$39 Car Rental Bournemouth

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Bournemouth

Renting a car in Bournemouth offers you the freedom to explore this beautiful coastal city and its surrounding attractions at your own pace. Whether you are a coastal explorer, a cultural enthusiast, or an active outdoor adventurer, having a rental vehicle provides the flexibility to manage your luggage easily and create a travel plan that suits your needs. You can effortlessly visit local highlights such as Bournemouth Beach, located right in the area, or drive 5 miles to Poole Harbour for stunning scenery and beach experiences.

Additionally, a rental car makes it convenient to explore nearby destinations like Poole, just 5 miles away, where you can enjoy Sandbanks Beach and Poole Quay, or venture 8 miles to Swanage for Swanage Beach and the scenic Isle of Purbeck. For business travelers, the Bournemouth International Centre is also easily accessible within the city. With a rental car, you can navigate seamlessly between Bournemouth City Centre, Bournemouth Pier, and other attractions, ensuring a comfortable and enriching travel experience.

Most popular car rentals in Bournemouth

• Compact SUV: This option fits 5 travelers and accommodates up to 3 medium suitcases, making it ideal for solo travelers, couples, or families. The Compact SUV offers a balance of size and maneuverability, perfect for navigating the coastal roads and city streets of Bournemouth while providing flexibility for your luggage needs.
• Midsize SUV: Comfortably fitting 5 travelers with space for up to 3 large suitcases, this vehicle is well-suited for families, couples, or small groups. The Midsize SUV provides ample room, making it an excellent choice for those looking to explore Bournemouth and surrounding areas with ease while ensuring everyone travels comfortably.
• Standard SUV: Designed for 5 travelers and able to hold up to 2 medium suitcases, the Standard SUV is a great option for couples, families, or groups. With its spacious interior, this vehicle supports your adventurous spirit by allowing for easy travel while managing your luggage effectively, making it a fantastic choice for exploring the scenic beauty of Bournemouth.

Top rated car suppliers in Bournemouth

• Routes: Routes has a rental location situated in the area of Bournemouth, making it an accessible option for travelers. This supplier is particularly popular for its Compact SUVs and Standard SUVs, catering well to those looking for versatile vehicles suitable for both city driving and exploring the surrounding areas. Many customers appreciate the reliability and comfort of the cars offered by Routes, enabling a smooth driving experience during their trip.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental also operates a rental location in Bournemouth, providing travelers with convenient access to their services. This supplier is favored for its selection of Premium and Standard vehicles, which are ideal for those wanting a touch of luxury or spaciousness during their journey. Customers often highlight the ease of the rental process and the quality of the vehicles, making Thrifty a strong choice for a satisfying car rental experience.
• Enterprise: Enterprise has a rental location in the Bournemouth area, known for excellent customer service and a diverse range of vehicles. The most booked options here are Midsize Vans and Luxury Vans, which are perfect for larger groups or travelers seeking extra comfort. Many customers commend Enterprise for its friendly staff and efficient service, ensuring a smooth rental experience from start to finish. This supplier is especially suitable for families or those needing additional space for luggage.

Where to go in and around Bournemouth

• Poole: Located 5 miles away from Bournemouth, Poole attracts visitors seeking outdoor activities, scenic views, and beach experiences. Popular attractions include the picturesque Poole Harbour, ideal for a beach vacation, and the stunning Sandbanks Beach. Poole Quay offers a marina experience perfect for outdoor adventures. The best times to visit are during the peak months of April and July to August, making it an excellent choice for travelers looking to enjoy water sports and family-friendly activities.
• Swanage: Situated 8 miles from Bournemouth, Swanage is known for its outdoor and adventure offerings. Travelers can explore the beautiful Swanage Beach, perfect for a beach vacation, or venture into the surrounding Isle of Purbeck for a unique city experience. Poole Harbour is also accessible from Swanage, offering more scenic views. The peak visiting season is from June to August, making it a great time for enjoying the beach and local attractions.
• Bournemouth City Centre: This vibrant neighborhood is located in the heart of Bournemouth and is popular for outdoor, family, and beach experiences. Key highlights include the beautiful Bournemouth Beach, ideal for beach vacations, and the Bournemouth International Centre, which hosts various events throughout the year. The Bournemouth Pier, a noteworthy jetty, adds to the local charm. The best time to visit is during the peak season from July to September, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and family fun.

10 tips to save on your Bournemouth car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and specific features. Whether you need an SUV for extra room, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to identify the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary significantly based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re more likely to access lower rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to navigate in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This could also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is often the most economical choice. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are also acceptable. Just make sure to return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and offers peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It’s easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan to embark on long road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Bournemouth

The best value period to rent a car in and around Bournemouth is February, when prices and demand are both low. April is another quiet month, offering a great combination of low prices and low demand. However, as summer approaches, prices rise significantly, peaking in July, which experiences both high demand and high rates. June and August also see elevated prices and busy rental periods, making them less ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	43.2°F (6.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	43.5°F (6.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
March	45.3°F (7.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	48.6°F (9.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Low	Low
May	53.6°F (12.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	High
June	59.0°F (15.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	High
July	62.4°F (16.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	High
August	62.4°F (16.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
September	59.7°F (15.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Low	Low
October	55.6°F (13.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	49.6°F (9.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
December	46.0°F (7.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Low

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Bournemouth

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Bournemouth into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Bournemouth and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Bournemouth

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Bournemouth. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Bournemouth

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $39.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

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Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals