Renting a Car in Europe

If you’re the kind of person who enjoys getting off the main highways, and avoiding super touristy areas, then you might consider renting a car the next time you find yourself in Europe.

Europe is well known for their efficient forms of transportation. Therefore, you have many choices on how to get around. Be it trains, planes, or automobiles, Europe has it figured out! We have traveled in Europe using all forms of transportation, and renting a car is our favorite.

Why Rent a Car

First of all renting a car in Europe is very easy! Each time we have rented we have booked online and have been very happy with the ease of the process. Once you have a car you’re able to get off the main drag, and travel to more remote locations. We toured all over the Alps in our rental car. We wound our way down tiny roads, and through magical little villages that we never would have seen if we were using public transportation.

economy rental car

Things to Note

If you plan to travel to multiple countries in your rental car, do your best to return the car in the same country you rented it. Otherwise expect to pay a serious fee (usually several hundred dollars). You can also drop the car off in a different city within the same country with no added fee.

Don’t make the Same Mistake we did

On one trip to Europe we rented a car when we left Venice Italy. We toured the Alps and visited several different countries. We ended our trip in Rome where we dropped off the car with no extra fees. (Good job us). However, another time we rented a car in Madrid Spain. We visited several other countries and ended our trip and car rental in Paris. The fee we were charged was almost as much as the rental, ouch!! (For more laughs at our expense read our post about our other travel mistakes).

Shop Around

Shop around for the best prices. Prices vary depending on what country you rent from, size of car, whether or not you get an automatic (more expensive), and what month you are renting. Do your homework to get the best price!

Rental car Europe

Agencies

There are many different rental agencies to go through to rent a car in Europe. We have been very happy using europecar.com.  You will find many of the US agencies also have rental agencies overseas as well. Price check different agencies and pick your favorite.

Follow the Rules

Make sure if you rent a car anywhere, you follow the rules, don’t speed, and only park where you are allowed. Several months after being home from a European road trip I opened the mail to find a speeding ticket from France. Oops!

Happy Travels!