Car Hire Bournemouth Airport

Car Hire

Located 3.5 miles northeast of the city, Bournemouth Airport is a conveniently-located hub. Despite not being as well known as some of the larger airports in the UK, it has been voted the best airport in the country on numerous occasions and was voted the third best airport in the world in 2008. Offering easy-to-use amenities, Bournemouth Airport is well-served by car hire companies, with self-drive being the best way to navigate southern England.

Who to Book With
Europcar is Bournemouth Airport's official supplier of car hire. Its desk, which is located in the Departures lounge, is open from 08:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday and from 08:00 to 13:00 on Saturday. It is closed on Sunday.

Need to Know Essentials
You will need to show the following documents at vehicle collection:

- A full and valid UK driver's licence
- The credit card used to complete the reservation
- Passport or utility bill for confirmation of ID
- Printed confirmation of booking

For more info read our FAQ's.

Driving
Parking restrictions in the UK are rigorously-enforced, especially in towns and cities, which are regularly patrolled by officers with clamps at the ready. Key destinations are well-linked by a series of motorways, although travelling during rush hours is advised against. Petrol stations accept both credit cards and cash, regardless of whether they are located in big cities or rural areas.

See our guide to the UK for more information on driving here.

Transport

Passengers that wish to reach Bournemouth Airport can do so through a variety of different means, including by car hire, bus, rail or taxi. Buses travel from the centre of Bournemouth to the airport, while trains link with the airport from both Christchurch and Bournemouth. Taxis are available from specially-designated taxi ranks in the centre of Bournemouth or can be pre-booked.

Trains
Bournemouth Airport has local connections to the UK's mainline rail network via Bournemouth Station at the Travel Interchange. Hourly shuttle buses connect the airport with the interchange. Fares vary, with specific price information available from National Rail.

Taxis
Compass Cars is the main company providing taxis at Bournemouth Airport. It has the largest fleet of all the firms operating in the area. Conveniently, Compass Cars have desks in Bournemouth Airport's terminal and may also be contacted on: +44 1202 373737.

Taxi prices:
Bournemouth Airport to Bournemouth city centre is about £20

Buses
The Bournemouth Airport Shuttle runs seven days a week from 07:00 until 19:00. Pre-bookings aren't required and travel from the terminal to the town centre can take as little as 12 minutes. A standard adult day return costs around £5. On the other hand, an open return runs at roughly £8.

Facilities

Terminals
Bournemouth Airport is home to one terminal which currently receives around 600,000 passengers a year. It is one of southern England's most active airports. As a result, it features comprehensive facilities including eating and drinking options, shopping outlets and money services.

Parking
There are four types of parking available at Bournemouth Airport. While Standard Parking is the cheapest, Flexible Parking allows customers to amend or cancel their booking at any time. VIP Parking is best suited to those with bulky luggage or small children, and Meet & Greet is viewed as the best service overall. Leaving a vehicle in the Standard Parking area for a week typically costs around £45.

Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi in Bournemouth Airport is made available to all passengers for half an hour during any period of 24 hours. A premium service charged at pay-as-you-go tariffs is also available.

Information Services
Information is located in the main terminal and can be contacted by telephone on: +44 1202 364 000.

Useful Numbers
General enquires: +44 1202 364 000
Car park bookings: +44 871 310 5556

Accessibility
Bournemouth Airport has specially-designated parking spaces for disabled passengers and wheelchair assistance is provided. Alternatively, wheelchairs may be borrowed while at the hub. Members of staff are on hand to guarantee that passengers who require help can board their aircraft both quickly and efficiently.

Restaurants and Bars
EstPresso is an Italian café that can be found after security in the main terminal. Similarly, the Olive Tree Café Bar is located after security. Those that need to eat or drink before they pass through security can do so at Joe's Kitchen & Coffeehouse.

VIP Lounges
Bournemouth VIP Airport Lounge
Priority Pass Bournemouth Airport
Bournemouth Executive Airport Lounge

Money and ATMs
Bournemouth Airport has Travelex ATMs and bureaux de change booths throughout the main terminal.

Shopping
WHSmith has branches in Bournemouth Airport's main terminal, both before and after security. Everything from the latest books and magazines to travel adaptors and toothbrushes can be obtained at these outlets. Worlddutyfree can be found after security and offers knock-out discounts on tobacco, perfume and alcohol items.