Question 1

How do I navigate if I’m driving in Europe?

Accepted Answer

In the modern era, navigation is easier than ever thanks to GPS and smartphones. Here are your options: Car’s built-in GPS: Many rental cars, especially mid-range and up, have built-in navigation systems. However, they sometimes come at an extra cost to activate. Unless it’s included, you might skip renting the GPS device (which can be €5-€10/day) and use your phone. Smartphone navigation: Likely the best option. Apps like Google Maps or Waze work great in Europe (Waze is particularly popular for real-time traffic and speed camera alerts in some countries). Before your trip, get an international data plan or a local SIM card so you can have mobile data on the road. Alternatively, download offline maps on Google Maps for the areas you’ll be in, then you don’t need data for basic navigation (though live traffic won’t update). Paper maps/Atlas: Old-school but still handy as backup. Michelin maps or an EU road atlas can be reassuring if tech fails, and some folks just love mapping out routes physically. For most, though, a phone suffices. Driving in cities like Rome or Paris can be hectic; a voice-guided GPS helps a ton so you can keep eyes on the road. Tip: If using a phone, bring a car mount or suction cup holder (rental cars might not have one). Also bring a charging cable, many cars have USB ports or 12V outlets; you’ll be using GPS a lot and battery drains fast. Navigation specifics: European addresses can be tricky (some countries, like Ireland, didn’t have postal codes until recently, but now use Eircodes, using those in GPS is precise). In Italy or France, you may need to input the city separately then street; smaller villages might not have every tiny alley listed. In those cases, sometimes inputting a nearby landmark or the postal code helps. Many roundabouts and exits, the GPS will say “at the roundabout, take the 3rd exit” which is quite clear, just count exits. In some areas, especially mountains, GPS might try to send you on a narrow shortcut, sometimes it’s fine, sometimes it’s a goat path! Use common sense; if it looks too tiny and a bigger road exists, maybe stick to main road. Language: set your navigation voice to one you understand well. It can pronounce local names a bit oddly, but you’ll get used to it (“Take the exit toward Schwechat” might sound strange if the voice can’t do German). Road signs in Europe usually have city/town names and route numbers, GPS directions often say “follow A8 towards Karlsruhe”, it really helps to know the major city in the direction you’re headed, because signs often list that instead of compass directions. If you’re ever unsure, pull over safely and verify on a map. Locals are generally friendly if you need to ask directions, though language could be a barrier in rural areas (learn “left, right, straight” in the local language maybe). But with Google Maps in your pocket, you’ll rarely need that. Also consider navigation apps specific to countries: e.g. ViaMichelin has good scenic route options, Sygic for offline nav. Waze is great in cities for avoiding traffic jams. One last tip: watch for road signs prohibiting things your GPS might not warn, e.g. no cars in a ZTL or a weight limit on a small bridge. GPS isn’t infallible. But overall, thousands of travelers successfully self-drive Europe every day, you got this!

Question 2

What should I do if I get a traffic ticket or speeding fine with my rental car in Europe?

