Cheap car hire in Southend, United Kingdom

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Choose from 18 pick-up spots

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There are 18 car hire providers in Southend. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

The most popular car rental companies in Southend

Hiring a car in Southend: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyEnterprise
Most popular carIntermediate/Standard, SUV
Average daily price51 €
Best time to book1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Southend

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Southend car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Southend

  • Grab a cheap rental car in Southend and start your adventure for around 51 € a day. From city stays to far-flung escapes, we'll help you find a rental that suits your trip.

  • January is the cheapest month to rent a car in Southend. With average daily rates of 17 €, you're riding easy with savings like these.

  • To land a cheap rental car in Southend, it's smart to book in advance. Prices generally climb as your travel dates get closer, and waiting too long might mean missing out.

  • Rent your wheels from Enterprise, Drivalia or Keddy By Europcar. These are some of the most well-known providers offering car hire deals in Southend.

  • Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Southend car hire policy, whether with Enterprise or a different supplier. Some companies offer it as a paid extra instead of including it.

  • Booking one-way could snag you a bargain on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Simply select 'Return car to a different location' when looking for a car for rent in Southend.

  • Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Southend with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. No surprise fuel add-ons when you hand back the keys either.

  • Hit the road without tracking every mile and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you explore without limits.

Compare car hire types in Southend

  • Small: These cheap rental cars in Southend may be small in size, but they live up to big expectations. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to manoeuvre, great on mileage, and just the thing for short trips.

  • Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the rental that's juuuust right! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are great for couples and small families.

  • Large: You've got the kids, the bags, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the capacity to fit it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for longer drives, this Southend car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and scenic backroads alike.

  • Van: Select this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Southend that can handle the heavy stuff. Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's supplies, baggage or big groups.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Choosing excess insurance for your Southend car hire gives you peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or a collision. Insurance policies can vary from one provider to another, so always compare your options.

  • From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can make all the difference. Consider which add-ons could enhance your trip when you rent a car in Southend.

Good to know

  • To rent a vehicle in the United Kingdom, you generally have to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may offer rentals to younger drivers for an extra fee, so carefully review the policies before confirming your booking.

  • Add a car seat to your Southend car hire reservation if you're bringing the kids. Requirements change from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their size, weight and age is always the safest choice.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Southend

  • Discover the leading attractions in the city once you've lined up a car hire deal in Southend. City Beach and Adventure Island are the perfect warm-up to your travels.

  • If you're looking for somewhere to stay in Southend while you take in the sights, consider Holiday Inn Southend or The Oakland Hotel.

  • Around 56 kilometres west of central Southend, London deserves a spot on your itinerary. Make a beeline for can't-miss sights like The British Museum and Westminster Abbey.

  • They know how to treat guests at The Z Hotel Piccadilly and Safestay London Elephant & Castle, two comfortable accommodation options in London.

  • Add Luton to your holiday plans too. Grab your cheap car hire in Southend and drive roughly 88 kilometres north-west to take in main draws such as Cowslip Meadow Nature Reserve and Someries Castle.

  • Put your feet up after a long day in Luton at Thistle Express London Luton. Or trade the open road for a quiet stay at Holiday Inn Express London - Luton Airport.

  • Looking to cover more ground? Cardiff is another fun destination that's about 274 kilometres west of Southend. Plan to make a few pit stops at Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National History Museum.

  • Time to think about catching some z's. Sleeperz Hotel Cardiff and Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre are waiting for you in Cardiff.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Southend will set you back around 51 € per day or 109 € per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Southend is an intermediate SUV. The most popular is Intermediate/Standard, SUV.
The cheapest car hire company in Southend is currently U-Save, followed by Green Motion.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Southend is currently January.
On average, around 109 €. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Southend is 106 €.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Southend for a whole month is 1.206 €. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Southend, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Southend that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Southend.
Most places – Southend included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is 35 € per day. The average price per day is around 173 €.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Enterprise, Drivalia and Green Motion offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Enterprise as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van hire is available in Southend.