Car Rentals in Marseille, FRA

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Marseille

Renting a car in Marseille provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its beautiful surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans, making it ideal for families or those seeking outdoor adventures. Key attractions such as Cassis Beach and Borely Park are easily accessible, allowing you to enjoy beach experiences and urban outdoor activities. Drive to the picturesque Calanque de Port Miou for stunning scenery and romantic moments, all within a short distance from the city.

A rental car also facilitates visits to nearby destinations like Cassis and La Ciotat, where you can discover charming harbours and the stunning landscapes of Calanques National Park. Additionally, exploring the Old Port of Marseille, with its cultural sites like the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations and the historic neighbourhood of Le Panier, becomes seamless with your own vehicle. Overall, having a car enhances your travel experience in and around Marseille, ensuring you can make the most of your trip while enjoying the convenience of independent travel.

Most popular car hires in Marseille

• Compact: The compact car is a popular choice for 5 travellers, comfortably accommodating up to 3 medium suitcases. This type of vehicle is ideal for solo adventurers, couples, or families looking for a versatile option. Its smaller size makes it perfect for navigating the bustling streets of Marseille and finding parking with ease, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace.
• Midsize SUV: The midsize SUV caters to 5 travellers and can hold up to 3 large suitcases, making it an excellent option for families, couples, or small groups. With its spacious interior and additional luggage capacity, this vehicle provides comfort during longer drives and is suitable for those planning to explore the surrounding areas of Marseille. It strikes a balance between comfort and practicality for varied travel needs.
• Economy: Ideal for 5 travellers, the economy car can accommodate up to 2 medium suitcases. This car type is perfect for solo travellers, couples, or families seeking an economical option. Its compact nature allows for easy handling in urban environments like Marseille, while also being budget-friendly. This choice is excellent for those who want to explore the sights without the burden of a larger vehicle.

Top rated car suppliers in Marseille

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo provides a reliable option for car hire in Marseille, featuring two convenient rental locations. Travellers often select Midsize SUVs and Economy cars from this supplier. Known for quick pick-up and friendly service, Alamo ensures a hassle-free rental experience. Customers appreciate the cleanliness and maintenance of the vehicles, making it a great choice for exploring the region at your own pace.
• Budget: Budget is another popular choice among travellers, with two rental locations in the Marseille area. Their most frequently booked vehicles include Economy and Midsize SUVs, offering flexibility for various travel needs. Budget is recognised for competitive pricing and efficient service, allowing you to manage your itinerary seamlessly while enjoying the beautiful sights of Marseille and its vicinity.
• Sixt: Sixt stands out with four rental locations in and around Marseille, making it easily accessible for tourists. The Compact and Midsize SUVs are the most booked vehicles, catering to a wide range of preferences. Sixt is praised for its well-maintained fleet and customer service, providing a comfortable and efficient solution for those looking to explore the region. With multiple locations, Sixt offers convenience that enhances your travel experience.

Where to stay in Marseille

• Cassis: Nestled close to Marseille, Cassis is ideal for those seeking outdoor adventures and stunning scenery. The area boasts beautiful beaches, including Cassis Beach, and the picturesque Calanque de Port Miou, perfect for a romantic getaway. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate Calanques National Park, offering breathtaking views and hiking opportunities. With an array of restaurants and wineries nearby, Cassis is a fantastic destination for food and wine lovers.
• La Ciotat: Located in proximity to Marseille, La Ciotat is a vibrant city known for its outdoor and adventure experiences. The family-friendly beaches and La Ciotat Harbour provide ample opportunities for relaxation and excitement. Explore the nearby Calanques National Park for more outdoor activities. The area also features various restaurants and wineries, making it a delightful spot for culinary exploration.
• Old Port of Marseille: The Old Port area offers a lively atmosphere with a mix of beach, outdoor activities, and urban charm. Visitors can enjoy shopping at local centres and explore cultural attractions like the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations. Le Panier, a historic village, adds to the cultural experience of the area. Prado Beach is also within reach, providing a perfect spot for sunbathing and relaxation after a day of sightseeing.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around Marseille

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for those sunny days, or an economy car for cost-effectiveness, utilise the filters on Expedia to identify the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary depending on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are likely to access lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in congested areas. Mid-size rentals offer a suitable compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to making a booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals necessitate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are acceptable as well; just ensure the car is returned empty in this case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: A surcharge is often applied for collecting your rental car at airports, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unforeseen occur during your trip. It is straightforward to add car hire insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you are planning extensive road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is required to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Marseille

The best value period for renting a car in and around Marseille is November, when prices are slightly low and demand is at its lowest. Nearby months like January and February also offer good options with low demand and slightly low to average prices. However, July stands out as the most expensive month, with high demand and slightly high prices, making it less desirable for budget-conscious renters. August follows closely, maintaining high demand and costs, while September sees a slight drop in demand but still higher prices.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	47.1°F (8.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
February	47.7°F (8.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
March	52.2°F (11.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
April	56.7°F (13.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	62.6°F (17.0°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
June	71.1°F (21.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
July	76.1°F (24.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Slightly High
August	76.3°F (24.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Slightly High
September	70.7°F (21.5°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
October	63.7°F (17.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	55.4°F (13.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
December	49.6°F (9.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average