Car Rental in Europe

Car rental in Europe is really not much different than in the US.  You’ll find the same major international rental agencies you’re familiar with in the US at major airports in Europe as well as in the city center near the train station (historically the center of town).  A valid US drivers license and credit card is all you need. You do NOT need an international driver’s license.  I had one back in the mid 1970’s and never used it.  To reserve a car in advance, go to any of the online travel sites (I still like Kayak.com) and make a reservation.  The car rental booths can be found at baggage claim.  After that, it’s all a matter of what additional services or insurance coverage you want.  And,… like renting a car in America, they make you sign lots of papers and then initial a few dozen places saying that you are responsible for anything and everything especially if you don’t buy their comprehensive collision damage coverage.  For those who like to use the American Express Gold card to waive coverage, you might check first to make sure that agency allows it.  Some do and some don’t.  The main ones we’re most familiar with should be fine (Hertz, Avis, Budget) but on some of the lesser known ones I have been shown the fine print in the contract saying that only Visa Gold or some other “gold” card is all that will allow their insurance to be waived. 

Rental rates are actually quite reasonable.  One would think it is more expensive for a week long rental in Europe but I find it about the same or even less than in the US.  Maybe it’s because the cars are smaller and not as expensive to start with.

The cars you rent are geared to travel well on the European Autobahns, park easy in the smaller streets of old towns and not break the bank in miles per gallon or as the Europeans measure it in “liters per 100 Kilometers”.  Although gas is just over double what we pay per gallon, the smaller 4 cylinder European rentals whether gas or diesels are also getting about double the mileage compared to the cars currently offered in the US.  Diesel cars do even better and most are also turbo charged.  So on average I’d say it’s about the same cost for a week’s rental in Europe.  It’s also more common to find stick shift rentals.  Automatics are generally a small upcharge.  I prefer stick shift for better mileage and performance.   Although train travel is common in Europe, you’ll be surprised that for two travelers you might find it cheaper and have more flexibility to rent a car rather than takeing the train.  More on train travel in upcoming blog.