Compare car hire at Rennes Airport with top providers, pickup tips and driving routes across Brittany and western France.
Rennes Bretagne Airport (RNS) is a small regional airport serving the Brittany region in western France. Located about 6 km southwest of Rennes city centre, it’s an easy airport to navigate, with car hire facilities positioned directly outside the terminal.
For exploring Brittany properly — from the walled town of Saint-Malo to the rugged coastline and inland countryside — renting a car here is often the most practical option.
Flights from Ireland
There are direct flights from Dublin to Rennes Airport via Aer Lingus. Rennes is a smaller airport, flight schedules are limited, so planning connections in advance is important.
Car hire companies at Rennes Airport
Car hire desks are located just outside the terminal building rather than inside arrivals. After exiting the terminal, you’ll find a small cluster of rental offices within a short walk, with vehicles parked nearby in the dedicated rental car park.
- Hertz – Office located directly outside the terminal with cars in the adjacent parking area
- Avis / Budget – Shared desk in the same rental zone with vehicles parked close by
- Europcar – Located opposite the terminal with clear signage to vehicle pickup area
- Sixt – Rental office near the airport forecourt with cars in a nearby lot
- Enterprise / Alamo – On-site presence with vehicles collected from the same external parking zone
The setup is compact and efficient, but opening hours can be more limited than at larger airports, particularly on weekends.
Pickup process at Rennes Airport
Collection at Rennes is quick, but slightly different from larger airports where everything is indoors. After collecting your luggage, you’ll walk straight out of the terminal and across to the rental offices clustered just outside.
Once your booking is confirmed, staff will direct you to the nearby car park, usually just a few metres away. Vehicles are arranged in open-air rows rather than multi-storey structures, which makes finding your car straightforward.
A useful detail here is that the airport exit road connects almost immediately to local routes heading towards Rennes and the N137. Because of this, it’s worth setting your navigation before leaving the parking area — there’s limited space to stop once you’re on the main road.
Returns are simple: follow signs for “Location de voitures” as you approach the airport, park in your provider’s marked section, and return keys at the office or drop box.
Best cars to rent at Rennes Airport
Driving in Brittany combines city roads, motorways, and quieter rural routes, so vehicle choice depends on how far you plan to travel.
- Economy cars – Ideal for Rennes city use and short regional trips; easy parking and fuel efficient
- Compact cars – A versatile option for visiting Saint-Malo, Dinan, or coastal areas
- Family cars – Suitable for longer drives across Brittany or travelling with luggage
- SUVs – Useful for comfort on longer journeys, though not essential for road conditions
- Estate cars – Popular for road trips with extra storage space
Many towns in Brittany have older centres with narrow streets, so smaller cars can be easier to manage if you plan multiple stops.
Driving from Rennes Airport
The airport connects quickly to major routes, making it easy to reach both the city and coastal destinations.
- Rennes city centre – around 15 minutes
- Saint-Malo – around 1 hour via N137
- Dinan – around 50–60 minutes
- Nantes – around 1–1.5 hours
Roads in this region are generally well maintained, and traffic is lighter than in larger French cities.
Tolls, fuel and practical driving tips
Driving around Rennes and Brittany is relatively straightforward, with fewer toll roads than other parts of France.
- Most main roads in Brittany are toll-free, including major dual carriageways
- Fuel stations are widely available near towns and along main routes
- Roundabouts are common, especially near Rennes and airport exits
- Speed cameras are in use on regional roads
If you plan to travel further south towards Nantes or beyond, some toll sections may apply depending on your route.
Official information
FAQs – Car hire Rennes Airport
Is car hire available at Rennes Airport?
Yes, several major providers operate from offices just outside the terminal.
Where are the rental desks located?
They are located directly outside the terminal building within a short walking distance.
Do I need a shuttle to collect my car?
No, the rental car park is next to the terminal area.
How far is Rennes city centre from the airport?
It takes around 15 minutes to reach the city centre by car.
Are there toll roads around Rennes?
Most main roads in Brittany are toll-free, which is unusual compared to other regions in France.
Is driving in Brittany easy?
Yes, roads are generally well maintained and less congested than in larger cities.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, but manual vehicles are more common in France.
Can I drive to the coast easily?
Yes, destinations like Saint-Malo are around one hour away by car.
What documents are required to hire 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 secure key drop facilities for out-of-hours returns.
