Car Hire at Nantes airport (NTE)

Several car rental companies operate at Nantes Airport, with their offices located on the forecourt opposite the terminal, within a few minutes’ walking distance. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during the high season.

Car Rental Companies

• Avis
• Budget
• Enterprise
• Europcar
• Hertz
• Sixt

For information on opening hours and to make reservations, it is advisable to visit the individual websites of each company.

Vehicle Rental Requirements

To rent a vehicle from agencies operating in France (including Nantes Airport), the main driver must present the following documentation and meet the basic conditions:

Required Documentation

• Identity Document / Passport: A valid official ID, such as a passport, is required (mandatory for non-European citizens).
• Driving Licence: A valid physical driving licence is required (digital copies are not accepted). Most agencies require that it has been issued for at least 1 year (some vehicle groups may require 2 to 5 years).
• International Driving Permit (IDP): If your national licence is not written in the Latin alphabet (e.g. Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic, etc.), an International Driving Permit or an official French translation is mandatory. If your licence is in the Latin alphabet (such as those from the EU, the UK, the USA, Canada, or Latin America), the IDP is usually not required for short trips (under 90 days), but it is highly recommended by many rental companies to avoid issues with the police or the agency.
• Credit Card in the Driver’s Name: A physical credit card (not debit or digital) in the name of the main driver is required. This card will be used for the security deposit, which will be blocked for the rental period. The available credit limit must be sufficient to cover the deposit amount.

Age and Experience Requirements

• Minimum Age: The legal driving age in France is 18, but most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old to rent most vehicles.
• Young Driver Surcharge: Drivers under 25 (and sometimes those over 70) are subject to a mandatory daily surcharge (known as the Young Driver Surcharge). The fee varies depending on the company and vehicle category, and can be around €30.00–€40.00 per day, with a maximum charge per rental.