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

Home One-way Car Rentals Southampton to London

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(s).
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. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, AMEX, and DinersClub.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 21 and 80 years old. For drivers aged 23-26, a young driver fee of GBP 39 per day (approx. 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 licences include EU Driving Licence, Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (note: IDP is only a translation and must be presented with the original licence), and UK Driving License (with DVLA check code/DVLA endorsement record).
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.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 21 and 80 years old. For drivers aged 23-26, a young driver fee of GBP 39 per day (approx. US$ 53.87) applies.

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$ 139-272	US$ 0.00-110.53	US$ 228-355	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 193-201	US$ 0.00-0.01	US$ 298-311	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 235-606	US$ 0.00-172.71	US$ 314-662	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 165-278	US$ 0.00-110.53	US$ 253-364	Large groups, long drivers
Van	US$ 139-447	US$ 0.00-110.53	US$ 249-905	Large families, groups

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

Key Consideration：

One-Way Fee: Many providers apply additional one-way fees. Check the cost beforehand.
Drop-Off Restrictions: Verify if the drop-off location is supported and check operational hours.
Cross-Border Rules: Clarify any restrictions regarding crossing borders with a rental car.
Vehicle Selection: Ensure the vehicle supports your trip needs in terms of space and comfort.
Fuel Policy: Understand whether the fuel tank should be returned full or partially filled.

Smart Planning Tips:

Verify All Charges: Thoroughly review all applicable charges during booking for transparency.
Plan Your Route: Plan your journey to include stops and attractions along the way.
Schedule Accordingly: Allow extra time for unexpected traffic or delays.
Inspect the Vehicle: Examine the car and document any damages before and after your trip.
Understand Insurance: Confirm insurance coverage and select additional options if needed.

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

Esso - 272 Bath Rd, Harlington, Sipson, Hayes UB3 5AY, United Kingdom

Esso - Southern Perimeter Rd, Stanwell, Hounslow TW6 3PF, United Kingdom

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain steady speeds for better fuel economy.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the vehicle.

Ensure tires are properly inflated.

Southampton Parking

Check for free parking zones near residential areas.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

London Parking

Use park-and-ride facilities to save on city-center parking fees.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps that help users find or book parking in advance

Tolls and FasTrak

Critical advisory about toll behavior or charges

Use electronic payment methods to avoid delays at toll booths.

Actual toll roads and charges

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Discover Scenic Routes:

Southampton to Central London via A33 and M3

Highway Route 2 hours

A direct and fast route, primarily using highways to reach London quickly.

Winchester , Basingstoke , Richmond

Scenic Route through the South Downs

Scenic Route 2 hours 30 minutes

A picturesque drive featuring rolling hills and quaint villages.

Petersfield , Haslemere , Epsom

Seaside and Urban Drive via A27

Mixed Route 3 hours

Combining coastal views and urban areas for a mixed experience.

Portsmouth , Brighton , Croydon

Notable One-Way Trips:

Stonehenge Tours via Salisbury

1 hour 30 minutes

A historical visit passing through Salisbury to England's iconic prehistoric monument.

Brighton’s Vibrant Coast

2 hours

A vibrant coastal city offering rich cultural and beach experiences.

Cultural Expedition to Oxford

2 hours

Explore the historic charm and academic prestige of Oxford.

New Forest Adventure

45 minutes

A nearby national park offering lush greenery and tranquil surroundings.

Driving and Renting One-Way Tips

Advance Reservations: Book your rental in advance to secure availability and the best rates.

Route Assessment: Plan your stops and check for any road closures or construction.

Fuel Costs: Refuel the vehicle before returning to avoid additional charges.

Insurance Coverage: Understand the insurance terms provided by the rental company.

Budget Planning: Be aware of hidden fees such as young driver surcharges or dynamic pricing.

Safety First: Ensure you understand UK road signs and driving rules before starting your trip.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Finding the right car rental company for a one-way trip from Southampton to London requires considering options with the best balance of cost, availability, and service.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Enterprise Rent-A-Car	$$	Extensive	Wide	Flexible rental durations , Comprehensive customer support
Hertz	$$$	Premium	Good	Spacious headrooms and choices , Fast returns
Sixt Rent-A-Car	$	Moderate	Reasonable	Affordable deals , Frequent offers for one-way rentals
Avis Car Rental	$$	Broad	Wide	Convenient booking process , Reliable car availability

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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

Rental Center Details at Southampton and London

Operating Hours:

Rental centers in Southampton typically operate from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, while centres in London may offer extended hours.

Location:

Rental centers are conveniently located near Southampton train station and central points in London for hassle-free pick-up and drop-off.

Shuttle Frequency:

Shuttle services in Southampton operate every 15 minutes to ferry clients from major public hubs to their chosen rental centers.

Vehicle Collection and Return:

Ensure vehicles are inspected and aligned with the rental terms during collection. Follow smooth return protocols.

Keep contact information for both rental centers handy in case of road or plan detours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for renting a car for a one-way trip from Southampton to London?

To rent a car for a one-way trip, you typically need a valid driver's license, a credit card in the driver's name, and to meet the rental company's age requirements. Some companies may require additional documentation, which can be confirmed at the time of booking.

Is there an additional fee for one-way car rentals between Southampton and London?

Yes, many car rental companies charge a one-way fee to cover the cost of returning the vehicle to its original location. This fee varies depending on the company and can be included or separately billed on your rental agreement.

Can I return the car at different times or specific places in London?

Most companies offer flexible return options, including various locations in London. Be sure to confirm the return policy and hours of operation for your selected drop-off point when booking.

What is the approximate driving duration and route from Southampton to London?

The drive from Southampton to London typically takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, spanning approximately 80 miles. The route usually follows the M3 motorway for much of the journey.

Do car rental contracts include fuel for the trip?

Fuel policies vary by company. Some rentals offer a full-to-full policy, where you return the car with a full tank, while others might charge for fuel or provide a pre-purchased tank option. Verify the fuel policy before finalizing your rental agreement.

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