Car Hire Perpignan Airport

Car Hire

Set in the spectacular Pyrenees-Orientales district of the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France, tiny Perpignan Airport is a gateway to the nearby ski resorts. Located between the towns of Perpignan and Rivesaltes, four miles from Perpignan, the facility offers a local bus service to Perpignan town centre and rail station, along with taxi travel. Car rental is available and is the most convenient and most comfortable way to get around this lovely corner of France.

Who to Book With
No less than seven car hire companies are based at the airport, including trusted international operators Hertz, Sixt, Avis and Budget, as well as French firm National Citer, giving visitors a wide choice of vehicles at competitive rates. At popular times, it’s advisable to book well in advance to secure your preferred vehicle. Rental cars are held in parking area P2, near the Arrivals exit.

Need to Know Essentials
The following documents should be presented at vehicle collection:

- Your UK/EU driver’s licence
- The credit card used for the reservation
- A passport or EU ID card confirming your ID
- Confirmation of booking

For more info read our FAQ's.

Driving
France drives on the right and road conditions here should pose no threat to experienced drivers, although care should be taken in winter, in mountainous regions, as the weather can change for the worse within a short time. Towns in the region often have narrow streets and can be tricky to get around and park. Parking laws are strictly enforced, with fines and towing commonplace if parked illegally. Blue zone parking discs can be bought from police stations, tourist offices and shops. Petrol stations, either manned or automatic, are easily found, although some may not accept payment by UK-issued cards. Warning triangles and visibility vests must be carried, and the wearing of a seatbelt is obligatory. UK drivers are now permitted to use the toll roads’ automatic tag lanes via the purchase of a telepeage tag.

See our guide to France for more information on driving here.

Transport

The fastest way to get to Perpignan and other regional destinations from the airport is with a hire car via the A9 autoroute, as public transport in the region is sparse. The airport is linked to Perpignan by a local bus, while shuttle buses run in the high season. Other onwards transportation options are self-drive or expensive taxis.

Trains
There is no train service directly from Perpignan Airport, but Perpignan Station in the city has TGV rail links to Paris and Barcelona.

Taxis
Taxis are found at the rank just outside the Arrivals exit, with the trip to Perpignan taking around 15 minutes, weather and traffic permitting. Taxis here are metered, with travellers advised to use the official airport taxis to avoid getting overcharged. Prices average £1.80 per kilometre travelled, with surcharges for late night, early morning, Sunday and public holiday travel, as well as an airport surcharge for all transfers.

Taxi prices:
Perpignan Airport to Perpignan city centre is about £12
Perpignan Airport to Argeles-sur-Mer is about £40
Perpignan Airport to Prades is about £65

Buses
The Courriers Catalans bus company provides local bus number 7, which leaves from just outside the terminal’s Arrivals exit and connects with Perpignan’s main rail and bus stations. The service runs between 07:00 and 22:25 at half-hourly intervals. The journey takes around 20 minutes, dependent on traffic conditions, and costs around £4. Tickets are available from the driver. In Perpignan, the CTPM bus company offers local transport at a fixed fare of less than £1, while longer distance trips to nearby towns and villages cost around £1.50.

Facilities

Terminals
Perpignan Airport’s terminal is small but reasonably well-equipped as regards amenities for its annual 400,000 passenger throughput. Flights from Paris are offered by Air France, and Flybe and Ryanair have seasonal flights from Birmingham, Southampton and London-Stansted, respectively. Aer Lingus offers a seasonal flight from Dublin.

Parking
Car park P1 is the public parking area, set opposite the terminal and signposted as Parc Auto. Short- and long-term stays are offered in 780 bays, with charges ranging upwards from £1 an hour to £5.50 for 24 hours and £18 for a full week. Automatic payment machines in the terminal accept cash or card, although only card payment is accepted at the car park exit. Pick up and drop off is at the front entrance to the terminal.

Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi internet access is provided at the airport.

Information Services
An information desk is located in the Arrivals hall.

Useful Numbers
Service Centre: +33 46 852 6070

Accessibility
Facilities for disabled passengers at the airport include eight designated car parking spaces, wheelchair provision, a dedicated seating area, adapted toilets, ramps and a lift to the first floor Departures lounge. Passengers with reduced mobility are requested to apply for assistance through their airline.

Restaurants and Bars
A café-bar is located on the ground floor in the main hall, with a restaurant located on the first floor’s Departures area.

VIP Lounges
There are no VIP lounges at the airport.

Money and ATMs
An ATM is found in the main hall.

Shopping
A souvenir and gift shop is found in the ground floor in the public area.