Compare cheap car hire at Nantes Airport with direct flights from Ireland, rental desk locations, pickup advice, prices and driving tips for western France.
Nantes Airport is a practical arrival point for western France, the Loire Valley, Atlantic coast resorts and Brittany border routes. If you plan to explore beyond Nantes city itself, collecting a car at the airport is usually the quickest option, with the rental area directly opposite the terminal.
The airport is compact compared with Paris hubs, so arrivals are usually straightforward and walking distances are short. That makes Nantes a convenient place to start a fly-drive holiday.
Direct Flights from Ireland to Nantes
There are direct flights from Dublin to Nantes. Schedules vary by season, but Dublin is the main nonstop Irish route to Nantes. If you are travelling from Cork, Shannon or Knock, a connection is usually required.
Car Hire Companies at Nantes Airport
The car rental desks are on the esplanade opposite the terminal building. After leaving arrivals, cross to the signed rental area and you will find the supplier offices and collection parking nearby.
- Avis / Budget: Shared desk opposite the terminal. Cars collected from the adjacent rental bays.
- Enterprise / National / Alamo: Shared airport branch in the rental zone opposite arrivals. Vehicles parked nearby.
- Europcar: Desk in the terminal-side rental area with pickup a short walk away.
- Hertz / Thrifty / Dollar: Rental office opposite the terminal with nearby collection spaces.
- Sixt: Airport branch in the main rental area. Short walk to vehicle handover.
- Rent A Car: Available at Nantes Airport with pickup from the airport rental zone.
How to Find Your Car
- Leave baggage reclaim and enter arrivals.
- Follow signs for Car Rental / Location de Voitures.
- Cross to the rental esplanade opposite the terminal.
- Complete paperwork at your supplier desk.
- Collect the vehicle from the nearby marked parking area.
Best Cars to Rent at Nantes Airport
| Car Type | Best For | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Compact | Couples, city stays | Easy parking in Nantes and efficient on shorter trips. |
| Automatic Hatchback | Relaxed driving | Good for ring roads and mixed holiday routes. |
| Estate Car | Family touring | Extra luggage space for longer stays. |
| SUV | Comfort travel | Useful for motorway days and coastal touring. |
| Premium | Business trips | More comfort on longer journeys. |
Typical Daily Prices
| Season | Small Car | Family Car | SUV / Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan–Mar | €22–€40 | €40–€70 | €70–€130 |
| Apr–Jun | €28–€55 | €55–€95 | €95–€170 |
| Jul–Aug | €42–€78 | €78–€140 | €140–€255 |
| Sep–Dec | €25–€48 | €48–€82 | €82–€155 |
Driving from Nantes Airport
The airport is around 8 km southwest of Nantes and links easily to the city ring road and major west France routes.
- Nantes city centre: around 20 minutes
- La Baule: around 1 hour
- Pornic coast: around 45 minutes
- Angers: around 1 hour 15 minutes
- Loire Valley châteaux areas: practical eastbound drive
You drive on the right in France. Speed limits are shown in km/h and motorway tolls may apply on longer routes.
Useful Booking Tips
- Airport suppliers can be busy on weekend arrival peaks.
- Automatic cars are usually more limited than manuals.
- Check late-arrival policy if your flight lands near desk closing time.
- Compare one-way rentals if leaving from another French city.
- Inspect the vehicle before departure and photograph any marks.
Useful Official Links
Nantes Airport official website
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nantes Airport a good place to hire a car?
Yes, especially for western France, the Loire region and Atlantic coast trips.
Are there direct flights from Ireland to Nantes?
Yes. Dublin has direct flights to Nantes, while other Irish airports usually require a connection.
Where are the rental desks at Nantes Airport?
They are on the esplanade opposite the terminal building.
Do I need a shuttle to collect the car?
Usually no. Most suppliers are directly opposite the terminal.
How far is Nantes Airport from the city?
Usually around 20 minutes by car depending on traffic.
Do I need a credit card?
Usually yes for the security deposit.
Are there toll roads nearby?
Some longer French motorway routes use tolls.
Is an automatic car available?
Yes, but early booking is recommended.
What is the cheapest time to rent?
Outside peak summer and school holidays is often cheaper.
Is Nantes better than Paris for west France road trips?
Often yes, because it is much closer to the Atlantic coast and Loire region.
