If you’re planning a trip across Europe and wondering how to rent a car in Europe, you’re not alone. We’ve rented cars in Spain, the UK, and Turkiye, and each experience taught us something new about driving abroad, from navigating narrow roads to understanding local insurance rules.
Whether you’re planning a scenic drive through the Scottish Highlands or small-town hopping across southern Spain, here’s everything you need to know about renting a car in Europe.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Europe
One of the most common questions travelers ask is how old you have to be to rent a car in Europe. The answer depends on the country and rental company, but here’s what you can expect:
- Most countries allow rentals starting at age 21, though some go as low as 18 with a valid license.
- Drivers under 25 years old usually pay a “young driver surcharge”, often €10–€25 per day.
- Luxury or premium vehicles may require the driver to be at least 25 years old.
- If you’re over 70, some companies may request additional documentation or limit insurance coverage.
For families like ours, renting a car in Europe means flexibility. We’ve driven from Madrid to Granada, London to the Isle of Skye, and Antalya to Istanbul, and every trip reminded me how much freedom comes from exploring at our own pace.
I recommend checking both the rental company’s fine print and local regulations. For example, in Spain, even within one country, the minimum age varied by company.
How to rent a car in Europe as an American
So, can Americans rent a car in Europe? Absolutely, but there are a few details to keep in mind.
Most European countries accept a U.S. driver’s license, but some, such as Italy, Austria, and Greece, as well as Spain, officially require an International Driving Permit (IDP).
You can easily get one through AAA in the U.S., and we always bring it along just in case.
How to get your International Driving Permit (IDP) in the US:
- Go to your local AAA office (you don’t need a membership)
- Fill out the application form (we printed ours at home)
- Bring your valid U.S. driver’s license and two passport-style photos
- Pay $20
- Wait about 15 minutes, and you’ll walk out with your International Driving Permit in hand
A few key tips for Americans renting a car in Europe
- Bring your passport, driver’s license, and credit card in the driver’s name.
- Verify if your credit card offers collision damage coverage (CDW), this can save you from paying extra insurance at the counter.
- Make sure your license has been valid for at least one year.
- Expect to drive on the left side in the UK and right side elsewhere.
Now, keep in mind that in Europe, most rentals are manual, and automatics tend to sell out quickly, especially during summer.
We’ve always rented our cars in Europe with Avis, and every experience, from Spain to Türkiye and the UK, has been smooth and reliable. If you’re looking for a trusted company for your car rental in Europe, Avis consistently delivers good service, well-maintained cars, and easy pick-up and drop-off.
Things to keep in mind when renting a car in Europe
If you’re wondering how to rent a car in Europe, here’s our tried-and-tested process:
Compare prices early: Use comparison sites like DiscoverCars or Auto Europe to find the best rates.
Book your rental car in advance: Especially if you need an automatic transmission or a larger family vehicle.
Check rental pickup location options: Picking up your car outside busy city centers (like airports or suburban branches) is often cheaper and easier.
Review rental insurance and deposit policies: Know what’s included, and what’s not.
Take photos of the rental car when picking up and returning it, including scratches, mileage, and fuel level.
Return the rental car full of fuel if your agreement is “full-to-full.”
We’ve followed this process in every country we’ve driven, and it’s saved us from both surprise charges and unnecessary stress.
Driving in the UK as an American can feel intimidating at first, since you’ll be driving on the left side of the road and the driver’s seat is on the right, but it becomes second nature after a few hours. Roundabouts are everywhere, so take your time, yield to cars already inside.
Car rental insurance in Europe
Insurance can be confusing when renting a car abroad. Here’s what’s typically required:
- CDW (Collision Damage Waiver): Often included, but with a high deductible.
- Super CDW / Zero Excess: Optional coverage that removes the deductible, usually at an extra cost.
- Theft Protection: Included in most rentals.
- Third-Party Liability: Covers damage to others, required by law.
We usually rely on our Chase Sapphire Preferred for primary rental car coverage. Just make sure to decline the rental company’s CDW if you’re using your credit card’s protection.
Fuel, tolls, and parking in Europe
Fuel in Europe is sold by the liter, not the gallon, and it’s more expensive than in the U.S. Diesel cars are common and often more fuel-efficient for long drives.
Tolls vary by country. In Portugal, some tolls are fully electronic, and in France and Spain, you can usually pay tolls with a credit card.
Parking in small European towns can be tricky, especially in older towns. I recommend using Parkopedia to find garages or lots ahead of time. When in doubt, park on the outskirts and walk in.
In Italy in particular, you’ll want to pay close attention to parking and traffic zones:
- ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) areas are restricted zones, typically in historic city centers. Only residents or vehicles with special permits can enter. If you accidentally drive into one, even briefly, the cameras will catch you, and you can receive hefty fines weeks later.
- Zona Blu (blue zones) are paid parking areas marked by blue lines, usually requiring a ticket from a nearby machine or a parking disc.
- Zona Bianca (white zones) usually mean free parking, but time limits might still apply.
Family travel tips for renting a car in Europe
Traveling with kids adds a few extra considerations.
- Bring or reserve a child seat or booster; they’re required by law in most countries.
- Double-check trunk space for luggage, especially if you’re traveling with strollers.
- A compact car often fits better in tight European streets than an SUV.
When we drove from Antalya to Istanbul, we chose a midsize sedan instead of an SUV, and it was the right call, especially for navigating narrow coastal roads and parking in small towns.
Bottom line
If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring Europe beyond the train lines, renting a car is the way to do it. Knowing how to rent a car in Europe, from age limits and insurance to border rules and parking, can make your trip smoother and more affordable.
For our family, renting a car has been the best way to see the real Europe: the countryside cafés, the scenic overlooks, and the spontaneous detours that make every trip memorable.
