How to find a cheap car hire deal in Southampton Airport (SOU)
Whether you need a small car for zipping around town or a bigger ride for bigger plans, we'll help you find a cheap Southampton Airport rental car. Choose from options averaging R 1,906 a day and go your own way for less.
Leave high costs in the dust by reserving your ride in November. With average daily rates of R 693, it's the cheapest month to rent a car in SOU.
Consider this your cheat code for when to book. Two weeks in advance gives you the best chance at finding a cheap SOU rental car.
Alamo, Budget and Europcar are some of the most popular providers at Southampton Airport.
Whether you go with Alamo or a different supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Southampton Airport car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others charge extra for it.
Booking a one-way car hire is often a great hack for cheaper deals. Click 'Return car to a different location' when browsing for a car for rent in SOU. Providers often need to move vehicles from one site to another, which means you can lock in some awesome one-way prices.
Avoid any surprise charges by choosing a car hire in Southampton Airport with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, and only pay for what you actually use.
Hit the highway without watching the miles and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you drive as far as you want.
Once you've picked up the keys to your SOU car hire, the road is yours to conquer. Central Southampton is about 8 kilometres south-west and a drive of roughly 20 minutes if you choose to head that way.
You can also book a car hire in Southampton. If you don't need a ride immediately on arrival, wait until you're in the city and avoid paying for extra rental days.
Compare car hire types from Southampton Airport (SOU)
Small: These cheap Southampton Airport rental cars may be small in size, but they're big on practicality. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, fuel efficient, and perfect for city driving or short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, fuel efficiency and space. Easy to manoeuvre around cities and with enough space for longer drives, they're a reliable pick for most journeys.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this SOU car hire category. Also known as full-size, they've got the engine power for lengthy trips. The extra legroom and comfort make them a great option for families and groups of friends.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV says, 'let's go.' It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for country roads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also come with extra space and improved safety features.
Van: If you're after a car for rent in Southampton Airport that fits a small crowd (and all their stuff), a van will do the job. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're just the thing for group outings, moving or business needs.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something you should consider. If your ride is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a hefty excess fee. Different SOU car hire providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the details before booking.
Make life easier when you rent a car in Southampton Airport by adding some handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to keep your trip on track, or reverse cameras that'll help you park like a pro.
Good to know
To rent a vehicle in the United Kingdom, you typically have to be at least 21 years old. Some locations may allow younger drivers to rent vehicles for a surcharge, so carefully review the policies before locking in your ride.
If the kids are tagging along, find out if you need to add a car seat to your SOU car hire booking. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to travel.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Southampton Airport (SOU)
Visit some of the major attractions in Southampton before doing anything else. Site of Jane Austen's House and Mayflower Theatre are a great way to kick things off.
Reading has to be on your itinerary if you'd like to visit Reading Abbey Ruins and Reading river cruise Thames. This city is around 56 kilometres north-east of SOU.
Add Swindon to your trip lineup. Around 72 kilometres north-west of the airport, head there in your Southampton Airport car hire to see highlights such as Lydiard Park and Steam Museum Of The Great Western Railways.
Why slow down now? Set out for Bristol, about 105 kilometres north-west of SOU. From Banksey to Banksy's You Don't Need Planning Permission to Build Castles in the Sky, it's the grand finale your trip deserves.
