Car rental in Nantes, France

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There are 35 car rental providers in Nantes. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pickup spot.

Driving in Nantes: What to expect on the road

Documents you'll need
You'll need your driver's license, passport, and a credit card to rent a car in Nantes.
Most visitors can use their regular license. You may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license isn't in English. Rental companies also ask for matching ID and a credit card for the deposit.
Navigating city driving
Nantes has wide boulevards and a pedestrian-friendly center.
Driving is simple on major roads, but central streets can be narrow with tram tracks. Navigation apps help you avoid pedestrian zones and guide you toward riverside routes and nearby suburbs.
Tolls, emissions zones, and charges
Nantes has no local toll roads.
Some long-distance highways in the region have tolls depending on your route. The city also operates occasional low-emission measures, though most rental cars meet the required standards.
Parking your car in Nantes
Parking is easier in parking lots than on central streets.
Street spaces are limited near the old town. Multi-story parking garages near Commerce and the castle offer easy access to sights. Park-and-ride sites are simple options on the edge of the city.
Finding fuel or charging points
Fuel is easy to find, and EV charging stations in Nantes are increasing.
Gas stations are located on major routes and near shopping areas. Charging points are growing across the city. Apps like PlugShare help you find available chargers.
Local driving style and tips
Drivers are patient, but tram routes need extra attention.
Trams pass through central streets, so approach crossings slowly. Traffic moves steadily, and cyclists are common near the river. Keep speeds low in pedestrian-heavy areas.
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The most popular car rental companies in Nantes

Choose from the best car rental companies in Nantes

Renting a car in Nantes: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car rental companyRentscape
Most popular carEconomy, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceAED 466
Best time to bookLess than 1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Nantes

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car rental rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Nantes car rental search.

How to find a cheap car rental deal in Nantes

  • Take control of your trip with a cheap rental car in Nantes. With prices averaging AED 466 a day, it's travel freedom that doesn't cost a fortune. From small cars to full-size models, we'll help you find the right rental for less.

  • The cheapest daily price for a rental in Nantes is AED 136.

  • For longer trips, pick up a weekly rental from AED 578 and pack more sights into your itinerary.

  • Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Nantes car hire. Try booking around two weeks before you go.

  • Rentscape, Europcar and Enterprise are some of the top-ranked providers in the city. They're a great starting point for comparing offers.

  • Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Nantes car rental policy, whether you book with Rentscape or any other supplier. Some companies might not include it in the base price and instead sell it separately.

  • Choosing a one-way car rental can be your secret weapon for cheaper deals. Check 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes need to move vehicles between locations, which means you can snag some awesome one-way prices on a car for rent in Nantes.

  • Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your ride with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. You won't get hit with overpriced refueling charges either.

  • Hit the highway without watching the miles and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you travel without limits.

Best value car rental options right now

  • You'll find the best value with this company, with average prices at AED 533 a day.

  • Next in line, this provider offers daily rates of around AED 521.

  • The third option also stays competitive on price. Drive off in one of their rentals for roughly AED 643 a day.

  • The Economy rental category is a reliable option if you can't decide what sort of ride you need. It's also the vehicle type that's booked the most in Nantes.

Flying to Nantes? Think about an airport pick-up

  • Make an early start on your Nantes plans by picking up a car rental at Nantes Airport. The city center is about 11 kilometers from this airport, which is a drive of around 20 minutes.

Compare car rental types in Nantes

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Nantes is all about getting you on the road for less. These agile, fuel-efficient rides are good for short trips and city driving.

  • Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the rental that's juuuust right! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are suited to small families and couples.

  • Large: Offering greater driving comfort and improved tech features, this Nantes car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.

  • SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and an open view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged backcountry or cruising along wide-open highways, many offer all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.

  • Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Nantes that fits a small crowd (and all their gear), a van will do the job. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're best suited for group travel, moving or business needs.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers what you'd otherwise have to pay if your Nantes car rental is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, you'll be glad to have it if something goes wrong. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are equal, so make sure you know exactly what's offered.

