Most car hire in Corsica happens at the airports. If you arrive by air, that is where you will find the widest choice. If you are coming by ferry, first ask yourself whether it would be better to bring your own car across: see our guide to the ferry crossing.
Where to hire
All four of the island’s airports have the major rental companies. According to the airport pages of the CCI de Corse (the Corsican chamber of commerce), checked in October 2026:
- at Ajaccio, eight companies, located outside the terminal: Avis, Budget, Drivalia, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, Rent A Car and Sixt;
- at Bastia-Poretta, six companies in the terminal: Avis, Drivalia, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt;
- at Calvi, five companies: Alamo, Avis, Enterprise, Europcar and Hertz;
- at Figari, outside the terminal: Alamo and Enterprise, Avis, Budget, Drivalia, Europcar, Hertz, Rent A Car and Sixt.
There are also branches in the towns, but not always near the ports. If you arrive by ferry without a car, check where the branch is before booking. Our itineraries for Corsica in 1 week and Corsica in 10 days start and end in Ajaccio: if you follow one, Ajaccio airport is the most convenient place to pick up and return the car.
When to book
In July and August, cars become scarce and prices go up. Book as soon as you have your flights, especially if you want an automatic, a large vehicle or a child seat. Out of season, a few days’ notice is often enough.
Choose a small car: it copes better with villages and narrow roads, and is easier to park.
Excess, deposit and insurance
Before signing, the DGCCRF (the French consumer protection authority) advises you to compare terms and insurance, and to insist on a joint inspection report of the vehicle and a detailed quote (return of the vehicle, fuel).
- Third-party liability is always included. For damage to the vehicle itself, the contract sets an excess: the amount you pay in the event of a claim.
- The deposit is usually equal to the excess. It is taken as a pre-authorisation on your bank card, which is not a payment.
- Excess waiver is an optional extra. Compare its price with the cover provided by your bank card, which sometimes includes car hire.
- Take photos of the vehicle when you collect and return it, scratches and wheel rims included, and have any damage noted on the contract.
The minimum age and the number of years you must have held your licence vary between companies: check them before booking.
Driving in Corsica
Most roads are narrow and winding, especially inland and on the west coast. Think in time rather than kilometres: driving times between towns are on our page getting around Corsica.
- Speed limits are the same as on the mainland: 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on single-carriageway roads, 110 km/h on dual carriageways.
- In the mountains, use engine braking on the way down and sound your horn before blind bends.
- Cows, pigs and goats often cross the road, by day and by night.
- Don’t feed animals that come up to cars.
Fuel
Fuel is generally more expensive in Corsica than on the mainland. In 2025, the Autorité de la concurrence (the French competition authority) fined the island’s main fuel distributors and found a highly concentrated market, with no competition from supermarkets.
Inland and on some stretches of coast, filling stations are few and far between. Fill up before heading into the mountains or setting off on a long coastal drive.
