Compare Car Rental Calais

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Find low rental car prices in Calais with Road Genius. Compare rates of SUVs, hatchbacks, people movers and reserve with no booking fees. Pick up your Calais car hire at the Ferry Terminal, in town or at Eurotunnel Coquelles, then drive to the Opal Coast, Dunkirk and Lille or follow the A26 toward Paris. Filter for automatics, one-way rentals within France and your preferred fuel policy, and book early for summer and UK bank holiday weekends.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 415652

Location	👍 Pros	👎 Cons
Ferry Terminal	Immediate access upon arrival Walk from foot passenger exit Convenient for ferry travellers Major companies (Europcar) on-site	Limited operating hours Smaller selection of vehicles Potential queues after ferry arrivals Higher rates than city locations
Calais Town	Generally lower rates Multiple agency options Closer to city accommodations More flexible hours	Transport needed from ferry/tunnel 3-5km from ferry terminal May require taxi for luggage transport Limited availability during peak times
Eurotunnel (Coquelles)	Immediate pickup after arrival Convenient for Eurotunnel travellers Avoids city traffic	Limited rental companies Restricted vehicle selection Not ideal for foot passengers Higher rates than town locations

Wait Times and Tips:

Calais agencies are accustomed to UK travellers and most have English-speaking staff

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Calais?

On average, car rentals in Calais cost around €54 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €30 per day.

Saving Tips

Compare pickup spots in Calais: Town branches often price lower than the ferry terminal or Eurotunnel Coquelles. Add the short taxi from the port to your total and pick the cheapest combo.
Book with timing in mind: Lock things in early for July–August and UK bank holiday weekends. In off-peak months like November or Jan–Mar, use free-cancel rates and re-check prices for drops.
Shift your dates/times: Weekend vs weekday pricing can differ a lot. Moving pickup or return by 24 hours can cut the rate.
Pick a smaller/manual car: Compacts and manuals are cheaper and easier to park in Calais. Automatics cost more and sell out in peak season, so compare early if you need one.
Check one-way options within France: Many routes have low or no drop fees. Compare Calais pickup with returns in Lille, Paris or Normandy to avoid backtracking.
Trim running costs: Refuel at hypermarket stations in Calais (Carrefour, Auchan) and use free routes like the A16 toward Boulogne and A25 to Lille to save on tolls.

Parking and Local Driving

Parking Option	Location	Tips
Street Parking	Town centre	Often free outside immediate centre Paid Mon-Sat 9am-7pm in centre Free on Sundays and holidays
Public Car Parks	Town centre	Several options including Parking Mollien Secure and covered options available More affordable than most UK parking
Hypermarket Parking	Outskirts	Free parking at Carrefour, Auchan Popular for shopping stops Watch for 2.0m height barriers Well-lit and spacious
Ferry Terminal	Port area	Short and long-term options Useful for UK day trips Specific return areas for rentals Follow rental company instructions

Local Driving Regulations:

Drive on the right side of the road (immediate adjustment needed for UK drivers)
Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on rural roads, 130 km/h on highways (110 km/h in rain)
Blood alcohol limit is 0.05%.
Roundabouts give priority to vehicles already in the circle (from your left)
Headlights recommended in poor visibility but not mandatory in daytime
No Crit'Air emission zone sticker required in Calais (unlike some larger French cities)

Why rent a car in Calais

Get a car to visit:

Opal Coast – Cap Blanc-Nez, Cap Gris-Nez, Boulogne
Dunkirk
Lille
Bruges (Belgium)
Somme Battlefields – Albert area, WWI sites
Normandy Beaches – D-Day sites

Local Rental Locations

Driving Distances from Calais

FAQs

Can I take my French rental car back to the UK for a day trip? Many French rental companies won't let you take their cars on the ferry or through the tunnel to the UK. Others will ask for written permission first and charge an extra fee or for more insurance. You should check the specific rules of your chosen company.

Are automatic transmission cars available in Calais? Yes, but companies have fewer automatic cars and they cost more than manuals. You should book well in advance if you need an automatic, especially during busy times.

What's the best way to handle the transition to driving on the right? You should take your time when you first drive away from the rental office. Use a navigator to help you with directions so you can focus on staying in your lane. Roundabouts need extra care. Remember that you have to give way to traffic coming from your left.

Can I pick up in Calais and drop off in another French city? Yes, rental companies often let you do one-way hires inside France without an extra drop-off fee, especially between big cities. You should always check their specific rule when you book.

What should I do if my ferry is delayed and I'll miss my rental pickup time? You should call the rental company as soon as you can. Most companies in Calais are used to ferry delays and can help if you let them know. Just be aware that it might be hard to pick up the car after their office closes.

Do I need a Crit'Air sticker for my rental car? You don't need one for driving in Calais. But you will need one if you plan to drive to some bigger cities like Lille, Paris or Strasbourg. Cars you rent in France should already have the right stickers.