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Car rental at Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car rentals at Southampton Airport

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Economy car
Economy
M
Compact car
Compact
M
Intermediate car
Intermediate
M
Standard car
Standard
M
Full-size car
Full-size
M
Luxury car
Luxury
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Minivan car
Minivan
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Passenger van car
Passenger van
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Commercial
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Pickup truck car
Pickup truck
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Top tips for renting a car at Southampton Airport

  • If your only concern is travelling from the airport to the city centre, there are rail and bus options to get you there, but if you’re interested in freedom of movement around the city and beyond, there’s nothing better than a car hire at Southampton Eastleigh Airport (SOU). This mode of travel frees you from the limitations of public transport and affords the flexibility to travel at a moment’s notice. The ride from the airport to Sea City Museum is about 4 miles (6.5 km) or you can take a drive down to the city of Portsmouth, about 19 miles (30.5 km) south on the M27.
  • The minimum age to obtain a Southampton Eastleigh Airport car hire is 21, but drivers under the age of 25 will likely be given young driver surcharges. Southampton is a popular travel destination, so the airport’s dedicated car hire centre has a long list of providers, including Hertz, Enterprise and Alamo as well as a few local ones like Flizzr and InterRent. Available inventory includes a smart variety of vehicle types, including compact cars like the Peugeot 208 or people movers such as the Ford Transit Connect.
  • Where you return your Southampton Eastleigh Airport car hire usually depends on the provider you choose and if the return is during or after normal business hours. Some, like SIXT, offer 24-hour return service. You can return your vehicle after hours to their designating car park (near Short Stay Parking at the airport), collect your things, lock the car and deposit the keys in the overnight drop box. Browse the various providers for individual opening hours and whether they use an alternate location for drop-offs after the office is closed.
  • By law, Southampton Eastleigh Airport must close between the hours of 23:00 and 06:00, which can affect your ability to pick up or drop off a vehicle. Difficulties can also arise if your incoming or outgoing flight has been delayed. Furthermore, individual providers have different hours of operation and some, like SIXT, charge fees for after-hours pick-ups, so it makes sense to conduct some research before you book a reservation.
  • Book your rental car at Southampton Airport at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price

FAQs about renting a car at Southampton Airport

  • Where are the hire car companies situated at Southampton Eastleigh Airport?

    If you reserve a car hire at Southampton Eastleigh Airport with Enterprise, their office is located inside the terminal building across from the luggage reclaim area, outside the arrivals hall. Other companies, including Europcar, Avis and Thrifty, are located in the multi-storey building near the Short Stay Car Park, and a few provide convenient shuttle transport so you can pick up your vehicle.

  • What road rules should a person be aware of when driving a car hire from Southampton Eastleigh Airport?

    When operating your car hire at Southampton Eastleigh Airport and around the city, please observe the following speed limits: 20 mph (32 kph) near school and hospital zones; 30 mph (48 kph) in residential areas; 60 mph (97 kph) on single carriageways; and 70 mph (113 kph) on dual carriageways and motorways. It is mandatory for all passengers to wear seatbelts, and only hands-free devices should be used while driving. CCTV cameras are in wide circulation in the city centre and on motorways, so pay attention at all times the vehicle is in motion. Drink driving and operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs carries severe penalties, so act responsibly at all times.

  • What documentation is required to hire a car at Southampton Eastleigh Airport?

    Travellers seeking a car hire at Southampton Eastleigh Airport should present a valid driver’s licence, proof of address and proof of insurance to pick up a vehicle. International drivers must produce a valid passport and domestic driver’s licence, and we always recommend carrying an International Driving Permit as well. In both instances, a major credit or bank debit card is required for proof of payment, but be advised that third-party hires are not allowed – be sure the name on your card and driver’s licence are identical.  

  • Which car rental companies will pick you up at Southampton Airport?

    Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Southampton Airport to off-airport locations include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Easirent, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Europcar, Hertz, Low Cost Cars, and National.

Southampton Eastleigh Airport car rental reviews and directory 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car rental booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

10.0

Wonderful

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

8.0

One location in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Show locations

Locations in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Southampton Intl Airport

+44 23 8065 3700

Monday08:00 - 20:00
Tuesday08:00 - 20:00
Wednesday08:00 - 20:00
Thursday08:00 - 20:00
Friday08:00 - 20:00
Saturday08:00 - 20:00
Sunday08:00 - 20:00
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Filters

No reviews available

National

10.0

Wonderful

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

10.0

One location in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Show locations

Locations in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Enterprise Rent A Car

+44 23 8065 3700

Monday08:00 - 20:00
Tuesday08:00 - 20:00
Wednesday08:00 - 20:00
Thursday08:00 - 20:00
Friday08:00 - 20:00
Saturday08:00 - 20:00
Sunday08:00 - 20:00
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Filters

No reviews available

Budget

9.0

Wonderful

Read 1 review

Cleanliness

9.0

Comfort

9.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.0

Value for money

9.0

One location in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Show locations

Locations in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Southampton International Airp

+44 344 544 4085

Monday07:30 - 20:00
Tuesday07:30 - 20:00
Wednesday07:30 - 20:00
Thursday07:30 - 20:00
Friday07:30 - 20:00
Saturday08:30 - 14:00
Sunday12:30 - 20:00
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Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jan 2023

Economy

KAYAK
It was very easy to go through the process and people were helpful

1 out of 1

Sixt

Cleanliness

8.5

Comfort

8.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.0

Value for money

7.0

One location in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

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Locations in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Mitchell Way

+44 20 7018 8246

Monday08:00 - 20:00
Tuesday08:00 - 20:00
Wednesday08:00 - 20:00
Thursday08:00 - 20:00
Friday08:00 - 20:00
Saturday08:00 - 20:00
Sunday08:00 - 20:00
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Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Nov 2022

KAYAK
The process was calm and efficient.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jun 2022

KAYAK
The whole experience was very good.

