What is the minimum age to rent a car in Europe?

In most European countries, the minimum age to rent a car is 21, but some companies may require drivers to be 25 or older to avoid a 'young driver' surcharge. If you’re under 25, expect to pay an additional daily fee. Be sure to check the rental company’s age policy before booking.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Europe?

For most American travelers, a valid U.S. driver’s license and passport are enough to rent a car. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a certified translation of your driver’s license, and could be required if you are stopped by the authorities or involved in an accident. In my experience, though, I’ve never used an IDP in Europe.

Can I rent a car in one country and drop it off in another?

Yes, you can usually book a one-way car rental across countries, but it often comes with a hefty drop-off fee. Some companies also restrict cross-border rentals entirely, especially if you are leaving the EU. Always confirm the details of where you can drive when reserving your car.

Are there extra fees for driving into other countries?

Yes, and I find it very frustrating. Even if you’re returning the car to the same location, most rental companies charge a cross-border fee or require prior approval to drive into neighboring countries. Always check your rental agreement and notify the company if you plan to cross borders, as it can impact your insurance coverage too.

What kind of car should I rent for European roads?

This depends on your itinerary. In cities or old towns with narrow streets, a compact car is your best friend. For mountain regions or group travel, an SUV or van might make more sense, just be ready for tighter parking and higher fuel costs. I always recommend thinking about both your luggage situation and your route before deciding on a vehicle.

Can I rent an automatic car in Europe?

Yes, but automatic cars are less common in Europe and often cost more than manuals. If you don’t drive stick, make sure to specifically filter for automatic transmission when booking.

Is car insurance included when I rent a car in Europe?

Most rentals include basic insurance, but it usually comes with a high deductible. You may want to add extra coverage at checkout or use a credit card that includes rental insurance. I always double-check my travel insurance too, to make sure I’m not paying for overlapping coverage.

Are there toll roads in Europe, and how do I pay for them?

Yes, many European countries, including France, Italy, and Portugal, have toll roads. You can usually pay with a credit card or cash, though some highways use automatic electronic systems. Rental companies may offer a toll pass, but it's not always the cheapest option — especially if you’re only using toll roads occasionally.

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RENTING A CAR MAKES IT EASY TO EXPLORE EUROPE AT YOUR OWN PACE, WITHOUT BEING RESTRICTED BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ROUTES OR SCHEDULES.

As much as I love taking trains in Europe, it’s not always the most convenient option if you’re trying to maximize time or visit off the beaten path gems.

Whether you want to navigate the winding roads of the French countryside, cruise along Italy’s scenic coastal routes, or explore the mountain passes of Switzerland, having a dependable car rental is key to making your journey a reality.

But renting a car can also be a bit intimidating, from choosing the best car rental company to navigating the various types of insurance coverage.

NOT DOING YOUR HOMEWORK CAN LEAD TO UNEXPECTED EXPENSES OR DIFFICULTIES WITH PICKUP AND RETURN PROCESSES.

That’s why I wrote this guide — to help you understand how to rent a car in Europe.

Below, I’ll explain the car rental process in general and walk you through my picks for the best car rental companies in Europe.

Plus, I’ve added in a few tips on important details to keep in mind before hitting the road.

Everything You Need To Know About Renting A Car In Europe

How to Rent a Car in Europe

Renting a car in Europe is pretty similar to renting in the U.S.

Here’s a quick summary of the process so that you can understand each step and the requirements:

Step One - Book Your Car Rental Online

THE EASIEST AND MOST CONVENIENT WAY TO RENT A CAR IN EUROPE IS BY BOOKING ONLINE IN ADVANCE.

💡 I prefer to use Discover Cars — it allows me to easily compare different rental car offers across various companies to ensure I get the best price.

Read my full review of Discover Cars here.

You can compare vehicle options, pricing, and insurance coverage for multiple companies at once.

Booking in advance usually secures the best deals, especially during peak travel seasons.

When making a reservation, be sure to read the fine print about which kind of documentation is required to pick up the car.

Step Two - Remember to Pack Your Required Documents

The documents required to rent a car should 100% be on your list of essential things to pack for Europe.

Obviously, a valid driver’s license from your home country will usually be accepted in most European countries.

Your passport will also be required when picking up the car.

