Best car hire companies in Marseille, France – tried and compared (2026)
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Marseille is a vibrant port city in southern France, with a wealth of attractions, from its historic Old Port to the stunning Calanques National Park.
The city is fairly compact but to explore its surrounding regions at your own pace, hiring a car is an excellent option. Most companies operate from Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) and Marseille-Saint-Charles railway station, both of which are easy to reach.
With numerous car hire companies (and car rental agencies) operating in Marseille, choosing the right one can be daunting.
In this guide, we provide an overview of some of the best car hire companies in Marseille, highlighting their offerings and services to assist you in making an informed decision.
Do you need to hire a car in Marseille?
For exploring Marseille itself – probably not. The city centre is compact and walkable, the metro and tram network covers most of it, and driving in Marseille can be stressful. Traffic is heavy, parking is limited (and expensive in the centre), and local driving styles take some getting used to.
If you’re heading to Marseille by train, check prices on Omio – we used it to book our London to Marseille Eurostar and TGV tickets.
Where you’ll find car hire is essential is day trips. The Calanques, Cassis, Aix-en-Provence, and the wider Provence region are all much easier to explore with your own wheels. If you’re planning to stay put in the city, save your money. If you want to get out and explore the surrounding region – and we’d recommend it – then hiring a car is well worth it.
We picked up a car from Marseille-Saint-Charles station for the second half of our trip and it gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace, stopping at villages and viewpoints along the coast that we’d never have reached by bus.
If you’re travelling from the UK, our step-by-step Eurostar London to Marseille guide covers the full journey, including booking tips.
Why we recommend DiscoverCars for car hire in Marseille
We’ve used DiscoverCars on multiple trips – including our time in Marseille – and it’s become our go-to for comparing car hire prices across different companies in one place. Rather than checking Sixt, Hertz, Europcar and the rest individually, we just enter our dates and compare everything side by side.
What we like most is the filtering. You can sort by price, rating, fuel policy, mileage limits and whether zero excess is included – which saves a lot of back-and-forth. The prices shown are the prices you pay (no hidden fees added at checkout), and we’ve found them consistently cheaper than booking directly with the rental companies.
We always use DiscoverCars because it’s straightforward and saves us time. If something goes wrong, they have 24/7 support – though we haven’t needed it yet.
Best car hire companies in Marseille
We’ve written about each car company below, and summarised here:
| Company | Best for | Price range | Rating | Unlimited mileage? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sixt | Premium vehicles | £££ | 8.5 | No (250km/day) |
| Hertz | Families & variety | £££ | 8.3 | Check at booking |
| Avis | Electric cars | £££ | 8.2 | Check at booking |
| Europcar | Wide vehicle range | £££ | 8.0 | Check at booking |
| Budget | Low deposits | ££ | 8.2 | Check at booking |
| Thrifty | Families and groups | £££ | 8.1 | Check at booking |
| Keddy by Europcar | Budget quality | £ | 8.1 | Check at booking |
| Dollar | Flexible locations | £££ | 7.9 | No (250km/day) |
| Key’n Go by Goldcar | Zero excess | ££ | 7.6 | No (200km/day) |
| Goldcar | Lowest cost | £ | 7.7 | No (200km/day) |
Ratings are from DiscoverCars.com and were accurate when we last checked. They may shift over time as new reviews come in.
Sixt – highest rated car hire company in Marseille
- Price range: £££
- Best for: Premium vehicles and a smooth pickup experience
- DiscoverCars rating: 8.5 – very good
- Cars available: Sedans, SUVs, compacts, electric cars (BMW, Audi, Toyota)
- Mileage: Capped at 250km/day on most bookings
- Locations in Marseille: 4 (including Marseille Provence Airport and Marseille-Saint-Charles station)
When we compared prices on DiscoverCars, Sixt consistently came out as the highest-rated company in Marseille – but also one of the priciest. Their fleet leans premium, with brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, so it’s a solid pick if comfort matters more than cost.
One thing to watch: mileage is capped at 250km per day with most Sixt bookings in Marseille. That’s fine for day trips to the Calanques or Cassis, but if you’re planning a longer road trip through Provence, you might want to check whether unlimited mileage is available or choose a different provider.
Sixt has four locations in Marseille, including the airport and Saint-Charles station, and the pickup process is generally quick – their staff have a good reputation for being professional and getting you on the road fast. If you’re after a premium experience and don’t mind paying a bit more, Sixt is hard to beat.
