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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
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Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car deals in Bordeaux. Compare rates and book in one place. Pick up from Bordeaux Airport (BOD), the city centre or Saint-Jean train station, then visit Saint-Émilion, Arcachon and the Dordogne at your own pace. City locations often have lower car hire rates than the airport, so compare pickup points and book early for summer and harvest season.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Bordeaux Airport (BOD) | • Largest selection of rental companies • Convenient for arrivals by air • 24/7 service at major companies |
• Higher rates than city locations • 12 km from city centre • May require shuttle to rental area |
| Bordeaux City Centre | • Better rates than airport • Multiple locations throughout city • Near hotels and attractions |
• Limited selection at each location • Restricted hours, often 8am-6pm • May be closed Sundays |
| Bordeaux Saint-Jean Train Station | • Convenient for train arrivals • Several rental companies on-site • Near public transport |
• Smaller vehicle selection • Can be busy during peak times • Limited space for queuing |
On average, car rentals in Bordeaux cost around €52 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €19 per day.
Compare pickup spots: In Bordeaux, city-centre locations are often 10-15% cheaper than the airport, but watch shorter hours. The airport has the widest selection, handy if you need an automatic in summer.
Time your booking to the season: For Jun-Aug and the wine harvest (Sep-Oct), book 2-3 months ahead. In Nov-Mar, booking 2-3 weeks out often gets the lowest rates.
Flex your dates and times: Weekday pickups/returns can beat weekend surcharges. Shifting by a day can change the price. Avoid out-of-hours pickups to skip extra fees.
Pick the right car: Manuals are typically 15-20% cheaper than automatics. Go compact to save fuel and fit Bordeaux’s tight streets. Use Park & Ride car parks to avoid pricey city-centre parking.
Trim running costs: Fill up at supermarket stations and return the car full. Budget 10-20€ for tolls on common routes, or use N/D roads if you’re not in a rush.
Check durations and locations: A 7-day rate can beat 5-6 days. Compare totals across durations and between airport, city, and Saint-Jean station before booking.
| Type | Details | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| City Centre Car Spots | • Blue zones (free using time disc) • Underground paid car parks • Park & Ride options |
• Street spaces difficult to find • Time-limited in most areas • Avoid leaving cars in tram lanes |
| Traffic Restrictions | • Historic centre has limited access • One-way streets common • Low emission zone requirements |
• Follow signage carefully • GPS may not reflect all restrictions • Cameras enforce some restrictions |
| Speed Limits | • 50 km/h in urban areas • 80-90 km/h on rural roads • 130 km/h on highways |
• Speed cameras common • Limits strictly enforced • Reduced in wet weather |
| Toll System | • A10, A62, A63, A65 are toll roads • Electronic toll badge available • Cash and cards accepted |
• Keep receipt for rentals • Prepare for toll costs |
Book a rental so you can drive to:
Saint-Émilion – vineyards, village centre
Arcachon – beaches, Dune du Pilat
Dordogne Valley – villages
Biarritz – beaches, town centre
Is an International Driving Permit required in Bordeaux? If your licence isn't from the EU, you can usually drive using your own country's licence as long as it's in French or you have an official translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP). Drivers with an EU/EEA licence can use their usual licence. Some rental companies might ask for an IDP if your licence doesn't use the Latin alphabet.
Where can I find the best rental rates in Bordeaux? Rental places in the city centre often have rates about 10-15% lower than the airport, but they might not be open as long. You can find competitive deals by looking at different companies.
Are there any toll-free routes to major destinations? Yes, you can take the national (N) and departmental (D) roads to avoid tolls, but your journey will often take 30-50% longer than on the highways.
What type of car is recommended for Bordeaux? We recommend a compact or economy car for driving and parking in the city. If you're touring the wine region and have passengers, a mid-size car will be more comfortable on longer drives.
How is parking handled in the city centre? For most street parking, you need to pay at a machine or use an app. There are also several underground car parks that usually charge by the hour. You can find cheaper all-day parking at the Park & Ride places near tram terminals.
Are there any car-free zones in Bordeaux? Yes, some parts of the historic centre are for pedestrians only or have restricted entry for cars. The city limits car access around the waterfront area (Place de la Bourse) and nearby streets.
What insurance options are available? Rental companies include basic insurance in the price. You can also pay extra to lower your excess, or to add cover for glass and tyres. Extra cover for third-party liability is also available.
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