Opening Hours
Monday: 08:30-17:30
Tuesday: 08:30-17:30
Wednesday: 08:30-17:30
Thursday: 08:30-17:30
Friday: 08:30-17:30
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
About Southampton
Car hire in Southampton gives you the freedom to explore the South Coast and beyond on your own schedule. Whether you're setting off on a cruise, visiting family, or planning a road trip through Hampshire, our Southampton car rental service offers great value and a wide choice of vehicles.
Our branch is conveniently located near the city centre, close to Southampton Central train station and the port terminals. It's an ideal option for cruise passengers and visitors arriving by rail, and makes a perfect base for trips to local highlights like Westquay Shopping Centre, the SeaCity Museum, and the historic Old Town. With direct access to the M3 and M27, you're also well placed for journeys to Winchester, Bournemouth, Portsmouth and the New Forest.
Choose from compact cars for city driving, family-friendly SUVs, or vans for moving day and group travel. Every rental comes with transparent pricing, secure online booking, and support from our friendly local team.
Want something further east? Visit our Portsmouth branch for more availability.
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to common questions about our car and van hire.
- A valid passport AND valid driving licence (both in date)
- 2 x Proof of address *
- A credit or debit card in your own name
- A DVLA check code obtained from the DVLA website no more than 21 days before the rental start date, codes can be generated using the following website here
- Additional drivers must present a valid passport AND valid driving licence along with a DVLA check code
*One must be the credit card statement/bank statement for the credit card/debit card being presented for deposit and additional charges. The other should be a formal document (eg. utilities bill) both dated within 8 weeks of date of hire
Vehicles are subject to limited miles as follows:
- Rental duration of 1-14 days is limited to 100 miles per day
- Rental duration of 15-27 days and over is limited to 70 miles per day
- Rental duration of 28 days and over is limited to 2000 miles per 28 days
Excess miles will be charged as follows:
- All vehicles, excluding Luxury & Elite vehicles, @ 15p+Vat per mile
- Luxury & Elite vehicles will be charged @ 50p+Vat per mile
Switch works with a wide range of Manufacturers and, as such, we are unable to display every available vehicle within each category on our website. Our policy is to display the most appropriate vehicle within that particular category at any point in time. The definition of 'Or Similar' is the provision of a vehicle of comparable size, body type and rental value to the vehicle being displayed. Please note, due to the number of Manufacturers we deal with, we may supply a vehicle from an alternative manufacturer.
In the unlikely event that a vehicle from the category booked is unavailable Switch will supply a Free Upgrade. A Free Upgrade is defined as a vehicle which has a greater rental value than the category booked.
Reservations made via the Switch website are at special rates which reflect our Cancellation and No-show policies.
Reservations confirmed and pre-paid on-line
If you cancel your pre-paid reservation within 24 hours of placing the booking Switch will issue a full refund. If you cancel your reservation more than 24 hours from time of making the booking no refund will be made. All bookings cancelled less than 48 hours from the pick up date and time are non refundable. Please note if appropriate I.D., the necessary payment/deposit is not produced at time of pick up or the Terms and Conditions are not adhered to in any way, and the rental cannot proceed, no refund will be made. Cancellations may be made on this website and a cancellation number will be emailed to you - please retain this for your records.
NB: No cancellations can be made on the website after the rental start date & time. In these instances you should request the pick up location to action on your behalf.
Reservations confirmed on line but paid on pick up
No charge will be made for cancellation of a reservation that has been confirmed on line for payment on pick up.
Reservations confirmed off line by the Switch location
You may cancel your reservation at any time up to 48 hours before the check-out time without charge. Cancellation should be made direct with the Switch location (by telephone or email).
If you cancel after this time, the Switch location may charge your credit card in accordance with the agreement made at the time of confirmation, subject to a maximum amount equal to the value of the hire.
Drivers of vehicle categories Prestige, Luxury and Elite must be aged 30 or over.
The additional daily charges of 35.00 (incl VAT) applied to drivers aged 22-24 is included in the quote provided.
Please note: If you cannot fulfil the stated ID requirements please contact the renting location prior to booking to discuss options.
Vehicles are subject to limited miles as follows:
Excess miles will be charged as follows:
Please note all payments/charges/refunds are processed in Pounds Sterling (GBP). Switch cannot be held responsible for fluctuations in exchange rates or for losses which may arise due to changes in currency exchange rates
Switch works with a wide range of Manufacturers and, as such, we are unable to display every available vehicle within each category on our website. Our policy is to display the most appropriate vehicle within that particular category at any point in time. The definition of 'Or Similar' is the provision of a vehicle of comparable size, body type and rental value to the vehicle being displayed. Please note, due to the number of Manufacturers we deal with, we may supply a vehicle from an alternative manufacturer.
In the unlikely event that a vehicle from the category booked is unavailable Switch will supply a Free Upgrade. A Free Upgrade is defined as a vehicle which has a greater rental value than the category booked.