Last updated: March 16, 2026
Planning to pick up a rental car at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)? Renting at CDG can be a convenient way to explore Paris and the surrounding regions, but the airport is large and spread across multiple terminals, so it helps to know where to go before you land. Car rental services are available at CDG, and travelers should follow airport signs for Car Rental or their provider’s specific pickup instructions after baggage claim. This guide explains how to find the rental area, what documents to bring, and what to know before driving away from the airport. Since pickup procedures and desk locations can vary by company and terminal, it is always smart to confirm your rental provider’s latest instructions before travel.
While all information is accurate at the time of writing, please be sure to check with the Airport website before you travel to be aware of any changes.
Quick Facts: Renting a Car at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
- Airport code: CDG
- Can you rent a car at CDG?: Yes, multiple rental car companies operate at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
- Where do you go after landing?: Follow airport signs for Car Rental or your provider’s pickup instructions
- Does pickup location vary?: Yes, it can vary by rental company and terminal
- Is CDG a large airport?: Yes, CDG is spread across Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3, with several Terminal 2 sections
- Best tip before pickup: Double-check your rental company’s exact terminal location before you fly
Step 1: Arrival at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
After landing at CDG, follow signs to baggage claim in your terminal. Once you have your luggage, look for airport signs for Car Rental or the instructions provided by your rental company so you can head in the right direction.
Step 2: Locate the Rental Car Area
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport has rental car services across the airport, but exact desk locations can vary depending on the company and the terminal you use. Instead of relying only on a generic assumption, follow airport signs for Car Rental after baggage claim and confirm your provider’s terminal instructions before arrival.
For example, current SIXT information shows:
- a Terminal 2 branch in the renters’ building on the arrivals level between Terminals 2E and 2F
- a Terminal 1 branch on the arrivals level at door 26
That is a good reminder that pickup points at CDG are not always as simple as “every company is in every terminal.”
Step 3: Choose Your Rental Car Company and Location
Several major rental car brands serve Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, including companies such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, and others. Availability and exact counter location can vary by terminal and provider, so it is best to confirm the specific pickup point on your reservation before arrival.
If your booking is with a provider that operates from Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, make sure you know which branch your confirmation refers to before leaving baggage claim. That can save time at a large airport like CDG.
Step 4: Complete the Rental Agreement
When you reach the counter, have your driver’s license, passport or identification, payment card, and reservation confirmation ready. If your license is not in the Roman alphabet, an International Driving Permit may be useful or required depending on the rental provider.
Before leaving the counter, review your paperwork carefully and make sure you understand:
- the final total
- the fuel policy
- the return time
- any optional extras or additional driver fees
Step 5: Vehicle Pick-Up
Inspection: Before driving off, inspect the vehicle for any pre-existing damage and ensure it’s documented by the rental company.
Fuel Policy: Familiarize yourself with the fuel policy; many companies require you to return the car with a full tank.
Step 6: Navigating from the Airport
After leaving the rental area, follow airport signs toward the main roads serving Paris and the surrounding region. In France, traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road.
If you plan to drive into Paris, it also helps to be aware of toll roads and low-emission rules. Your rental company can help answer questions about toll payment and whether the vehicle is properly equipped for restricted driving zones.
Crit’Air Vignette: Ensure your rental car has a Crit’Air vignette (clean air sticker) if you plan to drive in low-emission zones in Paris.
Step 7: Returning the Rental Car
When it is time to return your vehicle, follow airport signs for Car Rental as you re-enter the airport area and then follow your provider’s instructions for the correct return zone.
Paris Aéroport says travelers returning a rental car should simply follow the Car Rental signs as they enter the airport platform. Because return locations can vary by company, it is smart to review your provider’s return instructions in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions About CDG Airport Rental Cars
Yes. Paris Aéroport says multiple rental car companies operate at CDG.
Pickup location depends on the rental company and terminal. After baggage claim, follow airport signs for Car Rental and check your provider’s exact instructions before arrival.
Not necessarily in the way travelers might assume. Desk locations vary by company, and at least some providers operate from specific terminal branches rather than a single uniform setup across the airport.
In most cases, you should bring your driver’s license, passport or ID, payment card, and reservation confirmation. Depending on your license and country of issue, an International Driving Permit may also be useful or required.
Not always. An IDP is generally more relevant if your license is not in the Roman alphabet or if your provider specifically requires it. It is best to confirm directly with your rental company before travel.
You will drive on the right-hand side of the road in France. It also helps to understand tolls, fuel policy, and any low-emission restrictions that may affect driving into Paris.
Paris Aéroport says you should follow the Car Rental signs when entering the airport area, then continue to your provider’s designated return area.
Conclusion
Picking up a rental car at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is usually manageable once you know that desk and pickup locations can vary by company and terminal. After baggage claim, follow signs for Car Rental, confirm your provider’s exact branch, complete your paperwork, inspect the vehicle, and you will be ready to start your trip.
To make the process smoother, confirm your rental company’s current CDG pickup and return instructions before you travel. A little preparation can make your Paris airport rental car pickup much easier.
For more detailed information and updates on car rental services at CDG, visit the official Paris Aéroport car rental page.
I always get a little nervous about navigating airports after a long flight, so this guide is really useful! Thanks for pointing out the specific terminal locations for each rental company—makes the whole process seem a lot more straightforward.