Car Rentals In Corsica: The Ultimate Guide For Travelers

If you’re considering traveling to Corsica or have already booked your tickets, you might have come to the point of wondering about car rentals in Corsica.

Driving around L’Ile de Beauté is, for most, the best way to discover the varieties of landscapes and activities it has to offer.

I’ve been to Corsica a dozen times, and it seems almost impossible for me to really enjoy the Island without a car. The best spots and hidden gems require you to have a car to discover them.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll make sure to break down car rentals in Corsica in the most practical way.

With helpful tips and bits of advice, I’ll ensure you don’t overlook essential details that could ruin your trip.

From insurance insights and driving tips to the best car rental agencies, here is a complete guide to walk you through the process of car rentals in Corsica.

@the_owl_around_the_world

DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING I GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH MY LINKS, AT NO COST TO YOU.

The Basics of Car Rentals in Corsica

Before diving into the best places to rent a car in Corsica, let me state a few basic points that you absolutely need to know before renting a car there.

Requirements

In France, whether you’re on the continent or the Island of Corsica, you must be 21 years old, have a credit card under your name, and have a driving licence older than a year to be able to rent a car.

If you’re under 25, you’ll have to pay a supplement for a “young driver” status. Minimum age can vary from one rental agency to another.

Plan Ahead

If you’re going to Corsica during the summer and planning on renting a car, you might need to book quite early, as it’s one of the busiest seasons.

Some travelers even start booking in Spring! So don’t wait for the last minute if you’re looking for a stress-free holiday.

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Insurance Coverage

Now you might be wondering how to pick the right insurance when renting a car in Corsica.

No worries, it’s usually included in the car rental package, but be careful and always check what the low base rates include and if some extra fees are mandatory at pickup.

It is required by law that when renting a car in Corsica, drivers must carry unlimited third-party liability insurance.

You can always check if you can use your credit card insurance or your own auto insurance, as some cover rental insurance abroad.

Online deals are, most of the time, more interesting for insurance coverage than at the counter. For the same price, you could go for full coverage.

Some travel insurance often offers car rental insurance, so if you already know that you’re gonna purchase a travel insurance package, it might be best to get one that covers car hire as well.

Travel Restrictions

If you’re thinking of expanding your trip a bit further than Corsica and traveling to the mainland by car (you can actually book ferries and cross the sea with your car), be aware that most car rental companies do not allow travelers to leave the island with the rented car.

So be sure to look for the right contract and don’t hesitate to discuss your travel plan with the rental agency beforehand.

@julienmatha

Car Rentals In Corsica: When And Where?

Do You Need To Rent A Car?

Renting a car in Corsica is the best way to fully enjoy the variety of landscapes and activities Corsica has to offer.

But if you’re planning on staying at the hotel and enjoying the beach during your whole stay, then you might not need to rent a car at all.

Buses and trains in Corsica are the main public transport options, but even during the summer season, you’ll find that buses joining the main cities have departures only once or twice a day.

So if you want to make the most of it and not struggle, then renting a car is definitely your best option.

@greg_gambin

For A Road Trip

Corsica might actually be the best road trip destination in France.

With its variety of landscapes, from heavenly white sand and turquoise water beaches to adventurous and breathtaking hiking trails in the inland mountains, you could plan a one-destination trip that checks all your travel bucket list ideas.

So, renting a car or van could be the perfect trip for you. Here are a few of the best places to rent a van in Corsica :

From The Airports

Renting your car straight from the airport is often the easiest way to shuttle to your accommodation and be set for your holiday. You can find multiple rental agencies at these airports:

Ajaccio Napoleon Bonapart Airport
Aiport of Bastia Poretta
Figari-South Corsica Airport

From Ferry Ports

If you’re coming to Corsica by ferry, then you can rent your car straight from the city you’re arriving in :

Ajaccio
Bastia
Bonifaccio
Ile Rousse
Porto Vecchio
Propriano

From Major Cities

These are the major cities where you can easily find car rental services:

Ajaccio
Bastia
Porto Vecchio
Corte
Bonifacio
Calvi
Ghisonaccia
L’Île Rousse
Propriano

@dawidguziol

The Best Companies For Car Rentals In Corsica

Before getting a closer look at the best car rental agencies in Corsica, here are a few things to consider so you can make the right choice:

Mileage allowance
Cancellation fees
Pick up and drop off location

Europcar

Available 24/7 in the four major airports. It’s one of the biggest agencies in France and Europe. It has good reviews and offers roadside assistance.