AND DON’T FORGET YOUR CREDIT CARD, AS MOST RENTAL COMPANIES REQUIRE A CREDIT CARD ON FILE FOR SECURITY PURPOSES.

You may read about International Driving Permits (IDP) being required by those from outside the European Union, but for most Americans, a U.S. driver’s license and passport are enough to rent a car.

Again, it’s best to check these requirements at the time of making your reservation.

Step Three - Pick Up Your Rental Car

Most travelers pick up their rental car at an airport or a central location in a city.

I PREFER AIRPORT PICK-UPS, AS THEY TEND TO HAVE THE LARGEST SELECTION OF VEHICLES.

When you arrive to pick up the car, you’ll reference your reservation and present your driver’s license, passport, and credit card.

These days, most companies will simply point you to their dedicated parking area with a slot number where your car is located.

Grab the keys, find your car, and you’re on your way!

Step Four - Return the Rental Car

Most car rentals in Europe follow a full-to-full fuel policy, so top off the gas tank before returning the car to avoid extra fees.

REMOVE ALL OF YOUR BELONGINGS FROM THE CAR, AND BE SURE TO CHECK THE TRUNK AND BACKSEAT.

I also like to do a visual sweep of the car’s exterior to be sure that there are no signs of damage.

At the drop-off point, you’ll park in the designated area and hand over the keys to the attendant, or place them in an after-hours drop box if no one’s there.

I always snap a few photos of the car and fuel gauge just in case there are disagreements about the final bill.

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Best Car Rental Companies in Europe

There are a lot of car rental companies in Europe, but some stand out more than others.

The list below includes four of the best car rental companies, those known for their widespread availability, competitive pricing, and excellent reputation.

Hertz

Hertz is one of the most globally recognized car rental brands, with a strong network across Europe.

I PERSONALLY LOVE THIS BRAND — IT WAS MY GO-TO WHEN I TRAVELED FREQUENTLY FOR WORK.

Just like in the U.S., Hertz is easy to find at major airports and city centers, and they offer a wide range of vehicles from economy to luxury.

Pricing tends to be on the higher end, but booking early usually gets you the best deal.

Their customer service is solid, and the cars are well-maintained.

SIXT

Sixt is a German-based rental company known for its high-end vehicles, including BMWs, Audis, and Mercedes-Benz.

It can be pricier than other options, especially for premium cars, but they do offer budget-friendly models too.

SIXT INCLUDES PERKS LIKE UNLIMITED MILEAGE AND FLEXIBLE CANCELLATION, AND THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE IS EXCELLENT.

You’ll find them at most major airports and city centers, so pickup and drop-off are easy.

Europacar

Europcar is one of the largest rental companies in Europe, with locations in nearly every country.

It’s a solid mid-range option with competitive pricing, especially for short-term rentals and prepaid bookings.

They also offer discounts for fully prepaid bookings.

Just be sure to read the fine print — I’ve heard stories of hidden fees from other travelers.

Enterprise

Enterprise offers a wide range of vehicles, from economy cars to larger vehicles suitable for group trips.

They also have a good reputation for their customer service, and a smooth rental process.

ENTERPRISE’S PRICING IS AFFORDABLE, ESPECIALLY FOR LONGER RENTALS.

Despite its more than twenty branches across Europe, Enterprise may not be easy to find in all destinations, though.

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Tips for Renting a Car in Europe

Before driving off on your European road trip, there are a few important things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth car rental experience.

Rental Car Size

BE MINDFUL OF TIGHT EUROPEAN STREETS WHEN CHOOSING A RENTAL CAR TYPE.

The urge to book a large SUV is very American, but kind of impractical for driving through the narrow streets of European cities.

That being said, if you’re traveling with family or a large group, an SUV or van will be a better option.

Always consider the amount of luggage space you’ll need, as well.

European Driving Regulations

DRIVING REGULATIONS VARY BY COUNTRY, SO IT’S IMPORTANT TO FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH LOCAL LAWS.

For example, in cities like Milan or Paris, there are low-emission zones (LEZs) where you’ll need special permits to drive.

Rental Car Parking

Parking can be a headache in major cities, with restricted zones and high parking fees.

Check with your accommodations before your trip and confirm what kind of parking is available, and how much it will cost.

Bear in mind that if you’re traveling to the mountains, most countries will require that the car is equipped with snow tires.

