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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Compare car rental prices from leading providers in Marseille with Road Genius. From affordable cars to luxury SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Pick up at Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), St-Charles train station or in the city center, then drive from Cassis to Aix-en-Provence via well-signed toll highways. Summer gets busy, so book ahead and choose a compact if you plan to park near Vieux Port or in hilltop villages.
| Location | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) |
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| Marseille St-Charles Train Station |
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| City Center Locations |
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On average, car rentals in Marseille cost around €77 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €36 per day.
Compare pickup locations. In Marseille, airport pickups are super convenient but often carry surcharges and higher base rates. City center or St-Charles station can be cheaper, but watch limited Sunday hours.
Time your booking by season. For July–August, book 2–3 months ahead. For May–June and September, 3–4 weeks is fine. October–April is calmer, 1–2 weeks usually works.
Choose manual if you can. Automatics are common but cost 20–30% more and can sell out sooner.
Avoid prepaid fuel. Return the car full and refuel at supermarket gas stations in town, not on the highway, to cut costs.
Rent fewer days. Pick up the car only when leaving Marseille and use metro or Park & Ride (€3–5/day) while in the city to avoid €20–35/day garages.
Check longer and unlimited-km deals. Weekly rates and unlimited mileage can beat stacking daily prices if you’re doing multiple Provence day trips. Also compare any one-way fees if dropping in another city.
| Parking Type | Details | Cost Estimate (Approx.) | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street Parking | Metered zones throughout city | Varies by zone |
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| Public Garages | Vieux Port, Bourse, République | Varies by location |
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| Park & Ride | Peripheral lots connected to transit | Varies; plus transit ticket |
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| Beach Parking | Prado, Pointe Rouge | Varies by season |
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Get a rental car so you can get to:
Cassis and the Calanques – Gineste Road, Route des Crêtes, hiking trails
Aix-en-Provence – A51 highway, parking garages
Avignon – A7 highway, parking garages
Luberon villages – Roussillon, Gordes, Bonnieux
Camargue – Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, wildlife, beaches
Marseille beaches – Prado, Pointe Rouge
Is an International Driving Permit required to rent a car in Marseille?
You don't need one if your license has a photo and uses the Latin alphabet. If your license is in another language, we recommend you get an International Driving Permit to act as a translation.
What's the minimum age to rent a car in Marseille?
You usually need to be 21. Rental companies add a young driver surcharge of about €15-30 a day if you're under 25. For some premium cars, you might need to be 25 or older.
Are there toll roads around Marseille?
Yes, several major highways have toll sections. You'll find them on the A7 and A8 as well as parts of the A50 and A51. The A55 around Marseille is free. You can expect to pay about €2-15 depending on how far you drive. The toll booths accept credit cards.
How is the parking situation in central Marseille?
Finding a parking spot can be hard, especially near the Vieux Port and tourist areas. You can use public garages like Vieux Port, Bourse and République, but they can be expensive. We suggest parking on the outskirts of the city and taking public transport.
Can I pick up a car in Marseille and drop it off in another city?
Yes, most companies let you rent a car one-way within France. The fees change depending on the company and the distance, but you can usually drop the car off in any major city.
Should I rent an automatic or manual transmission?
Manual cars are more common and usually cheaper to rent. If you need an automatic, make sure you book it early and expect to pay 20-30% more.
What type of car is best for exploring Marseille and Provence?
A small car, like a Renault Clio or Peugeot 208, is good for driving on city streets and paved country roads. Most rental agreements don't let you drive on unpaved or gravel roads. This rule applies even for cars that seem more capable. You should always check your contract to see where you're allowed to drive.
Is the Marseille Low Emission Zone (ZFE) a concern for rental cars?
No, it's not usually a problem. Rental companies mostly offer new cars that meet current emission standards and have the correct Crit'Air sticker. Still, you should ask your rental company about it if you plan to drive a lot in Marseille's city center on weekdays.
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