Avis

Drop off and pick up locations in both airports and downtown.

Budget

Pick up and drop off locations in big cities such as Ajaccio, Figari, and Bastia. Available straight from the airports only.

Hertz

This reliable rental agency is available in both airports and city centers. It’s certainly the main agency with pick-up and drop-off points in airports, major cities, and smaller cities as well. Here is their Corsica car rental dedicated website.

Sixt

Pick-up and drop-off locations are available at the four airports only. The agency offers a large selection of vehicules.

Corsica Rental Car (.com)

A local agency that offers competitive and budget-friendly options with a reliable and personalized service. With a large choice of locations in major airports, ferry ports, and cities, Corsica Rental Car is definitely the car hire service you should check.

Note that, besides the local agencies, all the main rental companies named above can also be found on the mainland and in Europe.

@mercedes_smart_bastia

Other Car Rentals In Corsica Options

Getaround

Getaround.com is a private car rental service that allows you to rent from non-professional individuals. This is perfect if you’re a bit more laid-back, want to meet more locals, and speak a bit of French, as people rarely speak English.

Rent via Airline

This is one way to rent a car and get it straight from the airport. Plus, you can have interesting deals when you pair flight tickets with car rental services.

Rent from your accommodation

Many Airbnbs, B&Bs, and hotels offer car rental services with interesting deals. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your host when booking your accommodation; they’ll be happy to help and direct you to a local car rental service.

Car Rentals In Corsica: Extra Tips

Driving in Corsica

Driving in Corsica is no different than driving anywhere else in France. You drive on the right. The speed limits on the road signs are in kilometers per hour.

Just be careful of the narrow mountain and countryside roads.

Be aware of rules such as the prohibition of the use of a phone while driving and that you must give way to the cars coming from your right.

You can encounter farm and wild animals even on the main roads, so to be safe, it’s better to slow down.

There’s no highway in Corsica, so there are no toll fees.

Roads in Corsica, especially in the villages, tend to be narrower than what tourists are used to, with steep drops and sharp bends. So, drive slowly and take care of your rental to avoid extra costs and accidents. This is why you should also go for a small-sized car.

What Type of Car Should You Rent

In the city, a small car is the perfect choice, as it’s easier to park.
Coastal and mountain roads can be steep, so make sure you go for a reliable car with enough power that will fit in the narrow villages’ streets.
Automatic cars are often more expensive, but if you’re not used to driving manual ones and on the right side, then they might be the safest choice for a stress-free trip.
Electric cars can be proposed by some rental agencies, but Corsica isn’t well developed yet when it comes to charging stations. So if you do book an electric car, then you will have to plan your trip a bit more.

Check The Car

Before driving off with the car as soon as you have the keys, take time to have a close look at the car’s condition and don’t hesitate to take pictures or notify the agency about anything you notice.

Carefully read the contract before signing anything and clarify any parts that are not clear to you.

@fbls_faaab

Ready To Hit The Road?

Now you have everything you need to plan the perfect trip to Corsica. Keep in mind that if you want to visit the secluded beaches, picturesque villages, and make the most of your holiday, you’ll have to rent a car. Feel free to ask for any questions we haven’t answered yet.

Is it worth renting a car in Corsica?

If you’re planning to take the adventure a bit further than the beach next to your resort or accommodation, then YES, renting a car in Corsica is definitely worth it. It’ll be the perfect ally to explore the hidden gems on the coast or the charming mountains of the inland.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Corsica?

The average price of a car rentals in Corsica is 45 euros a day, but you can find some good deals as cheap as 30 euros a day. Depending on the car you’re getting, car hire in Corsica can get pricey.

Where is the best place to stay in Corsica without a car?

Ajaccio is the biggest city in Corsica. With its own local and developed public transport system, you can go almost anywhere in the city without much struggle. This is the perfect spot for first-timers who want to go for a bit of sightseeing, visit sandy beaches, and take day trips to the mountains.

Can Foreigners Rent A Car In France?

Yes, foreigners can rent a car in France, but some specific requirements can vary, so always check with the agency before booking online. You will be asked for a valid ID, a valid driving licence, and a credit card. Non-EU licence holders are required to have an international driving permit if the licence is not in French.

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Car Rentals In Corsica: The Ultimate Guide For Travelers