Whether you’re holidaying with the whole family in tow, or just zipping around town for meetings and conferences, Avis has the ideal option for your Southampton car hire. We have 7-seaters and people carriers for big groups, and economy vehicles to suit those on a budget. There are also high-end models available if you check out our Avis Prestige premium service.

The airport is just over 4 miles away from the centre of town, so your Southampton car hire will get you into the city in under 15 minutes, depending on traffic. Once there, you’ll want to head down to the large, impressive harbour, which has been a significant trading spot for England and Europe for several centuries. It was also bombed heavily during WW2, due to its strategic importance.

The SeaCity Museum is a great place to learn more about the town’s past, with a focus on the construction and departure of the famous Titanic cruise liner, as well as the history of trade in the area. There are also a number of contemporary art galleries with impressive collections, particularly around the city’s Cultural Quarter.

Which side of the road?
In the United Kingdom, please drive on the left side of the road.

Country driving laws

• Mobile phones may only be used with a headset or hands-free device

• There is a congestion charge payable when driving in London

• Use the outside lane to overtake on motorways and dual carriageways

• Zebra crossings (black and white stripes on the road) give pedestrians right of way to cross the road

Speed Limits
All speed signs will be in mph.

For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers:

• Urban areas: 30 mph (48 km/h)

• Motorways: 70 mph (112 km/h)

• Rural areas: 60 mph (96 km/h)

Unless indicated by road signs.

Child safety / Seatbelt laws

• It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt

• Children aged under 12 or less than 135 cm tall must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size

Please note - It is the child’s parent/guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.

This road rules information is for provided for general guidance only. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk.

Southampton is well located for all kinds of excursions around the south of England, to some iconic tourist spots. The ancient archaeological site Stonehenge is around 26 miles from the town centre, so you could be there and back within an afternoon. Windsor Castle and the historic Salisbury Cathedral are also a short drive away. And you can also get to London in an hour and a half, although rush hour traffic around the M25 might end up extending this journey time a little.

How do I collect my Southampton hire car at the airport?

When you land at Southampton Airport, head from the arrivals hall to our desk. One of our members of staff will process your booking, and then you may proceed to collect your vehicle at the Car Rental Centre.

Is it easy to park in Southampton centre?

Parking is relatively easy throughout much of the city, with plenty of spots available. It’s free to park in any of the town’s off-street car parks between 6pm and midnight, from Monday to Saturday.

What is Southampton known for?

Alongside Plymouth, Southampton has been one of England’s most important port cities for most of its history. It’s located on the south coast, with easy access to the English Channel and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s often associated with the Titanic, and the Mayflower also set off from its harbour.