Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Brest
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Brest
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Brest
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Brest
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.
Brest is a city with a lot to offer, from its historical naval base to its beautiful coastline. While public transport is available, hiring a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Explore the Brest Fortress. A car allows easy access to this significant historical site, a must-see for visitors.
Discover the Coastline. The Brest region boasts stunning beaches and coastal paths, best explored with the flexibility of a rental car.
Visit Nearby Towns. Easily venture to charming nearby towns and villages that are not easily accessible by public transport.
Before hiring a car in Brest, be aware of the common requirements. This includes age restrictions, required documents, insurance policies, and other potential fees.
Area
144.4 square kilometres (55.7 square miles)
Population
Approximately 140,000 residents
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1)
Ideal for
City and regional exploration
Rush Hours
Expect traffic during 8 AM – 9 AM and 5 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Brest require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may face additional surcharges.
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).
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is typically included, but additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is usually required.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can vary. Some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies usually require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or extras like GPS navigation systems or child seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9 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 / $11 / €10 per day
Peak season (July to August): Experiences increased demand, with prices rising by 20-30%
Low season (October to March): Often sees discounts and lower prices
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Booking a car in Brest involves a few simple steps. Compare offers, select the right vehicle, review rental terms carefully, book in advance, and ensure you have all the necessary documents for pick-up.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals based on your dates and car preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it's a compact car for city driving or a larger car for longer trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
Brest is a city with a rich maritime history and a strategic location in Brittany. Hiring a car offers the best way to explore not only the city but also the surrounding region.
Brest is a vital port city in the Brittany region of France, known for its naval history and modern maritime industries. The city’s strategic location makes it an excellent base for exploring the Finistère department. Although Brest has public transportation, a car is very useful if you are planning to see the surrounding coastline, countryside, and historical sites.
Top Attractions to Discover
Océanopolis
Explore marine biodiversity at this large aquarium.
Brest Castle
Discover the historical castle housing the National Maritime Museum.
Tanguy Tower
View Brest from this medieval tower showcasing the city's history.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Find secure parking options throughout the city centre.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available on many streets, but spaces can be limited.
Park & Ride
Utilise park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts and take public transport into the city.
Gas Stations in Brest
Major Brands Available
Find stations from major brands like Total, Shell, and Esso around Brest.
Located on Main Roads
Most gas stations are conveniently located on major roads and highways.
Check Opening Hours
Be aware that some stations may have limited hours, especially on Sundays and holidays.
Useful Tips for Visiting Brest
Be Aware of Rush Hour
Plan for increased traffic during morning and evening commutes.
Use GPS Navigation
A GPS can be extremely helpful navigating the city and surrounding areas.
Check Road Signs
Pay attention to road signs, especially speed limits and parking regulations.
Learn Basic French Phrases
Knowing a few French phrases can enhance your experience.
Railway Stations
Brest Railway Station
Main railway station providing connections to major cities in France.
Airports
Brest Bretagne Airport (BES)
Located about 10 km northeast of Brest, serving domestic and international flights.
Bus Stations
Brest Bus Station
Provides regional bus services within Brittany.
Hiring a car in Brest is relatively straightforward, but you’ll need to ensure you meet certain requirements before you can drive away. Here’s what you need.
A valid driver's licence is essential. EU licences are accepted, while non-EU licence holders might require an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 might face extra fees.
A credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is needed for the security deposit. Some companies may only accept credit cards.
A passport or other official identification might be required, especially for international renters.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Brest 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.
Pretty relaxed vibe
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 08.10.2024
Low-key, kinda cool
Liam Miller
Reviewed: 13.10.2024
Brest was surprisingly convenient for a quick business trip. Exploring was easy with my rental car.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 13.11.2024
Exploring Brest was fun; the Château was impressive, though the local seafood wasn't quite as fresh as I'd hoped.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 01.02.2025
Brest was fantastic! Easy to get around, and seeing friends made it perfect.
Emily Wilson
Reviewed: 08.01.2025
Quiet, kinda nice.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 24.03.2025
Okay, kinda bland. Rental car was helpful, though.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 09.10.2024
Pleasant enough, really.
Noah Martinez
Reviewed: 03.02.2025
Charming Brest! A perfect weekend getaway. Having a car made exploring so easy.
Isabelle Dupont
Reviewed: 13.03.2025
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Pretty chill, really
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 26.04.2025