Car rental at Toulouse Blagnac Airport (TLS)

Toulouse Blagnac Airport sits just 8 kilometers (5 miles) from the heart of Toulouse, making it a breeze to reach by car in about 15 to 25 minutes, traffic willing. It’s more than just an airport—it’s the main air gateway to the Occitanie region, connecting southwestern France to the rest of the world. With four terminals handling domestic and international flights, it sees a steady flow of travelers— around 10 million passengers pass through its gates annually.

Inside, you’ll find all the usual comforts and then some, from cafés and boutiques to lounges and business facilities. Whether you’re flying in or out, Toulouse Blagnac strikes that sweet spot between convenience and comfort, with a laid-back vibe that fits the region perfectly. You can find more information on the airport’s official website: Toulouse Blagnac Airport

Just landed at Toulouse Blagnac and ready to hit the road? Finding a rental car is easy. Most of the rental desks are right inside the terminal, tucked into Hall C on the ground floor of the Arrivals area—so you won’t be dragging your suitcase too far. A few companies have their counters in car park P2, which is a quick walk from the terminal. Prefer a more hands-off approach? Some providers offer a meet-and-greet service, usually with a bit of notice and a small fee. Either way, getting behind the wheel here is a smooth start to exploring Occitanie.

Read the rental agreement carefully. It’s easy to breeze past the fine print, but don’t. Double-check the pick-up and return times, fuel rules, and insurance terms. Those tiny details can save you from big headaches—and surprise charges—later on.

Choose the right car for your trip. Don’t just go for the cheapest option. If you’re sticking to city streets, a small car works fine. But for country drives or heavy luggage? Go bigger. A comfortable ride makes all the difference.

Know the driving rules. France has its quirks—priority rules, speed limits, and even roundabout etiquette. Knowing the basics before you leave the lot will save you from tickets, stress, or worse.

Bring your GPS or smartphone. Skip the pricey rental GPS. Use your phone instead, with offline maps ready to go. Just pack a charger and phone mount, and you’re set for smooth navigation across France.

Return the car on time. Sounds simple, but it matters. Late drop-offs often mean extra fees, even if you’re just a little behind. Build in a time cushion and aim to hand it back early.

Place du Capitole. Right in the center of Toulouse, this iconic square is where locals gather, cafés hum with conversation, and neoclassical facades shine in the sun. It’s the heartbeat of the city—and impossible to ignore.

Basilique Saint-Sernin. Towering and timeless, this Romanesque masterpiece draws you in with its intricate stonework and centuries-old relics. It’s not just a church, it’s a powerful symbol of France’s deep-rooted spiritual and architectural history.

Cité de l’Espace. If you’ve ever dreamed of space travel, start here. With full-scale rockets, satellites, and immersive exhibits, this museum fuels curiosity and wonder in kids and adults alike. Toulouse makes space feel surprisingly down to Earth.

Couvent des Jacobins. Step inside, and you’ll find stillness. This medieval convent, with its soaring palm-shaped columns and quiet cloisters, feels like a secret pocket of peace tucked into the city’s busy streets. It’s history you can feel.

Aeroscopia Museum. Just outside the city, near the airport, this museum celebrates France’s proud place in aviation. Climb aboard the legendary Concorde or peek inside fighter jets—it’s an up-close look at how flight took off.

Carcassonne. Just 1 hour from Toulouse by car, and you’re stepping into a real-life medieval dream. Towering ramparts, turrets, and age-old alleyways surround you. Explore the mighty Château Comtal and lose yourself in the storybook magic of France’s past.

Albi. Drive a little over 1 hour and arrive in Albi, a riverside gem glowing with red-brick beauty. The towering Sainte-Cécile Cathedral stuns at first sight, while the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum adds artistic depth to this postcard-perfect town.

Cordes-sur-Ciel. Around 1 hour and 15 minutes on the road brings you to a village perched so high it touches the sky. With its medieval charm, sloping streets, and sweeping views, it’s like walking through a dream.

Auch. Head west for 1.5 hours and discover Auch, the soul of Gascony. Climb the grand staircase to Saint-Marie Cathedral, marvel at centuries-old art, then sit down to a meal that tastes like the heart of southern France.

Lourdes. About 2 hours away, Lourdes offers peace, reflection, and something deeply moving. Visit the Sanctuary, walk quietly through the grotto, and experience the calm that draws people here from every corner of the world.