Europe car hire
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Cheap car hire in Europe
Car rental directory
Free2Move car hire locations in Europe
4584 Locations
Sunnycars car hire locations in Europe
4156 Locations
keddy by Europcar car hire locations in Europe
3896 Locations
Europcar car hire locations in Europe
2994 Locations
Hertz car hire locations in Europe
2437 Locations
Avis car hire locations in Europe
2187 Locations
Sixt car hire locations in Europe
1790 Locations
Enterprise Rent-A-Car car hire locations in Europe
1776 Locations
Budget car hire locations in Europe
1535 Locations
FLIZZR car hire locations in Europe
1305 Locations
Thrifty car hire locations in Europe
1096 Locations
Dollar car hire locations in Europe
999 Locations
Good to know
Most popular agency | DRIVALIA |
|---|---|
Most popular car type | Mini |
Average price | $64/day |
Good deal | $51/day |
When to book a rental car in Europe
Top tips for hiring a car in Europe
- 25% of our users found rental cars in Europe for $51 or less
- Book your rental car in Europe at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Off-airport rental car locations in Europe are around 61% more expensive than airport locations on average
- Mini rental cars in Europe are around 24% cheaper than other car types, on average
- If you're planning to cruise along the picturesque coastlines of the Mediterranean countries, a convertible might be your best bet. However, if a scenic drive through the mountains of Switzerland or Austria is on the cards, opt for a vehicle with a robust engine and good grip. Don't forget, in some historic city centres, larger vehicles might struggle with narrow lanes − a compact car would be ideal here. Consider the season too, winter tyres are a must in snowy regions.
- To travel to other countries, agencies often charge cross-border fees, which vary depending on the countries involved. For instance, if you're picking up a car in France and fancy a German jaunt, inform your agency to include a green card − proof of insurance accepted in Germany, Italy and several other countries. Also, ensure you've got the VE103 form, which shows you can take the car abroad. Remember, some Eastern European countries might be off-limits; always check with the agency first to avoid disappointment.
- Flying into Frankfurt Airport (FRA) gives you a head-start on a multi-country European road trip; it's a central hub with excellent motorway connections to nearby countries. If you're eyeing Southern Europe, Barcelona Airport (BCN) is a great choice; it's a stone's throw away from the French border and Spain's Costa Brava. For Eastern European adventures, consider Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) − it's a gateway to Poland, Lithuania and Belarus.
- If you're headed to Norway, be prepared to encounter the world's longest road tunnel, the Laerdal Tunnel, which stretches roughly 24.5 km (15 miles). In Italy, beware of the "ZTL" zones, where access is restricted to prevent congestion and pollution. Similarly, Germany has "Umweltzone" areas to limit vehicle emissions. Furthermore, in Spain, always carry a spare pair of glasses in the car if you're a spectacle wearer; it's a legal requirement aimed at ensuring road safety.
FAQs about hiring a car in Europe
How much does it cost to hire a car in Europe?
On average a car hire in Europe costs $59 per day.
What is the most popular car hire in Europe?
Compact (Dacia Sandero Stepway or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Europe.
What is the cheapest car hire company in Europe?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest car hires were found at Klass Wagen ($8/day), NU Car ($9/day) and Record Go ($9/day).
What is the best car hire company in Europe?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in Europe are Alamo (7.6, 728 reviews), Enterprise Rent-A-Car (7.6, 684 reviews), and Centauro (7.6, 66 reviews).
How can I find car hires near me in Europe?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does it cost to hire a car for a week in Europe?
On average a car hire in Europe costs $448 per week ($64 per day).
How much does it cost to hire a car long term for a month in Europe?
On average a car hire in Europe costs $1,921 per month ($64 per day).
Should I hire a car in Europe?
Hiring a car in Europe opens up a treasure trove of opportunities. You've got the freedom to explore hidden gems like the lavender fields in Provence, France, which are a bit tricky to reach otherwise. Plus, think of the ease of popping over to picturesque spots like Cinque Terre in Italy without worrying about train schedules. Not to mention the joy of a leisurely drive through the breathtaking Ring of Kerry in Ireland, which can be quite the hassle with public transport. Europe's well-maintained motorways and scenic routes, coupled with the sometimes sporadic public transport connections in rural areas, make hiring a car a fabulous choice for a hassle-free, adventure-packed holiday.
What is driving like in Europe?
In the UK, you'll be driving on the left, which is the opposite of mainland Europe. While zipping through Germany, you might find yourself on the famed Autobahn, where some sections have no speed limit – a real treat for speed enthusiasts. Contrastingly, in Norway, they favour a more leisurely pace with lower speed limits to enjoy the scenic views. Be prepared for toll roads, particularly in France, Italy and Spain; having some change handy is a good shout.
How old do you have to be to hire a car in Europe?
In Europe, the golden age to hire a car is generally 21, but it can vary between countries. In the UK and Ireland, you're good to go from 17 and 18 respectively, but brace yourself for potential young driver surcharges if you're under 25. Over in sunny Spain, most agencies set the bar at 18, but they might steer you towards specific, lower-powered vehicles. If you're venturing to Greece, hold tight until you're 23 to get behind the wheel of a hired car. Don't forget, a full driving licence held for at least a year is usually a must, no matter where you're heading.