Hertz – best for wide vehicle choice
- Price range: £££
- Best for: Families and travellers who want a wide choice of vehicle types
- DiscoverCars rating: 8.3 – very good
- Cars available: Compacts, SUVs, vans, electric cars
- Mileage: Unlimited on most bookings
- Deposit: €2,100–3,000 (credit card required)
- Locations in Marseille: 4 (including Marseille Provence Airport and Marseille-Saint-Charles station)
Hertz is one of the most established names you’ll find when searching for car hire in Marseille, and their rating on DiscoverCars reflects that – 8.3 out of 10 when we last checked. They offer a wide range of vehicles, from compact hatchbacks to SUVs and vans, which makes them a good all-rounder for families or groups.
When we looked at Hertz’s Marseille options, their standard bookings came with unlimited mileage, which is a big plus if you’re planning to cover some distance. They also offer extras like child seats and GPS units, though these come at an additional cost – worth adding at checkout rather than scrambling at the desk.
The main thing to be aware of is the deposit. Hertz typically requires a credit card (not debit) and the hold can be anywhere from €2,100 to €3,000 depending on the vehicle. A young driver surcharge also applies if you’re under 25 – around €16–42 per day. Their airport desk is in the P8 car park opposite Terminal 1 at Marseille Provence Airport, so follow the signs when you land.
Avis – best car hire company for electric cars and loyalty rewards
- Price range: £££
- Best for: EV renters and frequent hirers who want loyalty perks
- DiscoverCars rating: 8.2 – very good
- Cars available: Economy, SUVs, luxury models, electric cars
- Mileage: Unlimited on most bookings
- Loyalty programme: Avis Preferred (earn points toward discounts and upgrades)
- Locations in Marseille: 4 (including Marseille Provence Airport and Marseille-Saint-Charles station)
If you’re interested in renting an electric vehicle in Marseille, Avis stood out when we compared options. They had a broader EV selection than most other companies at the airport, which is worth knowing if you want to keep your trip low-emission – especially since Marseille falls within a low-emission zone.
Avis scored 8.2 on DiscoverCars, and their bookings in Marseille typically include unlimited mileage, which is useful if you’re heading further afield into Provence. They also run a loyalty programme (Avis Preferred), so if you hire cars regularly, the points can add up to discounts on future rentals.
Like Hertz, Avis sits at the higher end price-wise. The deposit hold requires a credit card, and the excess on standard insurance can be steep – so it’s worth considering whether to add zero-excess cover at checkout. They have four locations across Marseille, including the airport and Saint-Charles station.
Europcar – best car company for one-way rentals and vehicle range
- Price range: £££
- Best for: Road trippers who want one-way flexibility and a wide fleet choice
- DiscoverCars rating: 8.0 – very good
- Cars available: Economy to luxury sedans, SUVs, electric cars
- Mileage: Unlimited on most bookings
- Minimum age: 18 (lower than most competitors; young driver fee applies under 26)
- One-way rentals: Available across European branches
- Locations in Marseille: 4 (including Marseille Provence Airport and Marseille-Saint-Charles station)
Europcar had one of the widest vehicle selections when we ran our search – everything from small city cars to mid-size SUVs and luxury sedans. If you’re not sure exactly what you need, Europcar gives you plenty to choose from.
Their rating on DiscoverCars was 8.0, and most bookings included unlimited mileage, which makes them a strong choice for a road trip round the south of France. They also offer one-way rentals, so you could pick up in Marseille and drop off in Nice or Avignon without needing to backtrack.
One thing we noticed in reviews: reviews frequently mentioned that wait times at the Marseille airport desk can be long during peak season, so if you’re collecting in July or August, budget a bit of extra time. The minimum rental age is 18 (lower than most competitors), but a young driver fee applies if you’re under 26, and premium vehicles require a licence held for at least five years.
Budget – best car hire company for low deposits
- Price range: ££
- Best for: Budget-conscious travellers who want a lower deposit hold on their card
- DiscoverCars rating: 8.2 – very good
- Cars available: Compacts, family vehicles
- Mileage: Unlimited on most bookings
- Locations in Marseille: 2 (Marseille Provence Airport and Marseille-Saint-Charles station)
Budget lives up to its name – when we compared prices, it came in slightly cheaper than the premium-tier companies like Sixt and Hertz, though it wasn’t the absolute cheapest option in Marseille. What caught our eye was the lower deposit hold compared to its sister brand Avis, which makes it a good pick if you don’t want a huge chunk temporarily blocked on your credit card.
