About Car Rental at Southampton International Airport (serves Portsmouth)
Portsmouth is one of the most densely populated areas in the UK, with a population of over 200,000 people. Also known as the Great Waterfront City, Portsmouth is packed to the brim with world-renowned attractions such as museums, iconic buildings and monuments. It offers plenty of sports activities to people waiting to get their rush of adrenaline. Alternatively, walk around the cobbled streets and shop till you drop, in the shopping district. At the end of the day, relax in a bar or a pub with live music, theatre, and some delicious food. Does this sound exciting? The best way to explore Portsmouth is by a hired car.
While Portsmouth did have its own airport a few decades ago, the new primary hub for people visiting the town is Southampton International Airport (SOU). This airport is located approximately 30 minutes from Portsmouth and serves Eastleigh and Southampton as well. It is the 18th busiest airport in the UK, with a record of carrying over 2 million passengers in 2016. A total of 10 airlines utilise the Southampton International Airport for carrying passengers both domestically and internationally. Some of them are British Airways, Aer Lingus, Eastern Airways, easyJet, KLM, Loganair, and Auringy. The most popular destinations from this airport are Dublin, Jersey, Malaga, Geneva, Amsterdam, and Glasgow.
At Southampton International Airport, there are many top-rated car hire companies to choose from, no matter what kind of vehicle you need during your trip. Once you arrive here and collect your baggage and complete the formalities, head outside the Arrivals Hall to find the desks of these car hire agencies. The top car hire brands serving the airport include Sixt, Avis, Budget, National, Hertz, Enterprise, and Europcar. Depending on your requirements and budget, you can hire any vehicle, from a compact family car to a luxurious sedan or SUV. Do note that the majority of the cars in the UK are manual transmissions. Hence, if you require an automatic car, it is best to call them up and reserve it ahead of time. Nonetheless, reserving your desired car is still a good idea if you have a specific make in mind.
Downtown Car Hire in Portsmouth
Since Portsmouth is near the sea, they have a reliable public transportation system in the form of ferries, hovercrafts, buses, trains, and taxis. However, if you are on vacation and plan to visit offbeat locations, public transportation will not take you everywhere you wish to go. If you did not hire your car from the airport, you can still do so in downtown Portsmouth and save some money in the process. Moreover, you might have even more vehicle makes to select from. For instance, if you are with a bunch of friends, an SUV would ensure enough space for you as well as your belongings.
Driving in Portsmouth
Nothing is better than driving your own car in a new country to explore the sights and views it has to offer. However, before stepping on the pedal, here are a few driving tips to know so that you have a smooth trip:
· The minimum legal age for driving a car in the UK is 17. However, if you are 16, you can drive, provided you are accompanied by a qualified driver. However, car hire companies require their customers to be over 21.
· In the UK, people drive on the left side of the road and overtake on the right.
Get Writer for paisa’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
· All drivers must give way to emergency vehicles flashing their sirens and lights.
· It is mandatory for all passengers in the front and the back to wear their seatbelts.
· There are various types of roads in the UK, which are designated by signs. ‘M’ stands for motorway, and the speed limit is 70 mph. ‘A’ stands for main roads, and the speed limit is 60 mph.
· Depending on where you go in the UK, the legal blood alcohol limit ranges from 35–107 mcg per 100ml of blood.
Car Hire Agencies in Portsmouth
The car hire agencies in Portsmouth offer various types of vehicles to select from to suit your needs, no matter if it is a group trip with your best friends, or a private honeymoon with your partner. The most reliable and trustworthy car hire companies in Portsmouth are Sixt, Avis, Budget, National, Hertz, Enterprise, and Europcar. The most popular car brands in Portsmouth are Hyundai, Volkswagen, Kia, Audi, and Mercedes Benz.
Top Road Trips from Portsmouth
Portsmouth sure has a lot to offer on your Great British staycation. However, once you are done with the hustle and bustle of the city and wish to travel elsewhere, nothing sounds better than a road trip. Here are some worthwhile destinations that are highly recommended to visit:
1. Are you travelling with kids and wishing to breathe in some fresh, crisp air? Take the A33 from Portsmouth, and you will arrive in New Forest in under 45 minutes. Not only is the air extremely clean, but there are also plenty of activities to do here, from riding ponies to hiring bikes and exploring in complete silence. If you love your vehicles, head to the Beaulieu National Motor Museum to check out some vintages. Alternatively, take the kids with you to Peppa Pig World to keep them occupied.
2. Drive down the A3054 and head south and hop on one of the many ferries available from East Cowes, which will take you to the Isle of Wight. Most significantly known for its Rock Music Festival, countless rock legends, including Jimi Hendrix, have graced this island. You can easily spend an entire day here, relaxing in the vibe of the town. Alternatively, many visitors enjoy visiting Queen Victoria’s Osbourne House too.
3. History and art lovers will enjoy their time in Salisbury thanks to the plenty of gorgeous restaurants and cafes. Sights here worth visiting include the cathedrals and museums. If you wish to explore a bit further, you can even visit the world-renowned Stonehenge.
