Car rental in Marseille: find the best price and set off to explore!

You’re planning your stay in Marseille and want to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace? Renting a car is the ideal solution to fully enjoy the Phocaean city, its legendary calanques, its Provençal villages, and its beaches that invite you to escape. From the picturesque streets of Le Panier to the coastal trails of Cassis, every journey becomes an adventure along sun-drenched roads lined by the Mediterranean Sea.

Is it absolutely necessary to rent a car in Marseille ?

Are you planning your stay in Marseille and want to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace? Renting a car is the ideal solution to fully enjoy the Phocaean city, its legendary calanques, its Provençal villages, and its beaches that invite you to get away from it all. From the picturesque streets of Le Panier to the coastal paths of Cassis, every journey becomes an adventure along sun-soaked roads bordered by the Mediterranean.

👉 Rent a car now

How to choose the right car rental agency in Marseille ?

Here’s everything you need to know to choose the ideal agency, whether at the airport, Saint-Charles train station, or in the city center :

1 - TYPE OF AGENCY

Compare major brands (Sixt, Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Budget, Rent A Car, Enterprise, Alamo, Free2Move) with local rental companies, which may offer tailored deals and competitive prices. International agencies often provide precise and reliable service, while local agencies attract customers with their flexibility and personalized service.

The main agencies are located at Marseille Provence Airport and Saint-Charles train station, allowing for quick pick-up upon arrival.

Location de voiture à Marseille
Rental agency Types of vehicles offered
Enterprise entreprise Citadines, SUV, Familiales, Utilitaires
SIXT entreprise Citadines, Berlines, SUV, Monospaces
Rent A Car entreprise Citadines, Utilitaires, Familiales
Notice entreprise Citadines, SUV, Berlines
Hertz entreprise SUV, Citadines, Utilitaires
Free2Move entreprise Citadines, SUV, Monospaces
Alamo entreprise Citadines, SUV, Familiales
Budget entreprise Citadines, SUV, Berlines

2 - COMPARE OFFERS

Use our DiscoverCars comparison tool to get the best real-time rates and choose the vehicle that best suits your needs and budget. On some sites, it’s possible to rent economy cars from €15–20 per day and get discounts for early booking.

3 - CHOOSE THE IDEAL VEHICLE

Citadine

To get around the city center and park easily, it’s better to choose a compact city car.

SUV ou familiale

To visit the calanques or escape to the countryside, an SUV or a family car will be more comfortable and suitable.

Monospace ou utilitaire

Traveling with more passengers or luggage ? Consider minivans or utility vehicles.

4 - INSURANCE AND PROTECTION

Check the insurance included in the rental contract. Basic insurance is usually included, but it may be wise to opt for additional coverage for extra peace of mind (reduced deductible, comprehensive insurance, etc.).

5 - BUILDING TRUST: READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS

Check reviews and feedback on Google, Tripadvisor, or booking platforms to choose a reliable agency and avoid unpleasant surprises. Agencies with a rating above 7.5/10 are recommended.

Avis Google
Avis Tripadvisor

6 - ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Find out about vehicle delivery, unlimited mileage options, GPS, child seats, additional drivers, etc. These little extras make your stay with family or friends easier.

👉 Reserve my vehicle

THE ADVANTAGES OF RENTING
BY CAR IN MARSEILLE

Location de voiture à Marseille
  • Total freedom: explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace, without relying on public transport schedules.
  • Direct access to the calanques, Prado beaches, perched villages, and Provençal markets that are often poorly served.
  • Enjoy coastal landscapes and change your itinerary at the last minute.
  • Easily transport luggage, beach gear, or sports equipment.
  • More economical for a group or family, especially for trips outside Marseille.

5 KEY POINTS FOR SUCCESSFUL RENTING

1 - Driver's license and minimum age

Most agencies require you to be at least 21 years old and to have held a valid driving license for at least one year; some require 23 or 25 years for high-end models. A young driver surcharge may apply.

2 – Book in advance

As Marseille is a popular destination, especially during the summer season, book as early as possible to ensure availability and the best rates.

