Europe car hire

Driver's age: 25-65

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Car Rental Deals
Booking Insights
Car Rental Deals

Cheap car hire in Europe

Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
Suzuki Swift car
Suzuki Swift
or similar Small
2
2
4-5
M
$8/day
View Deal
Skoda Scala car
Skoda Scala
or similar Small
4
2
4-5
M
$8/day
View Deal
Volkswagen Jetta car
Volkswagen Jetta
or similar Medium
5
3
4-5
M
$9/day
View Deal
Class Standard Car car
Class Standard Car
or similar Medium
5
3
4-5
M
$43/day
View Deal
Toyota Land Cruiser car
Toyota Land Cruiser
or similar SUV
5
2
4-5
M
$129/day
View Deal
Volkswagen up! car
Volkswagen up!
or similar Small
2
2
2/4
M
$8/day
View Deal
Peugeot 408 car
Peugeot 408
or similar Luxury
5
5
4-5
M
$64/day
View Deal
Class Full-size Van car
Class Full-size Van
or similar Van
5
2
4-5
M
$46/day
View Deal
Audi A4 car
Audi A4
or similar Luxury
5
5
4-5
M
$75/day
View Deal
Volkswagen T-Cross car
Volkswagen T-Cross
or similar SUV
4
2
4-5
M
$8/day
View Deal
Class Special Car car
Class Special Car
or similar Category
5
5
2/4
M
$8/day
View Deal
Nissan Qashqai car
Nissan Qashqai
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
M
$8/day
View Deal
Class Compact Wagon car
Class Compact Wagon
or similar Small
4
2
4-5
M
$9/day
View Deal
Class Intermediate Wagon car
Class Intermediate Wagon
or similar Medium
5
3
4-5
M
$76/day
View Deal
Skoda Superb Combi car
Skoda Superb Combi
or similar Medium
5
3
4-5
M
$81/day
View Deal
Best prices found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.
Booking Insights

Good to know

Most popular agency

Most popular car type

Average price

Good deal

GREEN MOTION
Medium
$56/day
$41/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 car hire in Europe?

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

What is the cheapest car hire company in Europe?

In the past 72 hours, the cheapest hire cars were found at GREEN MOTION ($4.11/day), Avis ($6.01/day), and Budget ($10.22/day).

What is the most popular car to hire in Europe?

Hires in the Medium category (Audi A3 or similar) are the most popular option in Europe, costing $96/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as $33/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 $35/day. July is the most expensive month to hire a car in Europe when prices are $73/day on average, which tends to be 121% above the yearly average hire price for Europe.

Which rental car company has the most locations in in in?

Sunnycars operates 4,768 locations in Europe, more than any other car hire company.

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Top tips for hiring a car in Europe

  • 25% of our users found a car hire in Europe for $41 or less
  • Medium hire cars in Europe are around 54% 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 $57 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 (22% of total searches of users looking to hire a car in Europe), Dublin (8%) and Manchester (5%).

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

    On average a car hire in Europe costs $400 per week ($57 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 $1,713 per month ($57 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 hire directory

  • sunnycars

    Sunnycars car hire locations in Europe

    4768 Locations

  • free2move

    Free2Move car hire locations in Europe

    4762 Locations

  • keddy

    keddy by Europcar car hire locations in Europe

    4041 Locations

  • europcar

    Europcar car hire locations in Europe

    3060 Locations

  • hertz

    Hertz car hire locations in Europe

    2393 Locations

  • avis

    Avis car hire locations in Europe

    2196 Locations

  • enterprise

    Enterprise Rent-A-Car car hire locations in Europe

    1880 Locations

  • sixtrentacar

    Sixt car hire locations in Europe

    1876 Locations

  • budget

    Budget car hire locations in Europe

    1517 Locations

  • flizzr

    FLIZZR car hire locations in Europe

    1302 Locations

  • thrifty

    Thrifty car hire locations in Europe

    1143 Locations

  • dollar

    Dollar car hire locations in Europe

    1083 Locations

Car hire locations in Europe

Everything you need to know for your car hire in 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.