Car Rental Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)

FAQs

What car rental companies operate at Marseille Airport?
You'll find all the big companies like Europcar, Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Sixt, Budget and local providers right at the airport. You can walk to the rental area from the terminal building.

Is an International Driving Permit required to rent a car at Marseille Airport?
Rental companies accept EU/EEA licences without an IDP. If you have a non-EU licence that isn't in French, you must have an International Driving Permit or an official translation. Many companies will take licences in the Latin alphabet, but French law might require an IDP or translation to avoid any problems.

What's the minimum age to rent a car at Marseille Airport?
You usually need to be at least 21. If you're under 25, rental companies charge a young driver fee of about €15-30 per day. For some fancier cars, you might need to be 25 or older.

Are there fuel stations near the airport for refuelling before return?
Yes, you can find a Total station near the airport entrance. There are also a few more choices in the nearby towns of Vitrolles and Marignane. For cheaper fuel, the closest supermarket stations are at Carrefour Vitrolles and Géant Casino Plan de Campagne.

Can I pick up at Marseille Airport and drop off at another location?
Yes, most companies offer one-way rentals inside France. People often drop cars off in Nice, Paris and other big cities. The fees change depending on the company and the distance, but they are often fair if you stay in the same region.

What documentation do I need to rent a car?
You will need to show a valid driver's licence, your passport, a credit card in your name and your booking confirmation. Most rental companies ask for a credit card, not a debit card, for the security deposit.

What type of car is best for exploring Provence from Marseille Airport?
A small car like a Renault Clio or Peugeot 208 is great for most trips. If you plan to drive on mountain roads or you have more luggage, a small SUV like a Renault Captur or Peugeot 2008 will give you more comfort.

How long does the rental pickup process take at Marseille Airport?
When it's quiet, it should take you about 15-20 minutes to pick up your car. In the busy summer season, or if a few flights land at once, you might wait 30-45 minutes. It's a good idea to leave yourself extra time if you're travelling in peak season.

Are there any toll-free routes from the airport to key destinations?
Yes, but the toll-free roads are much slower. For example, you can take the D9 to get to Aix-en-Provence for free instead of the A51 toll road, but your trip will take an extra 10-15 minutes. On longer drives, toll roads usually save you a lot of time.

Is winter driving challenging from Marseille Airport?
It's usually not hard to drive near the coast in winter. The areas right around the airport have mild winters, so you probably won't see snow or ice. But if you're driving to higher places like the Luberon or Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, you might find wintry weather between December and March and winter tyres could be a good idea.