Free CancellationBest Price GuaranteeNo Hidden Fees24/7 Multilingual SupportCar hire in Carcassonne - 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 Carcassonne
Carcassonne
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Carcassonne
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Carcassonne
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Carcassonne
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 Hire a Car in Carcassonne?
Carcassonne is a beautifully preserved medieval city with a wealth of historical sites and scenic surroundings. While the city centre is walkable, hiring a car offers unparalleled flexibility to explore the Languedoc-Roussillon region.
Explore the Region at Your Own Pace. With a hire car, you can easily visit nearby vineyards, charming villages like Minerve, and the Canal du Midi. Public transport is limited in these areas, making a car essential for comprehensive exploration.
Visit Historical Sites. The Cathar castles, such as Château de Quéribus and Château de Peyrepertuse, are within driving distance and offer breathtaking views and historical insights. A car allows you to visit multiple sites in a day.
Enjoy Scenic Drives. The picturesque roads around Carcassonne offer stunning views of the Pyrenees mountains and the French countryside. A car gives you the freedom to stop and enjoy the scenery whenever you please.
Hire Terms and Conditions in Carcassonne
Before hiring a car in Carcassonne, be aware of the standard hire terms. These typically include age restrictions, licensing requirements, insurance, and fuel policies.
Area
65.08 square kilometres (25.13 square miles)
Population
Approximately 47,000 residents
Time Zone
CET (Central European Time)
Ideal for
Exploring the Languedoc-Roussillon region
Rush Hours
Expect some congestion during morning and evening commute times
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to hire a car in Carcassonne is usually 21, but some companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25. Young driver surcharges often apply for those 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, but you can opt for additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is required and will be held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have limits. Fuel policies often require you to return the car with the same amount of fuel as when you picked it up.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, GPS navigation, child seats, or out-of-hours pickup/drop-off.
Car Hire Prices in Carcassonne – How Much Does It Cost?
Expect average economy-class daily rates from £25 / $31 / €30 per day.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €48 per day
Electric:
from £30 / $38 / €36 per day
Classic:
from £20 / $25 / €24 per day
Executive:
from £50 / $63 / €60 per day
7 Seater:
from £60 / $75 / €72 per day
Automatic:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
SUV:
from £45 / $56 / €54 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (July to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to March): 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 Carcassonne?
Booking a car in Carcassonne involves several steps to ensure a smooth experience. From comparing prices to understanding the hire terms, here’s what you need to do.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from different hire companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering size, fuel efficiency, and comfort.
3. Check Hire Terms - Carefully review the hire agreement for mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better rates and availability by booking your car well in advance, especially during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, passport, and credit card when collecting your hire vehicle.
General Information About Carcassonne
Carcassonne is a fortified city in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France, known for its impressive medieval citadel, La Cité.
As a popular tourist destination, Carcassonne offers a unique blend of history and culture. Driving in Carcassonne requires awareness of local traffic regulations and parking availability.
Top Attractions to Discover
La Cité
The medieval citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the main attraction in Carcassonne.
Canal du Midi
A historic canal offering scenic boat tours and walking paths.
Bastide Saint-Louis
The lower city, offering shops, restaurants, and historical buildings.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several paid parking garages are available near La Cité and in the lower city.
On-Street Parking
Limited metered parking is available, but can be difficult to find during peak season.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts of the city to avoid congestion.
Gas Stations in Carcassonne
Availability
Gas stations are readily available on the outskirts of Carcassonne and along major roads.
Major Brands
You’ll find brands like Total, Shell, and Esso in and around Carcassonne.
Refuelling Tips
Refuel before entering the city centre to avoid potential difficulties.
Useful Tips for Visiting Carcassonne
Plan for Traffic
Traffic can be heavy during peak tourist season, so plan accordingly.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Exploring La Cité involves a lot of walking on cobblestone streets.
Learn Basic French Phrases
Knowing a few French phrases can be helpful, especially in smaller shops and restaurants.
Check Local Events
Check for local festivals and events during your visit, as they can impact traffic and parking.
Key Transportation Hubs in Carcassonne
Railway Stations
Carcassonne Railway Station
Located in the lower city, providing connections to major cities in France.
Airports
Carcassonne Airport (CCF)
Located a few kilometres from the city centre, serving several European destinations.
Major Bus Stations
Carcassonne Bus Station
Provides regional bus services to nearby towns and villages.
What Do You Need to Hire a Car in Carcassonne?
To hire a car in Carcassonne, you'll need to meet specific requirements. Here’s what you need to know to ensure a smooth rental process.
A valid driver’s licence is required, and non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most hire companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for those under 25.
A 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 Carcassonne 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
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 28.11.2024
Carcassonne was magical! Exploring the citadel was breathtaking, though the souvenir shops felt a bit touristy.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 06.11.2024
Carcassonne was delightful! Meeting friends there, exploring the city with our rental car, made for a perfect mini-break.
Emily Brown
Reviewed: 27.11.2024
Absolutely loved exploring the region around Carcassonne! Having a car made it so easy to discover charming villages and vineyards. The citadel itself was stunning.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 11.03.2025
Family vacation in Carcassonne was perfect! So much to see, and having a car made exploring easy.
Mia Davis
Reviewed: 13.04.2025
Really peaceful, honestly.
Ben Wilson
Reviewed: 13.05.2025
Carcassonne was stunning! Having a car made exploring the coast so easy, and the citadel was breathtaking.
Jessica Lee
Reviewed: 25.11.2024
Carcassonne exceeded expectations! A quick business trip, but having a car made exploring the city and surrounding areas effortless. The citadel was magnificent.
David Lee
Reviewed: 26.03.2025
Carcassonne was wonderful! Getting around was a breeze with our rental car, allowing us to easily explore the stunning citadel and then relax on the nearby coast. Perfect getaway!
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 23.11.2024
Carcassonne charmed us! Exploring the region by car was effortless and so enjoyable.
Isabelle Dupont
Reviewed: 01.11.2024
Pretty chill, really.
Alex Smith
Reviewed: 18.05.2025