Portsmouth Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Portsmouth

Renting a car in Portsmouth offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily visit key attractions like the HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Museum, both rich in cultural experiences. Southsea Beach provides a lovely spot to unwind by the sea, all conveniently located within Portsmouth. For those seeking to venture further, destinations such as Bembridge, just 12 km away, feature beautiful beaches like Whitecliff Bay Beach, while Gosport, only 2 km from Portsmouth, offers attractions like Stokes Bay Beach and the Royal Navy Submarine Museum. Families will appreciate the ease of managing luggage and planning spontaneous outings, making it an ideal choice for holidays. Business travellers can efficiently move between meetings and local sites without relying on public transport schedules. In short, a rental car enhances your ability to discover Portsmouth and its nearby highlights seamlessly, ensuring a tailored travel experience whether you're sightseeing or attending to business needs.

Most popular car rentals in Portsmouth

• Compact: This car type accommodates 5 travellers and can hold up to 3 medium suitcases, making it ideal for solo travellers, couples, or small families. The compact size is particularly advantageous for navigating the streets of Portsmouth, where parking can be limited. Its fuel efficiency also helps keep travel costs down, allowing for a more budget-friendly trip.
• Midsize SUV: Accommodating 5 travellers with space for up to 3 large suitcases, the midsize SUV is perfect for families, couples, or small groups seeking comfort and versatility. This vehicle provides a higher driving position and more room for passengers and luggage, making it an excellent choice for longer journeys or when travelling with extra gear.
• Economy: Ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families, the economy car accommodates 5 travellers and up to 2 medium suitcases. This option is perfect for those looking for an affordable and efficient way to explore Portsmouth without sacrificing comfort. Its smaller size makes it easy to park in urban areas, allowing for hassle-free travel within the city.

Top rated car suppliers in Portsmouth

• Europcar: Europcar has a rental location in Portsmouth and is a popular choice among travellers seeking flexibility during their visits. Known for its well-maintained vehicles, the most booked options include Midsize SUVs and Compact SUVs, catering to various needs. Customers appreciate the straightforward rental process and the convenience of managing itineraries with ease.
• Enterprise: With a rental location in Portsmouth, Enterprise is widely recognized for its exceptional customer service. Travellers often opt for Compact and Compact SUVs, highlighting the helpful staff and smooth check-in experience. The flexibility and wide selection of vehicles make Enterprise an excellent option for families and business travellers alike, ensuring a reliable and comfortable journey.
• Routes: Routes offers a rental location in Portsmouth and is known for its popular Midsize SUVs. Customers appreciate the efficient service and straightforward rental processes. The focus on providing quality vehicles ensures that travellers can explore Portsmouth and its surroundings with comfort and ease, making Routes a suitable choice for those looking to enjoy the area at their own pace.

Where to stay in and around Portsmouth

• Bembridge: Located 12 km away from Portsmouth, Bembridge is perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures and scenic experiences. The area boasts beautiful beaches such as Whitecliff Bay Beach and Bembridge Beach, both ideal for a relaxing beach holiday. Nature enthusiasts can explore nearby national parks, and visitors can enjoy activities like hiking and trail access. Bembridge also offers a variety of dining options, including local restaurants and breweries, making it a delightful stay for those who love nature and outdoor activities.
• Southsea: Situated around Portsmouth, Southsea is an excellent choice for families and business travellers alike. This vibrant neighbourhood features shopping malls and a variety of shops, providing ample opportunities for retail therapy. Cultural highlights include The D-Day Story military museum, Southsea Castle, and Clarence Pier, a charming jetty. Southsea's family beach and dock port add to its appeal, making it a well-rounded destination for visitors looking to enjoy both leisure and culture.
• Gosport: Just 2 km from Portsmouth, Gosport is a family-friendly city that offers outdoor adventures and fun activities. Visitors can enjoy Stokes Bay Beach for a beach holiday or explore Haslar Marina for a taste of adventure and outdoor experiences. Gosport also features shopping areas and theatres to keep visitors entertained. For those interested in history, the Royal Navy Submarine Museum provides a cultural insight into the area's naval heritage, making Gosport a well-suited option for diverse interests.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Portsmouth

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economical car for budget-friendliness, utilize the filters on Expedia to assist you in discovering the ideal vehicle for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary depending on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well—just ensure you return the car empty in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but the added convenience might justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can protect you from unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in case something unexpected occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extended road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid incurring additional costs.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Portsmouth

The best value period to rent a car in and around Portsmouth is January, when prices are moderately low and demand is average. May also offers moderately low prices with similar demand levels. In contrast, February tends to be the most expensive month, featuring high prices and low demand. Following February, April and June see a rise in demand along with average pricing, while August reaches peak demand and prices, making it a busy time for rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	43.3°F (6.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately Low
February	43.3°F (6.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Moderately High
March	45.7°F (7.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
April	49.1°F (9.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
May	54.1°F (12.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately Low
June	59.5°F (15.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
July	63.1°F (17.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately High
August	63.1°F (17.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
September	60.4°F (15.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	55.9°F (13.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately High
November	50.0°F (10.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	46.0°F (7.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Moderately Low