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Best car hire at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
After landing at Charles de Gaulle Airport, located in the suburb of Roissy-en-France, about 25 km northeast of central Paris, you will want a smooth onward journey. With rental desks spread across all terminals, you can quickly pick up your vehicle from trusted providers, all offering a wide range of vehicles from economical city cars to premium models.
Hiring a car online through VIP Cars allows you to skip crowded public transport like the RER B and travel at your own pace, whether you are heading into the city or exploring nearby regions.
You can compare multiple deals from different suppliers under one roof and reserve the most affordable option according to your budget.
From the airport, you can comfortably drive to major attractions such as the Eiffel Tower or Champs-Élysées in around 40 minutes or reach Disneyland Paris in under an hour.
A rental car also opens up easy access to destinations beyond Paris, including the Palace of Versailles and the scenic countryside of Ile-de-France, making it the best choice for travelers seeking flexibility and a comfortable travel experience.
Where are car rental companies at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) located?
Car rental companies like Europcar, Hertz, Avis, Budget, Sixt, Enterprise, National, Alamo and Dollar at Charles de Gaulle Airport are conveniently located across all main terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2 (A–F) and Terminal 3, with dedicated rental desks inside the arrivals areas and vehicle pick-up zones in nearby parking facilities.
Clear signage throughout the airport guides passengers to “Location de voitures”/“Car Rental” areas, so even first-time visitors can navigate the process without hassle.
- Car rental desks at CDG Terminal 1 are situated on Level 5 in the Arrivals Hall between Gates 24 and 30.
- Passengers arriving at Terminal 2 (A, B, C, D) simply need to follow the signs directing them to the rental area “location de voitures” situated at Level 1 (Service Area Level) between 2A/2C & 2/B/2D halls.
- If arriving at CDG Terminal 2- E/F, you will find the car hire desks outside the Terminal building. Exit the Arrivals level through gate 2 and make your way towards the Central Plaza Car Park (outdoor parking area) between E & F Halls.
- There are no active car rental service counters in Terminal 2G. So if you are arriving at 2G, take the free "N2" shuttle bus to Terminal 2F to access the rental desks.
- Although there are no car hire desks at Terminal 3, passengers arriving at T3 can board the CDGVAL free shuttle to get to T1 or T2 terminals, where most suppliers are present.
For the exact location of your corresponding car hire desk at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, you can check your booking voucher.
Quick navigation table (Car hire offices at CDG Airport)
| CDG Airport Terminal | Counter location | How to get there |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | Arrivals Hall, Level 5 | Follow signs to "Location de voitures" |
| Terminal 2A-2D | Level 1 (Service Area) | Located between halls 2A/2C and 2B/2D |
| Terminal 2E-2F | Between Halls 2E & 2F | Exit Arrivals, follow signs to "Parking EF" |
| Terminal 2G | No counter | Take N2 Shuttle to Terminal 2F |
| Terminal 3 | No counter | Take CDGVAL to Terminal 1 or 2 |
What is the process for car rental return at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)?
To return your car hire at Charles de Gaulle Airport, follow the “Car Rental Return” signs as you approach the airport, which will direct you to the designated parking area linked to your rental company and terminal.
- To return your rental car back to a supplier located at T1 Terminal, head towards Level 8 (often marked as the Red Level) of the Terminal 1 parking structure.
- If dropping your vehicle at T2 CDG, follow the directions to the Rental Car Building located between Terminals 2E and 2F.
- There is no dedicated car rental return facility at Terminal 3. So, in case you are flying out of Terminal 3, first return the car to the designated return zones at either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.
- If you are departing from a different terminal than your return location, you can easily transfer using the free CDGVAL, which connects all terminals and parking zones.
- To avoid delays, it’s recommended to allow extra time for the return process, especially during peak travel hours.
Most providers also offer after-hours returns, where you can park the car, lock it and drop the keys in a secure drop box. The instructions about the return procedure, office hours and the availability of after-hours car returns for your supplier will also be mentioned in your Rental Confirmation Voucher.
Summary table for CDG Airport car hire return
| Destination terminal | Where to follow the signs | Final parking zone |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | Terminal 1 / Parking P1 | Level 8 (Red Level) |
| Terminal 2 (A-F) | Terminal 2 / Parking EF | Rental Car Building (Parking EF) |
| Terminal 3 | Terminal 1 or 2 | Return to T1 or T2, then take CDGVAL |
Self-drive car hire categories at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
You will find a diverse range of self-drive car hire categories tailored to different travel needs on our platform, whether you’re navigating central Paris or heading out on longer road trips across France.
For city driving and short stays, compact and economy cars such as a Peugeot 208 or Renault Clio are popular choices, due to their fuel efficiency and ease of parking in busy areas near landmarks like the Eiffel Tower.
Travelers seeking extra comfort or arriving for business often opt for luxury sedans like a BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class, ideal for smooth highway drives from CDG to business districts or upscale areas around the Champs-Élysées.