3 – Insurance and coverage

Check any applicable deductibles and consider insurance that covers damage and provides 24/7 roadside assistance. Reputable agencies often offer all-inclusive contracts.

4 – Local driving conditions

In Marseille, driving is on the right and road signs are familiar, but city-center streets can be narrow and parking spaces scarce. Observe speed limits, stay alert, and use monitored parking whenever possible.

5 – Additional fees and fuel policy

Check the fuel policy (“full to full” is very common), as well as fees for late returns, additional drivers, or special equipment to avoid any extra charges.

VEHICLES TO CHOOSE FOR MARSEILLE
AND ITS SURROUNDING REGION?

category ideal for example models prices from
City car City center, urban trips Peugeot 208, Renault Clio, Fiat 500 €15–20/day
Family car Families, luggage, comfort Citroën Berlingo, Dacia Sandero, Opel Zafira €27–45/day
SUV/4x4 Calanques, countryside Dacia Duster, Nissan Qashqai, Toyota RAV4 €39–50/day
Utility vehicle Groups or equipment Renault Kangoo, Ford Transit €27–45/day

Prices vary depending on the season, rental duration, and options. January is the cheapest month, while July and August are the most in-demand periods.

VEHICLES TO CHOOSE FOR MARSEILLE
AND ITS SURROUNDING REGION?

  • Marseille is the 3rd most in-demand French city for car rentals in 2024, with a +5.6% increase in bookings compared to 2023.
  • Average price in Marseille for a one-week rental in 2024: €385 (-10% vs 2023), placing the city slightly above the national average (Nice: €373, Paris: €331).
  • During summer 2024 (June–August), the average weekly price was around €340 in the Aix-Marseille metropolitan area (e.g. Aix, Marseille, Vitrolles, Aubagne, etc.).
  • The share of electric or hybrid vehicle bookings exceeds 25% in Marseille, representing the strongest regional growth in the mobility market in 2025.
  • Car-sharing fleet available in Marseille: over 200 self-service vehicles operated by Citiz Provence (attracting urban and suburban users for short- or medium-term rentals), with fuel, insurance, and assistance included.
  • Peak season: demand surges from June to September (+40% rentals during the summer season).
  • Preferred vehicle types: city cars (Peugeot 208, Renault Clio, Fiat 500) and compact SUVs for trips to Cassis, the Calanques, or Aix-en-Provence.
  • Surrounding areas of Marseille (Aix, Aubagne, Vitrolles, Marignane, Gardanne, etc.): strong local coverage with more than 13 nearby agencies meeting daily or seasonal mobility needs.
👉 Rent my vehicle in Marseille

OTHER DATA ON CAR RENTAL
IN MARSEILLE AND ITS REGION

  • Professional rentals (companies, craftsmen, event services) and utility vehicles represent a fast-growing segment in the metropolitan area.
  • Booking methods: more than 7 out of 10 rentals are made online, with local and international platforms showing strong growth.
  • The price drop observed in 2024 is due to an increase in supply (more vehicles after the post-COVID shortage) and increased competition in the electric and hybrid segment.

CAR RENTAL STATISTICS IN MARSEILLE
AND THE SURROUNDING REGION

Statistiques location de voiture Marseille et région
  • Marseille is the 3rd most in-demand French city for car rentals in 2024, with a +5.6% increase in bookings compared to 2023.
  • Average price in Marseille for a one-week rental in 2024: €385 (-10% vs 2023), placing the city slightly above the national average (Nice: €373, Paris: €331).
  • During summer 2024 (June–August), the average weekly price was around €340 in the Aix–Marseille metropolitan area (e.g. Aix, Marseille, Vitrolles, Aubagne, etc.).
  • The share of electric or hybrid vehicle bookings exceeds 25% in Marseille, representing the strongest regional growth in the mobility market in 2025.
  • Car-sharing fleet available in Marseille: over 200 self-service vehicles operated by Citiz Provence (appealing to urban and suburban users for short- or medium-term use), with fuel, insurance, and assistance included.
  • Peak season: demand surges from June to September (+40% rentals during the summer season).
  • Preferred vehicle types: city cars (Peugeot 208, Renault Clio, Fiat 500) and compact SUVs for trips to Cassis, the Calanques, or Aix-en-Provence.
  • Surrounding areas of Marseille (Aix, Aubagne, Vitrolles, Marignane, Gardanne, etc.): strong local coverage with more than 13 nearby agencies meeting daily or seasonal mobility needs.

