Car hire Bournemouth: Compare car rental prices and find the best offers in Bournemouth.

Car hires in Bournemouth: practical information

Where to rent a car in Bournemouth

The southern coast of England is a myriad of quaint towns and seaside resorts which attract a ton of tourists in summer. But this part of the UK isn't just a one-season destination, it's also a great place to visit in autumn and spring! Without a doubt the best way to explore the area is with economy car rentals in Bournemouth. After you've booked your flights to Bournemouth, book your rental car. The further in advance you do it, the better the deal you can snag.

As far as rental cars go at Bournemouth Airport, Europcar is the only option inside the terminal, located in the Departures Lounge. Since Bournemouth has a small airport their rental car counter also operates during limited hours, from 9:00-18:00 daily except Saturdays when it closes at 13:00 and on Sundays when it's closed entirely. In the city centre there are a couple of local agencies as well as Avis that you can also rent from.

Parking in Bournemouth: what you should know

Parking in Bournemouth is fairy easy and isn't as expensive as in other parts of the UK. There is plenty of street parking, charging usually £1/hour although you have to keep a close eye on the signs before leaving your rent car in Bournemouth unattended. Some parking spots are only good for 2 hours before you need to change spots. Derby Road is good for 8+ hours which will only set you back £3… a total bargain. The same goes for Gervis Road, East Overcliff Drive Spur and East Overcliff Drive.

Bournemouth also has a number of city car parks, charging around £2 for 3 hours. With 25 in the city centre alone, you can be sure to find a parking spot for the day or even just a few hours while visiting the city. Of course, if your hotel in Bournemouth has parking facilities available, it's best to use those. It's also a lot more secure than parking overnight in the street.

Road trips from Bournemouth: what to do, what to see

• A stone's throw away: Corfe Castle takes about 1 hour to reach by car from Bournemouth. It is one of the most popular National Trust sights, with impressive views of the surrounding area! Dorset's medieval history comes alive amid these ruins, making a great outing with kids while on holidays in Bournemouth.
• A little further: The New Forest is a national park that attracts many, especially those looking to go camping during the summer. The name is just a tad misleading since the "new" forest was established in 1079 by William I. The towns and villages surrounding the reserve are also nice, especially Lyndhurth, Burley and Ringwood.
• A proper day-trip: If you're going to really explore the south of England, why not jump on a ferry with your car hire from Bournemouth to the Isle of Wight? You can catch a boat from either Portsmouth or Southampton. It was a popular holiday spot among the Victorians so you can expect the best of English charm here. Bring your bikes or rent some while you're here, it's a great way to explore.