Paris Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Paris

Renting a car in and around Paris offers the freedom to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and maintain flexible travel plans, making it an ideal choice for families and those seeking cultural or romantic experiences. You can visit iconic attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, both located conveniently within the city. Additionally, a trip to Disneyland® Paris is easily accessible, providing a fun experience for families.

Having a car allows you to explore popular neighbourhoods like the Paris City Center, which features landmarks such as Notre-Dame and Palais Garnier, or the historic Marais area, known for its vibrant atmosphere. You can also visit the charming Saint-Germain-des-Prés, home to the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Pres and delightful cafés. With so much to see and do, renting a car in Paris ensures you can experience the city's rich culture and scenic beauty without the constraints of public transportation.

Most popular car rentals in Paris

• Economy: The Economy car is a top choice for travellers in Paris, accommodating up to 5 individuals with space for 2 medium suitcases. This option is ideal for solo adventurers, couples, or families who appreciate the convenience of manageable luggage while exploring the city. With its compact size, navigating the bustling streets of Paris becomes a breeze, allowing for flexible travel plans and easy parking.
• Midsize SUV: For those seeking more space, the Midsize SUV is an excellent option, accommodating 5 travellers and offering room for up to 3 large suitcases. This car type is perfect for families, couples, or small groups looking for comfort and versatility. With its higher seating position and additional cargo capacity, the Midsize SUV enables you to enjoy the attractions around Paris without feeling cramped, making it a popular choice among renters.
• Compact: The Compact car is another highly booked option in Paris, fitting 5 travellers and allowing for 3 medium suitcases. This vehicle is well-suited for solo travellers, couples, or families who prefer a smaller car that still offers sufficient space for luggage. The Compact car strikes a balance between size and efficiency, making it an excellent choice for those wishing to explore the city while ensuring easy handling and parking in urban settings.

Top rated car suppliers in Paris

• Alamo Rent A Car: With over 5 rental locations throughout the Paris area, Alamo Rent A Car provides excellent accessibility for travellers. Known for their reliable service, Alamo is a popular choice for those looking to rent a Midsize SUV or Compact SUV, allowing you to navigate the city and its surroundings comfortably. Their user-friendly booking process ensures a hassle-free experience, making it easy to manage your travel plans.
• Budget: Budget boasts more than 5 rental locations in and around Paris, offering a range of vehicles to suit various needs. Their most booked options include the Midsize SUV and Economy cars, which are perfect for exploring Paris at your leisure. Budget is renowned for affordability without compromising on quality, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travellers.
• Europcar: With over 10 rental locations in the Paris vicinity, Europcar stands out for its extensive coverage and customer-oriented service. They offer a selection of Compact and Economy vehicles that cater to different preferences and budgets. Europcar is ideal for those wanting flexibility and convenience during their stay, ensuring easy access to explore Paris and beyond.

Where to stay in Paris

• Paris City Center: Located at the heart of Paris, this neighborhood is perfect for those seeking a cultural and romantic experience. With attractions like the Louvre Museum and Notre-Dame nearby, it offers significant architectural landmarks and a vibrant atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy shopping areas and the famous Palais Garnier opera, making it an ideal spot for art and culture enthusiasts. Numerous dining options, including restaurants and wineries, are easily accessible, enhancing your stay in the city.
• 8th Arrondissement: This district is renowned for its romantic charm and city experience. The iconic Champs-Élysées and the Eiffel Tower are among the top attractions, providing a taste of Parisian culture and significant architecture. The area boasts shopping centres and various venues for entertainment, including the Louvre Museum. With a variety of restaurants and cafes close by, the 8th Arrondissement is a fantastic choice for those wanting to immerse themselves in the essence of Paris.
• 15th Arrondissement: Known for its outdoor charm and romantic vibe, the 15th Arrondissement features landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Tour Montparnasse. This district offers a blend of significant architecture and shopping areas, making it suitable for city exploration. The Rue du Commerce provides additional shopping options and local eateries. With its relaxed atmosphere and proximity to key attractions, this arrondissement is a lovely retreat for travellers seeking both culture and leisure.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search based on vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendly options, utilize filters on Expedia to discover the best fit for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to reserve your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re more likely to secure lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in congested areas. Mid-size vehicles offer a balanced combination of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 years may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or luxury models—may be unavailable. This also applies to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is usually the most favourable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are acceptable as well, but ensure you return the car empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There’s often a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but the added convenience may justify the cost.
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 unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unexpected incidents during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking with Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning on taking long road trips, seek out rental options that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional 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 Paris

The best value period to rent a car in Paris is November, when prices are slightly low and demand is minimal. January and February also tend to be quieter months, offering average pricing with low demand. As the summer approaches, particularly in July and August, rental prices rise to slightly high levels, coinciding with high demand from tourists. June through August see the busiest activity, making it the most expensive time for car rentals in the area.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	39.6°F (4.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
February	41.0°F (5.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
March	46.4°F (8.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
April	51.8°F (11.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	64.4°F (18.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
July	68.2°F (20.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
August	68.4°F (20.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
September	63.1°F (17.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	55.9°F (13.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	47.5°F (8.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
December	41.9°F (5.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High