They scored 8.2 on DiscoverCars, putting them on par with Avis for customer satisfaction. The fleet is mainly compact and family-sized vehicles – don’t expect luxury options – but the cars are reliable and well-suited for exploring Marseille and its surroundings.
Budget has two locations in Marseille: the airport and Saint-Charles station. Extras like GPS and child seats are available but, as with most companies, cheaper to sort out before you arrive. Standard bookings include unlimited mileage, so you won’t need to worry about counting kilometres on longer day trips.
Thrifty – best car hire for families and groups
- Price range: ££ Best for: Families and groups wanting reliable mid-range vehicles
- DiscoverCars rating: 8.1 – very good
- Cars available: Compacts, family vehicles, full-size
- Mileage: Varies by vehicle — check at booking
- Loyalty programme: Blue Chip (discounts and priority service for repeat customers)
- Locations in Marseille: 3 (including Marseille Provence Airport and Marseille-Saint-Charles station)
Thrifty is owned by the same parent company as Hertz and Dollar, and in Marseille it occupies a middle ground – not as premium as Hertz, but generally a step up from the budget operators. When we searched, their prices were competitive for compact and mid-size vehicles, and the DiscoverCars rating sat at 8.1.
They have three locations in Marseille, including the airport and the station, which gives you a bit more flexibility on pickup and drop-off. Their fleet focuses on compact and family-sized vehicles – nothing flashy, but dependable and well-maintained.
Thrifty also runs a loyalty programme (Blue Chip), which gives repeat customers discounts and priority service. If you’re planning multiple trips or a longer rental, it’s worth signing up before you book. One thing to check at booking: mileage policies can vary between vehicle types, so confirm whether your specific car comes with unlimited kilometres or a daily cap.
Keddy by Europcar – best budget car hire in Marseille
- Price range: £
- Best for: Travellers who want budget prices backed by a major brand
- DiscoverCars rating: 8.1 – very good
- Cars available: Economy to mid-size cars
- Mileage: Unlimited on most bookings
- One-way rentals: Available (surcharge applies)
- Locations in Marseille: 2 (Marseille Provence Airport and Marseille-Saint-Charles station)
Keddy is Europcar’s budget brand, and it consistently came up as one of the cheapest options in our DiscoverCars searches for Marseille. The rating was 8.1 – surprisingly high for a budget operator – which suggests the Europcar backing keeps quality in check even at lower price points.
The fleet runs from economy hatchbacks to mid-size cars. Nothing premium, but the vehicles are clean and reliable. Like Europcar, Keddy offers one-way rentals at a surcharge, so you’ve got flexibility if your route doesn’t loop back to Marseille.
Keddy has two locations: the airport and Saint-Charles station. Standard bookings typically include unlimited mileage, which is a real advantage over some of the other budget options (like Goldcar) where daily caps apply. If you want a solid hire car without overspending, Keddy is one of the best value picks in Marseille.
Dollar – best car hire company for flexible pick-up / drop-off locations
- Price range: ££
- Best for: Travellers who need pickup/drop-off options beyond the airport and station
- DiscoverCars rating: 7.9 – good
- Cars available: Small cars, mid-size models
- Mileage: Capped at 250km/day
- Locations in Marseille: 4 (including Marseille Provence Airport, Marseille-Saint-Charles station, and locations outside the city centre)
Dollar is another brand under the Hertz umbrella, and in Marseille they’re positioned as a no-frills option with good location coverage. They have four pickup points across the city, including the airport, station, and spots outside the city centre – more than most budget brands, which is handy if your accommodation isn’t central.
Their DiscoverCars rating was 7.9 – slightly below average compared to the premium companies – but the prices are generally lower to match. The fleet is focused on small and mid-size cars, which are ideal for getting around Marseille’s narrow streets and tight parking.
The main thing to flag: mileage is capped at 250km per day with most Dollar bookings in Marseille. That’s fine for short day trips, but it’ll add up quickly if you’re heading further into Provence. Check the per-kilometre overage charge before you book so there are no surprises. Dollar’s straightforward policies and competitive pricing make it a decent choice if you need basic, reliable transport and value location flexibility.
Key’n Go by Goldcar – best zero excess car hire company in Marseille
- Price range: ££
- Best for: Travellers who want zero excess included and a fast self-service pickup
- DiscoverCars rating: 7.6 – good
- Cars available: Economy cars, small SUVs
- Mileage: Capped at 200km/day
- Deposit: Credit card only (debit cards not accepted)
- Minimum age: 21
- Locations in Marseille: 4 (including Marseille Provence Airport and the city centre)
Key’n Go is Goldcar’s premium service tier, and the big selling point is speed – you skip the desk queue and collect your keys from a self-service kiosk in the car park. When we looked at options in Marseille, Key’n Go bookings came with zero excess included as standard, meaning you won’t pay anything for damage or theft within the policy coverage. That alone makes it worth considering if peace of mind matters to you.
