We plan to fly into Toulouse and stay 2 nights there. Should we pick up the car at the airport upon arrival or wait until we are ready to leave Toulouse and get it at the train station? Which is less hassle?

A car in any big city is just a pain. I would pick up the car in the city, if possible at a rental which is <b>not</b> associated with the RR station for the simple reason that pick-ups at the train stations often include a similar charge as a pick-up at the airport. This year for our pick-up at CDG we are paying an extra 62€ for the convenience plus the road tax. I am anticipating a similar charge for our pick-up in Périgueux which is considered a train station pick-up.

It's all about $ and convenience. Ask yourself:

1) How much will the extra two days cost in rental charges? Sometimes, it's a lot. Sometimes there's very little increase in price because, for example, you're booking for a week now instead of five days.

2) Will you be able to park at your hotel and will parking be free?

3) If you don't have a rental car, how will you get to your hotel and how much will it cost? (If the airport is a long way from the hotel, a taxi could cost as much as a day's rental.)

4) Are the rental rates lower in town than at the airport? (Note that rates at the train station might not be great either. Check around town for something that is relatively convenient and not too expensive.)

5) How easy is it to drive in Toulouse? It can often be a nightmare to navigate in the central core of French cities, which may have large sections blocked off and reserved for tourists.

6) Will you use the car when you're in Toulouse? Are there places you'd visit more easily with a car?

We've picked up car rentals at the train station in Toulouse twice. Easy to get in & out of town.

Stu Dudley

Thanks for advice. Wanted to see how easy to pick up car at train station. Will weigh price options as we are going to be in area for 17 days.

Here is something I wrote for a friend

Use the Michelin Red Guide maps to get out of town (Toulouse) towards Albi. Follow any signs to Albi that you see. The train station is next to a river with one-way streets – see the RG map. After you exit the train station, turn left, then turn right to cross the river (towards the center of Toulouse), turn right & follow the river, then right to cross the river again, & get on Av de Lyon, which is N88, and later becomes the Route d’Albi. Follow the route on the RG map. When you hit the freeway, at exit/entrance #14, turn right after the roundabout and get on A61 towards Montpellier/Carcassonne (it might also say Albi). Immediately get on A68 heading to Albi.

Stu Dudley

In May we flew into Toulouse and picked up a car at the airport. Then we drove to Carcassone. Good maps - no problem. After our two week stay driving and staying in Dordogne we returned to Toulouse for our last day and to spend the night. We arrived on Sunday. Traffic was somewhat heavy. Stress level rose as we hunted the place recommended to park (parking garage very near hotel). Left for airport eary Monday morning (4:30 a.m.) No attendant on duty at the garage. More stress as the machine to pay did not have place to pay with coins - only "chip" credit card which we did not have, but there was a "button" and some kind person who was "who knows where" activated the gate and we were able to leave. Rain, stress, finally arrived at airport. We were fortunate but stressed out. Since this was our first time in Toulouse we were unsure even with maps how to leave and head for the airport. Now we could do it with much less stress. Having told you all of this - I really think you would do well to get the car in town. Stu gives good advice. When in doubt follow it.

Happy travels!!!!

You may have a better selection of cars at the train station, also.

Thanks again Fodorites. I think we will take Stu's advice and pick up the car at the train station instead of airport.