  • From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can totally transform your drive. Consider which features will help you make the most of your trip when you rent a car in Nantes.

Good to know

  • The minimum age to rent a vehicle in France is typically 21 years old. However some providers set their own rules, so always go over your rental company's policy to find out what applies to you.

  • If you've got the kids in tow, check if you should add a child car seat to your Nantes car rental reservation. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to travel.

  • You'll need some documents when you get to the rental desk. As a rule, bring a valid driver's license, a credit card with enough balance for the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and additional photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.

  • Get familiar with your rental. Adjust your seat and mirrors, test the lights and blinkers, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And don't forget to stay on the right side of the road in France.

  • Make sure you stay within the local speed limits. Usually that's around 45kph in built-up areas and 125kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.

  • In France, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you intend to have a few drinks, get someone else to do the driving or take another form of transport.

  • Around 8am is one of the busiest times for traffic around this destination. Try to avoid peak travel times generally for a more relaxed drive.

  • You'll be using the euro (EUR) on your trip here. As well as your credit and debit cards, have some cash handy for minor purchases.

Best hotels in Nantes for drivers

  • Offering parking, Le 2 by Hotel Akena - Nantes Beaujoire, Porte de Sainte Luce gives you the freedom to come and go as you please. This hotel is around 6 kilometers from central Nantes and also comes with internet access and a golf course.

  • The Originals City, Hotel Novella Premium, Nantes Est is another good fit if your plans involve plenty of exploring. It features parking, plus a ticket office and car rental options. Base yourself here and you'll be roughly 8 kilometers from the city center.

  • Browse through the hotels in Nantes for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find the ideal fit. You can also apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to bring up places with on-site charging.

  • After you've found a car rental deal in Nantes and the right hotel, it's time to plan your adventures. Machines of the Isle Nantes, Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne and Basilique Saint Nicolas are some of the city's best experiences.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Nantes

  • Around 80 kilometers east of central Nantes, Angers easily earns a place on your itinerary. Steer straight toward must-see sights like La Tapisserie De L'Apocalypse and Collegiale Saint-Martin.

  • Oceania Hôtel d'Anjou Angers and Campanile Angers Ouest - Beaucouzé are popular accommodation options with parking in Angers.

  • Add La Roche-sur-Yon to your vacation plans too. Grab your cheap car rental in Nantes and drive roughly 64 kilometers south to take in major highlights such as Le Haras de la Vendee and Maison Renaissance.

  • Hôtel Mercure la Roche-Sur-Yon Centre and Kyriad la Roche Sur Yon are comfy places to stay in La Roche-sur-Yon if you're in town for a while. Choose one of these and enjoy an easy pull-up-and-check-in experience.

  • Stretch your journey and road-trip it to Brest, around 257 kilometers northwest of Nantes. First, visit Oceanopolis, then head to Musee national de la Marine.

  • Book a room at L'Amirauté Brest or Best Western Plus Europe Hotel. They're an ideal base for exploring everything Brest has to offer. They also offer parking.

Frequently asked questions

On average, renting a car in Nantes will set you back around AED 466 per day or AED 1,405 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Nantes is a compact van or truck. The most popular is Economy, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car rental companies in Nantes are currently Rentscape and Enterprise.
Scoring the best car rental deal depends on when you book – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. However, according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Nantes is currently January.
On average, around AED 1,405. But the best price we found for a car rental for a week in Nantes is AED 577.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to rent a car in Nantes for a whole month is AED 4,450. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Nantes, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car rental deals with a "full to full" fuel policy as opposed to a "half-full to full" one.

We also clearly highlight car and van rental options in Nantes that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car rental companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select "Return car to a different location" when you search with us.
Public transportation can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, and for as long as you want. You'll also be able to discover more outside of Nantes.
Most places – Nantes included – allow people under the age of 25 to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance deductible for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is AED 158 per day. The average price per day is around AED 466.
Of course. Most major car rental companies like Rentscape, Enterprise and Alamo offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travelers rated Europcar as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van rental is available in Nantes.