Car Rental Charles de Gaulle Airport

All the information featured on this page was compiled and written by David Enrich, a renowned expert in aviation and airport guides since 1999.

Renting a car at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is a popular choice for travellers who want maximum freedom and flexibility during their stay in France. Whether you’re planning a scenic road trip across the French countryside, a visit to the Loire Valley, a weekend in Normandy, or a tour of Champagne vineyards, having a car gives you direct access to destinations beyond Paris that can be harder to reach by train or bus.

At CDG, most major international and reputable local car rental companies operate directly from the airport, making pick-up and drop-off convenient as soon as you arrive.

Booking your car rental in advance (2–4 weeks before travel) often gets you better rates and a wider selection of vehicles.

Where the Car Rental Desks and Parking are Located

At CDG, car rental desks and vehicle pick-up areas are located near the main terminals:

Terminal 1: Ground floor Arrivals — follow signs to “Car Rental Counters”
Terminal 2 (A-F): Car rental area on the ground floor, accessible via shuttle from the terminals
Terminal 2G: Dedicated car rental zone close to arrivals
Terminal 3: Smaller desk area with shared services

Most companies have their parking lots near the terminals, with free shuttle services from the terminals if the parking area is slightly further away.

Look for signs saying “Location de Voitures / Car Rental” inside the arrivals halls and at road level.

Approximate Prices & Popular Vehicle Types

Rental rates can vary based on the time of year, vehicle type, and how early you book. Below are typical ballpark figures:

Approximate Daily Rental Costs

Economy / Compact cars (e.g., Renault Clio, Peugeot 208, VW Polo): €25–€45 per day
Mid-size cars (e.g., VW Golf, Ford Focus): €40–€60 per day
SUVs / Estate (e.g., Peugeot 3008, Renault Kadjar): €60–€95+ per day
Premium / Luxury cars: €90–€150+ per day

Prices may be higher in peak summer months or holiday seasons.

Most Rented Vehicle Types

Economy / Compact cars: Great for city driving and fuel efficiency
Standard sedans: Comfortable for two-three people with luggage
SUVs: Best for longer road trips or families
Estate / station wagons: Popular for multi-destination travel with lots of luggage

Compact cars are popular not just because they are cheaper, but also easier to park in Paris’ tight city streets.

Popular Road Trip Destinations from CDG

Renting a car opens up many scenic and cultural routes beyond Paris:

Classic Destinations

Normandy (3–4 hrs): Mont Saint-Michel, D-Day beaches
Loire Valley (2–3 hrs): Châteaux and vineyards
Champagne Region (1.5–2 hrs): Reims and Épernay wineries
Burgundy (3–4 hrs): Famous food and wine routes

Quick Weekend Escapes

Deauville & Honfleur: Classic coastal towns in Normandy
Giverny: Monet’s gardens (1–1.5 hrs)
Versailles: Palace and gardens (~1 hr)

Some destinations may have toll roads. Plan your route and check toll costs — many GPS apps can estimate toll fees.

Insurance & Protection Explained

Basic insurance is usually included in your rental, but it often comes with a high excess (deductible). You’ll commonly see these insurance options:

Common Insurance Types

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Reduces your liability for damage to the rental vehicle.
Theft Protection (TP): Covers theft but may still have excess.
Super Collision / Excess Waiver: Further reduces or eliminates the excess — a valuable add-on.
Third-party liability: Mandatory and usually included.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): Optional coverage for occupants.

You can often buy third-party excess coverage from external insurers ahead of time (usually cheaper than at the rental counter).

Important Renting Tips

Driver requirements: Most companies require drivers to be at least 21–25 years old, and under 25 may incur young driver fees.
Fuel policy: Most rentals come with a full tank — return the car full to avoid refuelling charges.
Credit card: A major credit card in the driver’s name is usually needed for the security deposit.
Extras: GPS, child seats, and additional driver options cost extra — book them during reservation.
Traffic & parking: Parking in central Paris can be expensive and restricted; check hotel parking options in advance.