Cowes Car Rental

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Top Car Deals in Cowes

* Price found within the past 6 days. Click for updated prices.

Economy

Chevrolet Spark
  • 4 people
Cowes, Isle of Wight, GBR
Chevrolet Spark
Economy Chevrolet Spark

Compact

Ford Focus
  • 4 people
Cowes, Isle of Wight, GBR
Ford Focus
Compact Ford Focus

Midsize

Toyota Corolla
  • 5 people
Cowes, Isle of Wight, GBR
Toyota Corolla
Midsize Toyota Corolla

SUV

Jeep Compass
  • 5 people
Cowes, Isle of Wight, GBR
Jeep Compass
SUV Jeep Compass

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What you need to know for your Cowes car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Cowes

Renting a car in Cowes offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore this charming city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and create a travel itinerary that suits your preferences. This convenience is especially appealing for those seeking outdoor adventures and scenic experiences. Key attractions are within reach, including Cowes Harbour, which provides beautiful beach views, and Gurnard Beach, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. Additionally, you can visit the historic Osborne House, located just 2 km from Cowes, enriching your cultural experience. Beyond Cowes, a rental car allows you to explore nearby destinations like Bembridge, 17 km away, known for its stunning beaches, or East Cowes, less than 1 km away, where you can find more attractions like Calshot Beach. The nearby city of Gurnard also features interesting sights like the Beaulieu National Motor Museum. By choosing to rent a car, you can enjoy a seamless travel experience, making the most of your time in and around Cowes.

Where to stay around Cowes

  • Bembridge: Located 17 km from Cowes, Bembridge is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. This picturesque city offers stunning scenery and a variety of activities, including hiking trails and access to beautiful beaches like Whitecliff Bay Beach and Bembridge Beach. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as the national park, making it a great choice for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. With a selection of restaurants, breweries, and wineries, there are ample dining options to enjoy after a day of exploration.
  • Southampton: Situated 17 km from Cowes, Southampton is a vibrant city known for its shopping and cultural experiences. This city offers various attractions, including Ocean Village Marina and Mayflower Park, perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures and scenic views. Additionally, the New Forest National Park is nearby, providing opportunities for hiking and nature walks. With numerous shopping areas and options for dining, including local wineries and distilleries, Southampton is an excellent choice for travellers looking to balance city life with leisure.
  • Portsmouth: Located 15 km from Cowes, Portsmouth is a bustling city that caters to families and business travellers. Known for its rich maritime history, visitors can explore landmarks like HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Museum. Southsea Beach offers a lovely spot for relaxation. The city also features shopping malls and a variety of dining options, including distilleries and wineries, ensuring that you can enjoy local flavours while experiencing the vibrant city atmosphere.

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

  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 economy car for budget-friendliness, utilise Expedia's filters to discover the ideal match for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and specific vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This option is usually the most economical. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can also be convenient. Just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may be worth the extra cost.
  7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can protect you from unnecessary expenses and provide peace of mind in case of unexpected incidents during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is simple when booking through Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning a lengthy road trip, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid incurring extra costs.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Car Rental Information

Popular car types:
SUV, Full Size, Economy
Car suppliers available:
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Airport Transportation

Frequently asked questions

How much is a rental car per day in Cowes?
You'll get serious bang for your travel buck in Cowes, with car rental prices within the past seven days starting from as low as a day.
Can I rent a car from Southampton Airport (SOU)?
You'll find a nice selection of rental outlets just a short commute from Southampton Airport (SOU). Fox Rental Cars, Easirent EU, Avis, Hertz and Budget will have a ride for you.
What happens if I need to cancel my Cowes car reservation?
Cancelling your rental car six hours before the scheduled pickup time should allow for a complete refund. However, this is not always the case. It's worth reading through your booking details and rental agreement. Still can't find the answer? Hop on our Customer Service Portal.
Where can I go on a road trip from Cowes?
When you've covered all the amazing attractions in Cowes, there's a lot more to discover in the surrounding area. Pick up the keys to a rental car, toss your bags in the trunk and take to the open road. These are some drives we know you'll enjoy:
  • London is around 113 kilometres from Cowes. Popular attractions like Big Ben deserve a place on your must-see list while you're in town.
  • Your next stop? Oxford, which is around 113 kilometres away. Christ Church College is one local hot spot you really shouldn't miss.
  • Sherwood Forest Country Park is approximately 274 kilometres from Cowes and is one of the region's most beautiful nature spots. Go for a walk around and enjoy the fresh air here.
How do I find the best car rental deals in Cowes with Expedia?
Finding an awesome deal on your Cowes rental car is a piece of cake with Expedia. Choose your preferred car type, add in a few more details and compare prices across major suppliers. Why not add hotels and flights to your booking? You'll get access to terrific discounts when you create a vacation package.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Cowes?
Drivers 21 and above can road trip around Cowes in a rental vehicle. If you're a young driver, a daily surcharge applies. You'll usually be limited to a few car categories, such as economy and mid-size, and may also have to purchase an all-inclusive insurance rate. Always enter the correct age of the main driver when booking to find out if any restrictions or surcharges apply.
What do you need to rent a car in Cowes?
While booking conditions may differ between rental car outlets, the essentials are a current driver's licence and a credit card in the same name. You don't need to take out the company's insurance plan. However, proof of your own coverage may be necessary.
What side of the road do you drive on in Cowes?
In Cowes, be prepared to drive on the left. This obviously differs from driving in the States, so be aware and focus while out on the road.
What is the cheapest car rental in Cowes?
With car rental rates starting as low as and per day in Cowes within the past seven days, you'll be driving away with your own incredible deal before long. These rates were available on Expedia, with a rental starting date within the next year. Prices and availability are subject to change and additional terms apply.
Can I rent a car for a month or longer in Cowes?
Yes, so you won't have to rebook a rental car in the middle of your vacation. Head over to our long-term car rental deals page, enter your details and secure a ride that's all yours for the duration of your escape.
Where can I find a Cowes car rental if I am younger than 25?
Some Cowes providers will rent cars to drivers under 25, and others won't. Policies differ from supplier to supplier, so be prepared to do your homework. Also, find out if there are any additional costs. Some places will apply a surcharge to young drivers between 21 and 24. Always look through the terms and conditions so you know what to expect.

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