FAQ Car Rental Marseille

You must have a valid Class B driver's license, generally held for at least one year. The minimum age is often 21, but some agencies accept drivers as young as 18 or require 3 to 5 years of driving experience for certain categories of high-end or utility vehicles. Be sure to check the specific conditions of your rental company.
A deposit via credit card (or sometimes debit card) in the name of the main driver is required when picking up the vehicle. The amount depends on the car category and the insurance taken out. It is refunded upon return if no anomalies are found.
Yes, but age and license duration restrictions apply. Most agencies charge a “young driver” surcharge for drivers under 25, which is included in the price displayed at the time of booking. The minimum age and license duration may vary depending on the rental category.
  • Valid driver's license
  • Identity card or passport
  • Credit card in the name of the primary driver
  • Proof of address or additional means of payment for certain rental companies Additional documents (airline or train ticket, proof of stay) may be requested for foreign tourists or rentals at the airport/train station.
The rental automatically includes civil liability insurance. It is recommended that you check the deductible, and it is possible to take out additional coverage (comprehensive, theft, glass breakage, etc.) for peace of mind while traveling.
Most agencies offer free cancellation or modification up to 24 or 48 hours before pick-up time. Check the specific conditions when booking: some late cancellations incur a fixed fee.
You can pick up your vehicle at Marseille-Provence Airport, Saint-Charles Train Station, downtown, or at a local agency. Some locations require a shuttle to the rental parking lot. Choose the most convenient location based on your arrival mode.
Depending on the agency and rates chosen, mileage may be unlimited or limited (additional charges may apply if the limit is exceeded). This point must be clarified before confirming the reservation.
All reputable agencies include 24/7 assistance in the event of a breakdown or accident. Contact the service indicated on your contract. Remember to fill out an accident report form and notify your rental company immediately.
Yes, this is often possible for an additional fee (sometimes free of charge). Each driver will need to present the same documents required for the main rental.
GPS, child seats, booster seats, snow chains, and other special equipment are available upon reservation or on site, depending on the season and vehicle category, with a possible additional charge.
Most rentals operate on a “full-to-full” basis: you return the car with the same fuel level as when you picked it up. Failure to return the car with a full tank may result in a sometimes high charge for the missing fuel.
Each agency provides a helpline number for emergencies or questions, which can be found on your contract or the rental company's website.
Always inspect the vehicle (taking photos if necessary) and make sure you have filled up the fuel tank if this is the policy. Any anomalies may affect the refund of the security deposit.
In general, driving in the European Union is possible with prior notification to the rental company. Outside the EU, and in particular to travel to Corsica, Spain, or Italy, the use of the rented vehicle must be pre-approved. This may result in additional charges or restrictions.
Yes, most agencies offer half-day, full-day, or one-way rentals (pick up the car in Marseille and drop it off in another city). Any additional costs or special conditions will be specified at the time of booking.
Some rental companies allow debit cards, but most require a credit card in the name of the primary driver for the deposit. Check in advance to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
These include: additional driver, young driver, GPS, car seat, late return, excess mileage, or return to a different location.
👉 Book my car

WHAT BUDGET SHOULD YOU PLAN FOR RENTING A
CAR IN MARSEILLE ?

Small car

Small car:
from €15–20/day

Family SUV utility vehicle

Family / SUV / Utility vehicle:
from €27–50/day

Convertible Premium

Convertible / Premium:
from €52/day

Early booking and long-term rental: discounts of up to 30% available.

WHAT IS THE PRICE OF FUEL IN MARSEILLE?

Prix du carburant à Marseille

Unleaded petrol

around €1.85 per liter
(at the latest reading in 2025)

Diesel

around €1.72 per liter

Prices are in line with those in mainland France and should be checked before departure.