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Finding a rental car in Paris is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of brands across France with no booking fees. Pick up in the city, at Charles de Gaulle Airport or Orly Airport, or at major train stations like Gare du Nord, then head out to Versailles, Giverny, Champagne or the Loire Valley. Filter by vehicle size, automatic transmission and one-way drop-offs to match your plans and budget.
| Location | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
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| Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) |
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| Orly Airport (ORY) |
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| Gare du Nord/Major Train Stations |
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| City Center Locations |
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| Suburban Locations |
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On average, car rentals in Paris cost around €55 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €35 per day.
Compare pick-up spots: Airports add about 15-20%. City or train-station offices are often cheaper. Suburban depots can be lower too, but check hours and transit.
Rent only for day trips: Central hotel parking runs €25-45/night. For city sightseeing, skip the car and use P+R lots (€5-10/day).
Time it right: Prices jump on weekends and in Jul–Aug. For those periods, book 3–8 weeks ahead. Midweek and May/June or Sept/Oct usually cost less.
Pick the right car: Economy/manual is best value. Automatics cost 20–30% more. Smaller cars save on fuel and parking.
Check duration pricing: A weekly rate can beat 5–6 days. Compare totals across different return dates.
Cut fuel costs: Choose full-to-full and refuel in the suburbs, typically 10–15% cheaper than central Paris.
| Location | Parking Options | Tips & Guidelines |
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| Central Paris |
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| Outer Arrondissements (12-20) |
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| Tourist Attractions |
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| Day Trip Destinations |
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Paris Driving Regulations:
Low Emission Zone (ZFE): Paris and the area inside the A86 motorway require Crit'Air emission stickers. Most rental cars comply, but check your rental agency
Traffic Restrictions: Some areas have limited vehicle access, including:
Bus Lanes: Red lanes marked "Bus" are restricted; cameras enforce and issue automatic fines
Traffic Cameras: Enforce red lights, speed limits and bus lanes throughout the city
Périphérique Navigation: The Périphérique ring road circles Paris. "Portes" (gates) provide exits to both the city and suburbs. Interior lane is generally fastest but requires quick reactions for exits.
Book a rental to get to:
Versailles – A13, palace parking
Giverny – A14/A13, Monet’s Garden, village parking
Fontainebleau – A6, château, forest
Reims (Champagne) – A4, cathedral, champagne houses
Loire Valley (Chambord) – A10, château parking
Normandy coast – A13, beaches, museums
Is it realistic to drive in central Paris as a tourist? Even experienced drivers find it hard to drive in central Paris because of the heavy traffic, confusing one-way streets, aggressive drivers and limited parking. If it's your first time visiting, you should avoid driving in the central areas (1st-11th arrondissements) if you can.
Where can I find free parking in Paris? You can find free street parking in some outer areas (like the 19th and 20th arrondissements). Most areas also offer free parking on Sundays and holidays. Street parking is usually free across the city from 8pm to 9am on weekdays and after 8pm on Saturdays.
How strictly is the Paris Low Emission Zone enforced? The city is enforcing the ZFE (Zone à Faibles Émissions) more and more strictly, mainly through police checks. They are starting to use automated cameras, but they aren't everywhere yet. Your rental car should already have the right Crit'Air sticker, but you should check this with the rental company, especially if you rent the car outside Paris and plan to drive in.
Can I park overnight on Paris streets? Yes, you can park overnight on streets where parking is allowed. After the paid hours (usually 8pm-9am), street parking is free. However, you should never leave valuables in your car when it's parked on the street overnight. Also, be aware that some neighborhoods have restricted parking zones for residents.
Should I rent an automatic or manual transmission car? If you can drive a manual car, you'll find more choices and better prices. Automatic cars make up only about 20-30% of rental cars in France and they cost about 20-30% more. If you need an automatic, make sure you book it early.
What happens if I accidentally drive in a bus lane or restricted area? Paris uses cameras to catch drivers in bus lanes and restricted zones. If you get caught, the rental company will charge the fine of around €135 to your credit card. They will also add their own admin fee, which is usually €25-50. Be extra careful around bus lanes that have solid white lines.
Is it better to rent from an airport or city location in Paris? If you are flying in, renting from the airport is a good idea, even though it costs more. If you are already in Paris, you'll find better prices at city locations and you won't have to deal with airport traffic. Renting from a train station is a good middle option, as they are central and have more cars to choose from than smaller neighborhood offices.
How do I handle parking for extended stays in Paris? If you have a car for more than 3-4 days, here are some parking options:
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