Car Rentals at Grenoble Airport

The airport is located approximately 45km, or 28 miles from the city of Grenoble, and is an airport of reasonable size, handling a few hundred thousand passengers per year. The airport is also known as the Grenoble-Saint-Geoirs Airport, due to is location in the commune of Saint-Étienne-de-Saint-Geoirs, or as the Grenoble-Isére Airport, as it serves the towns and cities in the French department of Isére. There are bus and taxi services available from the terminal building, but many passengers in need of transport prefer to rent a car, from one of the Grenoble Airport car hire companies. Various car rental companies are found at the airport, and they are internationally recognised businesses offering their customers a range of services, and competitive car rental rates.

Grenoble, located in the heart of the Rhône-Alpes region of France, is an ideal gateway for the many tourists who travel the area and go skiing at the nearby ski resorts. This region of France is considered as a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, as there are over 200 ski resorts in the near vicinity, and several large lakes ideal for all kinds of water-related activities. The towns and cities are particularly charming as well, with numerous religious and historical attractions. From Grenoble Airport, one of the best ways to see this spectacular part of France is in a private vehicle, which can be arranged from the car hire companies of the airport. These companies are found just outside the terminal building, and include Avis, Hertz, Europcar, National, Alamo, Easycar and Auto Europa.

The companies are open to meet arrival flights at the airport, and all offer their customers a wide range of vehicles from which to choose. Smaller cars are more favourable to customers who would like to hire a less expensive vehicle, while larger and more elegant models are available as well. As examples, smaller cars can be as cosy as the Smart For Two, or similar to the Fiat 500, Renault Twingo, Fiat Punto, Opel Corsa and Ford Fiesta, which seat up to four passengers. For this type of vehicle, the primary renter, and all additional drivers will need to be at least 21 years of age, and have held a valid drivers license in their country of residence for a year prior to the rental date. For all vehicles, a major credit card will be required for payment. Although 21 is the minimum age required, customers under the age of 25 will pay higher rental rates, for young drivers insurance. This is the general case at all major car hire companies.

Examples of larger vehicles from the Grenoble Airport car rental companies include the estate cars of the VW Passat Variant, Volvo V50 Break, Renault Megane Estate and the Audi A4 Avant, while cars suitable for prestigious corporate events, or for those who simply relish in a little more style, can choose from various Mercedes and BMW makes. From the car rental companies, there are also car groups ideal for groups of travellers, with more interior space. For five passengers, the Opel Zafira, Ford Focus C-Max and VW Touran are excellent choices, and for seven, the Ford S-Max, Ford Galaxy and VW Sharan are available. There are even vans large enough for nine passengers, such as the Renault Trafic. Although it is always recommended to hire your car in advance of your arrival, keep in mind that larger or specialty type vehicles may be subject to low availability. They may also have a higher age restriction.

It is also recommended to reserve any additional item of equipment required for your rental car, especially if you are a disabled driver in need of hand controls. Most of the Grenoble Airport car hire companies have hand controls available, and this is a device which operates the main functions of an automatic vehicle, i.e. the brake and accelerator pedals. The device may include a steering wheel knob as well. Other items of equipment for hire are satellite navigation systems, luggage racks and child seats. In France, all passengers in a vehicle are required to wear seatbelts, and therefore, a seat for your younger family members is essential. A GPS unit for all who are unfamiliar with Grenoble and its surrounding area is highly recommended. Hand controls for disabled drivers are free of charge, but all other items of equipment will have additional charges per day of hire.

One way hires are possible to arrange, and this is an ideal option for anyone who will not be returning to this location. One way hires may be driven to all locations in France, and may even be taken to other European countries, such as Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Italy and Spain, which are the countries surrounding France. Hire cars can be driven in the United Kingdom as well, provided that they are returned to the mainland. This type of rental, and any additional costs involved, is best confirmed with the car hire company of your choice.

Surrounding Grenoble Airport is an excellent road network, which will take passengers in their rented cars to all parts of the country. A couple of prominent locations lie very nearby the airport, and are easily accessible by road in just an hour or two. In just under an hour, motorists can travel to Lyon, and the cities of Chambery, Annecy, Albertville and Valence can be visited in just over an hour’s drive. Geneva, in the country of Switzerland, is just 147km from the airport, and a popular destination for many, however, keep in mind that a special tax sticker will need to be purchased before driving on the highways of this country. Major ski resorts within an hour’s drive from the airport include Alpe d’Huez, Autrans, Chamrousse, Flumet Les 7, Lans en Vercors, Le Pleynet and Prapoutel. In and around Grenoble, stay within the speed limits, which are 50km/h or 30 mph in urban areas, 90km/h or 55 mph on open roads and 110km/h or 70 mph on highways or motorways.

Passengers are welcome to make further enquiries at any of the Grenoble car hire companies.