Hello,
Planning on renting an economical car in Bordeaux drive thru the coast and on to Rennes my final destination.
Can you rent cars for one way trips and drop of in another city in France?
Can anyone recommend a large rental company I can reach out to perhaps?
This is my 1st time traveling to Europe and I am from the US.
Thank you!
Yes, you can do that. The extra charge for a one way rental is usually about $100-200. We find the extra charge is usually worth it for the convenience. I think you get a better deal if you are returning your car somewhere the rental company likes to have their cars - airports or train stations in larger cities. As you plan your future trips avoid renting a car in one country and returning it in another --- If a company is willing to do that the one-way fee will be very high.
Drop offs vary between free and inexpensive in France, no real worries there.
And the major companies are all decent. A good place to start is the broker Auto Europe: competitive rates and English-speaking support if needed (I never needed it). You have to pay upfront but can cancel for free up to 48 hours before collection.
Thanks for all the insight.
Good to know I can pull this off as I am planning a mixed train and rental car visit. The car rental will allow me a little more flexibility to see the nooks and crannies I normally could not having to solely rely on foot and train transport.
I really dont mind the added $100-200 fee if it means I can enjoy the trip to my own liking and schedule.
I will look into Auto Europe as well. Thats great they speak English as my Spanish is very good but French is almost nil!
We rented this past April in Rennes and returned in Lille. As long as pick up and drop are within France the fee is nominal. Just know that Sunday’s have very limited hours so easier to pick up and return other days of the week.
We used Enterprise but Auto Europe is also highly suggested by this forum.
Be sure and pick up an International Drivers Permit at the auto club before you depart the US.
Driving in Normandy and Brittany was quite easy. And roads are in excellent condition.
Re: "Be sure and pick up an International Drivers Permit at the auto club before you depart the US."
I was told a US drivers license would suffice in France. Ill look into this just to make sure as I would hate to be caught broad sighted once there!
It’s French law that you need a translation done by a French government translator or you can buy the permit at AAA. This is written on the website of the French consulate page for visitors. Chances are that you’ll never be asked to produce it, but it’s the law if your license isn’t in French.
Salmon72, although the international drivers permit is intended to be handed to local authorities because it provides translation of your US license, sometimes the car rental agency asks to see it as well. Most likely not but Enterprise in Rennes asked to see it. Not sure why anyone would tell you that you don’t need it.
I was told a US drivers license would suffice in France
Who told you this?
Looked into the International Drivers Permit. You guys are correct. I shall obtain one prior to traveling!
AutoEurope.com
Go to their website, set up an account
Search for your options (one way, transmission?)
They are a US based consolidator and have excellent customer service.
You have to pay upfront but can cancel and rebook if rates go down so keep an eye on it.
Any questions -call them Toll Free
Super helpful
We always get full coverage, no deductible insurance
Worth it for peace of mind
Yes you need an IDP
