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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental deals in Toulouse. Compare prices and book in one place. Simple. Pick up your car rental at Toulouse Airport (TLS), in the city center or at Toulouse Matabiau Train Station, then visit Carcassonne, Albi or the Pyrenees at your own pace. City center pickups often cost a little less than the airport, and compact manuals are easier to park in the center.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Toulouse Airport (TLS) | • Largest selection of rental companies • 24/7 service available • Convenient for air travelers |
• Higher rates than city locations • 8 km (5 miles) from city center • Can be busy during peak hours |
| Toulouse City Center | • Multiple locations throughout city • Often lower rates than airport • Close to hotels and attractions |
• Limited vehicle selection at smaller offices • Limited hours, often 8am-7pm • Traffic and one-way streets can complicate pickup |
| Toulouse Matabiau Train Station | • Convenient for train arrivals • Several major companies on-site • Close to city center |
• Smaller selection than airport • Can be crowded during commute hours • Limited premium vehicle availability |
On average, car rentals in Toulouse cost around €55 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €32 per day.
Compare pickup spots: Toulouse city center locations are often 10-15% cheaper than TLS Airport. Also check Matabiau Train Station for a middle ground on price and convenience.
Time your booking to the season: For summer and holidays, book 2-3 months ahead. In shoulder months, 4-6 weeks is fine. Off-peak (Nov-Mar) often 2-3 weeks is enough to snag promos.
Pick compact and manual: Compact cars are easier to park in the historic center, and manuals are typically 15-25% cheaper than automatics.
Hunt weekly rates: Renting 5+ days often unlocks 15-20% lower daily prices. Compare a 7-day vs 6-day booking.
Cheap fuel: Fill up at supermarket stations, usually 5-8% cheaper than highway pumps.
Save on parking: Use metro Park & Ride, and note many areas are free after 7 pm and on Sundays. For Carcassonne day trips, park outside the medieval city to avoid higher fees.
| Type | What You Need to Know | Local Tips |
|---|---|---|
| City Center Car Parks | • Underground car parks (Victor Hugo, Capitole) • Street spaces metered • Park & Ride options |
• Historic center has limited spaces • Street spaces are time-restricted • Underground car parks secure but costly |
| Traffic Restrictions | • Limited traffic zones in historic areas • Many one-way streets • Bus lanes and tram corridors |
• Follow local signage carefully • GPS may not reflect all restrictions • Cameras monitor some restricted zones |
| Speed Limits | • 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas • 80-90 km/h (50-56 mph) on rural roads • 130 km/h (81 mph) on highways |
• Speed cameras common • Limits strictly enforced • Reduced in wet weather |
| Special Regulations | • Low emission zones being introduced • Roundabouts common (yield to those already in circle) • Right priority unless indicated otherwise |
• Environmental stickers may be required • Different rules from many countries • Significant fines for violations |
Rent a car so you can drive to:
Carcassonne – A61
Albi – A68
Pyrenees Mountains – A64
Mediterranean Coast – A61, A9
Is an International Driving Permit required in Toulouse?
If you don't have a license from the EU/EEA, you can usually drive on your valid home license. We recommend you get an International Driving Permit (IDP). You might need one if your license is not in French or doesn't use the same letters as English. Some rental companies also ask for it. If you have an EU/EEA or UK license, you can drive on your regular license.
Where can I find the best rental rates in Toulouse?
Rental places in the city center are usually about 10-15% cheaper than rentals at the airport.
How is the traffic in Toulouse city center?
The historic center can get very busy, especially during rush hours from 8-9am and 5-7pm. You'll find many streets are one-way or have signs stopping you from entering. We suggest you use Park & Ride car parks and public transport when you visit the city center.
What type of car is recommended for Toulouse?
We recommend a compact or economy car for driving and parking in the city. If you plan trips to the countryside or Pyrenees, a mid-size car will be more comfortable. An SUV can be helpful in the mountains, but you don't need one.
Are there any car-free zones in Toulouse?
Yes, you can't drive in some parts of the historic center around Place du Capitole. Several streets are just for people walking, or they only allow public transport and other authorized vehicles.
How do the toll roads work around Toulouse?
Many major highways like the A61, A62 and A64 are toll roads. The A68 to Albi is toll-free. On roads with tolls, you take a ticket when you enter a section and pay when you leave it. You can pay using cash or credit cards. For people who travel a lot, electronic toll tags (télépéage; e.g., Bip&Go, Ulys) make paying much easier.
What are the parking options in Toulouse city center?
You can find underground car parks at the main squares, like Capitole, Victor Hugo and Saint-Georges, where you pay by the hour. In most parts of the city center, you have to pay for street parking. You can pay at a machine or use a mobile app. Park & Ride car parks at metro stations are a cheap option for all-day parking.
Is it difficult to drive to the Pyrenees from Toulouse?
The drive to the Pyrenees is quite easy using the A64 highway and then local roads. You need to be careful when driving in the mountains, especially in winter. Some passes may close, or you might need winter equipment for your car. Make sure you allow extra time and check the weather before you set off.
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