KAYAK’s insights & trends for Southeast Europe car hire
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Southeast Europe with confidence.
How far in advance should you book car hire in Southeast Europe?
You should book your car hire in Southeast Europe around 5 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the most popular car to hire in Southeast Europe?
Hires in the Small category (Volkswagen Polo or similar) are the most popular option in Southeast Europe, costing €26/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as €6/day.
What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Southeast Europe?
The cheapest month to hire a car in Southeast Europe is March at an average cost of €17/day. August is the most expensive month to hire a car in Southeast Europe when prices are €40/day on average, which tends to be 48% above the yearly average hire price for Southeast Europe.
Southeast Europe car hire price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right car hire in Southeast Europe by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
4x4
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
€8 - €36
All Car Types
€43 - €68
How much does it cost to hire a small car in Southeast Europe?
How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Southeast Europe?
How much does it cost to hire a large car in Southeast Europe?
How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Southeast Europe?
How much does it cost to hire a van in Southeast Europe?
How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in Southeast Europe?
How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Southeast Europe?
How much does it cost to hire a convertible in Southeast Europe?
Small car hire in Southeast Europe typically costs around €19 per day. The best time to book is November, when prices average €8 per day, which is about 58% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 63% cheaper than the average car hire in Southeast Europe, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Medium car hire in Southeast Europe typically costs around €50 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average €41 per day, which is about 18% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 2% cheaper than the average car hire in Southeast Europe, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car hire in Southeast Europe typically costs around €73 per day. The best time to book is October, when prices average €60 per day, which is about 18% less than the yearly average. Large cars are typically 31% more expensive than the average car hire in Southeast Europe but offer more comfort for longer trips.
SUV hire in Southeast Europe typically costs around €45 per day. The best time to book is March, when prices average €38 per day, which is about 16% less than the yearly average. SUVs can be 12% cheaper than the average car hire in Southeast Europe, providing extra space and capability for groups or road trips at a reasonable price.
Van hire in Southeast Europe typically costs around €68 per day. The best time to book is October, when prices average €46 per day, which is about 33% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 25% more expensive than the average car hire in Southeast Europe but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck hire in Southeast Europe typically costs around €54 per day. The best time to book is May, when prices average €30 per day, which is about 45% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are typically 6% more expensive than the average car hire in Southeast Europe but are ideal for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car hire in Southeast Europe typically costs around €77 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average €59 per day, which is about 24% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 34% more expensive than the average car hire in Southeast Europe but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible hire in Southeast Europe typically costs around €173 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average €67 per day, which is about 62% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 71% more expensive than the average car hire in Southeast Europe but are perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular agency
Most popular car type
Average price
Good deal
GREEN MOTION
Small
€26/day
€18/day
Top tips for hiring a car in Southeast Europe
Athens International Airport (ATH) is the most central international airport in Southeast Europe. The airport is located east of downtown Athens in the Spata-Artemida region and functions as the principal gateway to Greece and the greater Southeast European region. ATH is therefore a suitable location to get a rental car for multiple adventures nearby. The car rental counters are located between Gate 3 and Gate 4 in the arrivals level of the main terminal building. In addition, following the signs for car rental providers will lead you to the available rental cars on the property. The rental cars are parked about 500 meters away from the airport terminals.
Southeast Europe experiences distinct rush hour times that vary from country to country or city to city. Generally, in the mornings, the rush runs from about 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. During this period, commuters and students head to work and school, leading to congested roads. The late afternoon rush hour commences around 5:00 p.m. and lasts until around 7:00 p.m., as people return home. Major cities in the region, including Athens, Istanbul, Bucharest, Sofia, and Belgrade, witness significant traffic jams during these peak hours, making it crucial for visitors to plan their journeys wisely. In addition, be aware of the variations in rush hour times between different cities.
