Find your perfect car hire at Bordeaux Train Station
If you’re planning a trip to South West France, taking the train to the historic city of Bordeaux and choosing Avis car hire at Bordeaux Train Station is a stress-free way to reach the stunning Atlantic coast.
Located on the LGV Sud Europe Atlantique high-speed TGV service and 2 hours from Paris-Montparnasse, Bordeaux Saint Jean Station, Bordeaux’s main railway station, is within easy reach of the French capital along with international connections to London, Brussels, and other major European cities. Bordeaux Station is also a main hub for trains to Spain and Toulouse for onward travel to the Pyrenees.
Hiring a car at Bordeaux Saint Jean Station offers the perfect getaway to the coast you can rely on.
Our Avis Gare de Bordeaux Saint Jean car rental branch offers a fleet of quality rental vehicles and speedy collection service. Our friendly team are ready with local advice on your onward drive, including the best routes to explore the Atlantic coast from Bordeaux Train Station.
Book direct with Avis when you travel to Bordeaux Train Station and you’ll benefit from flexible booking with free cancellation, a fleet of quality rental vehicles and speedy collection to get you on the road quickly plus we’ve a free loyalty programme with a host of travel benefits you’ll love.
Where to find Avis at Bordeaux Train Station
Avis at Bordeax Train Station is located on the southern edge of the city centre, offering quick access to the A630 Bordeaux Rocade (the city’s 45km ring road) plus the A10, A62, and A63 motorways. If you want to explore before picking up your hire car, to get to Bordeaux city centre from Bordeaux train station takes just 10min via Tram from outside the station.
You’ll find our Avis car rental desk at Bordeaux Train Station conveniently located inside the station. When you leave the train, follow signs to Hall 3 Belcier and go to Level -1 where you’ll find our friendly car rental team. Our dedicated rental car parking is located in the Indigo Car Park P4 on Rue d'Armagnac/ Pont du Guit. When returning your car, follow signs for "Gare Saint-Jean" and then "Location de Voitures" (Car Rental Return) to reach the Indigo Car Park.
Avis car hire locations in Bordeaux
Avis services at Bordeaux Train Station
Our Bordeaux car hire service offers a wide variety of rental options tailored to your trip. From compact cars perfect for navigating the historic city streets to spacious SUVs for coastal adventures, we have you covered.
Our range includes:
- Compact and economy: Ideal for solo travellers or couples looking for easy parking in the centre of Bordeaux.
- Hatchbacks and sedans: Comfortable and stylish options for small families.
- People carriers and estates: Plenty of room for groups and all your luggage or surfboards.
Ahead of your Avis car rental at Bordeaux Train Station, you can enjoy discounts of up to 10% on your booking plus fast-track service and exclusive offers when you join Avis Preferred, our free loyalty scheme. For the full range of Bordeaux Train Station car rentals, see our Avis car rental fleet.
Bordeaux Train Station car rental FAQs
Can I drop off my rental car after hours at Bordeaux Station?
Yes, there is 24-hour drop-off available at Bordeaux Saint Jean Station using the secured Avis key kiosk located on Belcier Square by the metal staircase.
Can I pick up my rental car at Bordeaux Station and return it to another location?
Yes. One-way car rental with Avis makes travel easy. You can collect your car at Bordeaux Saint Jean and return it to another Avis office, such as Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport, Biarritz or even Paris, depending on your travel plans.
What are the age requirements for hiring a car at Bordeaux Station?
The minimum age to rent a car in France is 21. A young driver surcharge may apply to under the age of 25, and certain premium vehicle groups may have higher age restrictions.
What documents do I need to hire a car from Bordeaux Train Station?
To hire a car at Bordeaux Train Station, you just need to bring your:
- Driving licence - held for at least 1 year from the date of pick-up.
- The credit card used for your booking.
- Proof of any discount (such as a frequent flyer or Avis Preferred card),
- Photo ID such as a passport or driving licence taken in the last 10 years.
Is it worth hiring a car at Bordeaux Station?
Yes. While the city centre is well-served by trams, a car is essential for reaching famous attractions beyond the city like the Dune du Pilat, the oyster-farming villages of Cap Ferret, or the wide Atlantic beaches which are around an hour's drive away.
What’s parking like around Bordeaux?
Bordeaux offers numerous multi-storey car parks in the city centre. However, for the easiest experience, use the Park and Ride (Parc-Relais) facilities located along the tram lines on the city's outskirts. If you are staying in the centre, many hotels offer secure parking for your hire car.
Top tips for driving in Bordeaux and South West France
If you are driving in Bordeaux for the first time, it’s helpful to familiarise yourself with French road rules. Road rules in France include:
- Low Emission Zone (ZFE): Bordeaux has a Low Emission Zone within the Rocade ring road. All vehicles must display a Crit’Air sticker to enter this zone.
- Speed Limits: Generally 50km/h in urban areas, 80km/h on two-lane regional roads, and 130km/h on motorways (110km/h in rain).
- Overtaking: Drive on the right and overtake on the left.
No Headphones: It is strictly forbidden to use headphones or earbuds while driving.
Explore Bordeaux with your Bordeaux Station hire car
Known as the "Sleeping Beauty" before its recent transformation, Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage city filled with 18th-century grandeur. With your Avis car, you can visit the Place de la Bourse and its famous Water Mirror, or drive across the Garonne to the modern Darwin Ecosystem. For a local experience, head to the Marché des Capucins for fresh seafood and regional specialities.
Road trips from Bordeaux Railway Station
Hiring a car at Bordeaux Station is ideal for exploring the silver sands of the Côte d'Argent or when you want to slow down and discover the medieval bastide towns and pine forests of the Landes region at your own pace.
Starting your journey from Gare de Bordeaux Saint-Jean provides easy access to the A63 and A630, perfect for road trips to the coast:
Europe's Tallest Sand Dune: Dune du Pilat
- Route: Drive 1 hour west (40 miles) via the A63.
- Highlights: Climb to the top of this massive dune for incredible views of the Arcachon Bay on one side and vast pine forests on the other.
Oyster Capital: Cap Ferret
Route: Drive 1 hour 15 minutes west (45 miles) via the D106.
- Highlights: Explore the authentic fishing villages, sample fresh oysters directly from the harvesters, and visit the iconic red-and-white lighthouse.
Medieval Charm: La Réole
- Route: Drive 50 minutes southeast (35 miles) via the A62.
- Highlights: Discover one of France’s "Towns of Art and History" with its ancient priory and narrow winding streets overlooking the Garonne river.
Surfing & Seaside: Biarritz
- Route: Drive 2 hours south (125 miles) via the A63.
- Highlights: Head to the heart of the Basque Country for world-class surfing, the Rocher de la Vierge, and elegant seaside dining.
Why choose Avis for your Bordeaux Train Station car hire?
- Fully flexible
Enjoy fee-free flexible booking with full cash refunds and no vouchers.
- Savings on coverage
When you choose Avis Inclusive you can experience total peace of mind with no extras or surprises. Pay one upfront price for free Roadside Assistance Plus and 25% discount on comprehensive zero-excess cover.
- Loyalty benefits
Join our free loyalty programme Avis Preferred, and benefit from priority service, discounts and more.
- Faster collection
Save time at the counter by registering your details in advance with our simple and free QuickPass. You could be on the road sooner than you think.
- VIP treatment
Get priority counter service on collection with Avis Preferred. At our larger locations you can use our Avis app to go straight to your car where the keys will be waiting for you.