Free CancellationBest Price GuaranteeNo Hidden Fees24/7 Multilingual SupportCar rental in Calais - Search, Compare, and Save
Free CancellationNo Hidden FeesPick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Calais
Calais
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Calais
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Calais
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Calais
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 Calais?
Calais, a gateway to France, offers a blend of coastal charm and historical significance. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore the region at your own pace. Discover hidden gems and enjoy the flexibility a rental car offers.
Explore the Opal Coast. A rental car allows you to easily access the stunning Opal Coast, with its dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and picturesque villages. Drive along the scenic routes and discover the natural beauty of the region.
Visit Historical Sites. Calais and its surrounding areas are rich in history. With a car, you can conveniently visit historical sites such as the Citadel of Calais, the World War II bunkers, and nearby war memorials.
Day Trips to Nearby Towns. Easily take day trips to charming nearby towns like Boulogne-sur-Mer, known for its impressive Nausicaá aquarium, or Saint-Omer, with its beautiful canals and historic architecture.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Calais
Before booking a rental car in Calais, familiarise yourself with the rental terms and conditions. Understanding the requirements and regulations will help ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Area
33.5 square kilometres (12.9 square miles)
Population
Approximately 72,500 residents
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1) & CEST (UTC+2) during summer time
Ideal for
Exploring the Opal Coast and surrounding areas
Rush Hours
Expect heavier traffic during morning and evening commute times
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Calais require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some providers may have additional restrictions or fees for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. EU citizens can use their national licence. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their original licence.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price. You may want to consider additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is typically required and held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage and others having restrictions. Fuel policies also vary; many require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extras such as GPS, child seats, additional drivers, or out-of-hours pick-up/drop-off.
Car Rental Prices in Calais – 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 £9.50 / $12 / €11 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come 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 Calais?
Booking a car in Calais is straightforward. By following these steps, you can secure the best deals and ensure a smooth rental experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various car rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering factors like size, fuel efficiency, and luggage capacity.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental terms, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Book your car well in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure better rates and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, passport, and credit card when collecting your rental car.
General Information About Calais
Calais is a bustling port city with a rich history and a strategic location. Understanding the local traffic rules, parking regulations, and available fuel stations will enhance your driving experience.
Calais is a city in northern France, located on the Strait of Dover, making it the closest French city to England. It has historically been an important port and transport hub. Driving in Calais requires awareness of local traffic laws, speed limits, and parking regulations.
Top Attractions to Discover
Citadel of Calais
A 16th-century fortress offering a glimpse into the city’s military history.
Calais Lighthouse
Provides panoramic views of the city and the English Channel.
Nausicaá (Boulogne-sur-Mer)
One of Europe's largest aquariums, located a short drive from Calais.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several public parking garages are available in the city centre, offering secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
On-street parking is available in many areas, but it can be limited and may require payment. Check the signs for regulations.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities located outside the city centre to avoid congestion and parking fees.
Gas Stations in Calais
Major Brands
You can find major fuel brands such as Total, Shell, and BP in and around Calais.
Locations
Fuel stations are readily available along the major roads and highways leading into and out of Calais.
24-Hour Stations
Some fuel stations operate 24 hours, providing convenient refuelling options.
Useful Tips for Visiting Calais
Be Aware of Speed Limits
Adhere to local speed limits, which are typically lower in urban areas.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in the city centre.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Traffic can be heavy during peak hours, so plan your journeys accordingly.
Use a GPS
A GPS navigation system can be helpful for navigating the city and surrounding areas.
Key Transportation Hubs in Calais
Ferry Port
Port of Calais
One of the busiest passenger ports in Europe, offering ferry services to and from Dover, England.
Railway Stations
Calais-Ville Station
The main railway station in Calais, providing connections to various destinations in France and Europe.
Calais-Fréthun Station
A high-speed rail station served by Eurostar trains, connecting Calais to London and other European cities.
Airports
Calais–Dunkerque Airport (CQF)
A small regional airport located near Calais, primarily serving general aviation.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Calais?
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:
EU citizens can use their national driver’s licence. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their original licence.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required.
Our Content Quality
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
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 Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Calais 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.
Calais was fine; car rental a breeze, though the ferry was packed.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 24.01.2025
Lovely short trip to Calais! Met friends, explored easily with my rental car. Highly recommend.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 20.02.2025
Efficient Calais business trip! Car rental was perfect; easy to navigate the city and surrounding areas.
Benjamin Garcia
Reviewed: 06.09.2024
Pretty chill vibe
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 06.01.2025
Okay, but kinda grey.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 22.02.2025
Calais was a quick stop on our road trip, and having a rental car made getting in and out so easy. The ferry terminal was straightforward, but the town itself felt a bit… underwhelming. Still, it served its purpose, and we were glad to have the car for the next leg of our journey.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 15.04.2025