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Rent a Car in Besançon at Unbeatable Prices

Your complete guide to car hire in Besançon – compare deals, pick the perfect location, and hit the road with confidence.

Ultimate Guide
Your Besançon Car Rental Guide
Renting a car in Besançon gives you the freedom to explore the Jura Mountains, the Doubs Valley, and nearby Switzerland at your own pace. With pick-up options at Dole Airport, downtown Besançon, and the TGV station, you’re never far from your next adventure. Our guide breaks down the pros and cons of each location, along with insider tips on scoring the best rates and avoiding common pitfalls.
Dole–Jura Airport (DLE)
The closest commercial airport to Besançon, about 50 km away. Car rental desks (Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt) are inside the terminal. Ideal for arrivals by plane. Free shuttle from Besançon not available; best to pick up a car directly or take a taxi/ train to Dole station.
Besançon City Center
Several rental agencies are located in the historic center near Place de la Révolution and Rue de la République. Convenient for exploring the Citadel and old town on foot first. Limited parking for pick-up; often cheaper than airport rentals.
Besançon Franche-Comté TGV Station
Located 11 km north of the city center in Auxon-Dessus. Multiple car rental agencies like Avis, Europcar, and Sixt have offices right at the station. Perfect for travelers arriving by high-speed train; no need to transfer to the city to collect a car.

What do you need to rent a car in Besancon?

Renting a car in Besancon is quite convenient, but there can be some specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

  • Form of ID: A valid physical France national photo ID is required at the counter.
  • Driving licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must present a full physical French driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence must have been held for at least 1 year (some vehicles or offers may require up to 3 years).
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required when credit card payment is used. Accepted credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, and American Express. Some debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, JCB, Discover, AMEX) may be accepted for deposits depending on the offer. The same accepted brands may be required if a second credit card is requested.
  • Age requirements: Eligible driving age ranges from 18 to 80 years. Drivers aged 18 to 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge of EUR 40 per day (reference: $46.05 per day).
  • Driving licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must present a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence must have been held for at least 1 year (some vehicles or offers may require up to 3 years). Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP). Please note that an IDP is only a translation and must be presented together with the original licence; photocopies or scans are not accepted or
    • EU/EEA Driving License, which is valid for car rental across the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
  • Form of ID: A valid physical passport is required at the counter.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required when credit card payment is used. Accepted credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, and American Express. Some debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, JCB, Discover, AMEX) may be accepted for deposits depending on the offer. The same accepted brands may be required if a second credit card is requested.
  • Age requirements: Eligible driving age ranges from 18 to 80 years. Drivers aged 18 to 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge of EUR 40 per day (reference: $46.05 per day).
requirementsrequirements

Best Car Rentals in Besançon for Every Adventure

Find the perfect ride for winding Jura roads, medieval streets, and scenic French countryside. Browse our most popular rental options today.

By Trip Type
Popular Makes

Old Town

Small

City-Smart & Easy Parking
5
2
Auto

Besançon's medieval old town features narrow cobblestone lanes and tight corners that challenge oversized vehicles every day. A compact car slips through historic alleys effortlessly, makes parking in the city center far less stressful, and saves your fuel budget for vineyard lunches along the Route des Vins.

Mountain Roads

SUV

All-Terrain & Hill-Ready
5
3
Auto

The Jura mountains surrounding Besançon offer winding switchbacks, steep grades, and unpredictable weather that demand a confident, capable ride. An SUV delivers higher ground clearance, stronger traction on rural climbs, plus enough cabin space for hiking gear, picnic supplies, and family luggage on weekend escapes.

Scenic Drives

Convertible

Open-Top & Vineyard-Ready
4
2
Auto

Franche-Comté's rolling vineyards, river valleys, and sun-drenched country roads beg for an open-air driving experience between June and September. A convertible transforms a simple day trip to Arbois or the Loue Valley into a memorable, photo-worthy French adventure you'll be talking about for years to come.

Choose Your Ride

Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.

Why pick up your car at Dole–Jura Airport?

Choose airport pickup for maximum convenience if you are flying into the region. Rental counters are steps from the baggage claim, so you can get on the road minutes after landing. A wide range of vehicles is available, and you avoid the hassle of ground transportation into the city. Rates are competitive, and many companies offer free cancellation.

Car Rental Ratings at Besancon (DLE): Real Reviews

Browse verified customer ratings and honest feedback on car rentals in Besancon near Dole-Jura Airport to book your ride with confidence.