The DiscoverCars rating was 7.6, which is lower than the premium brands but typical for budget-tier operators. The fleet is mainly economy cars and small SUVs – functional rather than fancy. Vehicles are generally clean and well-maintained, though reviews mention that cosmetic wear (minor scratches and dings) is common, so photograph everything before you drive off.
The key watch-out: mileage is limited to 200km per day, which is tighter than most competitors. If you’re planning anything beyond short day trips, the overage charges can eat into the savings. Key’n Go requires a credit card for the deposit – debit cards won’t be accepted. They have four locations in Marseille, including a desk at the airport terminal.
Goldcar – best budget car hire company (with zero excess)
- Price range: £
- Best for: Travellers who want the absolute lowest price and zero excess cover
- DiscoverCars rating: 7.7 – good
- Cars available: Economy, SUVs, electric cars
- Mileage: Capped at 200km/day
- Deposit: Credit card only (debit cards not accepted)
- Minimum age: 21
- Locations in Marseille: 1 (Marseille Provence Airport only)
Goldcar consistently came up as the cheapest option in our Marseille searches, and if you’re purely optimising for price, it’s hard to beat. Like Key’n Go (its sister service), standard Goldcar bookings include zero excess, which is unusual at this price point and removes the worry of unexpected damage charges.
The DiscoverCars rating was 7.7 – average, and the reviews are mixed. Some customers report smooth pickups and clean cars; others flag long queues, hard-sell upselling of insurance at the desk, and disputes over fuel charges on return. Our advice: screenshot your booking confirmation, fill the tank at the airport petrol station before returning (keep the receipt), and photograph the fuel gauge. That way you’ve got evidence if anything’s queried.
Goldcar only has one location in Marseille – the airport – so it’s not an option if you want to pick up from the city centre or train station. Mileage is capped at 200km per day, the same as Key’n Go. The minimum rental age is 21, and you’ll need a credit card with enough available balance for the deposit hold. For budget travellers who are organised and prepared for a no-frills experience, Goldcar delivers on price.
Frequently asked questions about car hire in Marseille
Tips for hiring a car in Marseille
Book early, especially for summer: Prices spike from June to August, and availability at Marseille Provence Airport dries up fast. We found that booking 4–6 weeks ahead saved us a noticeable amount compared to last-minute searches.
Think about where you’ll pick up: Airport pickups often carry a surcharge. If you’re arriving by Eurostar and train, picking up from Marseille-Saint-Charles station can be cheaper – and it’s right in the city centre.
Get familiar with French driving rules: You’ll need a hi-vis vest in the car (not in the boot – it has to be within reach), a warning triangle, and headlamp beam deflectors if your car has UK-spec headlights. Marseille also falls within a low-emission zone (ZFE), so check whether your rental has a Crit’Air vignette displayed. Most rental companies sort this, but it’s worth confirming.
Driving in Marseille is intense: Traffic is heavy, parking is limited, and local drivers can be aggressive – especially around roundabouts and the Vieux Port area. We’d suggest picking up your car when you’re ready to leave the city rather than navigating it on day one.
Check your mileage cap: Several companies in Marseille limit daily mileage to 200–250km. If you’re doing a longer Provence road trip, factor in the cost of extra kilometres or choose a provider with unlimited mileage.
Inspect the car thoroughly: Take photos and videos of every scratch, dent and ding before you drive off, and email them to yourself so they’re timestamped. This saved us a dispute on a previous trip.
Fuel policy – always check before you leave the lot: Most companies operate full-to-full, but some offer pre-paid fuel. In our experience, full-to-full is almost always cheaper. And double-check whether your car takes diesel or petrol – it’s easy to mix up in a country where most cars run on diesel.
Parking: Street parking in central Marseille is metered and time-limited. We found it easier (and less stressful) to use a parking garage. Parking Vieux-Port and Parking Charles de Gaulle are both central options. Expect to pay around €2–3 per hour or €20–25 for 24 hours. If you’re staying outside the centre, some hotels and Airbnbs include parking – always check before you book.
Wrapping up
Hiring a car in Marseille gives you the freedom to explore this beautiful city and its surroundings at your own pace.
For more trip planning, check out our full France travel guide and our guide to the beautiful places to go in Marseille.
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