Europe car hire

On average a car hire in Europe costs R666 per day.

Mini (Fiat 500 or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Europe.

In the past 72 hours, the cheapest car hires were found at Rent Smart 24 (R130/day), AbbyCar Car Rentals (R135/day) and Centauro (R236/day).

Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in Europe are Alamo (7,7, 743 reviews), Enterprise Rent-A-Car (7,6, 666 reviews), and National (7,5, 55 reviews).

Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

Based on car searches on KAYAK, the most popular cities to hire a car in Europe are London (14% of total searches of users looking to hire a car in Europe), Lisbon (9%) and Edinburgh (5%).

On average a car hire in Europe costs R4 663 per week (R666 per day).

On average a car hire in Europe costs R19 984 per month (R666 per day).

Hiring a car in Europe opens up a treasure trove of opportunities. You've got the freedom to explore hidden gems like the lavender fields in Provence, France, which are a bit tricky to reach otherwise. Plus, think of the ease of popping over to picturesque spots like Cinque Terre in Italy without worrying about train schedules. Not to mention the joy of a leisurely drive through the breathtaking Ring of Kerry in Ireland, which can be quite the hassle with public transport. Europe's well-maintained motorways and scenic routes, coupled with the sometimes sporadic public transport connections in rural areas, make hiring a car a fabulous choice for a hassle-free, adventure-packed holiday.

In the UK, you'll be driving on the left, which is the opposite of mainland Europe. While zipping through Germany, you might find yourself on the famed Autobahn, where some sections have no speed limit – a real treat for speed enthusiasts. Contrastingly, in Norway, they favour a more leisurely pace with lower speed limits to enjoy the scenic views. Be prepared for toll roads, particularly in France, Italy and Spain; having some change handy is a good shout.

In Europe, the golden age to hire a car is generally 21, but it can vary between countries. In the UK and Ireland, you're good to go from 17 and 18 respectively, but brace yourself for potential young driver surcharges if you're under 25. Over in sunny Spain, most agencies set the bar at 18, but they might steer you towards specific, lower-powered vehicles. If you're venturing to Greece, hold tight until you're 23 to get behind the wheel of a hired car. Don't forget, a full driving licence held for at least a year is usually a must, no matter where you're heading.