Rent a Car in Europe

Car Rental in Europe: Compare and Book in One Place

With RentingCarz you can compare car rental in Europe across leading rental companies such as Europcar, Sixt, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Goldcar and OK Mobility, all in a single search. Find your car in Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Portugal, the United Kingdom and many other countries, with pickup at airports, train stations and downtown locations. You see the final price upfront and choose the vehicle that best fits your trip. Europe has an excellent network of highways and roads, short distances between countries and charming villages that tours never reach: with your own car you build your own itinerary, without depending on train schedules or excursions.

Is It Worth Renting a Car to Travel Around Europe?

It depends on your trip. To travel between big capitals like Paris, London or Rome, the train is usually more practical, since parking in those city centers is expensive and some areas have restricted access. A car, on the other hand, is the best way to explore regions like Tuscany, Provence, Andalusia, the Algarve or the Scottish Highlands, where villages, vineyards, beaches and scenery are spread out and public transit is limited. A smart strategy is to combine both: arrive in a city by train or plane and pick up your car there to explore the region.

How Many Countries Are in Europe?

Europe has more than 40 countries, 27 of which are members of the European Union. Most of them are also part of the Schengen Area, where there are normally no border checks between countries, making it easy to link several destinations on a single road trip. The euro is the currency in much of the European Union, although countries like the UK, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Poland keep their own currencies. On one trip you can go from Mediterranean beaches to the Alps, the Nordic fjords or the historic cities of Eastern Europe.

Most Popular Destinations to Rent a Car in Europe

Spain

One of the most visited countries in the world. Madrid and Barcelona are the most searched cities for car rentals, with pickup at Madrid-Barajas Airport and Barcelona-El Prat. In Barcelona, don't miss Gaudí's Sagrada Família and Park Güell, or La Boqueria market. With a car you can also explore the white villages of Andalusia, the Costa del Sol or the green north of the country.

France

Perfect for combining city and countryside: Paris, the Loire Valley châteaux, the lavender fields of Provence and the beaches of the French Riviera. You can start your trip at Charles de Gaulle Airport and explore France at your own pace.

Italy

Rome, Venice and Milan are classics, but a car really shows its value in Tuscany. Florence, home to the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo and the Galleria dell'Accademia, is the perfect base for discovering Siena, San Gimignano and the Chianti vineyards. The Amalfi Coast and the Dolomites round out an Italy made for road trips.

Germany

Berlin, with its museums, art galleries and historic neighborhoods, Munich and Frankfurt are the most common gateways. From there, Germany offers routes like the Romantic Road, the Black Forest and the Rhine Valley, dotted with castles and medieval towns.

Portugal

A compact country that's very easy to explore by car: from Lisbon to Porto along the Atlantic coast, or south to the beaches and cliffs of the Algarve. Portugal combines food, wine and historic towns within short distances.

United Kingdom

Beyond London, the United Kingdom is best enjoyed by car through the Cotswolds, the English countryside and the Scottish Highlands. Keep in mind that the UK drives on the left.

Other Destinations

Europe is also Amsterdam and its canals, Brussels and its Art Nouveau architecture, Dublin with over a thousand years of history and its pubs, modern Stockholm and the cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan, Prague, Vienna and Budapest. Switzerland and Austria are perfect for mountain drives, while Croatia is ideal for exploring the Adriatic coast. You can also rent a car in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Recommended Road Trips in Europe

• Tuscany (Italy): from Florence to Siena among hills, cypress trees and Chianti vineyards.
• Amalfi Coast (Italy): a scenic clifftop road between Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi.
• Provence and the French Riviera (France): from lavender fields to Nice, Cannes and Monaco.
• Romantic Road (Germany): from Würzburg to Füssen, near Neuschwanstein Castle.
• Lisbon – Porto – Algarve (Portugal): Atlantic coastline, historic towns and southern beaches.
• North Coast 500 (Scotland): a Highlands loop with lochs, castles and wild coastline.

Tips for Driving in Europe

• Side of the road: most of Europe drives on the right. The UK, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus drive on the left.
• Manual transmission: most rental cars in Europe are manual. If you prefer an automatic, book early, since availability is more limited.
• Tolls and vignettes: France, Italy, Spain and Portugal have toll highways. Countries like Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Hungary require a vignette (sticker or electronic registration) to use their highways.
• Low-emission and limited-traffic zones: many cities restrict car access to their centers, such as Italy's ZTL zones. Entering without authorization can lead to fines, so check the rules before you arrive.
• Speed: measured in kilometers per hour, except in the UK, which uses miles per hour. Speed cameras are very common.

Can You Drive a Rental Car Across Borders in Europe?

Generally yes, especially between European Union countries, but it depends on the rental company and the rate. Some companies charge a cross-border fee, restrict certain models from some Eastern European countries or require authorization to take the car on a ferry. Returning the car in a different country from where you picked it up usually comes with a significant one-way fee. If your trip covers several countries, check the offer's terms before booking.

Which Type of Car Should You Choose for Europe?

• Economy and Compact: the most practical choice for historic centers, narrow streets and small parking spaces, common in Italy, France and Spain.
• Intermediate and Full Size: more space and comfort for long drives between countries.
• SUV (Small, Standard or Large): ideal for mountain routes in the Alps, the Dolomites or the Scottish Highlands.
• Minivan and Maxivan: designed for families and groups with luggage.
• Convertible: perfect for the French Riviera, the Amalfi Coast or the Algarve.
• Premium and Luxury: for business trips or enjoying Germany's autobahns.
• Eco Friendly: lower fuel consumption and emissions, a good option for cities with low-emission zones.

Which Car Rental Companies Operate in Europe?

With RentingCarz you compare, in a single search, the rates of the companies with the strongest presence in Europe:

• Europcar: one of the largest networks on the continent, with locations at airports, stations and in cities.
• Sixt: a German-born company known for its premium fleet.
• Hertz: one of the most widespread international brands, at airports and in cities across Europe.
• Avis and Budget: international presence, with both standard and budget-friendly options.
• Enterprise, National and Alamo: three brands from the same group, covering Europe's main airports.
• Goldcar: a specialist in low-cost rates, with a strong presence in Spain, Portugal and Italy.
• OK Mobility: a Spanish-born company present in the main tourist destinations of Spain and the Mediterranean.
• Routes: another option for comparing prices in selected destinations.

Availability for each company varies by country and pickup location. The search engine shows only the options available for your dates and destination.

Why Book Your Car in Europe with RentingCarz?

• Easily compare prices across the leading rental companies.
• No surprises: 100% price transparency.
• Big discounts from top brands with our PROMO Rate.
• If you find a better price elsewhere, we'll match it.
• Pay with major credit cards or at your destination.

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