Car Rental in Europe — Complete Guide

How to Rent a Car in Europe

Renting a car in Europe opens up destinations that trains and buses simply can't reach — coastal villages in Croatia, Tuscan hilltop towns, Norwegian fjords, and Scottish highlands. But European car rental comes with its own rules: manual transmission is the default (automatic costs 30-50% more), cross-border fees add up fast, and toll systems vary from country to country.

The most important decision is insurance. The basic CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) included with most rentals still leaves you liable for $1,000-2,500 in excess. Either buy the rental company's full coverage (SCDW) or use a third-party policy — never drive with just the basic CDW. Our car rental tips explain exactly what coverage you need.

Book through a comparison site like DiscoverCars or RentalCars to see prices across all companies at once. Book 3-4 weeks ahead for the best rates, and pick up at the airport (usually cheapest) rather than city center locations. Our country guides below cover driving rules, toll systems, and local tips for all 25 European countries.