Accepted Answer

Traffic enforcement is quite strict in Europe, especially for speeding and illegal parking, and with cameras everywhere, you might get snagged without even knowing at the time. If you get pulled over by police for something, they may issue an on-the-spot fine. Some countries’ police can accept card or cash payment immediately (e.g. in Spain, paying on the spot often gives a 50% discount, it’s strange but true). If you don’t pay on the spot, they’ll send the fine notice to the rental company later. In most cases, any traffic or parking violations you incur will reach the rental company (since the car is registered to them). The rental company will then charge your credit card for the fine or charge an administration fee and pass your details to the authority who will then mail you the ticket. It’s common to see a €30 admin fee for “processing a fine” show up on your card weeks after your trip, then later, a letter from the Italian or French government arrives at your home with the actual fine to pay. If you realize you got a parking ticket on the spot, you can often pay it directly (instructions are usually on the ticket, maybe online or at a post office). That avoids the rental co. admin fee. For speeding from camera, you won’t know until later. Many countries (France, Italy etc.) do eventually find you abroad; some hire international collections if you ignore it. We advise paying the fines, not just ethically right, but also to avoid potential issues if you return to that country (unpaid fines could escalate). Also note, the rental company contract you sign usually authorizes them to charge your card for any fines plus their handling fee, even after the rental. By European law, they’re allowed to forward your info to authorities. If you think a fine is unjust, you can contest it via the process on the ticket (likely not worth the hassle unless clearly wrong). Tips to avoid fines: adhere to speed limits (especially where it suddenly drops entering towns, those are camera favorites), don’t park illegally (even “just for 5 minutes”, many places have active wardens or camera enforcement in bus lanes, etc.), and note unique rules (like environmental zone violations count as traffic fines too). If you happen to get toll fines (e.g. didn’t pay a toll in time), those too can become tickets. When you return the car, mention if you had any incident or encounter; they might advise on next steps. But often it’s a waiting game if a surprise letter shows up. For peace of mind, some travelers keep a credit card solely for the rental, and after a few months with no charges, they cancel it, but fines can take over 6 months to be processed, so remain vigilant. It’s not uncommon for someone to receive a notice 8 months after a trip saying they sped in such-and-such place and owe €70. So keep your email/mailing address updated if you move, etc., if there’s any chance. However, let’s not scare you, drive within the limits and rules and you’ll likely be fine-free. Europe isn’t out to get tourists with tickets; they treat locals the same with automated enforcement. Just be aware of signs and you’ll have smooth sailing.

Question 3

Can I rent a car with a debit card in Europe (without a credit card)?

Accepted Answer

It is possible in some cases, but using a credit card is strongly recommended for European rentals. Here’s why: rental companies want to secure a deposit, and credit cards allow a hold without actually taking money. With a debit card, some will outright refuse because they can’t be sure they’ll get their money if something happens (or it’s more hassle to collect). That said, policies differ: Enterprise, Hertz, etc. in some European countries may accept a Visa/MasterCard debit card, but usually only if you buy their full insurance (reducing their risk), or they might require additional proofs (like a return flight ticket, a utility bill, etc.). Also, they will likely charge the deposit amount to your debit account (not just hold) and then refund it later, which ties up your funds. Smaller local agencies might accept debit but often with similar conditions. Luxury car categories usually require a credit card, period. If you have no credit card, be prepared to do a bit of research and possibly pay more. You can often find info on the rental company’s site for “debit card rentals”. Some have age stipulations too (e.g. must be over 25 if using debit). Using a debit card that has a MAESTRO logo (common in Europe) is often not accepted, Visa or MasterCard logo debit might be. Prepaid cards are a no-go. If you’re a traveler from the US or elsewhere who doesn’t use credit cards, one solution is to get a travel credit card with no foreign fees, even a modest limit just for car rentals. It’ll make life easier. If that’s not an option, then plan to possibly leave a bigger cash deposit or use a debit and have a chunk of money temporarily taken. Also, inform your bank, sometimes a large car deposit charge could trigger a fraud block on a debit card, leaving you stuck at the counter. One more thing: some countries or specific companies might be more lenient, anecdotal evidence says places like Ireland or Spain might allow debit card rentals if full insurance is taken. We at AVR don’t want you to face surprises, so we usually convey the credit card requirement in the booking terms. If you absolutely must use debit, consider contacting us or the rental office ahead of time to confirm what they’ll need so you arrive prepared (like extra ID or printed bank statements, etc., rarely needed but just in case). In short, possible but not guaranteed, best to have a credit card ready.

