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Discover Southampton with a One-Way Car Rental

Enjoy the flexibility of picking up your car in London and exploring Southampton at your leisure.

Can I rent a car from London to Southampton?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from London to Southampton. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Documents required for GB residents
Documents required for international visitors
  • Form of ID: A valid physical United Kingdom national photo ID
  • 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.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, and AMEX.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur additional fees, which will be confirmed at the time of booking. For drivers aged 75-80, additional confirmation may also be required.
  • 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. Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (Please note that an IDP is only a translation. You must present your original driving licence with the original IDP at the counter.)
    • EU Driving Licence
    • UK Driving License (with DVLA check code/DVLA endorsement record) (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. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, and AMEX.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur additional fees, which will be confirmed at the time of booking. For drivers aged 75-80, additional confirmation may also be required.
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How much does renting a car from London to Southampton cost?

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

US$ 60/day
Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 68/day
Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 119-US$ 213US$ 0-US$ 114US$ 180-US$ 237Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 192US$ 1US$ 352Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 190-US$ 393US$ 0-US$ 413US$ 230-US$ 450Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 146-US$ 207US$ 0-US$ 114US$ 204-US$ 256Large groups, long drivers
PremiumUS$ 246US$ 114US$ 381Families, comfort seeker
VanUS$ 186-US$ 371US$ 0-US$ 204US$ 287-US$ 541Large families, groups

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

Key Consideration:
  • One-Way Fee: Be aware of any additional charges for dropping off the rental car at a different location from where you picked it up.
  • Return Location Regulations: Check if the rental agency has specific policies about the condition or refueling state of the car at the drop-off point.
  • Cross-Border Restrictions: Understand if your route includes crossing into another country, as this may entail additional requirements.
  • Operating Hours: Ensure the rental drop-off location at Southampton operates during your intended return time.
  • Payment Methods and Deposits: Confirm acceptable payment options and security deposit requirements for the rental service.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Plan Your Drop-Off Time and Route: Consider traffic and ensure you reach the drop-off location on time.
  • Compare Prices: Shop around across rental companies to find the best deal for your journey.
  • Read Terms Carefully: Understand the fine print, including mileage limits and insurance coverage.
  • Refuel Before Returns: Locate nearby gas stations to refuel as per the rental agreement before dropping the car off.
  • Document Vehicle Conditions: Take pictures of the car before and after your rental to avoid potential disputes.
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.

QEEQ Online Car Rental Insurance
  • Comprehensive coverage for your rental vehicle
  • Approximately 50% cheaper than counter rates
  • Easy online purchase before your trip
Learn More About QEEQ Insurance
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.

QEEQ One-Dollar Freeze
  • Reserve your vehicle with just $1 upfront
  • Price Drop Protector automatically tracks price changes
  • Automatic rebooking when prices drop
Learn More About One-Dollar Freeze

Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling
Parking
Refuel Policy Basic

Refuel the car before returning to avoid higher charges from the rental company.

Keep the last refueling receipt as proof of refueling.

Use nearby gas stations instead of those near the rental return location for better prices.

Fuel Cost

The average fuel price along the route is approximately £1.60 per liter.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed on highways to conserve fuel.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to manufacturer specifications.

Avoid excessive idling and use air conditioning sparingly.

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London Parking

Parking in central London can be expensive; expect rates of £5-£10 per hour.

Use park-and-ride facilities to save on parking costs.

Avoid parking in restricted zones to prevent fines.

Southampton Parking

Southampton offers several affordable parking options, with rates averaging £2-£3 per hour.

Look for parking areas near the city center for convenience.

Some parking facilities offer discounts for longer stays.

Recommended Parking Apps

Parkopedia: Provides comprehensive parking availability and pricing.

JustPark: Allows you to reserve parking in advance.

RingGo: Offers cashless parking payment options.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes Between London and Southampton:
M3 Motorway
Fastest Route 1 hour 30 minutes

The M3 motorway offers the quickest route from London to Southampton with minimal stops.

Winchester
A3 Scenic Route
Scenic Drive 1 hour 45 minutes

A scenic drive through the South Downs with slower traffic but picturesque views.

Guildford , Petersfield
A31 Rural Route
Leisurely Drive 2 hours

This route is designed for a relaxed journey with opportunities to explore local villages.

Farnham , Winchester
Road Trip Planning Tips

Vehicle Selection: Choose a car suitable for the journey length, number of passengers, and road types you'll encounter.

Route Familiarity: Familiarize yourself with the route beforehand and consider using a GPS for navigation.

Cost Management: Plan expenses such as fuel, tolls, and parking fees to avoid unexpected costs.

Safety Precautions: Ensure the car's insurance is in place and check the roadworthiness of the vehicle before departing.

Fuel Stops: Identify gas station locations along your route to prevent running out of fuel in remote areas.

Avoiding Penalties: Adhere to the car rental company's policies to avoid fees, such as refueling properly and returning on time.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Choosing the right car rental company for a one-way trip from London to Southampton requires considering several factors. Here is a guide to help you select the best provider.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$HighWide Extensive selection of vehicles , Good customer support , Several locations across the UK
Enterprise$MediumModerate Affordable rates for long trips , Frequent promotions , Easy pickup and drop-off arrangements
Sixt$$$PremiumWide Luxury vehicle options , Multiple pickup locations , Modern and clean cars
Avis$$HighModerate Extensive loyalty program benefits , Reliable customer service , Flexible rental policies
QEEQ

Access to 110,000+ locations worldwide with 1,000+ suppliers for the best rates

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Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

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Best Rates

Compare across providers

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24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

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Exclusive Features

One-Dollar Freeze & Price Drop Protector

Explore QEEQ Car Rentals
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

Information About Rental Centers

Operating Hours:

Most centers operate from 7 AM to 10 PM daily, with variations during holidays.

Rental Centers Location:

Conveniently situated in major areas in London and Southampton.

Shuttle Service:

Shuttle services are available from major transport hubs to the rental centers.

Vehicle Drop-off:

Drop-off locations are clearly marked and easily accessible near Southampton central areas.

Pro Tips for Heathrow Airport T4(LHR) Car Rentals

Book your rental vehicle in advance to secure better rates and availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up a rental car at one location and drop it off at a different location. For this route, customers can rent a car in London and return it in Southampton.

Are there any additional fees for one-way rentals?

Many car rental companies charge a one-way fee to cover the costs of relocating the vehicle. The specific fee depends on the company and may vary for the London to Southampton route.

What documentation do I need to rent a car one-way?

To rent a car, you typically need a valid driver's license, a credit card for the deposit, and sometimes an additional form of identification such as a passport or utility bill.

Can I choose the type of vehicle for my one-way rental?

Yes, most rental companies offer a variety of vehicle types to choose from, ranging from compact cars to larger SUVs. It's recommended to book your desired vehicle type in advance to ensure availability.

Is there a mileage limit for my journey?

Many one-way rentals offer unlimited mileage, but it's important to confirm this with the rental company beforehand as policies can vary.

Ready to Book Your London to Southampton Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes