Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Caen
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Caen
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Caen
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Caen
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.
Caen, a city steeped in history and culture, offers a wealth of attractions both within its limits and in the surrounding Normandy region. While public transport is available, renting a car provides unparalleled flexibility and convenience to explore at your own pace.
Explore Historical Sites: Caen is home to significant historical landmarks such as the Caen Memorial Museum and the Château de Caen. A rental car allows you to easily visit these sites and delve deeper into the region's rich past.
Discover Normandy's Beaches: The famous D-Day landing beaches are just a short drive from Caen. Having a car gives you the freedom to explore these poignant historical sites and the beautiful coastal scenery.
Visit Picturesque Villages: Normandy is dotted with charming villages and countryside that are best accessed by car. Enjoy scenic drives and discover hidden gems at your own leisure.
Convenience and Flexibility: With a rental car, you can travel on your own schedule, without being constrained by public transport timetables or tour group itineraries.
When renting a car in Caen, it’s important to be aware of the standard terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Area
25.7 square kilometres (9.9 square miles)
Population
Approximately 105,000 residents
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1) and CEST (UTC+2) during summer
Ideal for
Exploring Normandy and historical sites
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Rating
4.0/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Caen is typically 21 years old, but this can vary by rental company. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. If your licence is not in a Latin-alphabet language, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements usually include basic insurance, but you can opt for additional coverage like a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is usually required and held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy, as some rentals may have mileage limits. Fuel policies vary, with many requiring you to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras like GPS or child seats.
Car rental prices in Caen can vary based on vehicle type, rental duration, and the season.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11 per day
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €35 per day
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14 per day
Peak season (June to August): Experiences higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often sees discounts as demand decreases
Rental prices in Caen are affected by seasonal demand.
Booking a car in Caen is easy with these straightforward steps.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs, whether it's a compact car for city driving or a larger vehicle for family trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement carefully, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better rates and ensure vehicle availability by booking well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's licence, passport, and credit card to collect your rental vehicle.
Caen is a historic city in Normandy, France, offering a blend of cultural attractions and historical sites.
As a city with a rich history dating back to William the Conqueror, Caen provides an engaging mix of ancient and modern experiences. While the city has a reliable public transport system, a rental car offers the flexibility to explore the broader Normandy region, including the D-Day landing beaches and picturesque countryside. Driving in Caen requires awareness of local traffic regulations, parking options, and fuel availability to ensure a seamless travel experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Caen Memorial Museum
A museum dedicated to peace, documenting the history of the 20th century, especially World War II.
Château de Caen
One of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe, built by William the Conqueror.
Abbaye aux Hommes
A former monastery founded by William the Conqueror, showcasing Norman architecture.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use parking garages for secure parking in the city centre.
On-Street Parking
Pay attention to parking regulations and time limits when using on-street parking.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities located on the outskirts of the city to avoid city centre traffic.
Gas Stations in Caen
Major Brands
Find gas stations from major brands like Total, Shell, and Esso along the main roads.
Location
Gas stations are readily available throughout the city and on the outskirts.
Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps to locate the nearest gas station.
Useful Tips for Visiting Caen
Watch for Cyclists
Be aware of cyclists, especially in pedestrian zones.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Expect traffic delays during rush hours.
Use Contactless Payment
Utilise contactless payment options for ease of transactions.
Railway Stations
Gare de Caen
The main railway station in Caen, offering connections to Paris and other major cities in France.
Airports
Caen – Carpiquet Airport (CFR)
Located approximately 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) west of Caen, serving domestic and some international flights.
Bus Stations
Caen Bus Station
The main bus station, providing regional and national bus services.
To rent a car in Caen, you need to meet certain requirements and have the necessary documents.
A valid driver’s licence is required, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be necessary if your licence is not in a Latin-alphabet language.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, although younger drivers may be subject to additional fees.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required.
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 Caen 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.
Pleasant enough, really
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 20.01.2025
Caen was a delightful surprise! Having a car made exploring so easy, and the city itself is charming.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 26.06.2025
Pretty laid-back, really.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 04.04.2025
Quietly charming, really.
Ben Wilson
Reviewed: 16.08.2024
Caen was a lovely spontaneous weekend trip. The Memorial Museum was impactful, though the crêperie we tried was a bit underwhelming.
David Lee
Reviewed: 29.10.2024
Fine, I guess.
Chloe Brown
Reviewed: 19.12.2024
Pretty relaxed, actually.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 04.09.2024
Caen exceeded expectations! So much to see, easily accessible by car.
Olivia Davis
Reviewed: 29.01.2025
Lovely short trip to Caen to see friends. Getting around with a car was effortless; the city's charming.
Jessica Roberts
Reviewed: 20.02.2025
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Pretty chill, really
Mike Jones
Reviewed: 09.02.2025