Mention this at the rental counter - if you’re picking up your car at Venice airport, the staff may not realize that you plan to drive to the snowy Dolomites.

Rental Car Insurance

This is possibly everyone’s least favorite topic.

WHILE CONFUSING, IT’S CRITICAL TO UNDERSTAND WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR RENTAL AND WHETHER YOU NEED ADDITIONAL COVERAGE.

Most rentals come with basic coverage, but you may want to purchase extra insurance, especially if you're unfamiliar with the roads or worried about potential damage.

Common types of additional insurance include:

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Limits your financial liability if the car is damaged.

Theft Protection: Covers the cost of the vehicle if it’s stolen.

Personal Accident Insurance: Covers medical expenses if you're injured in an accident.

BE SURE TO READ THE FINE PRINT ON INSURANCE POLICIES.

Some companies may have high deductibles or exclusions for certain types of damage.

In my opinion, it’s a good idea to really go through the details of extra insurance protections with the staff at the rental counter during the car pick-up process.

If you’re covered by travel insurance, be sure to understand how that policy extends to car rentals to ensure that you’re not paying for double coverage.

Rental Car Fuel Policy

ANOTHER ASPECT OF YOUR CAR RENTAL TO UNDERSTAND IS THE FUEL POLICY.

Some companies require a full tank at return (full-to-full), while others offer prepaid fuel so you can return the car at any level.

Full-to-full is usually the better deal if you don’t mind stopping for gas.

Prepaid options tend to be more expensive.

Be Mindful of Potential Hidden Fees

Hidden fees can be charged for a whole range of situations.

Things like additional drivers, young driver fees for those under 25, one-way rentals in which you return the car to a different location, and charges for extra equipment like GPS systems or child seats.

It’s a good idea to review the final cost breakdown before completing your booking.

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FAQs

In most European countries, the minimum age to rent a car is 21, but some companies may require drivers to be 25 or older to avoid a “young driver” surcharge.
If you’re under 25, expect to pay an additional daily fee.
Be sure to check the rental company’s age policy before booking.
For most American travelers, a valid U.S. driver’s license and passport are enough to rent a car.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a certified translation of your driver’s license, and could be required if you are stopped by the authorities or involved in an accident.
In my experience, though, I’ve never used an IDP in Europe.
Yes, you can usually book a one-way car rental across countries, but it often comes with a hefty drop-off fee.
Some companies also restrict cross-border rentals entirely, especially if you are leaving the EU. Always confirm the details of where you can drive when reserving your car.
Yes, and I find it very frustrating.
Even if you’re returning the car to the same location, most rental companies charge a cross-border fee or require prior approval to drive into neighboring countries.
Always check your rental agreement and notify the company if you plan to cross borders, as it can impact your insurance coverage too.
This depends on your itinerary.
In cities or old towns with narrow streets, a compact car is your best friend.
For mountain regions or group travel, an SUV or van might make more sense, just be ready for tighter parking and higher fuel costs.
I always recommend thinking about both your luggage situation and your route before deciding on a vehicle.
Yes, but automatic cars are less common in Europe and often cost more than manuals.
If you don’t drive stick, make sure to specifically filter for automatic transmission when booking.
Most rentals include basic insurance, but it usually comes with a high deductible.
You may want to add extra coverage at checkout or use a credit card that includes rental insurance.
I always double-check my travel insurance too, to make sure I’m not paying for overlapping coverage.
Yes, many European countries, including France, Italy, and Portugal, have toll roads.
You can usually pay with a credit card or cash, though some highways use automatic electronic systems.
Rental companies may offer a toll pass, but it's not always the cheapest option, especially if you’re only using toll roads occasionally.

Conclusion

Renting a car in Europe offers the ultimate flexibility to explore the continent at your own pace.

And renting with top car rental companies like Hertz, Sixt, Europcar, and Enterprise can make your trip easier than ever.

I recommend booking in advance and comparing rental options across a range of companies.

THE BEST WAY TO ENSURE A SMOOTH AND ENJOYABLE CAR RENTAL EXPERIENCE IS TO UNDERSTAND IMPORTANT DETAILS OF YOUR RENTAL.

Whether you're planning a road trip tour of the Microstates of Europe or a leisurely drive through the Swiss mountains, the right rental car can take you to so many hidden gems.

So, start planning ahead, and get ready to hit the road!

Until next time,

Angela

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