Compare car hire at Montpellier Airport with top providers, pickup tips and driving routes across southern France and the Mediterranean coast.
Montpellier Méditerranée Airport (MPL) sits just 7 km from the city and is one of the main gateways to southern France’s Mediterranean coast. It’s a compact airport, but extremely well positioned for road trips across Occitanie, including beaches, vineyards, and historic towns.
Hiring a car here is often the most practical option, especially if you plan to explore beyond Montpellier into places like Nîmes, the Camargue, or the Languedoc countryside.
Flights from Ireland
Aer Lingus offer regular seasonal flights from Dublin to Montpellier Airport. Travellers from Dublin can also connect via Paris or Amsterdam.
Car hire companies at Montpellier Airport
Car hire desks are located inside the terminal arrivals area, with a separate car rental building and parking area just outside. After exiting arrivals, it’s typically a 1–2 minute walk to reach the rental zone.
- Hertz – Terminal desk with vehicles in the nearby P1 car park
- Avis / Budget – Located in arrivals with shared facilities and nearby vehicle bays
- Europcar – Desk just off baggage reclaim with cars in the main airport parking area
- Sixt – Rental office about 50 metres from the terminal in the dedicated hire building
- Enterprise / Alamo – Located just outside the terminal in the car rental centre
All providers operate within a compact zone, so unlike larger airports, you won’t need a shuttle bus.
Pickup process at Montpellier Airport
After collecting your luggage, head into the arrivals hall where most rental desks are located. During peak summer arrivals, queues can build quickly, especially at Europcar and Sixt, so it’s often worth heading to the desk while others in your group collect bags.
Once paperwork is complete, you’ll walk outside to the car rental building or directly to Parking P1, where vehicles are grouped by provider. The layout is open and easy to navigate, with clear signage rather than multi-level garages.
A useful detail at Montpellier is that the rental area sits right beside the airport exit road. This means you’re on a roundabout within minutes of starting the engine, so having your route pre-loaded is helpful — particularly if you’re heading straight onto the A9 motorway.
Returns are just as straightforward: follow signs for “Location de voitures” and park in your provider’s marked section before dropping keys at the nearby office or secure key box.
Vehicles commonly rented in Montpellier
The region around Montpellier combines coastal driving, motorways, and rural inland routes, so vehicle choice often reflects a mix of comfort and practicality.
- Economy cars – Ideal for city stays and short drives along the coast; easy parking in Montpellier centre
- Compact cars – A strong all-round option for trips to Nîmes, Sète, or Béziers
- Estate / family cars – Useful for longer journeys or travelling with luggage across the region
- SUVs – Popular for countryside routes or exploring areas like the Cévennes
- Convertibles – A distinctive choice in summer, especially for coastal driving along the Mediterranean
Parking in older town centres can be tight, so smaller cars are often easier if your trip includes stops in historic villages.
Driving from Montpellier Airport
The airport is directly connected to the A709 and A9 motorway network, making it easy to reach major destinations across southern France.
- Montpellier city centre – around 15–20 minutes
- Nîmes – around 40–50 minutes via A9
- Sète – around 30 minutes
- Camargue region – around 45–60 minutes
Traffic is generally light outside peak summer weekends, although coastal routes can become busy in July and August.
Tolls, fuel and driving tips
Driving in this part of France is straightforward, but there are a few practical points to keep in mind.
- The A9 motorway is a toll road (péage), payable by card or cash
- Fuel stations are frequent along major routes but less common in rural inland areas
- Roundabouts are widely used, especially near the airport and city outskirts
- Speed cameras are common on both motorways and secondary roads
If you plan multiple motorway journeys, keeping a contactless card accessible makes toll payments quicker and easier.
Official information
FAQs – Car hire Montpellier Airport
Is car hire available at Montpellier Airport?
Yes, several international and local providers operate from the arrivals hall and nearby rental building.
Do I need a shuttle to collect my car?
No, the rental centre is within walking distance of the terminal.
Where are the rental cars parked?
Most vehicles are located in the P1 airport car park or adjacent rental areas.
How far is Montpellier city from the airport?
The city centre is around 15–20 minutes away by car.
Are there toll roads near Montpellier?
Yes, the A9 motorway uses tolls which are payable at toll booths.
Is driving in Montpellier easy?
Outside the historic centre, roads are modern and easy to navigate, though traffic can build during peak times.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, but manual vehicles are more common in France.
Can I drive to the Mediterranean coast easily?
Yes, beaches like Palavas-les-Flots and La Grande-Motte are within 20–30 minutes.
What documents are required to rent a car?
A valid driving licence, passport or ID, and a credit card in the main driver’s name are required.
Can I return the car outside office hours?
Yes, most providers offer key drop boxes for out-of-hours returns.
