SIXT Car Hire Southampton

Traffic Information

Southampton is a great place to hire a car, there is so much to see and do across the city, but the neighbouring towns and sights are also spectacular.  In the city centre during normal rush hour times and around the Port of Southampton when ships are arriving or departing, traffic can become heavy.  However, there are many dock gates and congestion is usually quick to clear.  

There are 42 parking areas dotted around the city, most are open 24 hours a day. In the popular shopping area known as WestQuay, there are 4,000 parking spaces and at the Ocean Village Marina development there is a multi-storey park.  The airport is around 17 minutes from the town centre using the South West Train service, or 12 minutes along the A33 if you will be driving from our office.  Southampton is surrounded by the M27 motorway, from this smaller A roads break off and head into town at regular intervals.   These also separate to form residential streets and B roads, so a Sat Nav is recommended for getting around smoothly.  Once you are settled into your rental car, you can spend the weekend exploring the nearby New Forest, see the historic cathedral in Winchester, or stay in Southampton to visit the Alpine Snowsports Centre or SeaCity Museum.

Sight Seeing Information

Jane Austen's House Museum

The countryside and coast surrounding Southampton is especially scenic and unspoilt, it is the ideal place for a drive and offers many fascinating stop off points.  For literary fans, a visit to the former home of 19th century writer Jane Austen is a must.  She lived in this charming red brick cottage in Chawton, Hampshire from 1809 until 1817, during which time she revised several of her manuscripts and wrote three new novels.  The cottage is now a museum dedicated to telling guests about the life and work of the author, you can see how she lived, stroll through the garden and take in the peaceful atmosphere that was her inspiration.

Isle of Wight

For a more exotic day trip, hop on the ferry at Southampton Dock and discover what the Isle of Wight has to offer.  This small island is just 4 miles from the UK mainland but has many quiet, open spaces that enable you to relax and experience a far slower pace of life.  You can see Queen Victoria's favoured summer residence at Osborne House, or travel to the islands south west coast to see sparkling coves like Freshwater Bay and enjoy lunch at a village pub.

National Motor Museum

If you are a fan of motor vehicles, then take a trip to the Beaulieu National Motor Museum where there are countless exhibits revealing how motoring has changed over the decades.  You'll be able to see the first motorised vehicles to ever hit the road, along with modern F1 racers, custom models and historic caravans.  There is also a gothic Victorian mansion to explore, the ruins of Beaulieu Abbey and a monorail.  A packed day out that is perfect for anyone who appreciates the joys of driving!

Business Destinations

Car rental in Southampton ensures business travellers can make the most of every trip.   The University of Southampton Science Park is 5 miles from the city centre and 12 miles from the airport, it houses many start-up businesses along with more established commercial enterprises. The Centurion Industrial Park is located just 1.4 miles from the town centre and 4 miles from the airport, it is a growing site which houses a diverse range of local businesses.  Conferences and trade fairs are staged regularly at the Southampton Solent University Conference Centre, this is located in the town centre, around 4.5 miles from the airport.