Question 4

Do rental cars in Europe have unlimited mileage?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes, unlimited mileage (kilometrage) is standard for rentals in Europe, especially with major companies. When you book with us, we’ll clearly indicate if there’s a mileage cap. The vast majority of rentals allow you to drive as much as you want without extra charge. This is great for road trippers covering big distances. There are a few scenarios to watch: Some local rentals or specialty car hires (like an exotic sports car, or a campervan, or an ultra-budget rental in certain places) might come with, say, 200 km/day included and then a fee per additional km. Also, monthly rentals sometimes have caps (e.g. 3,000 km/month etc.). But mainstream companies at airports etc., it’s usually unlimited. We filter our results to show mileage policy. If you see “Unlimited km” you’re good to go. If it says, for example, “300 km per day” and you plan to exceed that, consider either a different car offer or be prepared to pay the per-km fee (often around €0.10-€0.25 per km over). In some countries like Australia or New Zealand (not Europe, but FYI), unlimited might not be standard for remote rentals; but in Europe, it’s common. Always double-check the terms we provide. If limited, sometimes an upgrade to unlimited is possible for a fee at pick-up, but better to secure unlimited from the start if you know you’ll drive a lot. Don’t try to cheat a mileage limit by disconnecting odometers or something, those days are over (and tampering would incur huge penalties). But again, you likely won’t face that issue. Drive as far as your adventures take you without worry about mileage within the rental country/allowed countries. And yes, unlimited really means unlimited, as long as it’s personal travel use, if you spontaneously decide to drive from Lisbon to Warsaw and back (hey, maybe!), the rental company might raise an eyebrow at the odometer, but as long as it wasn’t restricted region, you’re fine. Just one note: extremely excessive mileage in a short rental (like someone doing 5,000 km in a week) might violate “normal use” clauses if it seems like commercial use, but tourists rarely hit those extremes. So fuel up and hit the Autobahn or the back roads, the kilometers aren’t being counted against you!

Question 5

Can I use my US/Canadian/etc. car insurance or credit card coverage in Europe?

Accepted Answer

This is a common query for North American travelers. In general, US auto insurance policies do NOT cover overseas rentals (most personal auto policies only cover the US, maybe Canada, and sometimes Mexico). Always check with your insurer, but almost all will say no coverage in Europe. Canadian and other non-Europe auto insurances are similar, likely not covering Europe rentals. So you’ll rely on the rental’s included insurance and any additional you choose. Now, for credit cards: Many major credit cards do provide collision damage waiver coverage abroad, which can cover damage/theft to the rental car, essentially functioning like CDW. Visa, MasterCard, Amex often include this if you pay for the rental with the card and decline the rental company’s CDW. But you must read the fine print: some cards exclude certain countries (e.g. Ireland, Italy, maybe due to historically high loss rates). Also, luxury or exotic cars might be excluded. Make sure to get a coverage letter from your card’s benefit services if needed, to show the rental company in case they push insurance (though you’re not obligated to show it). Remember this is collision coverage only, not liability. Liability is provided by the rental as required. Another catch: American Express has premium coverage options you can enroll in (for a flat fee per rental) which can upgrade coverage. That could be worth looking into if you rent often. Important: if you use credit card CDW coverage, any claim process will be between you and the card’s insurance administrator, not the rental company, the rental company will charge your card for damages up to the deductible or repair cost, and then you seek reimbursement. So it’s not as seamless as just having zero-deductible coverage through the rental. But many people successfully use credit card coverage to save money. For peace of mind, some opt to buy third-party rental insurance (like from a travel insurance company or through our website when available) which covers the CDW deductible and more, often for like $10/day, and still decline at the counter. Those policies reimburse you similar to credit card, but can cover things like tires, glass, which sometimes card excludes. Regarding liability: No credit card covers liability for injury/damage to others. The rental includes basic liability, which in Europe is usually sufficient. If you’re particularly concerned, you could inquire at the counter for a supplemental liability option, but it’s rarely requested in Europe because base cover is normally decent (e.g. EU rules mandate at least €1.2 million in third-party coverage, often more). One more thing: Roadside assistance: credit card insurance typically doesn’t cover if you get a flat tire or breakdown (the rental company usually provides a basic roadside service, but if it’s due to your fault, they might charge). Some full insurance packages cover roadside too. So weigh the potential headache cost vs upfront cost. To sum up: Your personal auto policy likely won’t help in Europe. Your credit card can cover collision, verify and bring documentation. Many travelers do fine with that combo. If any doubt, you have options to buy extra cover. We want you to have a stress-free trip, so whichever route lets you feel secure, go for that.

