Car hire in Europe

Reserve European car hire with CarRentals. Choose from a vast number of car hire suppliers. Fill in the search form above and let us do the rest for you. We will find you cheap European car hire deals with a selection of cars choose from. Suppliers include Hertz, Avis, Europcar, National, Enterprise, Budget, Sixt, Alamo, 121, CarRentals and many more. Depending on the size of your group we offer small mini sized cars up to 7 seaters. Whatever you are looking for we will have it so reserve your car hire in Europe with us now.

A literal mosaic of cultures and geography, Europe is one of the world’s most diverse and exciting places to explore. Numerous countries huddle together within a reasonably compact area, allowing travellers to cover a lot of ground in a short time. The Schengen Agreement provides trouble-free border crossings among its 25 member nations, making a rental car the perfect choice for an intimate encounter with Europe. Compare car hire rates from all the top international names right here to find the deal that’s best for you.

Car hire driving tips in Europe

Crossing the borders of the 25 European countries in the Schengen Group is a breeze thanks to the incredible visa travel agreement between these nations. A car rental in Europe allows the same freedom of movement, and is often better value than purchasing train and coach tickets in each country. Many of the big car hire chains even allow one-way rentals, meaning you can pick up a vehicle in Paris and drop it off in Madrid. Car hire UK to France is a popular option, starting your journey in the UK and travelling via ferry or train to France, experiencing the sites and then travelling back to the UK.

Need to know essentials

Driving licences: although most European countries recognise foreign driving licenses written in English, it’s recommended that you get an International Driving Permit to avoid any potential hassles.

Which side does Europe drive on: the right, except for the UK which drives on the left.

Speed limits: Highways and dual carriageways (outside urban areas): 120-140kph

National or provincial roads: 100kph

Local roads: 80kph

Urban roads: 50kph

Alcohol limits: 0.05 per cent or 50mg/100ml - strictly enforced throughout Europe, with hefty fines and possible prison time or suspension of driving privileges for offenders.

Driving age: 18 years (21 years for those renting cars).

Compulsory items: most European nations require certain safety items in the car, such as a warning triangle, a safety vest, replacement bulbs and a first-aid kit. Check with the car hire provider to ensure they have included these mandatory items.

Seatbelts: are required for every passenger in the car throughout Europe. Many European countries do not allow young children to ride in the front. Infants are required to be restrained in a child safety seat, available for hire at car rental offices.

Mobile phones and GPS: increasingly, European countries are outlawing the use of mobile phones while driving a car so it’s best simply not to do it or invest in a hands-free kit. Fines are issued to offenders. GPS is an excellent idea if you plan to do any extensive driving around Europe, given the differences in language between countries. CarRentals offers GPS as an added extra if you do not own a sat nav, so ensure you select this option whilst booking your cheap car hire in Europe through us.

Cost of fuel in Europe: unleaded petrol (95 and 98 octane) and diesel prices throughout Europe are equivalent to those in the UK, except in Scandinavia where prices are slightly higher.

Car hire and fuel payment: a major credit card or cash deposit is required if you rent a car in Europe in case of damages or late fees. Most European petrol stations accept credit cards at the pump for self-service, though full-service is still common in many parts of the continent.

Insurance: while liability coverage is mandatory in most European countries, and provided by the rental firm, it is highly suggested that you purchase extra cover for incidental damage such as windscreen cracks or flat tyres.

Traffic and parking: traffic is only an issue in city centres, as all of Europe enjoys an excellent motorway system for long-distance travel. Each country has different rules concerning parking, but in general the coloured markings on streets have specific meanings about when and who can park there. Ask a local for help if you’re unsure about where it’s permissible to park to avoid getting a ticket.

Our travel editor’s recommended drives

The Alps – take your pick of dozens of mind-blowing mountain loops that pass over, around and through Europe’s Alps. These winding roads connect both alpine villages and classic cities. The seven-mile Mont-Blanc Tunnel is a particularly exciting section.

The Basque Loop – head from Bilbao through the ancient Pyrenees and back along the coast, passing through iconic towns like Pamplona and Biarritz.

