Best Car Rental Companies in Europe
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WHEN PLANNING A TRIP TO EUROPE, KNOWING HOW YOU’LL GET FROM ONE PLACE TO ANOTHER IS ESSENTIAL.
I’m a big fan of taking public transport in Europe, but it’s not always the most convenient option if you’re trying to maximize time or visit out-of-the-way hidden gems.
Renting a car makes it easy to explore Europe at your own pace, without being restricted by public transportation routes or schedules.
Whether you want to navigate the winding roads of the French countryside, cruise along Italy’s scenic coastal routes, or explore the mountain passes of Switzerland, having a dependable car rental is key to making your journey a reality.
BUT WITH SO MANY CAR RENTAL COMPANIES TO CHOOSE FROM, SELECTING THE RIGHT ONE CAN FEEL OVERWHELMING.
Not all car rental experiences are created equal, and choosing the wrong company can lead to unexpected expenses, poor customer service, or difficulties with pickup and return processes.
This guide walks you through my picks for best car rental companies in Europe, explains the car rental process in general, and offers tips on important details to keep in mind before hitting the road.
Best Car Rental Companies in Europe
Top Car Rental Companies in Europe
There are a lot of car rental companies in Europe, but some stand out more than others.
The list below includes four of the best car rental companies, those known for their widespread availability, competitive pricing, and excellent reputation.
HERTZ
Hertz is one of the most globally recognized car rental brands, offering an extensive network across Europe.
I PERSONALLY LOVE THIS BRAND SINCE IT WAS MY DEFAULT CAR RENTAL COMPANY WHEN I USED TO TRAVEL ALL THE TIME FOR WORK.
Just like in the U.S., Hertz operates in nearly every major airport and city across Europe, making it a convenient option for travelers.
Hertz has always been known for its wide selection of vehicles, from economy to luxury cars.
There’s usually something to suit every budget and travel need.
They also offer features like GPS rentals, child seats, and ski racks, making it ideal for travelers with specific needs.
Hertz offers competitive pricing, although I’ve noticed that it’s usually on the higher end of average.
Having said that, booking well in advance can help you to score the best rates with Hertz.
Their customer service is reliable, and their fleet of vehicles is well-maintained.
SIXT
Sixt is a German-based car rental company that has operations across Europe.
It’s especially known for its luxury and high-end vehicle offerings.
If you're looking to drive a BMW, Mercedes-Benz, or Audi during your European road trip, Sixt is an excellent choice.
SIXT CAN BE MORE EXPENSIVE THAN OTHER COMPANIES, ESPECIALLY WHEN RENTING PREMIUM CARS.
However, they do offer budget-friendly options as well.
Sixt offers features such as unlimited mileage, making it a great option for long road trips.
They also have flexible cancellation policies, which can be beneficial in case of last-minute changes to your plans.
Sixt is well-regarded for its top-notch customer service and modern fleet of vehicles.
They have a presence at most major airports and city centers, making pickup and drop-off seamless.
EUROPCAR
Europcar is one of Europe’s largest car rental companies, with a strong presence in almost every country on the continent.
It’s a popular middle of the road choice for travelers looking for a good balance between convenience, price, and service.
EUROPCAR OFTEN HAS COMPETITIVE PRICING, ESPECIALLY FOR SHORT-TERM RENTALS.
They also offer discounts for fully prepaid bookings.
Though Europcar is a great choice for its extensive fleet, I have heard that they sometimes charge hidden fees, so it's important to read their fine print carefully.
ENTERPRISE
Enterprise offers a wide range of vehicles, from economy cars to larger vehicles suitable for group trips.
They also have a good reputation for their customer service, and a smooth rental process.
ENTERPRISE’S PRICING IS AFFORDABLE, ESPECIALLY FOR LONGER RENTALS.
Despite its more than twenty branches across Europe, Enterprise may not be easy to find in all destinations, though.
How to Rent a Car in Europe
Renting a car in Europe is pretty similar to renting in the U.S.
Here’s a quick summary of the process so that you can understand each step and the requirements:
Step One - Book Online
THE EASIEST AND MOST CONVENIENT WAY TO RENT A CAR IN EUROPE IS BY BOOKING ONLINE IN ADVANCE.
I prefer to use a car rental booking platform like Discover Cars or RentalCars.com.
You can compare vehicle options, pricing, and insurance coverage for multiple companies at once.
The easiest way to rent a car in Europe is by booking online with a platform like Discover Cars or RentalCars.com.
Booking in advance usually secures the best deals, especially during peak travel seasons.
When making a reservation, be sure to read the fine print about which kind of documentation is required to pick up the car.
Step Two - Remember Your Required Documents
The documents required to rent a car should 100% be on your list of essential things to pack for Europe.
Obviously, a valid driver’s license from your home country will usually be accepted in most European countries.
Your passport will also be required when picking up the car.
