Europe car hire

Driver's age: 26-65

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Recommended by KAYAK
Useful Info
Recommended by KAYAK

Cheap car hire in Europe

Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
Volkswagen Polo car
Volkswagen Polo
or similar Small
2
2
4-5
M
$9/day
Mini Hatch car
Mini Hatch
or similar Small
4
2
4-5
M
$9/day
Skoda Octavia car
Skoda Octavia
or similar Medium
5
3
4-5
M
$50/day
Ford Mondeo car
Ford Mondeo
or similar Medium
5
3
4-5
M
$62/day
Toyota Land Cruiser car
Toyota Land Cruiser
or similar 4WD
5
2
4-5
M
$425/day
Volkswagen up! car
Volkswagen up!
or similar Small
2
2
2-3
M
$9/day
Mercedes-Benz C-Class car
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
or similar Large
5
5
4-5
M
$80/day
Class Full-size Van car
Class Full-size Van
or similar Van
5
2
4-5
M
$311/day
Mercedes-Benz E-Class car
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
or similar Luxury
5
5
4-5
M
$108/day
Peugeot 2008 car
Peugeot 2008
or similar 4WD
4
2
4-5
M
$10/day
Kia Cee'd SW car
Kia Cee'd SW
or similar Small
4
2
4-5
M
$18/day
Nissan Qashqai car
Nissan Qashqai
or similar 4WD
5
3
4-5
M
$20/day
Skoda Octavia Combi car
Skoda Octavia Combi
or similar Medium
5
3
4-5
M
$74/day
Class Special Car car
Class Special Car
or similar Category
5
5
2/4
M
$76/day
Volvo V60 car
Volvo V60
or similar Large
5
2
4-5
M
$95/day
Best prices found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.
Useful Info

Good to know

Most popular agency

SURPRICE CAR RENTAL

Most popular car type

Mini

Average price

$66/day

Good deal

$51/day

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Europe car hire

Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Europe with confidence.

How far in advance should you book a rental car in Europe?

You should book your rental car in Europe around 7 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the cheapest car rental company in Europe?

In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at GREEN MOTION ($10.78/day), SURPRICE CAR RENTAL ($10.90/day), and DRIVALIA ($11.29/day).

What is the most popular rental car in Europe?

Compact rentals (Audi A3 or similar) are the most popular type of vehicle to rent in Europee. Compact cars in Europe cost $143/day on average, though some users have found deals as low as $11/day.

What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Europe?

The cheapest month to hire a car in Europe is January at an average cost of $42/day. July is the most expensive month to hire a car in Europe when prices are $77/day on average, which tends to be 123% above the yearly average hire price for Europe.

What rental car company in Europe has the most locations?

Free2Move operates 4,726 locations in Europe, more than any other rental company.

Top tips for hiring a car in Europe

  • 25% of our users found rental cars in Europe for $51 or less
  • Economy rental cars in Europe are around 73% 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 $66 per day.

  • 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.

  • Where should I hire a car in Europe?

    Based on car searches on KAYAK, the most popular cities to hire a car in Europe are London (28% of total searches of users looking to hire a car in Europe), Edinburgh (7%) and Dublin (6%).

  • How much does it cost to hire a car for a week in Europe?

    On average a car hire in Europe costs $460 per week ($66 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 $1,971 per month ($66 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.

Car rental directory

  • free2move

    Free2Move car hire locations in Europe

    4726 Locations

  • sunnycars

    Sunnycars car hire locations in Europe

    4539 Locations

  • keddy

    keddy by Europcar car hire locations in Europe

    3954 Locations

  • europcar

    Europcar car hire locations in Europe

    3059 Locations

  • hertz

    Hertz car hire locations in Europe

    2459 Locations

  • avis

    Avis car hire locations in Europe

    2188 Locations

  • enterprise

    Enterprise Rent-A-Car car hire locations in Europe

    1836 Locations

  • sixtrentacar

    Sixt car hire locations in Europe

    1833 Locations

  • budget

    Budget car hire locations in Europe

    1538 Locations

  • flizzr

    FLIZZR car hire locations in Europe

    1313 Locations

  • thrifty

    Thrifty car hire locations in Europe

    1138 Locations

  • dollar

    Dollar car hire locations in Europe

    1074 Locations

Car hire locations in Europe

Everything you need to know for your car rental in Europe

Complete your trip to Europe

The rates displayed include all taxes and fees for hire cars for the class listed and were found by KAYAK users in the last 48 hours. Offers are subject to change and may not be available on all car hires listed or dates of travel. Some hire car providers charge additional fees for other services (GPS, infant car seats, etc.). Please check the website of the respective hire car provider.

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