Car Rental in Toulouse - Driving Guide & Best Rates

Renting a car in Toulouse is generally not recommended for exploring the city center itself, where narrow medieval streets, limited parking, and excellent public transport make driving more hassle than convenience. However, a rental car becomes highly valuable for venturing into the surrounding Occitanie region – perfect for visiting nearby wine regions, medieval villages like Carcassonne or Albi, or exploring the Pyrenees foothills at your own pace. France drives on the right side of the road, and road quality is generally excellent throughout the region. Toulouse's ring road (périphérique) can be congested during rush hours, but highways connecting to other destinations are well-maintained. International visitors should note that an International Driving Permit may be required alongside your home license. The best scenario for car rental is multi-day countryside exploration or road trips where you want flexibility to stop at small towns and rural attractions poorly served by public transport. For city sightseeing, stick to the metro, tram, and buses – you'll save money on parking fees and avoid the stress of navigating one-way streets in the historic center.

International Driving Permit

Non-EU visitors typically need an IDP alongside their home country license. EU/EEA license holders can drive with their national license.

Minimum Age

Most rental agencies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with some premium vehicles requiring age 25+. Young driver surcharges often apply under age 25.

Valid Driver's License

A valid driver's license from your home country held for at least one year is required. Must be presented alongside passport at rental pickup.

Credit Card for Deposit

A credit card in the main driver's name is required for security deposit. Debit cards are generally not accepted for the deposit hold.

Insurance Coverage

Basic insurance is typically included, but additional coverage options are available. Check if your personal auto or credit card insurance covers international rentals.

Additional Driver Registration

Additional drivers must be registered at rental pickup and meet the same age and license requirements. Additional fees typically apply per extra driver.

Toulouse-Blagnac Airport hosts major international rental agencies with competitive rates, though city center locations may offer more flexibility for exploring the historic center without immediate highway driving.

Before leaving the rental lot, photograph the vehicle from all angles, verify the fuel policy (full-to-full is standard), and confirm you have the toll transponder if planning to use French autoroutes.

Download offline maps for the Occitanie region as GPS coverage can be spotty in rural areas; familiarize yourself with French road signs, particularly priority-to-the-right rules in smaller towns around Toulouse.

Parking in Toulouse's city center (Capitole area) is limited and expensive—look for Park & Ride facilities on the metro lines or use public parking garages; fuel stations are abundant on ring roads but scarce in the historic center.

Allow extra time when returning to the airport during peak hours as traffic on the A621 can be heavy; most agencies require returns with a full tank and will charge premium rates for refueling service.

Toulouse experiences heavy traffic congestion during rush hours (typically 7:30-9:30 AM and 5-7 PM), particularly on the ring road (Périphérique) and major routes into the city center - plan extra travel time during these periods.

The historic city center features narrow medieval streets, restricted traffic zones, and complex one-way systems that can be challenging for unfamiliar drivers - consider using GPS navigation and familiarize yourself with parking regulations before entering.

Speed cameras and traffic enforcement are common throughout Toulouse and surrounding areas - strictly observe posted speed limits as fines are issued automatically and can be substantial for foreign drivers.

Weather conditions can affect driving safety, particularly during winter months when occasional frost or rain can make roads slippery - exercise caution on bridges and elevated sections of the Périphérique during adverse weather.