearly marked. If you’re planning to return your rental outside of usual hours, ask about key drop-off services beforehand.

• Min. age required to hire a car: 21–25
• Which side of the road: Left
• Credit card requirements: A valid credit card in renter’s name is usually required

Any additional requirements: If you’re younger than 25, a surcharge is usually added to your bill