Car Hire Newport (Isle of Wight)

Car Hire

Newport is located in the centre of the Isle of Wight, by the head of the River Medina, which dissects the northern half of the island. Newport is a civil parish and the Isle of Wight’s administrative capital. The island is a popular seaside and outdoor destination for many people on the mainland who head here on their holidays to enjoy the relatively-mild climate. There is public transport available but getting around, but your own car is recommended. Nothing beats exploring the many remote sites at your own pace.

Who to Book With
There are several car rental firms on the Isle of Wight. They are largely local firms operating only within the island. In the administrative capital of Newport, visitors will find three car hire firms: Fairlee Service Station, Premier Ford and 5 Star Executive Travel. Visitors are free to head to these offices and get a car rental on-the-spot, but to afford yourself of the best deals, it’s best to plan ahead and compare rates online.

Best Time to Go
With temperatures averaging at a very pleasant 23°C and long sunny days, many visitors come here in the summer months as this is the best time to explore the island. Climate is generally milder here than in the rest of the UK, with relatively low rainfall and little temperature variation.

Need to Know Essentials
The person renting the vehicle needs to provide the following at the car hire pick-up point:

- A UK licence (or International Driving Permit)
- Secondary ID
- Confirmation of the rental booking
- A credit card

For more info read our FAQ's.

Driving
Newport is a small settlement, and the many areas in town can only be accessed by small local streets. Two major roads in the island meet in Newport. One is the A3020, which runs south and then east to Shanklin on the coast, while the other is A3054, which heads west to Yarmouth and Alum Bay.

Our guide to driving in the United Kingdom provides more information.

Transport

Newport is a small town, set on the head of the River Medina. Getting around the centre on foot is not a problem, but public transport in the form of buses is also available. Newport is, in fact, the hub of the bus services on the Isle. Taxis can also be hired, and most accept phone bookings.

Trains
The old Newport Railway Station used to stand in the city centre but was closed in 1966 by British Railways, and by the early 1970s, the site was demolished. The area is now occupied by a dual carriageway, the Medina Way, which connect the A3020 and the A3054.

Taxis
There are several cab companies in Newport that accept booking by phone. A.S.A.P. Taxis is one of the more popular companies operating here, while Newport Taxis also have an office in Acacia Close and along Carisbrooke Road. Also located on Carisbrooke Road is Amar Taxis, while Wight Knight Cars sit along Chiverton Walk on the other side of town. The cab fare from Cowes, one of the docking points for ferries in the north, to Newport is about £10.

Buses
Southern Vectis buses, which operate services across the entire Isle of Wight, have their hub in Newport. The company provides connections from Newport to the main parishes of the island with regular services running daily. The base fare is about £4.

Exploring

Newport is conveniently located in the centre of the Isle of Wight. This means that driving from here to any point on the Isle is an easy affair, and will take motorists past much of the breathtaking scenery of this seaside location. There are cliffs and coves to explore, as well as beaches that offer some of the best swimming and sunbathing in the UK.

Recommended Drives

Alum Bay - This is an easy drive from Newport via the A3054, heading east. Visitors will find a beautiful sandy beach here, with the sand seeming to sport a number of different colours depending on the weather conditions. Also in Alum Bay are The Needles the chalk stack jutting out from the sea.

Carisbrook Castle - The place of imprisonment for King Charles I, is a heritage castle located south of Newport town centre. The walls and forts of this castle have been standing for 800 years. There is a nice museum here as well as a donkey centre, which is always a hit with younger travellers.

Sandown - This is a small town on the east coast of the Isle of Wight, north of Shanklin and east of Newport. It has a wide beach with excellent facilities for visitors, and the nice town is worth a look as well.