AND DON’T FORGET YOUR CREDIT CARD, AS MOST RENTAL COMPANIES REQUIRE A CREDIT CARD ON FILE FOR SECURITY PURPOSES.
You may read about International Driving Permits (IDP) being required by those from outside the European Union, but for most Americans, a U.S. driver’s license and passport are enough to rent a car.
Again, it’s best to check these requirements at the time of making your reservation.
Step Three - Pick Up the Car
Most travelers pick up their rental car at an airport or a central location in a city.
I PREFER AIRPORT PICK-UPS, AS THEY TEND TO HAVE THE LARGEST SELECTION OF VEHICLES.
When you arrive to pick up the car, you’ll reference your reservation and present your driver’s license, passport, and credit card.
These days, most companies will simply point you to their dedicated parking area with a slot number where your car is located.
Grab the keys, find your car, and you’re on your way!
Things to Remember When Renting a Car
Before driving off on your European road trip, there are a few important things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth car rental experience.
FIRST, CONSIDER YOUR OWN NEEDS AND THE SIZE OF STREETS IN YOUR DESTINATION WHEN CHOOSING THE TYPE OF CAR YOU’RE RENTING.
The urge to insist on a large SUV is very American, and kind of impractical for driving through narrow streets in European cities.
That being said, if you’re traveling with family or a large group, an SUV or van will be a better option.
Always consider the amount of luggage space you’ll need, as well.
Consider your needs, the amount of luggage that your group has, and the size of streets in your destination when choosing your rental car type.
SECOND, DRIVING REGULATIONS VARY BY COUNTRY, SO IT’S IMPORTANT TO FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH LOCAL LAWS.
For instance, in some countries, like France and Italy, toll roads are common and require either cash, card, or a toll pass.
Have a plan for parking, too.
Parking can be a headache in major cities, with restricted zones and high parking fees.
Check with your accommodations before your trip and confirm what kind of parking is available, and how much it will cost.
Bear in mind that if you’re traveling to the mountains, most countries will require that the car is equipped with snow tires.
Mention this at the rental counter - if you’re picking up your car at Venice airport, the staff may not realize that you plan to drive to the snowy Dolomites.
Third is car rental insurance, possibly everyone’s least favorite topic.
WHILE CONFUSING, IT’S CRITICAL TO UNDERSTAND WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR RENTAL AND WHETHER YOU NEED ADDITIONAL COVERAGE.
Most rentals come with basic coverage, but you may want to purchase extra insurance, especially if you're unfamiliar with the roads or worried about potential damage.
Common types of additional insurance include:
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Limits your financial liability if the car is damaged.
Theft Protection: Covers the cost of the vehicle if it’s stolen.
Personal Accident Insurance: Covers medical expenses if you're injured in an accident.
BE SURE TO READ THE FINE PRINT ON INSURANCE POLICIES.
Some companies may have high deductibles or exclusions for certain types of damage.
In my opinion, it’s a good idea to really go through the details of extra insurance protections with the staff at the rental counter during the car pick-up process.
If you’re covered by travel insurance, be sure to understand how that policy extends to car rentals to ensure that you’re not paying for double coverage.
ANOTHER ASPECT OF YOUR CAR RENTAL TO UNDERSTAND IS THE FUEL POLICY.
Some rental companies require you to return the car with a full tank (full-to-full).
Others might charge you for fuel upfront and allow you to return the car with any fuel level (prepaid fuel).
If you’re given a choice between the two and don’t mind filling the gas tank yourself, full-to-full is usually the most cost-effective option.
The rental company typically charges a higher price for the prepaid fuel option.
LASTLY, ALWAYS BE MINDFUL OF POTENTIAL HIDDEN FEES.
Be aware of hidden fees when renting a car.
These can include charges for additional drivers, young driver fees for those under 25, one-way rentals in which you return the car to a different location, and charges for extra equipment like GPS systems or child seats.
It’s a good idea to review the final cost breakdown before completing your booking.
Conclusion
Renting a car in Europe offers the ultimate flexibility to explore the continent at your own pace.
And renting with top car rental companies like Hertz, Sixt, Europcar, and Enterprise can make your trip easier than ever.
I recommend booking in advance and comparing rental options across a range of companies.
THE BEST WAY TO ENSURE A SMOOTH AND ENJOYABLE CAR RENTAL EXPERIENCE IS TO UNDERSTAND IMPORTANT DETAILS OF YOUR RENTAL, LIKE INSURANCE COVERAGES, AND TO HAVE A BASIC FAMILIARITY WITH LOCAL DRIVING LAWS IN YOUR DESTINATION.
Whether you're planning a road trip tour of the Microstates of Europe or a leisurely drive through the Swiss mountains, the right rental car can take you to so many hidden gems. So, start planning ahead, and get ready to hit the road!
xx,
Angela