Car hire abroad: compare rental cars and save 2026
Car hire abroad starts around €25 a day in Spain, but insurance, fuel policy and hidden fees often push the bill to €70. This guide covers what car rental costs per country, the paperwork you need, and 10 pitfalls that save you €30-€200 per trip.
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Book early - but not too early
Optimum is 4-8 weeks ahead. Earlier rarely cheaper. Last-minute (within 7 days) is 50-100% more expensive.
Brokers vs. direct booking
Brokers like Booking.com, Discover Cars and Holiday Autos are 20-40% cheaper than direct booking at Hertz/Avis. Same car, same desk.
Skip the insurance upsell
Skip the rental desk insurance (€10-€20/day). Get a yearly excess-waiver from Allianz/Insurance4Carhire (€40-€80/year covers all your rentals).
Watch fuel policy
Choose full-to-full, not full-to-empty. Full-to-empty means you pay €60+ for fuel that's already in the tank - you can't return it empty.
Check the car carefully at pickup
Photograph all sides of the car before driving away. Note every scratch on the paperwork. Saves disputes at return.
Cheap pickup locations
Airport pickups have a 10-15% airport surcharge. A city-center pickup at the train station is often cheaper.
Manual vs automatic
In Europe manuals are 30-50% cheaper. Reserve early for automatic if you can't drive stick - automatics sell out fast.
Toll roads in Spain/Italy/France
Budget €10-€30 in tolls. Get a Telepass/EU Toll device to skip queues. Cash-only tollbooths still exist on rural routes.
Cross-border driving fees
Renting in Germany and driving to Italy? Cross-border fee is €30-€80. Pick up in destination country instead.
Winter tyres: required or not?
Several European countries legally or situationally require winter tyres in snow or icy conditions. Here is what you need to know per destination:
- Austria Winter tyres are required from 1 November to 15 April when the road is snowy, frosty or icy. Rental companies in Austria typically fit winter tyres during the winter period. On mountain routes (Alps, Brenner Pass) they are almost always required.
- Germany No fixed date rule, but a situational requirement: winter tyres are mandatory in snow or ice. Driving on summer tyres in snow carries a fine of at least €60. Rental companies supply winter tyres as standard in the winter period.
- Czech Republic Winter tyres required from 1 November to 31 March when the road is snowy or icy.
- Norway and Sweden Winter tyres required from 1 November to 15 April (Norway) or 1 December to 31 March (large parts of Sweden) in snow and ice.
- Spain, Portugal, Greece (coastal regions) No winter tyre requirement year-round. In mountain areas (Sierra Nevada, northern Greece during snowfall) snow chains may be required in certain weather conditions.
Always ask when collecting the car whether it is fitted with the correct tyres for the season and destination. Have this noted on the inspection report.
Return the car cleanly
Return with the same fuel level and a vacuumed interior. Avoids the €30-€100 cleaning fee.
What does car hire abroad cost?
Prices vary widely by country, season and car class. These are realistic ballpark figures:
- Southern Europe, low season Small car (Seat Ibiza class): €20-35 per day. A week: €140-245 including basic insurance.
- Greek islands, peak season (July and August) Even a small car costs €60-120 per day on popular islands such as Santorini and Mykonos. Book at least 6 weeks ahead.
- Automatic transmission 30 to 50% more expensive than manual in Europe. Reserve early if you need an automatic: they sell out first.
- Extra costs Young driver surcharge (21-24, approx. €8-15 per day), additional driver (approx. €5 per day), child seat (approx. €10 per day), GPS (skip it, use Google Maps on your phone).
Popular destinations for car rental
- Spain (Malaga, Barcelona, Alicante) Cheapest car rental in Europe: a small car from €20 per day outside peak season. Great for the Costa del Sol or a road trip through Andalusia.
- Portugal (Lisbon, Faro, Porto) The Algarve is practically unreachable without a car. From Faro Airport you reach the best beaches in 20 minutes. Price: €25-45 per day.
- Greece (Crete, Rhodes, Kos) A car is essential on the islands. Crete is large: without a car you miss Samaria Gorge and Balos Beach. Cost: €30-60 per day in low season, €60-120 in July and August.
- Italy (Rome, Catania, Palermo) Avoid city centres (ZTL zones fine foreign plates), but for rural Sicily or the Amalfi Coast a car is ideal. Price: €30-70 per day.
- Morocco (Marrakech, Agadir) International driving permit required. Self-driving gives freedom to explore the Atlas Mountains and desert routes. Local suppliers are cheaper than the international chains.
