Portsmouth Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Portsmouth

Renting a car in Portsmouth offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city's attractions and nearby destinations at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and adapt your travel plans as needed. This is especially beneficial for families or business travellers seeking a convenient way to navigate the area. Portsmouth is home to notable sites such as the HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Museum, both perfect for cultural experiences. Southsea Beach is also nearby, providing a lovely spot for relaxation. Additionally, you can venture to nearby locations like Gosport, just 2 km away, to visit Stokes Bay Beach and the Royal Navy Submarine Museum. A short 12 km drive takes you to Bembridge, where you can enjoy Whitecliff Bay Beach and other coastal gems. Southsea, a neighbourhood within Portsmouth, features attractions like The D-Day Story and Southsea Castle. With a rental car, you can explore these diverse experiences with ease, making your trip to Portsmouth both enjoyable and efficient.

Most popular car rentals in Portsmouth

• Economy: Ideal for solo travellers, couples, or small families, the Economy car comfortably accommodates up to 5 travellers with space for 2 medium suitcases. This option is particularly popular among tourists who value cost-effectiveness while enjoying the freedom to explore Portsmouth at their own pace.
• Compact: The Compact car is a great choice for solo adventurers, couples, or families looking for a little extra room. It seats up to 5 travellers and allows for 3 medium suitcases. This option strikes a balance between fuel efficiency and comfort, making it a frequently booked choice for those navigating the streets of Portsmouth.
• Midsize SUV: Perfect for families, couples, or small groups, the Midsize SUV accommodates up to 5 travellers and provides ample space for 3 large suitcases. This option is often preferred by those who value both comfort and additional luggage capacity, making it an excellent choice for longer trips around Portsmouth and beyond.

Top rated car suppliers in Portsmouth

• Enterprise: Enterprise is a top choice for car rentals in Portsmouth, offering a convenient location within the city. Known for its exceptional customer service, this supplier provides a range of vehicles including Mini and Fullsize SUVs, catering to various traveller needs. Customers appreciate the helpful staff and the flexibility in rental options, making Enterprise a reliable option for exploring Portsmouth and its surroundings.
• Routes: Routes stands out with its single rental location in Portsmouth, making it easy for travellers to pick up their vehicles. This supplier is particularly popular for its selection of Compact and Standard SUVs, ideal for both city driving and countryside adventures. Customers value the straightforward rental process and the quality of vehicles available, ensuring a pleasant experience during their stay.
• Europcar: Europcar is another excellent option for car rentals in Portsmouth, featuring a conveniently located rental spot. This supplier is favoured for its range of Standard and Compact SUVs, which offer great versatility for different journeys. Travellers often highlight the cleanliness of the vehicles and the efficiency of the rental process, making Europcar a smart choice for those looking to navigate Portsmouth with ease.

Where to stay in and around Portsmouth

• Bembridge: Located 12 km from Portsmouth, Bembridge is a charming city known for its outdoor adventures and stunning scenery. Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking and motor racing, with attractions such as Whitecliff Bay Beach and Bembridge Beach nearby, perfect for a beach holiday. The local cuisine includes a variety of restaurants, breweries, and wineries, making it a delightful stop for food lovers.
• Southsea: This vibrant neighbourhood is situated close to Portsmouth and is ideal for families and business travellers alike. Southsea features a bustling shopping area, a theatre, and notable landmarks like The D-Day Story military museum and Southsea Castle, which is great for culture enthusiasts. The family beach and nearby dock port provide lovely seaside experiences, with bars available for a relaxing evening.
• Gosport: Just 2 km from Portsmouth, Gosport is a city that offers a blend of outdoor fun and family-friendly activities. Visitors can explore the sandy shores of Stokes Bay Beach and the adventurous Haslar Marina. The Royal Navy Submarine Museum adds a cultural dimension for those interested in military history. With shopping areas and theatres, Gosport provides a well-rounded experience for all types of travellers.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilise the filters on Expedia to help you discover the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are likely to obtain more favourable rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically less expensive to rent and are easier to manoeuvre 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—may be unavailable. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel choices, which is acceptable as well. Just ensure that you return the vehicle empty in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You will often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car from airports; however, this might be worthwhile for the extra convenience it provides.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and offers peace of mind should anything unexpected arise during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking with Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you are planning long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to steer clear of additional charges.
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 and February, when demand is low and prices are moderately low. March through May also offer average prices with steady demand, making them decent options. However, June through August sees higher demand and average prices, while September is particularly busy and tends to be pricier. The month of December stands out as the most expensive time for rentals, accompanied by moderately high demand.

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