Question 6

Is it better to rent a car or take trains in Europe?

Accepted Answer

It really depends on your itinerary and travel style. Trains are fantastic for city-to-city travel in Europe, if you’re just visiting major cities (e.g. Paris to Brussels to Amsterdam to Berlin), trains are likely more convenient and you don’t need a car (in fact, a car in big cities can be a liability due to traffic and parking). However, if your plans include rural areas, national parks, small towns, or a flexible multi-stop route, a car is invaluable. For example, touring the Scottish Highlands, exploring the villages of Provence, doing the Balkan coast, or a foodie road trip through Tuscany, those are far richer by car, as trains either don’t reach those places or would be very inconvenient with bus transfers. Cost-wise, for one or two people, trains might be cheaper when just hitting cities (especially if booked in advance with discounts). But for a group or family, renting a car often beats buying 4-5 train tickets, and gives you door-to-door convenience. A mix is often ideal: maybe train between a couple of big cities, then pick up a rental car to roam the countryside. The good news is AirportVanRental has locations at many train stations and city centers, not just airports, so you can easily do a hybrid plan. Also consider time: trains are fast between certain hubs (e.g. high-speed trains like Paris to Bordeaux or Madrid to Barcelona save hours vs driving). But in other cases, a car might actually save time, like visiting the Dolomites in Italy, where public transit is limited, you can drive and see more in a day than waiting on bus schedules. Another factor: scenic drives vs scenic rails. Some places (Swiss Alps, Norwegian fjords) have incredibly scenic train routes, but also amazing roads. If you love the romance of the open road and stopping for photos, a car wins. If you’d rather relax and not worry about navigation or parking, trains win. Our take: For an all-around experience, do what many experienced travelers do, use trains where they shine and cars where they shine. We’re here for the car parts of your journey! And if you’re worried about driving in a foreign land, know that millions of visitors do it every year successfully. With a bit of prep (like reading these tips!), it’s quite manageable. Finally, one often-overlooked aspect: some of the most memorable moments happen off the tourist trail, and a car makes those detours possible. A spontaneous picnic by a French vineyard, stumbling on a quaint German village festival, or finding that secluded Croatian beach, those serendipitous finds are easier on four wheels. So if that kind of travel appeals to you, a rental car will greatly enhance your Europe trip.

Question 7

How expensive is gas in Europe and do I return the car full?

