Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Lens
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Lens
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Lens
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Lens
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.
Lens, a city steeped in history and culture in the heart of the Hauts-de-France region, offers more than just a glimpse into the past. While public transport is available, a rental car offers the freedom to explore the wider region at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City: A rental car provides the flexibility to venture beyond Lens and discover the charming villages, historical sites, and scenic landscapes of the Pas-de-Calais department.
Visit Memorial Sites: Lens is near significant World War I memorial sites, such as the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. Having a car allows you to pay respects and learn about this important history without relying on tours.
Convenience and Comfort: Whether you're travelling with family or equipment, a rental car offers comfortable and convenient transportation, eliminating the stress of coordinating with public transport schedules.
Before booking a rental car in Lens, be aware of age requirements, licensing, insurance, and other key conditions to ensure a smooth rental experience.
Area
Approximately 11.7 square kilometres (4.5 square miles)
Population
Around 32,000 residents
Time Zone
CET (Central European Time)
Ideal for
Historical visits and regional exploration
Rush Hours
Expect heavier traffic during morning and evening commutes, especially on weekdays.
Rating
4.0/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Lens require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may impose additional surcharges 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 typically included, but it's wise to consider additional coverage like a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is usually required and held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. The fuel policy often requires you to return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees can arise for extra drivers, one-way rentals, or optional extras such as 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 (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand from tourists.
Low season (November to February): Often comes with discounts and lower rates due to fewer visitors.
Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
To book a car in Lens, follow these steps for a smooth and cost-effective experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison sites 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 an economy car or a larger vehicle for family trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements before booking.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure availability by booking early, especially during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and ID when collecting your rental.
Lens offers a unique blend of cultural and historical attractions, making it an appealing destination in northern France. Understanding local driving conditions, parking, and refuelling is important.
Lens is a city known for its rich mining history and cultural revitalisation. As part of the Hauts-de-France region, it provides easy access to other areas of interest, though public transport options within Lens and to surrounding areas are somewhat limited. Renting a car is often the most practical option for exploring the broader region, allowing you to visit historical sites, memorial areas, and other towns at your own pace. Driving in Lens itself is generally straightforward, though awareness of local traffic laws and parking regulations is important for a smooth experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Louvre-Lens Museum
A stunning art museum offering a diverse collection of masterpieces.
Stade Bollaert-Delelis
Home stadium of Racing Club de Lens, famous for its passionate atmosphere.
Canadian National Vimy Memorial
A short drive away, this memorial commemorates Canadian soldiers who fought in World War I.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several parking garages are available in the city centre, offering secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays can be found throughout Lens, but can be time-limited.
Park & Ride
Consider parking outside the city centre and using public transport to avoid congestion.
Gas Stations in Lens
Major Brands Available
Brands like Total, Shell, and Esso are available on the outskirts of the city.
Refuelling Tips
Plan ahead, as gas stations might not be as frequent in the central areas.
Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps to locate nearby stations in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Lens
Allow Extra Time for Traffic
Traffic can be heavy during rush hours, especially around industrial areas.
Contactless Payment
Many places accept contactless payments for convenience.
Respect Pedestrians and Cyclists
Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in pedestrian zones.
Check Local Events
Local festivals and events may affect traffic and parking.
Major Bus Stations
Lens Bus Station
Serves regional bus routes connecting Lens to nearby towns and cities.
Railway Stations
Lens Railway Station
Offers connections to major cities in France, including Paris and Lille.
Airports
Lille Airport (LIL)
Located approximately 30 kilometres from Lens, it offers domestic and international flights.
To rent a car in Lens, you will need to provide the following:
A valid driver's license from your country of residence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be needed if your license is not in a Latin-based alphabet.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit and rental payment.
A passport or other form of government-issued photo 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 Lens 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 chill, really.
Alex Miller
Reviewed: 17.10.2024
Relaxing, car was handy.
Liam O'Brien
Reviewed: 08.04.2025
Peaceful, car useful.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 04.12.2024
Fantastic weekend in Lens! Having a car made getting around so easy. Highly recommend.
Benjamin Garcia
Reviewed: 09.12.2024
Spontaneous Lens trip! So glad I had a car; explored so much.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 06.01.2025
Such a lovely trip to Lens! Meeting friends there was easy with my own transport. The town is charming, and getting around was a breeze.
Olivia Wilson
Reviewed: 20.02.2025
Great little stop on our road trip! Having a car made exploring Lens so convenient. Charming town, highly recommend.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 22.09.2024
Lens was delightful; coastal drives were easy.
Mia Thompson
Reviewed: 02.05.2025
Quiet, car helpful.
Noah Carter
Reviewed: 03.03.2025
Lens was okay; the local museum was a bit underwhelming, but having a car made exploring the nearby coast easy. Relaxing trip.
Isabelle Dupont
Reviewed: 31.01.2025
Quick Lens trip to see friends. Car was useful, though the local bakery was a bit disappointing.
Caleb Brown
Reviewed: 05.01.2025
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Heard great things about Lens, and they were right! Exploring with my rental car was perfect.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 11.05.2025