Car Rentals in Carcassonne Airport

The Carcassonne airport, also known as the Salvaza or Carcassonne Salvaza airport, is located on the southern coast of France. Open to both commercial national and international flights, the facility handles just under 400,000 passengers annually on its one designated runway. While this number sounds small, it represents a 70% increase in passenger traffic over the past 5 years. There is only one airline that operates from the location, with some destinations offered on a seasonal basis, so it is important to check with the airline when making booking arrangements to ensure arrival to the intended destination is available during the desired time.

Travelers can make their way to the airport via a variety of options, including taxi, shuttle bus (Navette), train, or private vehicle. If arriving by personal vehicle, there are two car parks located at the facility, just a few minute’s walk from the airport terminal. There are 25 spaces in the main car park, with additional parking available in the P2 overflow parking. As an added note, if passengers park in P2 and buy a meal at the airport restaurant, parking will be free due to parking validation services.

If Carcassonne is your destination, there are several car hire services available on the site, just past the baggage claim area. Some of the companies offering rental cars include Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and LOV. The vehicles offered range from small economical vehicles that seat four adults, to people carriers that can transport up to nine passengers, assuring a vehicle available to suit the needs of the customers.

The age requirements vary depending on the type of vehicle and car hire company, but many of them require the driver to be at least 21 years of age. Additionally, if the customer is under 25 years of age, a Young Driver Surcharge is required. Luxury and sports cars often require the customer and primary driver to be at least 30 years of age, so it is important to check with the individual companies when making reservations to ensure travel problems do not arise. 

Drivers are required to present a valid driver’s license, which has been held for at least 1 year, but for some vehicle classes, drivers are required to have their license for at least 3 years. Additional drivers can be added to the rental contract, as long as they are of age for the particular class of vehicle, and are a legally licensed driver. There is a fee involved in adding an additional driver.

In 2013 it became mandatory for drivers to produce an unused breathalyzer if stopped by authorities, or face a fine. Breathalyzer kits are available for purchase at most car hire rental counters. Additional items that are available at the time of rental include snow chains, ski racks, winter tires, satellite navigation systems, and booster seats.