Accepted Answer

Gas (petrol) and diesel are significantly pricier in Europe than in, say, the US. As of 2025, prices vary by country, but you’re looking at roughly €1.50 to €2.00 per liter for petrol in many Western European countries. That’s about $6-7.50 per US gallon (since 1 gallon ≈ 3.785 liters). Diesel is often slightly cheaper than petrol in many countries (encouraging diesel use historically), but in some places it’s on par or even a bit more. For budgeting: a compact car might get around 6-7 liters/100 km (which is 35-40 mpg). If you drive 1,000 km (620 miles), you’ll use ~60-70 liters, which could cost €90-€130 ($100-150) depending on price. Fuel tends to be cheapest in countries like Spain, Portugal, Austria and more expensive in Italy, France, Denmark, Netherlands (Netherlands is often one of the highest). If doing a multi-country trip, consider filling up before entering a high-cost country. For example, fuel up in Luxembourg (very cheap fuel) before driving into France or Germany. As for returning the car: Most rentals are full-to-full policy, meaning you receive it with a full tank and you must return it full. This is easiest for everyone, just fill up close to the drop-off location. If you don’t, the rental company will charge you a premium per liter (often 2-3 times the pump price) plus possibly a service fee. Some rentals (especially in Spain) might offer a prepaid fuel option or come with a “full to empty” (you pay for a tank and can return empty), but that’s typically less value for you unless you truly will use the entire tank. We recommend sticking to full-to-full when possible. So yes, plan a last stop at a gas station before drop-off. In many airports, there’s a gas station either on-airport or on the way in, use Google Maps to locate it ahead of time. One trick: in some countries, gas stations very close to airports hike prices. It can pay to stop 5-10 km out at a cheaper station and still have near-full by the time you reach drop-off. Only do that if you’re confident you won’t consume too much getting there, usually not an issue for 5-10 km. Save the receipt in case you need to show you filled up (some companies ask for a receipt from within x km of the drop-off to verify). Fuel types: as mentioned earlier, ensure you use the correct fuel. “Unleaded 95” is standard petrol for most cars. “Super 98” is premium, only needed if the car specifically requires it (check fuel flap or ask; most normal cars run fine on 95). Diesel pumps in Europe often have a black handle and labeled “Diesel” or “B7”. Petrol handles can be green or black too depending on station, read labels. If you accidentally try to put the wrong fuel, many modern filler necks won’t let you (diesel nozzle is larger, won’t fit into many petrol car necks). But petrol into a diesel can fit, that mistake is worse (engine damage). If it happens, do not start the car, tell the station and call the rental roadside, they’ll need to drain the tank. Better to avoid that altogether by double-checking each time. Finally, note that fuel in Europe often includes taxes and sometimes attendants’ service: in Italy or Portugal some stations have “Servito” (full service, higher price) vs “Self” (self-service, lower price). Use self-service to save a bit unless you want the service. Payment at pump may ask for a PIN, have one for your credit card or use cash inside if needed.

Question 8

How do tolls and vignettes work with a rental car in Europe?

Accepted Answer

European tolls and vignettes can be confusing because each country does it differently, but let’s break it down. Tolls: If you drive through a toll booth and take a ticket or pay at a plaza, you can pay those as you go, it doesn’t involve the rental company. If you have a choice of lanes, avoid the ones reserved for passholders (like Telepass in Italy, Télépéage in France, etc.) unless your rental explicitly provided a device (most don’t by default). Some rental agencies offer toll transponders in countries like Portugal (for their electronic toll highways) or France/Spain/Italy if you request, these typically save time but come with a small daily fee plus toll costs. If you decline that, you’ll either pay cash/card at tolls or later online if it’s an electronic system. Electronic tolls: For example, in Portugal, certain highways have no booths, they scan the plate. If your rental has no transponder, the charges get billed to the car owner (rental company), who will then charge your credit card with an admin fee. To avoid that, ask for a transponder or try to stick to roads where you can pay manually. In Norway and Sweden, many tolls are fully automated (cameras), the rental company usually enrolls the car in a system and will charge you afterward, sometimes without extra fees, sometimes with a modest admin fee. They might offer you an upfront toll package. Vignettes: As discussed, if you rent the car in a country that requires a vignette (like Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, Czech Republic, etc.), the car often already has it or the rental agent will sell it to you. Always ask, “Do I need a vignette for driving here or into neighboring countries?” If you rent in Germany and plan to pop into Austria for a day, the onus is on you to buy Austria’s vignette at the border. The rental company won’t automatically include foreign vignettes. Some countries now have digital vignettes tied to the license plate (like Hungary, Slovakia). In those cases, if you cross, you can often purchase online on official sites even the day of. For Austria, you can buy digital too, but there’s a caveat: buying a digital vignette online is only valid 18 days after purchase (EU consumer law cooling-off period) unless you register as a business, so tourists usually still buy the sticker at a gas station for immediate use. In summary: toll roads you handle either in real-time or get billed after via the rental company; vignettes you must proactively have for the car before using that country’s highways. We advise building a little toll/vignette budget into your trip, it’s often worth the time saved. And keep receipts of any tolls or vignette purchases in case of disputes. If you do get a surprise charge post-trip from a toll, check if it lines up with roads you used. The rental company will have documentation if it’s a camera-captured toll or fine, you can request proof if something seems off.

