Paris Car Rental: Charles de Gaulle, Orly and Day Trips
Quick summary: Paris car rental makes sense for day trips, not for the city itself. Charles de Gaulle, France’s largest airport, is 25 km north-east of Paris, and Orly is 13 km south, with rental offices in the arrivals halls at both. Central Paris has confusing one-way streets, busy roundabouts, a low-emission zone that requires a Crit’Air sticker, and limited street parking, so see the city by Metro and on foot and rent a car when you head out.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Charles de Gaulle | 25 km north-east |
| Orly | 13 km south |
| Rental offices | Arrivals halls |
| Low-emission zone | Crit’Air sticker |
| City parking | Limited |
| Tours | Skip-the-line tours |
Compare car rental at Charles de Gaulle Airport
Which Paris airport should you rent from?
| Airport | Guide |
|---|---|
| Charles de Gaulle | Charles de Gaulle car rental |
| Orly | Orly car rental |
Compare car rental at Orly Airport
Should you drive in Paris?
Rarely. See driving around Paris and car rental or tours?
What do you need?
Bring the license you drive on at home and a credit card; a license that isn’t in French should be paired with an International Driving Permit. Some cars carry age-related fees for the youngest and oldest drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
At Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports, among other locations.
Yes, for the low-emission zone.
Rarely; the Metro and walking are easier.
13 km south.