Most European countries require drivers to be at least 21 to rent a car, but minimum ages range from 19 to 21 and young driver surcharges vary significantly. This table compares the age requirements and surcharges across all 25 countries in our guides.
Source: BestTravelScout research, verified 2026-03-12. Data from Major rental company policies (Sixt, Europcar, Hertz, Enterprise) and national regulations, verified March 2026..
| Country | Flag | Minimum Age | Young Driver Surcharge (under 25) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albania | 🇦🇱 | 21 | €5-10/day |
| Austria | 🇦🇹 | 19 | €10-25/day |
| Belgium | 🇧🇪 | 21 | €10-20/day |
| Croatia | 🇭🇷 | 21 | €5-15/day |
| Czech Republic | 🇨🇿 | 21 | CZK 300-600/day (~€12-24) |
| Denmark | 🇩🇰 | 21 | €10-25/day |
| Finland | 🇫🇮 | 20 | €10-20/day |
| France | 🇫🇷 | 21 | €15-30/day |
| Germany | 🇩🇪 | 21 | €10-30/day |
| Greece | 🇬🇷 | 21 | €5-15/day |
| Hungary | 🇭🇺 | 21 | €5-15/day |
| Iceland | 🇮🇸 | 20 | ISK 2,000-4,000/day (~€13-26) |
| Ireland | 🇮🇪 | 21 | €15-30/day; some companies require 25+ |
| Italy | 🇮🇹 | 21 | €10-25/day |
| Montenegro | 🇲🇪 | 21 | €5-10/day |
| Netherlands | 🇳🇱 | 21 | €10-20/day |
| Norway | 🇳🇴 | 19 | NOK 100-300/day (~€8-25) |
| Poland | 🇵🇱 | 21 | €5-15/day |
| Portugal | 🇵🇹 | 21 | €10-20/day |
| Romania | 🇷🇴 | 21 | €8-15/day |
| Slovenia | 🇸🇮 | 21 | €5-12/day |
| Spain | 🇪🇸 | 21 | €10-20/day |
| Sweden | 🇸🇪 | 20 | €10-25/day |
| Switzerland | 🇨🇭 | 20 | CHF 15-35/day |
| Turkey | 🇹🇷 | 21 | €3-10/day |
Minimum ages and surcharges shown are typical across major rental companies. Individual companies may have higher minimums or different surcharge amounts. Premium and luxury vehicle categories often require a higher minimum age (23-25). Some companies in Ireland and the UK require drivers to be 25 or older with no option for younger drivers.
The minimum rental age across most of Europe is 21, but a few countries allow rentals from age 19 (Austria, Norway) or 20 (Finland, Iceland, Sweden, Switzerland). Regardless of the minimum age, drivers under 25 will pay a young driver surcharge in every European country.
Young driver surcharges vary considerably. France charges the highest at €15-30/day — a week-long rental could cost an additional €105-210 just for being under 25. Turkey and Albania are the most affordable for young drivers at €3-10/day. For a two-week trip, choosing to rent in a country with lower surcharges can save over €200. Note that Ireland is particularly strict, with some companies refusing to rent to anyone under 25 altogether.
No. The minimum rental age in Europe is 19 (Austria, Norway). Most countries require you to be at least 21. No major rental company in Europe rents to 18-year-olds.
Typically €5-30 per day depending on the country and company. France and Ireland are the most expensive (€15-30/day), while Turkey and Albania are cheapest (€3-10/day). Over a two-week trip, this adds €70-420 to your rental cost.
In most European countries, the surcharge applies to drivers under 25. Once you turn 25, you pay standard rental rates with no age-based surcharge.
Usually no. Most rental companies restrict premium, luxury and sports car categories to drivers aged 25 or older, even in countries where the general minimum age is 19 or 21.
Both. Each country has a legal minimum, but rental companies can set their own higher minimums. The ages in this table reflect what is practically available from major international companies in each country.
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