Question 9

Are automatic cars available for rent in Europe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, automatics are available in every European country, but they are less common and often more expensive than manual cars. The good news is the supply of automatics has been increasing as more travelers (and Europeans themselves) drive automatics now. If you only drive automatic, absolutely make sure to reserve an automatic specifically, don’t assume one will be there if you book a general category. On our site, look for cars labeled as Automatic. In popular tourist destinations (think airports like Paris, Rome, Frankfurt, etc.), automatics are usually plentiful in mid-size and higher classes, and increasingly even in economy class. However, in some smaller towns or remote areas, the default fleet might be 90% manual. The key is to book early, automatics can sell out in peak season. Expect to pay a bit more, for instance, a manual economy might be €25/day while an automatic economy might be €35/day. It varies. Another thing: sometimes the rental company defines a car group as both manual/auto possible. If it’s critical, choose a listing that explicitly says Auto. We don’t want you to be unpleasantly surprised. And yes, Europeans on manuals can stall on hills just like anyone, but many cars are diesel which have more low-end torque making them a bit easier to not stall. If you’re comfortable driving stick and want to save money, renting a manual can be part of the European experience. But if you’d rather not think about shifting while navigating foreign roads, spring for the automatic, your trip, your comfort. We’ve seen so many happy customers thank themselves for getting an automatic in, say, the narrow lanes of rural Ireland or the congested streets of Rome, it’s one less thing to worry about.

Question 10

Can I pick up a car in one European country and drop it off in another?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can, but it will likely cost extra and not all routes are permitted. These are called international one-way rentals. Common ones (like between neighboring countries) are often possible: e.g. pick up in France drop in Spain, or Germany to Italy, etc. The rental company will typically charge a one-way fee to cover the cost of returning the car to its home country (sometimes they physically drive it back, or pay someone). These fees can range widely: perhaps €50-€100 for between near neighbors, up to several hundred euros for longer distances or less common routes. Sometimes it’s so high that it might be cheaper to drop the car at the border and pick a new one across, but that’s inconvenient. We at AVR display the drop fee in your quote if you select different drop-off. Some specific scenarios: Western Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, etc.), many combos allowed, fee might be €150-€300. Nordic countries, e.g. Sweden to Norway, usually allowed, small fee. Eastern Europe, one-ways between different Eastern countries can be more limited. Crossing from Western Europe into Eastern Europe on a one-way (like Germany to Croatia drop-off) sometimes is not allowed by some companies, or only from certain locations. Also, UK to Europe or vice versa, almost never allowed to drop on the other side because of the different drive side cars. Ireland (Republic) to Northern Ireland (UK), some allow drop in Belfast if picked in Dublin, but expect a fee and limited companies do it. Our system usually won’t show options that aren’t allowed. A trick some do: drop the car at a convenient city near the border and take a train, then rent anew, for example, dropping in Geneva (Swiss side) and renting again in Geneva (French side) or vice versa to avoid a fee between France and Switzerland (Geneva actually has both country rental stations). But if time is precious, paying the one-way is worth it for the convenience of not changing cars mid-trip. The golden rule: plan the one-way in advance. Don’t decide to leave the car in another country spontaneously without notifying, that can result in a massive penalty. If you need flexibility, consider renting country by country. But if your plan is a grand one-way, say Amsterdam to Rome over 3 weeks, we can absolutely set that up, just budget for a notable drop charge. One-way or not, we’ll disclose it so you can make an informed choice.

