$57 Car Rental Bournemouth

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Bournemouth

Renting a car in Bournemouth offers the freedom and flexibility to explore this beautiful city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and create a travel plan that suits your preferences. Bournemouth is home to stunning attractions like Bournemouth Beach and Bournemouth Pier, both easily accessible by car. You can also venture to nearby Poole, located 5 miles away, where you can experience the scenic Poole Harbour and Sandbanks Beach. If you're seeking adventure, a drive to Swanage, just 8 miles from Bournemouth, allows you to enjoy Swanage Beach and the natural beauty of Studland Beach and Nature Reserve. For those interested in history, Lytchett Matravers, also 8 miles away, features the charming Wimborne Minster. Whether you're traveling with family or friends, a rental car provides convenience for outdoor adventures and scenic experiences, making it an excellent choice for your trip to Bournemouth and its surrounding areas.

Most popular car rentals in Bournemouth

• Economy: The Economy car option is perfect for accommodating up to 5 travelers along with 2 medium suitcases. This makes it an ideal choice for solo travelers, couples, or small families who want to explore Bournemouth at their own pace while enjoying the convenience of easy luggage management.
• Compact: The Compact car option also accommodates up to 5 travelers but offers a bit more luggage space with room for up to 3 medium suitcases. This versatility makes it a great choice for solo adventurers, couples, and families looking for a reliable vehicle to navigate the attractions in and around Bournemouth comfortably.
• Midsize Van: If you're traveling with a larger group, the Midsize Van is an excellent option, accommodating up to 9 travelers and providing space for up to 6 large suitcases. This makes it ideal for families or groups who require extra room for their belongings and prefer the comfort of traveling together while exploring Bournemouth and its surroundings.

Top rated car suppliers in Bournemouth

• Routes: Routes provides a convenient rental location in Bournemouth, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking flexibility during their stay. The most popular vehicles booked with Routes are the Compact SUV and Standard SUV, which are perfect for navigating both city streets and nearby attractions. Customers appreciate the efficient service and the ability to easily manage their luggage while exploring the stunning coastline and surrounding areas.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental, also situated conveniently in Bournemouth, is known for its premium vehicle offerings, making it an appealing option for those looking to travel in style. The premium cars provide a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience, great for both leisurely drives and special occasions. Travelers often highlight the reliability of Thrifty’s vehicles and the ease of the rental process as key advantages during their visits.
• Enterprise: Enterprise features a rental location in Bournemouth and is favored for its selection of Midsize Vans and Fullsize vehicles, ideal for larger groups or those needing extra space. Customers often commend Enterprise for its exceptional customer service and the friendly staff who assist with the rental process. This supplier is well-regarded for providing a smooth experience, allowing visitors to focus on enjoying their trip while comfortably traveling around the area.

Where to stay in and around Bournemouth

• Lytchett Matravers: Located 8 miles from Bournemouth, Lytchett Matravers offers a delightful village experience for travelers seeking outdoor adventures and cultural exploration. Enjoy activities at the local recreation park or challenge yourself at the arcade adventure zone. Key points of interest include Poole Harbour, ideal for beach and scenic vacations, as well as Bournemouth Beach and the historic Wimborne Minster, perfect for culture enthusiasts.
• Bournemouth City Centre: This vibrant neighborhood, situated around Bournemouth, is perfect for families and beach lovers. With easy access to various outdoor activities, such as mini golf and theater performances, there's something for everyone. Explore the stunning Bournemouth Beach, enjoy the views at Bournemouth Pier, or relax at Poole Harbour, which offers both beach and scenic experiences for visitors.
• Swanage: Just 8 miles from Bournemouth, Swanage is a scenic city favored by outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The area boasts excellent opportunities for water sports and family-friendly activities in local playgrounds. Visitors can unwind at Swanage Beach or the picturesque Studland Beach and Nature Reserve. The proximity to Poole Harbour adds to the charm, offering breathtaking views and tranquil beach experiences.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Bournemouth

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for cost-effectiveness, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to access lower rates and greater availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically less expensive to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size vehicles offer a good compromise between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This policy can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you'll need to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favorable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which are acceptable as well; just remember to return the car empty in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is simple.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan to take long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring additional costs.
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 are moderately low and demand remains average. Following closely, September offers slightly low prices and low demand, making it a quiet option as well. However, from June through August, prices tend to be moderately high, with June being the most expensive month due to increased demand. While October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

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	Moderately Low
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	Average
May	53.6°F (12.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately High
June	59.0°F (15.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately High
July	62.4°F (16.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Moderately 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	Moderately 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	Moderately 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 $57.

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