Free CancellationBest Price GuaranteeNo Hidden Fees24/7 Multilingual SupportCar rental in Nantes - 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 Nantes
Nantes
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Nantes
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Nantes
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Nantes
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 Nantes?
Nantes, a city of art and history, offers a wealth of attractions best explored with the freedom of a rental car. While Nantes has excellent public transport, a car provides the flexibility to discover the surrounding Loire-Atlantique region at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City: Renting a car allows you to easily visit nearby gems like the charming town of Clisson or the picturesque coastline of the Atlantic.
Visit the Vineyards: The Loire Valley is famous for its vineyards. With a car, you can embark on a wine-tasting tour, enjoying the scenic drives through the countryside.
Convenience and Comfort: A rental car provides convenience for families or groups, especially when traveling with luggage or equipment for outdoor activities.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Nantes
Before renting a car in Nantes, ensure you're familiar with the local regulations. Meeting the requirements and understanding the rental conditions will guarantee a smooth experience.
Area
65.19 square kilometres (25.17 square miles)
Population
Approximately 310,000 residents
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1) & CEST (UTC+2) during summertime
Ideal for
Exploring the Loire Valley
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Rating
4.6/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Nantes require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, drivers under 25 may face additional young driver surcharges.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is essential. Non-EU residents might need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their original licence.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is typically included in the rental price, but consider additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or theft protection. A security deposit is usually required.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy. Unlimited mileage is often available, but some rentals might have restrictions. Fuel policies vary; returning the car with a full tank is common.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges, such as additional driver fees, one-way rental fees, or charges for optional add-ons like GPS or child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Nantes – How Much Does It Cost?
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
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 Nantes?
Booking a rental car in Nantes involves a few straightforward steps. Comparing prices and carefully reviewing the terms ensures a smooth rental experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best rental deals from various providers.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it's a compact car for city driving or a larger vehicle for family trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure vehicle availability by booking well in advance, especially during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental vehicle.
General Information About Nantes
Nantes, a vibrant city in the Loire-Atlantique region of France, is known for its rich history and cultural attractions.
Exploring Nantes and its surrounding areas is best done with a rental car. However, driving in the city requires an understanding of local traffic rules and parking regulations. Before setting off, familiarise yourself with these details to ensure a stress-free experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Château des Ducs de Bretagne
A historic castle showcasing Nantes' ducal past.
Les Machines de l'île
A whimsical mechanical park with giant creatures.
Jardin des Plantes
A beautiful botanical garden perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use car parks like Parking Feydeau or Parking Commerce for secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available, but can be limited, especially in the city centre.
Park & Ride
Consider park-and-ride options outside the city centre to avoid congestion and parking fees.
Gas Stations in Nantes
Major Brands Available
Find stations from brands like Total, Shell, and Esso around the city.
Availability on Outskirts
Gas stations are more readily available on the outskirts of Nantes.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate the nearest gas station.
Useful Tips for Visiting Nantes
Use Contactless Payment
Many businesses accept contactless payment for convenience.
Watch for Cyclists
Nantes has a large cycling community, so be mindful of cyclists on the road.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:30–9:30 AM and 4:30–6:30 PM) to avoid congestion.
Key Transportation Hubs in Nantes
Major Bus Stations
Nantes Bus Station
Located near the train station, it connects Nantes to regional and national destinations.
Railway Stations
Nantes Railway Station
Gare de Nantes serves high-speed trains to Paris and other major cities.
Airports
Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE)
Located about 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) south-west of Nantes, serving domestic and international flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Nantes?
Renting a car in Nantes requires a few essential documents and meeting certain criteria. Ensure you have these ready for a hassle-free rental experience.
Ensure your licence is valid in France. Non-EU residents may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Drivers usually need to be at least 21 years old, and some companies may have surcharges for those under 25.
A credit or debit card in the 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 Nantes 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 vibe
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 28.09.2024
Heard great things about Nantes, and they were right! Exploring by car was fantastic; so much to see.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 29.06.2025
Pretty relaxed, actually.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 26.12.2024
Pleasant enough, really.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 17.12.2024
Nantes was fun, catching up with friends. The Machines de l'Île was underwhelming, though.
Olivia Garcia
Reviewed: 19.06.2025
Nantes was charming! Having a car made exploring the coast so easy. We spent relaxing days by the ocean, and the city itself was delightful. Everything went smoothly, and I'd highly recommend a visit.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 04.03.2025