Question 11

Can I drive my rental car across European countries?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes! One of the perks of renting in Europe is the ability to drive across borders with little hassle, especially within the EU/Schengen zone. When booking, it’s important to indicate or check that you plan to visit multiple countries so you get a car that is allowed. Major rental companies generally allow cross-border travel between Western European countries (e.g. France to Spain to Italy to Germany, etc.) at no extra charge, but they often restrict travel into certain other countries. For example, taking a rental into Eastern Europe (like driving from Germany to Poland, or Italy to Croatia) can be restricted for luxury cars due to theft concerns. They might forbid luxury models from entering some countries, or in some cases any car from going into specific nations (e.g. some contracts don’t allow travel into Bulgaria, Romania or outside EU like Serbia, Bosnia, Montenegro without prior permission). Always check the terms: we provide a “Cross Border” policy detail in our info. Generally, if you stick to EU countries plus Switzerland/Norway, you’re fine, just tell the counter so they provide the insurance ‘Green Card’ proof if needed (some places require this document at borders, though many don’t ask). Keep that in the car just in case. No border checkpoints makes it easy, just drive through. But note: if you pick up a car in, say, Spain and drop it in France (different country drop-off), that’s a one-way rental which almost always incurs a significant fee. Crossing borders during your trip and returning to the original country is usually free, but dropping in another country can range from €100 to several hundred depending on distance and company. We can facilitate international one-ways between many countries (e.g. pick up in Amsterdam, drop in Paris), but you’ll see the fee included in the quote. Lastly, rental insurance (CDW, etc.) is generally valid in the countries allowed by the rental agreement, you usually cannot take the car into war-zone or sanctioned countries obviously, and typically not into places like Russia or Ukraine with a Western European rental car. If your dream is a pan-European road trip, rental companies are used to that, thousands of travelers do multi-country drives. Just keep the car’s registration and insurance papers in the glovebox (the rental company provides them) and you’ll have what you need if authorities anywhere stop you.

Question 12

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent or drive in Europe?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your home country license and the country you’re visiting. If your license is issued by an EU/EEA country, you do not need an IDP anywhere in the EU. If you have a US, Canadian, UK, Australian, etc. license: most European countries will accept your valid domestic license on its own for rental and driving. However, some countries technically require an IDP for non-EU licenses, even if rarely asked for. For example: Italy, Austria, and Spain have laws saying non-EU license holders should carry an IDP (especially if the license isn’t in Italian/German/Spanish respectively). In practice, the rental desk might not ask for it if your license is in English and easily understood, but if you get pulled over, police could ask. It’s a small expense (~$20 from AAA in the US, for instance) and basically serves as a translation of your license. If your home license is not in the Roman alphabet (say it’s in Chinese, Arabic, Cyrillic, etc.), an IDP or official translation is usually required without exception, otherwise the rental staff and authorities can’t read your license. Note: An IDP is not a standalone license, you must carry your original license too. Also, you must have a passport when renting in Europe (for ID). So, while not every traveler will be asked for an IDP, our advice is better to have it if you’re from outside Europe, particularly for Italy, France, Austria, Germany, etc. Some travelers report never being asked for it, but others have been, it often comes down to the agent or if you encounter a traffic stop. It’s cheap and easy to obtain before your trip, and it avoids any potential refusal or fines

Question 13

How old do I need to be to rent a car in Europe?

Accepted Answer

The minimum rental age varies by country and by company, but generally it’s 21 years old across most of Europe, with a young driver surcharge up to age 25. Some countries and agencies allow rentals to 18-20 year-olds, but often only certain car categories and with a hefty fee. For example, in Germany and France, many companies rent at 21 with a surcharge (and require 25+ for higher-end cars). In Italy, minimum age is often 21, but some smaller car categories can be rented at 19 or 20 by certain agencies. Under 25 (usually defined as 21-24): expect a daily young driver fee (could be €10-€25/day depending on country and company) and sometimes limits on car type (no luxury or big vans). If you’re under 21, your choices will be limited: a few international companies have student programs, and some local companies in countries like Croatia or Spain might rent to 18-year-olds, but insurance costs will be high. We always display the age requirements during booking, if you input your age, we filter options accordingly. On the other end, is there a maximum age? Generally, no universal max age in Europe as long as you have a valid license. A few rental companies in countries like Ireland or the UK might have extra requirements for 75+ (like a medical note or proof of recent driving experience), but these are exceptions. If you’re a senior traveler (say 70s or 80s), it’s wise to check the specific terms or choose a major international brand which typically has no upper age limit apart from needing a valid license.

Europe Car Rental – Compare Countries & Best Deals (AirportVanRental)

Europe Car Rental