Bordeaux, located in the heart of France’s Aquitaine wine region, is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre but even more so for the vineyards that surround it. It is not necessary to rent a car to visit the centre of Bordeaux, but it is essential to explore the surrounding villages and natural and cultural wonders.
Cheapest offers at the airport of Bordeaux
Below are the cheapest prices for car hire at at the airport of Bordeaux, to book click here.
The prices of car rental at the at the airport of Bordeaux varies depending on the time of year. This graph shows the average prices in the various months to help you find out which is the best period to rent a low cost car.
Speed limit out of town 80 - 130 km/h or 50 - 81 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC 0.05%
Rating 9.2 / 10
Average gas price €1.81 per liter or €6.85 per gallon
Lowest gas price €1.72 per liter or €6.51 per gallon
Highest gas price €2.00 per liter or €7.57 per gallon
Why rent a car in Bordeaux
Renting a car in Bordeaux offers numerous advantages:
Freedom and flexibility: you can explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace, without depending on public transport.
Access to vineyards: Bordeaux’s famous vineyards, such as Saint-Émilion, Médoc and Pomerol, are easily accessible by car.
Discover the countryside: the Aquitaine region is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, from the Atlantic beaches to the Pyrenean mountains.
Day trips: north of Bordeaux, you can visit the historic cities of Limoges, Poitiers and La Rochelle while to the south, don’t miss the Dune du Pilat, Europe’s highest sand dune, or the beautiful Biarritz and Bayonne. Finally, to the east of the city are two major attractions that are difficult to reach by car, namely the Castelnaud Castle and the Lascaux caves.
Where to rent a car in Bordeaux
There are two main places to rent a car in Bordeaux, the airport and the central station.
Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD) The airport is the main arrival point for many visitors and offers a wide range of international and local car rental companies. International companies such as Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt and Budget have offices at the airport.
Bordeaux-Saint-Jean train station Bordeaux’s main train station is another popular spot for car rental, particularly convenient for those arriving by train. You will find numerous car rental companies located in the vicinity of the station.
Car routes around Bordeaux
With a rental car, you can discover many of the region’s most fascinating attractions.
Saint-Émilion
About 40 km (45 minutes by car) away, this picturesque medieval town is famous for its fine wines, cobbled streets and historic buildings. Don’t miss a visit to the underground cellars and monolithic church.
Dune du Pilat
About 65 km (1 hour’s drive) away, Europe’s highest sand dune offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding forest.
Arcachon
About 65 km (1 hour drive) away, this popular seaside resort is famous for its beautiful beaches, fish markets and historic villas. You can also take a boat trip to the Bay of Arcachon and visit the Île aux Oiseaux.
La Rochelle
About 190 km (2 hours by car) away, this charming coastal city is famous for its ancient harbour, medieval towers and lively old town. La Rochelle is also an excellent base for visiting Île de Ré.
Cognac
About 120 km (1 hour and 30 minutes by car) away and famous for its brandy, Cognac offers guided tours of distilleries where you can learn about the production process and do tastings. Also, don’t miss the Cognac Museum and the surrounding vineyards.
Sarlat-la-Canéda
About 190 km (2 hours 30 minutes by car) away and located in the heart of the Dordogne, this medieval town is known for its well-preserved architecture, local markets and proximity to prehistoric sites such as the Lascaux Caves.
Blaye and the Citadel
About 50 km (1 hour’s drive) away, the UNESCO-listed citadel of Blaye offers panoramic views of the Gironde estuary and a fascinating complex of fortifications. The surrounding area is ideal for wine tastings and riverside walks.
Biarritz
About 200 km (2 hours 30 minutes by car) away, Biarritz is a sophisticated seaside resort on the Atlantic coast, famous for its surf beaches, casino and elegant villas. It is an ideal place for those who love the sea and outdoor activities, with a touch of luxury.
Bayonne
About 190 km (2 hours and 15 minutes by car) away, you meet it just before arriving in Biarritz. Located at the confluence of the Nive and Adour rivers, it is known for its charming old town, lively festivities and delicious Basque cuisine. Don’t miss the cathedral in Bayonne and marvel at the traditional half-timbered houses.
Tips for hiring a car in Bordeaux
Book inadvance: booking your car rental in advance can help you get the best rates and ensure the availability of the vehicle you want.
Check the rental terms: make sure you understand the terms of the rental agreement, including mileage limits, fuel policies and insurance coverage.
Check reviews: Read online reviews of rental companies to ensure you choose a reliable agency with good customer service.
Rent a car one way: most companies offer the option to pick up the car at one location and drop it off at another, which can be very useful and practical if you land at one airport and depart from another.
Driving in France: familiarise yourself with French road rules and make sure you have a valid driving licence, a credit card and all necessary documents.
Frequently asked questions about car rental in Bordeaux
Here are some quick answers to the most common doubts about car rental in Bordeaux.
To reserve a car in Bordeaux a credit card or debit card is sufficient. However, when you go to collect the car, you will need:
a credit card in the name of the driver. Debit and ATM cards are not accepted;
copy of the reservation;
a driving license valid for at least 12 months;
an identity document.
The car rental companies in Bordeaux allow to rent a car to all those who are between 21 and 70 years old. However, there is an additional cost for under 25 and for those over 70.
A car rental in Bordeaux always includes:
theft insurance;
limitation of liability for damage to the vehicle;
local, road and airport taxes.
Any extras or additional insurance coverage are separate.
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