For families or groups landing at the airport, spacious SUVs and minivans such as the Peugeot 5008 or Renault Espace provide ample luggage capacity and comfortable seating, making them perfect for trips to Disneyland Paris or the Palace of Versailles.
One-way & cross-border car rentals from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
One-way and cross-border car rentals from Charles de Gaulle Airport give you the flexibility to pick up your vehicle at CDG and drop it off at a different location (either within France or in another European country), without needing to return to the airport. This is especially useful if you are planning a multi-city itinerary or a road trip across regions.
For example, you can drive from CDG to Lyon (approx. 460 km, 4.5–5 hours) or Nice (around 930 km, 9 hours) and return your car there, saving time on backtracking.
Popular one-way domestic routes also include CDG to Bordeaux (580 km) and Strasbourg (490 km), both easily accessible via France’s well-maintained motorway network.
Cross-border travel from CDG Airport
For cross-border travel, CDG is an ideal starting point due to its proximity to several European countries.
- You can drive to Brussels in about 310 km (3–3.5 hours), reach Amsterdam in roughly 520 km (5–6 hours), or head to Geneva in around 540 km (5.5 hours).
- Many travelers also opt for scenic drives into Belgium, Germany or Switzerland, depending on their itinerary.
- Leading suppliers like Europcar, Sixt, Hertz and Avis at CDG offer cross-border rental options after taking prior approval. It’s advisable to confirm country restrictions, insurance coverage and any fees associated in advance to have a smooth journey across borders.
Affordable car rental deal types at CDG Airport
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is one of the busiest arrival points in France and many travellers choose to rent a car directly from the airport to continue their journey across Paris, Disneyland Paris, Normandy, the Loire Valley or neighboring European countries.
Because travel needs vary greatly, rental suppliers offer several flexible and budget-friendly rental options.
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One-day / 24-hour car rentals
One-day rentals are popular among business travellers, transit passengers and visitors planning short trips outside Paris. For example, travelers often rent compact cars for a quick drive to Versailles, Reims or Disneyland Paris before returning to the airport the next day. Economy vehicles are usually the preferred choice for lower fuel and parking costs.
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Short-term car rentals
Weekend and weekly rentals are among the most common choices at CDG Airport. Families and tourists frequently book SUVs or midsize cars for 3–7 day trips covering Paris, Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel or the French countryside.
Travellers arriving from the UK, USA and Middle East often prefer automatic vehicles, while European renters commonly choose smaller manual cars.
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Long-term car rentals
Long-term rentals are ideal for extended vacations, work assignments, student stays or temporary relocation in France. Many customers rent vehicles for 1 to 6 months to explore different regions at their own pace.
Popular options include fuel-efficient compact cars for city driving and spacious station wagons or SUVs for families traveling across France and neighboring countries like Belgium, Switzerland, or Germany.
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Last-minute car rentals
CDG Airport also sees strong demand for last-minute rentals, especially during summer holidays, fashion events and business conferences in Paris. Various suppliers provide same-day booking options for travellers whose plans change unexpectedly or who decide to continue their trip by road instead of rail.
About Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport
| Address: | 95700 Roissy-en-France, France |
|---|---|
| IATA Code: | CDG |
One of the largest airports in France, the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, also famous as Roissy Airport, is the gateway to the French capital located at a distance of just 14 miles.
Arrivals and departures at CDG are handled out of 3 separate terminal buildings: T1, T2 & T3. Transfers between terminals are handled by an automatic shuttle train (CDGVAL) or via numerous shuttle services.
Passengers who wish to travel from Paris Airport to the city center can choose from options such as self-drive car rentals, airport taxis, RioissyBus, RER B Train, etc. The airport also offers numerous accommodation options both inside the premises and in nearby areas.
Terminal facilities at CDG
- Medical facilities
- Lost and found
- Free Wifi
- Car rental facilities
- Restaurants and cafeterias
- Duty-free shopping
- Postal services
- ATMs
- Premium lounges
- Short/Long-term parking
- Currency exchange
- Luggage storage
- Airport hotel
- Reading zones
VIP Cars’ tips for car hire at France Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
- If you are planning a longer stay or a road trip beyond Paris, say to Lyon or Bordeaux, opting for a long-term rental can significantly reduce your per-day cost compared to short bookings.
- For travelers heading straight into central Paris, the quickest route from CDG is via the A1 motorway, which connects directly to the Boulevard Périphérique, the city’s main ring road.
- Most rental cars in France are manual transmission; if you prefer an automatic especially for navigating busy areas near the Eiffel Tower or Champs-Élysées, make sure to reserve it in advance, as availability is limited.
- Before confirming your car rental booking, verify the fuel type (petrol or diesel), as misfuelling charges in France can be expensive.
- Be prepared for tolls on major highways (autoroutes). For example, routes heading toward Lille or Reims include toll sections, so keeping a card or some cash handy is helpful.