A versatile and dependable compact SUV would be ideal for driving in Southeast Europe. These vehicles are suited to the region's varied topography. Compact SUVs feature high ground clearance and strong suspension systems, allowing them to navigate both urban areas and the region's rougher, unpaved roads found in rural areas. Furthermore, their good fuel economy allows for longer travels without constant refueling, which is especially handy when touring Southeast Europe's wide and attractive landscapes. These SUVs' large interiors provide plenty of space for people and luggage, making them perfect for road trips with family or friends.
The rules regarding car seats and child safety in Southeast Europe may vary slightly from city to city and country to country in the region. Generally, children under the age of 12 and measuring less than 135 cm (53 inches) in height and weighing less than 36 kg (79 lbs.) should be restrained in appropriate child car seats. Infants are usually required to use rear-facing car seats, while older children may use forward-facing seats.
25% of our users found a car hire in Southeast Europe for €18 or less
Small hire cars in Southeast Europe are around 78% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about hiring a car in Southeast Europe
How much does it cost to hire a car in Southeast Europe?
On average a car hire in Southeast Europe costs €25 per day.
How can I find car hires near me in Southeast 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 Southeast Europe?
Based on car searches on KAYAK, the most popular cities to hire a car in Southeast Europe are Tirana (20% of total searches of users looking to hire a car in Southeast Europe), Corfu (16%) and Zadar (12%).
How much does it cost to hire a car for a week in Southeast Europe?
On average a car hire in Southeast Europe costs €177 per week (€25 per day).
How much does it cost to hire a car long term for a month in Southeast Europe?
On average a car hire in Southeast Europe costs €757 per month (€25 per day).
Should I rent a car in Southeast Europe?
Renting a car in Southeast Europe will enable you to design personalized routes and make spontaneous stops to discover hidden attractions along the way. In addition, a rental car grants you access to destinations that might not be easily reachable by buses or trains. Some of the captivating attractions in Southeast Europe include Plitvice Lakes National Park, the Acropolis of Athens, and Buda Castle. Moreover, rental cars are viewed as cost-effective for groups or families traveling together, as sharing the rental and fuel expenses can be more economical than purchasing individual public transport tickets.
What is driving like in Southeast Europe?
The driving experience in Southeast Europe varies from country to country, but there are some common features. The region features scenic landscapes and winding roads, which can lead to slower travel times. Speed limits are generally strictly enforced, and drivers are expected to obey them diligently. Generally, in urban areas, speed limits usually range from around 50 to 60 km/h (31 to 37 mph), while on highways and rural roads, they range from around 80 to 100 km/h (50 to 62 mph). It's necessary to be on the lookout for speed limit signs, as they can change frequently.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Southeast Europe?
In Southeast Europe, the minimum age requirement for renting a car varies from country to country and is usually between 21 and 25 years old. However, some rental car companies may have higher age limits or require extra fees for drivers under 25. Additionally, some countries may have specific rules and regulations that affect the minimum age for car rentals. It's crucial to check with the rental car supplier in the specific Southeast European country you plan to visit to confirm the age requirements and any additional rental conditions.
Car hire directory
Autounion Car Rental car hire locations in Southeast Europe
71 Locations
SURPRICE CAR RENTAL car hire locations in Southeast Europe
69 Locations
Sixt car hire locations in Southeast Europe
57 Locations
Sunnycars car hire locations in Southeast Europe
54 Locations
keddy by Europcar car hire locations in Southeast Europe
46 Locations
ABBYCAR car hire locations in Southeast Europe
44 Locations
Enterprise Rent-A-Car car hire locations in Southeast Europe
40 Locations
Europcar car hire locations in Southeast Europe
38 Locations
GREEN MOTION car hire locations in Southeast Europe
38 Locations
Budget car hire locations in Southeast Europe
35 Locations
Avis car hire locations in Southeast Europe
34 Locations
DISCOUNT.QUEBEC car hire locations in Southeast Europe
34 Locations
Car hire locations in Southeast Europe
Everything you need to know for your car hire in Southeast Europe
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