2.0 Poor

Daryl, May 2023

Economy

KAYAK
Auto broke down after 3 hours. Not happy with resolution which is still pending.

1 out of 1

Avis

Cleanliness

6.6

Comfort

6.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.6

Value for money

6.0

One location in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

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Locations in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Southampton Airport

+44 344 544 6026

Monday07:30 - 20:00
Tuesday07:30 - 20:00
Wednesday07:30 - 20:00
Thursday07:30 - 20:00
Friday07:30 - 20:00
Saturday08:30 - 14:00
Sunday12:30 - 20:00
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Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Aug 2022

KAYAK
Customer service were awesome! Thanks Southampton team!

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Jan 2022

KAYAK
Wrong car offered at the end of a long lengthy process with no alternatives.

1 out of 1

Europcar

Cleanliness

3.0

Comfort

5.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.0

Value for money

5.0

One location in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

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Locations in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Car Rental Building

+44 371 384 3418

Opening times not available

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Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Apr 2024

Standard SUV

KAYAK
Had to rate as poor across the board. When I booked the hire car through Kayak, the confirmation email clearly stated that Third Party Insurance was included. When I arrived to collect the car, I was told this was not the case and effectively there was no Third Party Insurance on my booking, and the excess was £100,000 unless I agreed to pay a further £280 in additional insurances. I hire cars frequently and am well aware of the different levels of insurance to consider - but I was careful to book a car where the Third Party Insurance was included. I couldn’t believe it when the team at Europcar ignored what was on the booking form and maintained that it was not, and that I would be liable for the large amount excess in the case of any incident. I refused to drive the car on that basis and currently am left over £500 out of pocket for this non refundable booking. Won’t use Europcar (or Kayak) again.

8.0 Very good

Anonymous, Oct 2023

Compact

KAYAK
The exterior of the car was dirty, with bird droppings on it. Otherwise, the only other issue was that the car kept falsely showing low rear tire pressure.

1 out of 1

Hertz

4.0

Mediocre

Cleanliness

8.0

Comfort

8.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

4.0

Value for money

4.0

One location in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Locations in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Southampton Int'l Airport

+44 843 309 3069

Monday08:00 - 20:00
Tuesday08:00 - 20:00
Wednesday08:00 - 20:00
Thursday08:00 - 20:00
Friday08:00 - 20:00
Saturday08:00 - 20:00

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No reviews available

Arnold Clark

10.0

Wonderful

2 locations in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Locations in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Rushington Roundabout, Totton

+44 23 8214 6440

Opening times not available

Southampton Airport

+44 23 8214 6440

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Firefly

9.6

Wonderful

One location in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Locations in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Southampton / Weather Centre

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Alamo

8.1

Very good

Best rated

One location in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Locations in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Enterprise Rent A Car

+44 23 8065 3700

Monday08:00 - 20:00
Tuesday08:00 - 20:00
Wednesday08:00 - 20:00
Thursday08:00 - 20:00
Friday08:00 - 20:00
Saturday08:00 - 20:00
Sunday08:00 - 20:00

Filters

No reviews available

keddy by Europcar

7.9

Good

One location in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Locations in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Car Rental Building

8713843418

Monday07:30 - 20:00
Tuesday07:30 - 20:00
Wednesday07:30 - 20:00
Thursday07:30 - 20:00
Friday07:30 - 20:00
Saturday07:30 - 20:00
Sunday09:30 - 22:00

Filters

No reviews available

DRIVALIA

6.3

Okay

One location in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Locations in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Unit G Woodside Trade Centre Parham Drive

+44 23 8001 6158

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Easirent

4.9

Mediocre

One location in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Locations in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Southampton Airport

+44 238 001 6158

Monday06:00 - 23:00
Tuesday06:00 - 23:00
Wednesday06:00 - 23:00
Thursday06:00 - 23:00
Friday06:00 - 23:00
Saturday06:00 - 23:00
Sunday06:00 - 23:00

Filters

No reviews available

Routes Car & Truck Rentals

3.7

Poor

One location in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Locations in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Car Rental Building, Southampton Int. Airport, Wide Lane

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

FLIZZR

7.4

Good

One location in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Locations in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Car Rental Building Southampton Int.airport, Wide Lane

+44 207 018 8246

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

INTERRENT

No score available yet

One location in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Locations in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Car Rental Centre

+44 371 384 3418

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Low C Rent

No score available yet

One location in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Locations in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Car Rental Building Southampton Int.airport, Wide Lane

+44 148 987 8229

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Low Cost Cars

No score available yet

One location in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Locations in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Southampton airport

080 0170 1331

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Shouqi

No score available yet

One location in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Locations in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Car Rental Building

+86 10 6064 1387

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Sunnycars

No score available yet

One location in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Locations in Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Southampton Int.airport, Wide Lane

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

14 travelers who rented a car in Southampton Eastleigh Airport gave the car agency they used an average rating of 6.4

Car rental locations at Southampton Eastleigh Airport

Good to know

Most popular car type

Intermediate