We’ve rented cars in more than a dozen countries across Europe. From Italy’s Amalfi Coast to the backroads of Portugal to road-tripping through Scotland.
And we’ve learned one thing the hard way: renting a car in Europe is not the same as renting one in the U.S.
It can be cheap and easy… or it can be wildly expensive, full of surprise fees, and a total nightmare.
Here’s how we find a cheap car rental in Europe without the stress.
Start with comparison sites, but don’t stop there
We always start by searching on comparison sites like Auto Europe and Discover Cars.
These give a good sense of the range of prices, what’s available, and which cities have better deals. We never just go to Hertz or Avis directly without checking these first.
But once we find the car we want, we often go to the actual rental company’s site to see if it’s even cheaper direct.
Auto Europe or Discover Cars is almost always cheaper. But we always check.
Book from outside the U.S. version of the site
This is a weird trick, but it works.
If you book from the U.S. version of a rental site, it may automatically add extra coverage or restrictions.
Try switching to the UK or EU version of the site, or use a VPN.
We’ve gotten better rates this more than once.
Watch for manual vs. automatic cars
Manual transmission cars are the default rental car in Europe and way cheaper.
Automatics often cost double the price or more.
We’ve both driven stick for years, so it’s not a big deal for us. But if you need an automatic, book early and be prepared to spend a little more.
They’re limited and sell out fast.
But to save money on a car rental in Europe, you’ll want to be able to drive a manual transmission car.
Always try to make the booking refundable
Rental car prices in Europe can drop. Sometimes by a lot.
We always try to book a refundable rate, then recheck prices every couple weeks.
If they drop? Cancel and rebook.
Easy!
Get the right insurance and know what’s included
Here’s where things get tricky.
European rentals almost always include basic liability insurance, but not full collision coverage.
You’ll be offered CDW (collision damage waiver) at the counter. Sometimes for more than the rental itself.
Instead, we use the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card that includes collision coverage.
But you need to check the fine print. Some U.S. cards only cover rentals in certain countries. Some don’t cover luxury or long-term rentals.
Before the trip, we contact the credit card company and ask for a written letter of coverage. That way we’re covered and can show it at the counter if needed.
Take photos. And videos. Of everything.
We do a full walkaround before driving off and again when returning the car.
Photos of every scratch, every tire, every corner.
A video of the exterior and interior of the car.
When you score a cheap rental car, rental companies can be quick to blame you for existing damage.
Pro tip: avoid airport pickup if you can
It’s convenient, but it usually costs more and almost always includes additional airport fees.
To save money, when possible, we pick up our rental from a city center or train station.
It’s often cheaper, less chaotic, and easier. Especially if we are already in town and can avoid an extra trip to the airport.
But bear in mind that non-airport car rental locations have limited open hours compared to the airport. And many are closed on Sunday.
Our favorite sites for cheap car rentals in Europe
- AutoEurope – Best for comparing multiple providers and currencies
- DiscoverCars – Good filters, and often cheaper than going direct
- DoYouSpain – If you’re renting in Spain (and many other countries in Europe too!), this one is a game-changer
One last thing
We love trains. (Be sure to check out our article How to Book a Train in Europe Without Getting Stuck in the Wrong Seat)
And we don’t rent a car for every trip.
But in places where public transportation doesn’t reach (e.g., rural France, Tuscan hill towns, the Scottish Highlands), a rental car is the only way to really see it all.
With a few smart moves, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
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