Europe car hire

Driver's age: 25-65

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Cheap car hire in Europe

These are the best prices for 31 May - 7 Jun.
Volkswagen Polo car
Volkswagen Polo
or similar Small
2
2
4-5
€4/day
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Renault Mégane car
Renault Mégane
or similar Small
4
2
4-5
€4/day
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Skoda Octavia car
Skoda Octavia
or similar Medium
5
3
4-5
€11/day
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Peugeot 108 car
Peugeot 108
or similar Small
2
2
2/4
€5/day
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Renault Espace car
Renault Espace
or similar Van
5
2
4-5
€62/day
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Audi A4 car
Audi A4
or similar Luxury
5
5
4-5
€56/day
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Skoda Kamiq car
Skoda Kamiq
or similar 4x4
4
2
4-5
€4/day
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Nissan Qashqai car
Nissan Qashqai
or similar 4x4
5
3
4-5
€7/day
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Kia Cee'd SW car
Kia Cee'd SW
or similar Small
4
2
4-5
€12/day
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Toyota Corolla Wagon car
Toyota Corolla Wagon
or similar Medium
5
3
4-5
€31/day
View Deal
Booking Insights

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 (€7.49/day), Record go (€8.12/day), and Sixt (€8.33/day).

What is the most popular car to hire in Europe?

Hires in the Small category (Ford Focus or similar) are the most popular option in Europe, costing €34/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as €19/day.

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

The cheapest month to hire a car in Europe is November at an average cost of €20/day. August is the most expensive month to hire a car in Europe when prices are €40/day on average, which tends to be 25% above the yearly average hire price for Europe.

Which car hire company in Europe has the most locations?

Cargini operates 56 locations in Europe, more than any other car hire company.

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Good to know

Most popular agency

Most popular car type

Average price

Good deal

Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Small
€30/day
€21/day

Top tips for hiring a car in Europe

  • 25% of our users found a car hire in Europe for €21 or less
  • Small hire cars in Europe are around 60% 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 €31 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 Dublin (10% of total searches of users looking to hire a car in Europe), Faro (5%) and Alicante (5%).

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

    On average a car hire in Europe costs €219 per week (€31 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 €940 per month (€31 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

  • cargini

    Cargini car hire locations in Europe

    56 Locations

  • avis

    Avis car hire locations in Europe

    2206 Locations

  • espacar

    Espacar car hire locations in Europe

    2 Locations

  • skyrentcarhire

    Sky Rent A Car car hire locations in Europe

    38 Locations

  • radiuscarrental

    Radius Car Rental car hire locations in Europe

    2 Locations

  • nova

    Nova car hire locations in Europe

    18 Locations

  • fara

    Fara Car Rental car hire locations in Europe

    2 Locations

  • optimorent

    OptimoRent car hire locations in Europe

    135 Locations

  • liigu

    Liigu car hire locations in Europe

    60 Locations

  • gervenirent

    Gerveni Rent car hire locations in Europe

    3 Locations

  • drive2u

    Drive2u car hire locations in Europe

    13 Locations

  • dooleycarrentals

    Dooley Car Rentals car hire locations in Europe

    5 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.