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

Home One-way Car Rentals Southampton to London

Can I rent a car from Southampton to London?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Southampton to London. 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(s).
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, AMEX, and DinersClub. XpCard is supported.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80 years. For drivers aged 23 to 26, a young driver fee of GBP 39 per day (approximately US$ 53.87) applies.

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(s). Accepted driving licence include:
• EU Driving Licence
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (Please note that an International Driving Permit(IDP) is only a translation. You must present your original driving licence with the original IDP at the counter.)
• 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, AMEX, and DinersClub. XpCard is supported.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80 years. For drivers aged 23 to 26, a young driver fee of GBP 39 per day (approximately US$ 53.87) applies.

How much does renting a car from Southampton to London 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$ 54/day

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 64/day

Vehicle Types

Vehicle Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 115-US$ 215	US$ 0-US$ 114	US$ 162-US$ 300	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 186-US$ 204	US$ 0-US$ 1	US$ 687-US$ 767	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 213-US$ 333	US$ 0-US$ 109	US$ 268-US$ 1,343	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 145-US$ 217	US$ 0-US$ 413	US$ 190-US$ 293	Large groups, long drivers
Van	US$ 57-US$ 289	US$ 0-US$ 109	US$ 375-US$ 1,389	Large families, groups

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

Key Consideration：

One-Way Fee: Be aware of additional fees associated with dropping off your rental car at a different location.
Route Restrictions: Ensure your planned route is applicable for one-way rentals without crossing any restricted areas.
Documentation Requirements: Carry all necessary documents like ID, license, and booking confirmation.
Advanced Booking: Make your booking in advance to secure availability and possibly get better rates.
Fuel Policy: Understand the fuel policy to know whether you'll need to refuel before returning the car.

Smart Planning Tips:

Compare Rental Companies: Compare prices and services among companies to choose the most suitable option.
Confirm Drop-off Location: Verify the address and operating hours of your intended drop-off location.
Inspect Vehicle Before Return: Check the vehicle for damages and cleanliness to avoid unnecessary charges.
Be Aware of Mileage Limits: Look into mileage limitations to avoid additional fees.
Prepare for London Traffic: Plan your travel time considering London's traffic conditions, especially during peak hours.

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

Refuel Policy Basic

Refuel the car before returning to avoid additional charges.

Keep the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling.

Use nearby gas stations to avoid higher prices at the drop-off location.

Fuel Cost

The estimated average fuel cost along this route is approximately £1.65 per liter.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to optimize fuel consumption.

Avoid excessive idling to save fuel.

Ensure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure.

Southampton Parking

Southampton offers various public parking facilities with hourly rates averaging £2-3.

Park and Ride options are available for long-term parking.

Avoid restricted zones to prevent fines.

London Parking

London has numerous parking garages with rates starting at £5 per hour.

Street parking is limited and often requires permits.

Use parking apps to locate available spaces in advance.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like JustPark, Parkopedia, and RingGo are helpful for finding parking spaces.

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes Between Southampton and London:

M3 Direct Route

Motorway 1 hour 45 minutes

The fastest and most direct route that primarily uses the M3 motorway.

Winchester , Farnborough

Scenic Route via A3

Scenic 2 hours 15 minutes

A slightly longer route passing through picturesque countryside.

Guildford , Hindhead Commons

Cultural Route via A308

Cultural 2 hours 30 minutes

Ideal for those wishing to explore historical landmarks on the way.

Eton , Windsor

Popular Side Trips From Southampton to London:

Winchester Cathedral Visit

30 minutes from Southampton

Explore one of the largest cathedrals in Europe with its stunning architecture.

Windsor Castle Tour

1 hour 45 minutes from Southampton

Discover England's oldest occupied castle, rich with royal history.

Surrey Hills Exploration

1 hour 15 minutes from Southampton

Enjoy the natural beauty of this designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Richmond Park Visit

30 minutes from London

A vast parkland home to deer herds and panoramic views of London.

Road Trip Planning Tips

Choose the Right Vehicle: Select a car that is comfortable for long drives and accommodates your luggage.

Plan Refueling Stops: Identify fuel stations along the route to avoid emergencies.

Check Rental Agreement: Understand the conditions, including mileage limits and return policies.

Explore Alternate Routes: Consider scenic paths for an enjoyable journey.

Compare Rental Prices: Shop around for the best deals to suit your travel needs.

Plan Key Stops: Incorporate rest and sightseeing stops to break up the travel time.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Selecting the right rental company is crucial for a smooth journey. Ensure you pick a provider that offers one-way rentals and aligns with your specific needs.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Hertz	$$$	High	Excellent	Wide vehicle selection , Flexible return options , Excellent customer service
Enterprise	$$	Moderate	Good	Friendly policies , Well-maintained fleet , Numerous local branches
Avis	$$	High	Very Good	Competitive prices , Diverse vehicle options , Several discounts available
Sixt	$$	High	Good	Luxury cars available , Transparent pricing , User-friendly booking

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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

Car Rental Center Information for Southampton and London

Rental Car Locations:

In Southampton, rental facilities are situated near the city center and main transport hubs. In London, you can return the car at centrally located spots including areas near public transport links.

Operational Hours:

Typically from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Some city locations may offer 24/7 services.

Shuttle Services:

Complimentary shuttle services are often available from airports to the rental centers in both cities.

Pro Tips for Southampton Airport(SOU) Car Rentals

Book early to secure the best rates and ensure availability of one-way rental vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the car drop-off options in London?

When renting a car one way from Southampton to London, you can usually drop the vehicle at company-specific locations, including London city branches, airports, or specific designated spots. Confirm this with your rental provider prior to finalizing the booking.

Is it more expensive to rent a car one way?

One-way car rentals often include additional fees for vehicle relocation. However, the exact amount varies by the rental company, vehicle type, and availability. Ensure you inquire about all potential costs upfront.

Can I rent various types of vehicles for this route?

Rental agencies typically offer a variety of vehicles, including economy cars, SUVs, and luxury vehicles. Make selections based on the size, comfort, and capacity you require for your trip.

What documentation is required to rent a car?

Renting a car generally requires a valid driver's license, proof of insurance coverage, and a major credit card for the deposit. International renters may also need an International Driving Permit.

Are there rules regarding fuel refill before return?

Many rental agreements require the vehicle to be returned with the same fuel level as at pickup. Failing to do so might incur refueling charges. Check your rental terms for specific guidance.

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