Compare cheap car hire at Biarritz Airport with practical details on rental desk locations, vehicles available, driving routes and seasonal prices.
Biarritz Airport (Aéroport de Biarritz Pays Basque) serves the French Basque Country and sits about 5km from Biarritz city centre. The airport is a popular arrival point for travellers visiting the Atlantic coast, the Basque towns of southern France and nearby northern Spain.
Hiring a car at the airport makes it easy to explore the region, including coastal resorts, mountain villages and scenic drives along the Bay of Biscay.
Flights from Ireland
There are currently no regular direct flights from Ireland to Biarritz Airport. Travellers usually fly from Dublin Airport with one connection, typically through major European airports such as Paris, London or Amsterdam.
Another option is flying to nearby hubs like Bordeaux Airport or Toulouse Airport, where travellers can also collect a rental car and drive to the Basque coast.
Location of the Car Hire Desks
The car hire desks at Biarritz Airport are located inside the arrivals hall of the terminal building. After completing the rental paperwork, vehicles are collected from the airport parking area directly outside the terminal.
The airport is relatively compact, so walking distances between the terminal and the vehicle collection spaces are short.
Airport facilities and passenger information can be found on the official Biarritz Airport website.
Rental Companies at Biarritz Airport
Several well-known international and European rental companies operate at the airport.
- Hertz
- Avis / Budget
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Enterprise
Vehicles are usually collected from the designated car rental parking spaces directly outside the terminal.
Typical Rental Prices at Biarritz Airport
| Season | Economy Car | Family / Compact | SUV / Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| January – March | €25 – €45 per day | €45 – €75 per day | €75 – €130 per day |
| April – June | €30 – €60 per day | €60 – €95 per day | €95 – €160 per day |
| July – August | €45 – €90 per day | €90 – €150 per day | €150 – €220 per day |
| September – October | €30 – €65 per day | €65 – €110 per day | €110 – €180 per day |
| November – December | €25 – €50 per day | €50 – €85 per day | €85 – €150 per day |
Popular Rental Cars for the Basque Coast
Compact Cars
Small hatchbacks are ideal for driving between coastal towns where streets can be narrow and parking limited.
Family Touring Cars
Mid-size cars are a practical choice for travellers planning road trips along the Atlantic coast or inland through the Basque countryside.
SUVs
SUVs provide additional comfort for longer journeys through mountainous areas of the Basque region.
Driving from Biarritz Airport
Biarritz Airport connects to the regional motorway network via the A63 motorway.
- Biarritz city centre – about 10 minutes
- Bayonne – around 15 minutes
- San Sebastián (Spain) – roughly 45 minutes
- Bordeaux – about 2 hours
The A63 motorway runs north along the Atlantic coast toward Bordeaux and south toward the Spanish border.
Travellers continuing their journey across France sometimes compare rental options at airports such as Marseille Airport, Lyon Airport or Nice Airport.
Driving in the South-West of France
Motorways in France are generally well maintained but many operate as toll roads. Drivers should keep a credit card available when entering or exiting motorway toll sections.
Road signs are clear and distances are shown in kilometres.
Additional visitor information can be found on the official France tourism website.
Places to Visit by Car from Biarritz
With a rental car, travellers can easily explore the French Basque region and neighbouring Spain.
- Bayonne – historic Basque city with traditional architecture
- Saint-Jean-de-Luz – coastal town known for beaches and seafood restaurants
- San Sebastián – Spanish seaside city famous for cuisine
- Pyrenees Mountains – scenic mountain landscapes and hiking routes
Many visitors combine several of these destinations during a road trip through the Basque region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the car hire desks at Biarritz Airport?
The rental desks are located inside the arrivals hall of the terminal building.
Which companies operate car hire at Biarritz Airport?
Major suppliers include Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Budget, Sixt and Enterprise.
How far is Biarritz Airport from the city centre?
The airport is located about 5km from central Biarritz.
Is driving in France easy for visitors?
Yes. Roads are well maintained and clearly signposted.
Do French motorways have tolls?
Yes. Many motorways in France operate as toll roads.
Do I need a credit card to hire a car at Biarritz Airport?
Most rental companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name for the security deposit.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, although manual vehicles remain more common in Europe.
Should I book Biarritz Airport car hire in advance?
Booking ahead usually provides better prices and vehicle availability.
How long does it take to drive from Biarritz to San Sebastián?
The journey usually takes around 45 minutes depending on traffic.
Can I drive a rental car from France into Spain?
Most rental companies allow cross-border travel, but drivers should confirm this when booking.