Car rental comparison by country: costs and rules
Every holiday destination has different rules for car hire. This overview helps you quickly compare the main characteristics per country.
| Country | Price/day from | Deposit (excess) | Young driver (21-24) | Border rules | 2nd driver |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | €20 low season | €300-800 | €8-15/day | Free within EU | €5-10/day |
| Portugal | €25 low season | €400-1000 | €8-12/day | Free within EU | €5-8/day |
| Greece | €30 (low season) | €400-1500 | €8-15/day | Prohibited to islands | €5-10/day |
| Italy | €30 low season | €400-1000 | €8-15/day | Free, watch ZTL zones | €5-10/day |
| Morocco | €35 low season | €500-1500 | €10-15/day | Prohibited across border | €5-10/day |
| USA / Florida | €40 low season | €500-2000 | €25-30/day (<25 yrs) | Free within USA | Free at major companies |
Indicative prices. Rates vary by rental company, season and vehicle category. An excess-waiver insurance policy (€40-€80/year) covers the deposit across all trips.
Cost example: what does a week of car hire really cost?
A week in a small car (Seat Ibiza class) via a comparison site, including all compulsory costs:
- Malaga, October (low season) Base price on Discover Cars or Sunny Cars: approximately €140-175 per week. Excess deposit: €0 with an excess waiver, otherwise €400-600 blocked on credit card. Costa del Sol toll: approx. €10. Fuel for the week (800 km): approx. €80. Total: approx. €230-265 excl. fuel, or €310-345 with fuel. Compared to counter hire at the airport: the same car costs €250-350 per week base price there.
- Crete, August (high season) Base price: €400-600 per week for a small car. Young driver surcharge (aged 22): €8-15 per day, so €56-105 extra per week. Fuel for the week (600 km): approx. €70. Total: €530-775 per week. Deposit blocked on credit card: €500-1000. Tip: book here at least 6 weeks in advance, otherwise small automatics are already sold out.
- Lisbon, May Base price: €180-230 per week. Toll on A1 to the Algarve: approx. €15 one way. No young driver surcharge (aged 25). Fuel for the week (1000 km): approx. €110. Total: approx. €305-355 per week including fuel. Parking in central Lisbon: €10-15 per day, or choose accommodation with parking outside the centre.
Car rental comparison by country: costs and rules
Every holiday destination has different rules for car hire. This overview helps you quickly compare the main characteristics per country.
| Country | Price/day from | Deposit (excess) | Young driver (21-24) | Border rules | 2nd driver |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | €20 low season | €300-800 | €8-15/day | Free within EU | €5-10/day |
| Portugal | €25 low season | €400-1000 | €8-12/day | Free within EU | €5-8/day |
| Greece | €30 (low season) | €400-1500 | €8-15/day | Prohibited to islands | €5-10/day |
| Italy | €30 low season | €400-1000 | €8-15/day | Free, watch ZTL zones | €5-10/day |
| Morocco | €35 low season | €500-1500 | €10-15/day | Prohibited across border | €5-10/day |
| USA / Florida | €40 low season | €500-2000 | €25-30/day (<25 yrs) | Free within USA | Free at major companies |
Indicative prices. Rates vary by rental company, season and vehicle category. An excess-waiver insurance policy (€40-€80/year) covers the deposit across all trips.
Cost example: what does a week of car hire really cost?
A week in a small car (Seat Ibiza class) via a comparison site, including all compulsory costs:
- Malaga, October (low season) Base price on Discover Cars or Sunny Cars: approximately €140-175 per week. Excess deposit: €0 with an excess waiver, otherwise €400-600 blocked on credit card. Costa del Sol toll: approx. €10. Fuel for the week (800 km): approx. €80. Total: approx. €230-265 excl. fuel, or €310-345 with fuel. Compared to counter hire at the airport: the same car costs €250-350 per week base price there.
- Crete, August (high season) Base price: €400-600 per week for a small car. Young driver surcharge (aged 22): €8-15 per day, so €56-105 extra per week. Fuel for the week (600 km): approx. €70. Total: €530-775 per week. Deposit blocked on credit card: €500-1000. Tip: book here at least 6 weeks in advance, otherwise small automatics are already sold out.
- Lisbon, May Base price: €180-230 per week. Toll on A1 to the Algarve: approx. €15 one way. No young driver surcharge (aged 25). Fuel for the week (1000 km): approx. €110. Total: approx. €305-355 per week including fuel. Parking in central Lisbon: €10-15 per day, or choose accommodation with parking outside the centre.
What do you need for car hire abroad?
- Valid driving licence Held for at least 1 year. Within the EU your Dutch licence is enough. Outside the EU (Morocco, Turkey, the US, Thailand) an international driving permit is often required: apply at the ANWB or AA, approx. €17.
- Credit card in your name Required to block the excess as a deposit. Some suppliers accept a debit card, but the choice is more limited.
- Passport or ID card Your ID must match the name on the driving licence and on the booking.
- Minimum age 21 Young drivers (21-24) pay a surcharge. Under 21, renting is not possible with most companies.
Hiring an electric car abroad
Electric hire cars are on the rise: European rental companies like Hertz and DiscoverCars offer more EVs every year, including in popular holiday countries such as Spain, Portugal and Greece. Key points:
- Charging infrastructure In Spain, Portugal and Italy charging infrastructure on popular routes is good, but on remote islands (Crete, Sardinia) it is still limited for a relaxed EV road trip. Check the charging map via PlugShare or ABRP before you leave.
