How to Find Cheap Car Rentals in Europe: A Comprehensive Guide

a women exploring different countries by using Cheap Car Rentals in Europe

 Traveling by car, in many cases, can provide a much better experience than other modes of transportation, especially when you want to explore off-the-beaten-path areas such as cities or remote spots that public transportation can’t reach. 

For example, in my budget trip when I visited Iceland and wanted to explore hidden gems, having a car allowed me to access places I wouldn’t have been able to get to otherwise.

 If you’re looking to find cheap car rentals in Europe, it can be a great way to enjoy your trip on a budget, allowing you to see more while saving money compared to taxis or relying on public transport. 

However, renting a car can sometimes be a complicated process. You might not always know exactly what you need or how to avoid unexpected costs. 

That’s why in this guide, I’ll walk you through tips to help you find the best car rental deals in Europe, ensuring that your car rental experience is both easy and affordable.

The earlier you book a car, the cheaper prices you’ll find. This is the most important thing in car rentals because the later you book, the cheaper and better options will no longer be available.

If you book early, you can find cars for $5 a day, but if you delay and book just one or two days before, the price could go up to $50 or even $100.

How to do it:

  • Start looking for rental deals 2–3 months before your trip, especially during peak seasons like summer.
  • Use price comparison platforms such as:

Rentalcars.com for aggregating multiple providers.

DiscoverCars.com for deals on both major and local rental companies.

• Enable price alerts to get notified when prices drop.

Pro Tip:

Flexibility with your dates can lead to significant savings. If possible, compare rental costs on different days, as weekends or holidays may have higher rates.

When renting a car, using the right credit card can help you save money and avoid inconvenience.

Having a credit card is essential because rental offices typically don’t accept regular debit cards. If they do, they may impose additional conditions, such as higher rental prices or very large insurance deposits.

It’s highly recommended to get a credit card before you travel if you don’t already have one.

The benefits of using the right credit card include:

  • Lower security deposit requirements: With a credit card, rental offices often lower or waive the security deposit compared to debit cards.
  • Additional insurance coverage: Some credit cards offer free rental car insurance, which can save you a lot on additional rental insurance costs.

Make sure to check your credit card benefits before you travel to ensure you’re getting the best perks when you rent a car.

Before traveling, it’s important to know what driver’s license is needed to rent a car. In most European countries, you will need a driver’s license written in English.

From my personal experience, I’ve never had to use an international driver’s permit in Europe.

If you plan to rent a rental car in Europe, be sure that your driver’s license meets the requirements of the country you’re traveling to. While an international driver’s license might not be required in all cases, it’s good to have it for peace of mind.

To find cheap car rentals in Europe, you should take advantage of online comparison tools that help you find the best prices across multiple rental companies.

Just like I use Skyscanner to compare airline prices, I always use a car rental comparison website before booking.

  • Rentalcars.com is my go-to site, but there are many others like Expedia and Auto Europe. Here’s why these sites are crucial for saving money:
  • Compare multiple rental agencies: These sites allow you to compare rental rates from various companies, helping you find the most affordable option.
  • Look for free cancellation policies: Booking in advance often comes with free cancellation, which gives you the flexibility to adjust your plans or choose a better deal if you find one later.

When you find cheap car rentals in Europe, always check the terms and conditions, and keep an eye on cancellation policies so you don’t get stuck with any extra fees.

Picking the right rental location can make a big difference in your price for a cheap rental car in Europe. Here are some tips for saving money on rental car pick-ups:

Pick-up and drop-off in the same location: To save money, try to rent the car from one location and drop it off at the same place, or at least within the same country. Avoid picking up the car in one country and returning it in another, as this will increase the cost significantly.

Consider renting for a longer period: Sometimes, renting a car for a week can cost the same as renting for just three days. Longer rentals typically have lower daily rates.

Check the pick-up and drop-off times: Ensure that the return time is either the same or earlier than the pick-up time. Even an extra hour might result in a full additional day being charged.

If you’re on a budget trip, choosing the right rental location and rental period can help you save significant money.

The type of car you choose will significantly affect the overall rental cost. To keep costs down, opt for budget-friendly cars unless you have specific needs. Here’s what you can do to save on cheap car rentals in Europe:

  • Stick to economy cars: Smaller models like the Fiat 500 or Volkswagen Polo are not only cheaper but are also easier to park in narrow European streets, making them a practical choice for city driving.
  • Avoid automatic transmissions unless necessary: In Europe, manual cars are more common and tend to be 10–15% cheaper than their automatic counterparts.

By choosing the right vehicle, you can find cheap car rentals in Europe without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

One of the biggest concerns when you rent a car in Europe is understanding insurance costs. Insurance is crucial because it protects you in case of an accident, but it can also be a source of unexpected expenses. Here’s what to know:

Rental companies typically offer three options for car insurance:

  1. Direct insurance from the rental company: This is often the most expensive option.
  2. Insurance through the rental website: Many websites offer affordable insurance options when booking online.
  3. Third-party insurance: Consider using specialized sites like rentalcover.com, which can offer cheaper options.

When you rent a car, ensure you understand the full cost of insurance and whether your credit card offers any coverage.

Opting for cheap car rentals in Europe often involves understanding these hidden costs and ensuring you don’t overpay for unnecessary coverage.

Before booking your rental, always read the terms and conditions thoroughly. These details can help you avoid unexpected costs during your trip. Key points to consider include:

  • Mileage policies: Some rental companies offer unlimited mileage, while others restrict the number of miles you can drive. If you plan to travel between cities, make sure your rental offers unlimited mileage.
  • Deposit requirements: Be prepared to pay a refundable deposit, which is often charged to your credit card. This can range from a small amount to several thousand dollars.
  • Fuel policies: Most rental companies use a “Full to Full” fuel policy, which means you’ll receive the car with a full tank of gas and are expected to return it full. Failure to do so can result in high refueling charges.

By thoroughly reviewing the terms and conditions before booking your rental car in Europe, you’ll avoid surprises at the rental office and be well-prepared for your trip.

Before leaving the rental office, it’s essential to inspect the car for any existing damage. Here’s what to do:

• Check for scratches or dents: Look over the car carefully and ensure that any existing damage is noted in the contract.

• Take photos and videos: Document the condition of the car with photos and videos for proof, just in case there are disputes later.

By inspecting the car and taking the proper precautions, you’ll avoid being blamed for damage you didn’t cause, which can be a costly issue when renting cars in Europe.

Rental offices often try to upsell extras like GPS devices, child car seats, or additional drivers. However, many of these extras aren’t necessary and can inflate your rental costs. Only opt for the items you truly need to avoid unnecessary charges.

Tips to save on extras:

• Use your own navigation: Use your smartphone for GPS rather than renting a device.

• Avoid extra insurance: If your credit card offers coverage, you may not need the additional insurance the rental office offers.

When returning your rental car, remember to refuel before dropping it off. Rental companies often charge a penalty if the tank isn’t full, so it’s best to fill up the car yourself to avoid unnecessary fees.

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