SOU Airport Car Rental — Southampton Airport

Rent a car at Southampton Airport (SOU) and drive directly onto the M27 towards New Forest, Portsmouth, or Winchester. With nine rental companies at the airport, there are always vehicles available. The airport is just 8 km from Southampton city center.

Southampton Airport serves approximately 2 million passengers annually with flights to European destinations. The airport has its own train station with direct trains to Southampton Central (7 min) and London Waterloo (75 min), offering flexible pickup options. Pick up your car directly in the terminal – all nine rental companies have offices at the airport.

Take the M27 westbound for quick access to New Forest (20 min) or eastbound towards Portsmouth (25 min). Book in advance during the summer season when demand is high. How long does it take to drive from Southampton Airport to New Forest?

Approximately 20 minutes via the M27 westbound to Lyndhurst, New Forest's central village. Is there 24-hour car rental pickup at Southampton Airport? Opening hours vary by company – check specific times when booking as not all are open around the clock.

Can I return the car at Southampton port instead of the airport? Yes, several rental companies offer one-way rentals between the airport and the port, approximately 10 km south.

We compare prices from all major providers at Southampton Airport so you can see the total cost upfront — including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.