- Price EVs are on average 20-40% more expensive to rent than comparable petrol cars. But fuel costs disappear: charging en route costs €5-15 per 100 km, versus €15-20 per 100 km for petrol.
- Charging policy Check whether the car must be returned full. With full-to-full, pick a DC fast charger near the return location. Charging cables are usually included, but your own Schuko adapter is handy in emergencies.
- Range A compact EV (Renault Zoe, MG4) covers 250-350 km per charge. Fine for a day, but plan your stops. A larger Tesla Model 3 or Peugeot e-2008 gives more freedom on longer drives.
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Compare hotels in CretePackage holiday to CreteCar hire in CreteFrequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to book a rental car at the airport or in town?
City-centre and train station pick-up points are typically 10-15% cheaper than airport desks, because airport surcharges and concession fees are built into the airport rate. If the location is convenient, pick up in town and save the difference.
What is the best way to avoid paying for rental car insurance twice?
Buy a standalone excess-waiver policy from a specialist insurer (Allianz, Insurance4Carhire) for roughly €40-€80 a year. This covers you on all your rentals worldwide and replaces the expensive daily top-up sold at the desk.
When is the cheapest time to book a rental car in Europe?
4-8 weeks before pick-up is the sweet spot. Any earlier and availability is fine but price changes little; any later and last-minute rates jump 50-100%. Avoid booking in the week before departure.
Can I rent a car in one country and drive to another?
Yes, but a cross-border fee of €30-€80 usually applies. It is often cheaper to drop the car at the border and pick up a new one on the other side, or to rent in the destination country from the start.
How much does car hire abroad cost on average?
In Southern Europe (Spain, Portugal, Greece) a small car starts from 20 to 35 euros per day. In peak season or on popular islands prices reach 60 to 100 euros per day. Using a comparison site you typically save 20 to 40% versus booking directly with Hertz or Avis.
Is an international driving permit required for car rental?
Within the EU your regular driving licence is sufficient. Outside the EU (Morocco, Thailand, the US, Turkey) an international driving permit is required or strongly recommended. Apply at the ANWB or an AA office, costing around 17 euros.
What is the minimum age for a hire car abroad?
Most rental companies require a minimum age of 21. If you are between 21 and 24, they often charge a young driver surcharge of 5 to 15 euros per day.
How do I book from here?
Click a 'View flights' or 'Book hotel' button. You go to Google Flights or to our partner (Booking.com, Vrbo). The price is exactly the same as booking directly with them - you pay nothing extra.
Which car hire website is cheapest in the Netherlands?
Comparison sites are generally cheaper than booking directly with a rental company. The most widely used platforms are Discover Cars, Sunny Cars, Holiday Autos and Booking.com Cars. Discover Cars often shows the lowest prices including all additional costs. Always compare at least two platforms for the same car and dates, as the ranking varies by destination and season.
How much deposit do you pay for a rental car abroad?
The deposit (excess) is blocked on your credit card, but never charged unless there is damage. Typical amounts: Spain €300-800, Greece and Portugal €400-1500, USA €500-2000. With an excess-waiver insurance policy (Allianz, Insurance4Carhire) for approximately €40-80 per year, the deposit no longer applies. Some rental companies also block a pre-authorisation for fuel costs on top of the deposit.
How much is the young driver surcharge for car hire abroad?
If you are 21 to 24 years old, most rental companies in Europe charge a young driver surcharge of €8-15 per day. In the USA and Canada the threshold is 25 years and the surcharge rises to €25-30 per day. In Morocco and some Canary Islands rental companies, hiring under the age of 23 is sometimes not possible at all. Always ask about this before booking.
Can you use a debit card for a rental car abroad?
Most international rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt) require a credit card to block the excess deposit. Some local rental companies accept a debit card with a high limit, but then the choice of vehicles is smaller and the excess is higher. Make sure you have at least a Visa or Mastercard credit card in the name of the main driver.
What should you check when picking up a rental car abroad?
When picking up always check: (1) document all scratches and dents on the inspection report and take photos of all sides before driving away, (2) check the fuel level and note it on the contract, (3) ask about the rules for ZTL zones in Italy or similar urban driving restrictions, (4) confirm that the insurance policies match what you booked, (5) take screenshots of the apps or toll-sticker instructions if the country uses electronic tolls.
Are winter tyres required for a rental car abroad?
In Austria winter tyres are legally required from 1 November to 15 April when the road is snowy, frosty or icy. In Germany a situational obligation applies: winter tyres are mandatory in snow or ice regardless of date. Czech Republic requires winter tyres from 1 November to 31 March. Norway and Sweden have similar rules (Norway until 15 April, Sweden until 31 March). Rental companies in these countries typically fit winter tyres during the winter period. Always ask when collecting the car and have it noted on the inspection report.
How much is a return flight from the Netherlands?
Varies by destination and season. European city breaks typically €60-€200, long-haul €400-€900. Check the live price by filling in your dates.
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