One-Way Car Rental from London to Southampton | Compare Prices & Fees

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Document required for international visitors

Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year. No additional documents are required.
Form of ID: A valid physical United Kingdom national photo ID.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Supported cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, and AMEX. XpCard and DcCard are supported.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 21 and 80 years old. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur additional fees (to be confirmed). Drivers aged 75-80 may also incur additional fees (to be confirmed).

Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year. Additional documents required: Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP). Note: An IDP is only a translation and must be presented with the original licence. EU Driving Licence and UK Driving License (with DVLA check code/DVLA endorsement record) are also accepted.

Notes: In addition to your licence, either a valid and up-to-date DVLA licence check code or a printed DVLA endorsement record must be provided for all Approved Drivers. These can be obtained from the DVLA website (www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence).
Form of ID: A valid passport.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Supported cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, and AMEX. XpCard and DcCard are supported.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 21 and 80 years old. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur additional fees (to be confirmed). Drivers aged 75-80 may also incur additional fees (to be confirmed).

One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest Economy Rate

Starting from

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

Vehicle Types

Vehicle Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 132-236	US$ 0.00-115.14	US$ 207-303	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 188-201	US$ 0.01-0.01	US$ 337-362	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 227-370	US$ 0.00-420.05	US$ 284-602	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 185-243	US$ 0.00-115.14	US$ 211-369	Large groups, long drivers
Premium	US$ 290-290	US$ 115.14-115.14	US$ 475-475	Families, comfort seeker
Van	US$ 215-590	US$ 0.00-110.53	US$ 420-861	Large families, groups

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration：

One-Way Rental Fee: Most rental companies charge an additional one-way fee when the vehicle is dropped off at a different location than the pick-up. This fee can vary, so confirm the cost beforehand.
Cross-Border Restrictions: Ensure to check if the rental company permits you to cross any borders if your journey involves traveling to adjacent regions or countries.
Booking Confirmation: Ensure that the rental company confirms the drop-off location in advance to avoid last-minute conflicts.
Fuel Policy: Understand the specified fuel policy. You may need to return the car with the same fuel level as received.
Key Return Process: Verify the process for returning the keys at the destination, including after-hours drop-off options, if applicable.

Smart Planning Tips:

Plan Your Route And Stops Ahead: Identify interesting stops or attractions along the route from London to Southampton to enhance your trip.
Book Early For Better Deals: Secure your rental car in advance to access more options and potentially lower prices.
Check For Insurance Options: Include reliable car insurance in your booking to travel worry-free. Understand any specific coverage details.
Acquaint Yourself With Local Driving Rules: Ensure you are familiar with local traffic laws from London to Southampton.
Keep Documents Handy: Prepare all necessary documents, such as a valid driver’s license, credit card, and booking confirmation.
Consider Weather Conditions: Pay attention to seasonal changes and weather conditions that can impact travel on your chosen date.

Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

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Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

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Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling

Parking

Tolls

Gas Stations near Drop-off Locations

Texaco - 109 Southampton Rd, Eastleigh SO50 5QT, United Kingdom

Applegreen Southampton - Swaythling Rd, West End, Southampton SO30 3AG, United Kingdom

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to conserve fuel.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to improve mileage.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the vehicle.

London Parking

Look for park-and-ride options to save on parking costs.

Parking in London can be expensive and limited, especially in central areas. Consider using public transportation or parking outside the city center.

Southampton Parking

Use parking apps to locate available spots and compare prices.

Southampton offers various parking options, including metered street parking and parking garages near major attractions.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like RingGo, JustPark, and PayByPhone can help users find or book parking in advance.

Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure to verify the route for any unforeseen tolls or road charges.

Use navigation apps to check for toll-free routes.

There are no toll roads on the direct route from London to Southampton.

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes from London to Southampton:

A3 Scenic Route

Scenic Drive 2 hours 10 minutes

A scenic route that takes you through picturesque countryside.

Guildford , Portsmouth , Winchester Cathedral

M3 Direct Route

Main Highway 1 hour 55 minutes

The fastest route to Southampton along the M3 motorway.

