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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Bordeaux
Bordeaux
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Bordeaux
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Bordeaux
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Bordeaux
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Bordeaux?
Bordeaux, the heart of the wine region, offers more than just vineyards. While the city has excellent public transport, a rental car grants the freedom to discover hidden gems and scenic routes at your own pace.
Explore the Vineyards. The surrounding vineyards of Saint-Émilion, Médoc, and Graves are easily accessible by car, allowing you to enjoy wine tours and tastings without relying on taxis or buses.
Discover Coastal Towns. The charming coastal towns of Arcachon and Cap Ferret are a scenic drive away, offering fresh seafood, beautiful beaches, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Visit Historical Sites. Explore the medieval towns and historical sites scattered throughout the region, such as the Citadel of Blaye, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Bordeaux
Before booking a rental car in Bordeaux, it's crucial to understand the terms and conditions to avoid unexpected issues.
Area
49.36 square kilometres (19.06 square miles)
Population
Approximately 260,000 residents
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1) & CEST (UTC+2) during summer time
Ideal for
Exploring vineyards and coastal regions
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Bordeaux require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. EU citizens can use their national licence. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their national licence.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but consider additional coverage like a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) for peace of mind. A security deposit is held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy; unlimited mileage is preferable for exploring the region. Fuel policies typically require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, GPS, child seats, or out-of-hours pick-up/drop-off.
Car Rental Prices in Bordeaux – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $12 / €11 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often comes with discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Bordeaux?
Follow these steps to book a car in Bordeaux easily.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a car that suits your needs, considering size, fuel efficiency, and comfort.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies carefully.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure availability by booking well in advance, especially during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, passport, credit card, and booking confirmation when collecting your rental vehicle.
General Information About Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a city celebrated for its wine, architecture, and vibrant culture. To fully enjoy your visit, especially if you're driving, it's important to understand local traffic and regulations.
As the capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, Bordeaux blends historic charm with modern amenities. Renting a car offers a convenient way to explore beyond the city centre, including the surrounding vineyards and coastal areas. However, navigating Bordeaux requires awareness of local traffic laws and parking regulations to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Place de la Bourse
An iconic square reflecting in the Miroir d’eau, a shallow pool of water.
Cité du Vin
A modern museum dedicated to the world of wine.
Saint-Émilion
A picturesque medieval town and UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its vineyards.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use services like Indigo or Parcus for secure parking options throughout the city.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but can be costly and time-limited, especially in central areas.
Park & Ride
Leave your car at designated park-and-ride facilities outside the city centre and use public transport to reach your destination.
Gas Stations in Bordeaux
Major Brands Available
Look for Total, Shell, and Esso stations throughout the city and surrounding areas.
Fuel Availability
Gas stations are generally readily available, but it’s wise to refuel before venturing into more remote areas.
Use Navigation Apps
Tools like Google Maps can help locate nearby stations in real time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Bordeaux
Use Contactless Payment
Pay for public transport and parking with a contactless bank card or the TBM card for convenience.
Watch for Cyclists and Pedestrians
Stay alert, as Bordeaux has a large cycling and pedestrian population, especially in the city centre.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:30 AM - 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM) when roads are often congested.
Utilise Public Transport
Consider using trams and buses within the city to avoid parking hassles and traffic.
Key Transportation Hubs in Bordeaux
Major Bus Stations
Gare de Bordeaux Saint-Jean
The main train station also serves as a hub for long-distance bus services.
Railway Stations
Bordeaux Saint-Jean
The primary railway station, connecting Bordeaux to major cities in France and Europe.
Airports
Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD)
Located approximately 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) west of Bordeaux, serving numerous domestic and international flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Bordeaux?
Renting a car in France is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need.
If you're from the EU, your standard licence is sufficient. Visitors from other countries may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters.
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Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Bordeaux as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Exploring Bordeaux for the first time was a delight! Having a car was incredibly helpful for reaching vineyards outside the city. The only downside was the limited English spoken at some smaller restaurants.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 05.09.2024
Quick business trip, but Bordeaux charmed me! Getting around with a car was effortless; highly recommend.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 11.07.2025
Pretty chill vibe.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 09.02.2025
Charming city! Renting a car made exploring easy. The public transport could be improved, but the wine region was incredible.
Oliver Smith
Reviewed: 28.12.2024
Pretty relaxed, actually.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 22.03.2025
Relaxing, quite nice.
Ava Davis
Reviewed: 06.01.2025
Pretty good, really.
Jessica Thompson
Reviewed: 10.10.2024
Pretty laid-back, really.
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 10.02.2025
Such a lovely trip! Meeting friends in Bordeaux was effortless thanks to having a car. Highly recommend!
Benjamin Wilson
Reviewed: 25.05.2025
Pretty chill, overall.
Isabelle Dupont
Reviewed: 15.03.2025
Bordeaux was amazing! First time there, and having a car made exploring so easy.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 11.10.2024