The Rhine River Valley – few routes are so steeped in legend and mystery than the roads that wind through Germany’s Rhine River Valley, where castles sit perched on hilltops and vineyards creep up the verdant hills.

The Ardeche – follow the Ardeche River through France’s scenic region of Provence, passing medieval stone villages, chalky limestone cliffs and castles in this geological wonderland.

Europe travel tips

Europe is one of the most convenient travel destinations for Brits, thanks to low-cost flights and access via the Channel Tunnel. English is widely spoken throughout the continent, and the diversity of culture and scenery offers plenty of choice for a quick getaway. Europe’s hundreds of tourist attractions are all well-versed in the ways of British visitors, making for a trouble-free trip.

Europe weather and tourist seasons

Europe has a continental climate, with a Mediterranean climate throughout the south and a maritime climate along the western coast. Western Europe experiences four seasons, while southern Europe is dominated by dry and wet seasons. Expect conditions in Eastern Europe to be drier and more continental than in the west, where the ocean greatly influences the weather. From the snowy Alps to the heat of the Mediterranean beach resorts, Europe always has some place with the right weather conditions for your trip. Just keep in mind that the months of July and August are incredibly busy in all the top travel spots.

Europe contact numbers

European emergency services – 112

Holidays and festivals

There’s always something going on in Europe, no matter when you visit or where you travel. Each country features a wealth of traditional, cultural festivals that are often holiday goals in their own right, such as Pamplona’s Running of the Bulls (July). Then there are the specific national holidays commemorating military, political and other important events in each nation’s history, followed by the standard array of religious dates such as Easter (March or April) and Christmas (December), which tend to be busy travel periods.

Money matters

Fifteen European countries use the euro as their currency, while several still use their own currency, such as Switzerland and Poland. Exchange offices are commonly located in banks, post offices, train and bus stations, airports and near major tourist sites. Major credit cards can be used throughout Europe, and travellers cheques are accepted virtually everywhere and best bought in euros. Banking hours vary by country though most banks keep 09:00 to 17:00 hours during weekdays and typically close on Sundays and occasionally on Mondays (as in France).

Health and safety

Except for the threat of hepatitis, which is an issue in even the cleanest countries, there are no major health concerns in Europe. The water is potable in all towns and cities though it’s usually a good idea to stick to bottled water just to avoid foreign microbes. All EU citizens are entitled to free or discounted healthcare in EU member nations in the case of sudden illness. Be sure to carry your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you. Travellers from non-EU countries should consider buying travel or medical coverage as hospital stays can be expensive in Europe.

Fitting in…

With so many distinct (and often rival) cultures living shoulder to shoulder in Europe, travellers should take the time to research a few etiquette pointers for the countries they plan to visit. Learning basic phrases in the local language can go a long way to breaking the ice, especially in places like France. The Swiss and Germans are sticklers for order and punctuality, while in Spain you’ll have to adjust to the unique time schedule which includes siesta.

Visas for Europe

Citizens of the UK, Australia, Canada and the USA can enter Europe without a visa for a stay of three months as long as they show a passport valid for six months from the date of entry. Movement between the 25 nations in the Schengen Agreement is possible without any additional visas. Travellers from other countries should check with the local embassy of the country they plan to fly into for visa details to enter Europe.

Electricity

The voltage throughout Europe is 220-240 Volts, 50 Hertz, and most outlets use round, two-pin plugs. It’s suggested that travellers from the UK and North America bring a universal plug-adapter kit.

Business hours
Official agencies in Europe maintain the standard 08:00 to 18:00 framework of hours of operation, though this can vary by an hour or so in different countries. Business hours vary widely, with Spanish shops closing for two hours every afternoon and the French only working a 35-hour week. Sundays are when most shops close, though places like bakeries and cafés tend to stay open every day.

Helpful phrases

Bonjour - Hello (French)

Au revoir – Goodbye (French)

Guten tag – Hello (German)

Ja/nein – Yes/no (German)

Bitte/danke - Please/thanks (German)

Hola – Hello (Spanish)

Gracias – Thank you (Spanish)

Resources online

http://www.visiteurope.com/home.aspx

http://wikitravel.org/en/Europe

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/europe