Rental companyRatingAvg. Daily RatePickup Method/DistanceSecurity depositAccepts Debit CardsKey Advantages
Europcar
1.7
7300+ reviews
$1771.2 mi from Besancon Downtown
$797 - $1,106
  • Convenient airport locations
  • Wide vehicle selection
  • Quick online booking process

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental
Last updated: Jun. 27 2026
Essential Rental Hub
Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.
Step by Step Guide After a Car Accident in Your French Rental Car
Learn exactly what to do after a car accident in your French rental car with this step by step guide. Prioritize safety with hazard lights, high visibility vest and warning triangle, call French emergency numbers, document the scene with photos and witnesses, correctly complete the Constat Amiable European Accident Report, know when to involve the police, contact your rental provider such as QEEQ immediately, and understand your insurance coverage and required in car safety kit.
View details
Your Guide to Fueling a Rental Car in France
Learn how to refuel your rental car in France with this easy guide. From identifying fuel types to navigating payment systems, ensure a smooth journey on French roads.
View details
Avoid Hidden Car Rental Fees in France with All Inclusive Deals on QEEQ
Learn how to avoid hidden car rental fees in France with a clear pre booking strategy and smart choices at the rental counter. Discover why all inclusive packages on QEEQ with zero deductible CDW, theft protection, taxes, and surcharges included can save you money and stress. Understand young and senior driver surcharges, one way and cross border fees, fuel policy traps, and the importance of documenting vehicle condition and reading your contract before signing, so you can enjoy a worry free French road trip.
View details

Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

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Booking Volume

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Market Experience

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QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Airport locations capture over 38% of France car rental revenue, with online bookings exceeding 71% of all reservations, making digital channels dominant."

Booking Patterns

"Economy cars dominate with over 32% market share, while SUV bookings grow fastest at 10.7% CAGR; peak season Dec-Apr drives 35% of annual rentals."

Customer Pain Points

"56% of car rental customers report disconnect between advertised prices and final bills due to hidden fees."

Data Sources

  • QEEQ internal booking databse
  • Grand View Research - Car Rental Market Report
  • Statista Market Insights - Car Rentals France
  • Grand View Research - Car Rental Market Analysis
  • Auto Rental News Industry Data
  • Grand View Research / Zubie Survey
  • J.D. Power 2023 US Rental Car Shopper Study

Besancon Car Rental FAQs for US Drivers

Practical answers about driving rules, tolls, winter conditions, and rental policies in Besancon, France

Can I rent a car in Besancon with just my US driver's license, or do I need an International Driving Permit?
French law technically accepts a valid US license for tourist stays under 90 days, but every major rental agency at Besancon (Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Europcar) requires an IDP as standard policy. Get one before flying from any AAA office for $20 plus two passport photos; the permit is valid for one year alongside your home license. Without an IDP, the rental counter can refuse to release the keys even if you booked and paid online.
What are the highway tolls like around Besancon, and how do I pay them?
The A36 autoroute runs past Besancon, and most cross-country trips involve tolls priced at roughly €0.08 to €0.12 per kilometer. Expect about €35 in tolls for the 410 km drive to Paris. Pay at the péage booths with credit card, cash, or a télépéage transponder. Rental agencies offer a Liber-t toll tag for around €2.50 to €3 per day plus actual usage, which lets you use the dedicated electronic lanes and skip the queue.
Will I need winter tires or snow chains when driving around Besancon in December or February?
Yes, plan for winter equipment. Besancon sits in the Doubs valley and temperatures regularly drop to -7°C, while nearby Jura passes like Col de la Faucille and Col du Marchairuz get heavy snow. From November through March, the French mountain code requires either winter tires marked 3PMSF or fitted snow chains in affected zones. Most rental companies offer a winter package with chains and M+S tires for about €12 to €18 per day.
Does Besancon have a low-emission zone, and do I need a Crit'Air sticker on my rental car?
Yes, Besancon enforced a Zone a Faibles Emissions (ZFE) covering the city center. Driving inside the zone requires a Crit'Air vignette displayed on the windshield. Order yours in advance at certificat-air.gouv.fr for €3.72 plus shipping, and allow at least three weeks for international delivery. Newer US-spec rental cars typically qualify for Crit'Air 1 or 2. Fines for non-compliance start at €68 and can reach €135.
How much does parking cost in Besancon old town, and where can I avoid fees?
Street parking in the historic center runs about €1.50 to €2 per hour, with hourly limits between 9am and 7pm Monday to Saturday. Underground garages like Parking Pasteur or Parking Saint-Pierre charge roughly €1.80 per hour or €12 to €15 for 24 hours. Street parking is free on Sundays and after 7pm. Free 1-hour spots marked Zone Bleue require a blue disque de stationnement placed on the dashboard.

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