Basingstoke , Winchester

A34 and South Downs

Mixed Terrain 2 hours 30 minutes

Combine motorway driving with a tour through the scenic South Downs area.

Newbury , South Downs National Park , Eastleigh

Exciting Trips Around London & Southampton:

London to Winchester

1 hour 30 minutes

Explore the historic Winchester city with its famous cathedral and charming streets.

Southampton to Bournemouth

45 minutes

A short trip to the coastal city of Bournemouth with stunning beaches.

London to Oxford

1 hour

Visit the historic city of Oxford known for its prestigious university.

Southampton to Isle of Wight

1 hour ferry ride

Ferry from Southampton to explore the beautiful Isle of Wight.

Road Trip Planning Tips

Choose the right vehicle: Consider the terrain and space requirements when selecting a rental car.

Allocate extra travel time: Account for possible delays and rest breaks along the route.

Plan your stops: Identify key stops and attractions along your route to enhance your journey.

Check alternative routes: Research alternative paths in case of traffic or personal preference.

Refuel strategically: Locate fuel stations along your route to avoid low fuel situations.

Review insurance coverage: Ensure proper insurance is in place to prevent unexpected costs.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Introduction to company selection, prioritizing companies providing one-way rental services between London and Southampton.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Enterprise Rent-A-Car	$$	High	Nationwide	Wide range of vehicle types , Transparent pricing , Multiple convenient locations
Hertz	$$$	High	Extensive	Premium car options , Strong international brand presence , Excellent customer service
Avis	$$	Moderate	Wide	Affordable pricing , Simple booking process , Clean and functional vehicles
Europcar	$$	High	Wide	Eco-friendly fleet options , Special deals for online bookings , Friendly service staff

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Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:

Pricing Considerations

Base rental rate per day
One-way drop-off fees
Additional driver charges
Insurance costs
Fuel policy and potential charges

Vehicle Selection

Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
Fuel efficiency for long drives
Comfort features for highway driving
Navigation and entertainment systems
Vehicle condition and mileage

Company Reliability

Customer service reputation
Transparency in fees and policies
Roadside assistance coverage
Cancellation and modification policies
Reviews from other one-way renters

Relevant Information About Car Rental Centers

Operating Hours:

Most car rental centers in London and Southampton operate between 8 AM to 10 PM.

Location of Rental Centers:

In London, rental services are generally available near major transport hubs such as Heathrow Airport and central railway stations. Southampton offers rental facilities close to the port and railway stations.

Shuttle Frequency:

Shuttle services run at 15-minute intervals from key city locations to car rental centers, ensuring connectivity.

Always verify the operating hours directly on the rental company's website prior to planning your pickup or drop-off.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental and how does it work?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up a rental car at one location, such as London, and drop it off at another location, like Southampton, without needing to return the car to the original pickup location. Typically, you book the rental through the company's website or travel agency, specifying your desired pickup and drop-off locations.

Are there additional costs for renting one-way between London and Southampton?

Many rental agencies include a one-way rental fee to cover the cost of returning the vehicle to its original branch. Prices vary, so check with the rental company to understand their fees and policies. The specific cost for the route between London and Southampton depends on the company's pricing structure and timing.

What documents do I need to rent a car for this route?

To rent a car, you will need a valid driver’s license, a credit card in your name, and an additional form of identification such as a passport or utility bill in some cases. If you're from outside the UK, an International Driving Permit (IDP) might also be required.

Can I choose a specific car model for my rental?

Most rental agencies categorize vehicles into types (e.g., compact, SUV). While you can select a category, specific models are subject to availability. If you need a specific vehicle for your trip between London and Southampton, contact the provider directly for options.

Where can I find drop-off locations in Southampton?

Drop-off points vary by company, but they commonly include city centers, popular neighborhoods, and transportation hubs such as rail stations and airports. Southampton Airport frequently serves as a convenient location for car rental drop-offs.

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Embark On A Scenic Drive From London To Southampton