Car Hire Southampton

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Car Hire Southampton

Southampton, fondly known as the "Gateway to the World," has a rich history and a diverse modern culture. Famous as the departure point of the Titanic’s unforgettable journey, the city is also home to the renowned Saints football club. 

The best way to explore this city is by choosing car hire in Southampton. You can conveniently reach Southampton Port within nine minutes from the city centre or enjoy a 23-mile day trip to Salisbury with the convenience of a rental car. Dollar Car Rental offers an affordable, extensive fleet featuring traditional, hybrid and electric vehicles.

  • Budget Friendly

    Rent a car in any category at competitive, transparent rates with no hidden costs.

  • Flexibility and Convenience

    Rent a car quickly and hassle-free online for a day or longer - perfect for city trips, family visits, company outings, or moving.

  • Rental Locations Nearby

    Convenient European car rental locations, easy pick-up and drop-off at airports, train stations, city centers, and business parks.

  • Professional staff

    Experience top-notch service and dedicated customer care when renting a car with us.

Parking in Southampton

Hire a car in Southampton and park safely at:

  • Eastgate Street Multistorey Car Park (SO14 3HH): Offers 709 paid parking spaces near Southampton City Walls and Tudor House Museum.
  • College Street Car Park (SO14 3DZ): Provides 168 paid parking spaces near St Mary's Stadium and Southampton FC Fanzone. 

When you rent a car in Southampton, charge it at:

  • GridServe Charging Station (SO16 8AP)
  • InstaVolt Charging Station (SO19 8NE)

Speed Limits in Southampton

When you hire a car in Southampton, follow these local speed limits for safe driving:

  • Residential areas: Typically 20-30 mph; always check road signs as limits vary by neighbourhood.
  • Single carriageway roads: 60 mph.
  • Dual carriageways and motorways: 70 mph (standard UK speed limit).

Stay alert to signs indicating speed changes when using your car hire in Southampton.

 Key Roads in Southampton

Knowing the city's roads can help you navigate easily when you hire a car in Southampton. Here are the key roads in Southampton:

  • A35 Winchester Road: This 97-mile scenic route connects Southampton to Honiton, passing by charming Hampshire countryside towns. 
  • M27 Motorway: Stretching across Hampshire's south coast, this busy road conveniently links Southampton with nearby Portsmouth and Gosport.
  • M3 Motorway: Starting in Southampton, the M3 offers a direct, efficient connection to London. 

Traffic in Southampton

When you hire a car in Southampton, steer clear of busy roads at peak hours to avoid spending unnecessary time stuck in traffic. 

  • The city's most congested roads include the A3035 (Highfield Lane), A3057 (Romsey Road), and A335 (Thomas Lewis Way). 
  • Expect the heaviest traffic from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM during the morning commute and again from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM as residents return home from work.

Places to See in Southampton

You can easily explore Southampton's unique historic charm and vibrant modern scene when you hire a car in Southampton. Here are some must-visit places in the city:

  • Tudor House and Garden
    Visit Southampton's oldest museum, housed in a beautifully preserved Tudor mansion. Discover centuries of history through fascinating exhibits before relaxing in its charming gardens. Paid parking is conveniently available at Eastgate Street Multistorey Car Park.
  • Solent Sky Museum
    Explore Southampton's rich aviation history at Solent Sky Museum. View iconic aircraft, including the legendary Spitfire, in interactive displays that bring aviation stories to life. This museum is easily accessible by car and offers free parking directly outside.
  • St Mary's Stadium
    Home to Southampton FC, St Mary's Stadium offers thrilling match-day experiences and engaging stadium tours. Experience the lively atmosphere of this modern sporting landmark, with paid parking conveniently located at nearby College Street Car Park.

Things to Do in Southampton

Southampton offers many exciting activities, from cultural events to scenic drives. Here are three enjoyable ways to spend your time:

  • Drive to Stonehenge
    Stonehenge is one of Britain's most iconic prehistoric monuments, famous worldwide for its mysterious stone circle. Easily accessible when you hire a car in Southampton, this ancient site makes a perfect day trip, offering a unique glimpse into Britain's rich heritage.
  • Watch a Performance at the Mayflower Theatre
    Catch a show at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton's largest venue for musicals, concerts, and comedy. Its lively atmosphere and impressive line-up of performances guarantee a memorable evening.
  • Dinner at the Royal Pier
    The Southampton Royal Pier opened in 1883 and was once a beautiful place to admire passing ships, including the Titanic. Today, dine at Kuti's Brasserie, an elegant restaurant in the pier's original gatehouse building featuring stunning waterfront views and delicious cuisine.

Shopping in Southampton

Southampton offers a fantastic shopping experience, from high-end malls to bustling street markets. When you hire a car in Southampton, visiting these popular shopping areas is convenient:

  • Westquay Shopping Centre
    Westquay Shopping Centre is Southampton's premier retail destination, featuring over 100 top brands like Apple, Zara, and John Lewis. The centre offers an impressive range of fashion stores and a variety of restaurants and cafés. Westquay's sleek architecture and spacious interiors make it a relaxing place to shop.
  • Bargate Market Place
    Bargate Market Place offers an authentic local shopping experience near the historic Bargate monument. Discover unique arts, antiques, and delicious street food at its vibrant stalls. It's the perfect place to find handmade gifts and enjoy Southampton's bustling atmosphere.

Nightlife in Southampton

Hire a car in Southampton and visit these unique night-time spots at your leisure without worrying about transport.

  1. The Brook
    The Brook is one of Southampton’s leading live music and concert venues that hosts some of the best musicians in the region. Check out their concert schedule and book tickets online. 
  2. The Attic 
    The Attic is an exceptional venue in Southampton that conducts comedy and music nights regularly featuring leading and upcoming artists. Book tickets for your favourite shows directly from their website. 

Long Drives from Southampton to Portsmouth

Hire a car in Southampton and visit the historic Portsmouth, home to the HMS Victory and the Royal Navy Submarine Museum. 

  1. Head south from Southampton city centre onto A33, then turn left onto Central Bridge (A3025).
  2. Take Botley Road (B3033) and then Bursledon Road (A3024) to Windhover Roundabout.
  3. Merge onto M27 towards Portsmouth, then take exit 12 onto M275 into Portsmouth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which side of the road should I drive on in Southampton?

In Southampton, you should drive on the left side of the road, just like the rest of the UK.

Can I use a debit card to book my Dollar Car Rental in Southampton?

While you can use your debit card to pay for your rental service in Southampton, you need to provide credit card details to book your car.

What is the minimum age for hiring a car in Southampton?

To hire a car in Southampton, you must be at least 21 years old, while some vehicle types require drivers to be older.

Is it compulsory in Southampton for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt?

Yes, in Southampton, it is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear seat belts at all times while driving.

Are there any specific rules related to using child safety seats or booster seats for passengers in Southampton?

Children below the age of 12 or 135cm in height must travel only in a child safety seat in Southampton.

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FOR RENTALS IN ITALY - from 15th Nov to 15th Apr many cities in specific Italian regions are required by law to restrict rentals to only those vehicles equipped with snow chains or winter tyres. To comply with these regulations, Dollar equipped vehicles with snow chains - the price is included in the rental charges as Winterisation fee. Hence, for these vehicles there’s NO NEED TO BOOK snow chains as Extra.

IMPORTANT: Please check the rate details of your quotation on the right of this web page to verify if your booking includes Winterisation fee before booking snow chains in Italy.