Renting cars in Europe is a great way to enjoy your trip in a flexible and customised manner. It presents a comfortable and cost-effective way to travel across Europe without relying on any other mode of transportation.
But similar to any other thing, self-drive car rental in Europe has its perks and downsides that should be considered when making a decision.
In this guide, we will discuss whether auto car rental in Europe is a good idea or not. We will also share some essential tips for renting cars in Europe.
Is Renting a Car in Europe a Good Idea?
Yes. Renting cars in Europe is a good idea because of the ease and flexibility of commuting it provides.
While other transportation options like cabs, buses, or trains seem easier and more comfortable, nothing compares to the freedom offered by a self-driven car.
Not only does it allow you to enjoy your trip at your own pace, but it also offers unique road trip experiences that make your trip even more enjoyable.
However, auto car Europe rental has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. To help you decide better, we have explained the perks and downsides of renting cars in Europe in the next section.
Pros of Renting Cars in Europe
- Flexibility
Europe is known for its advanced and well-connected public transportation system. However, most public transport options follow a fixed schedule.
This means you need to plan your itinerary according to the timetable and availability of your chosen mode of transportation.
But this is not the case with car rental. When you have your own car, you can travel at your own pace without relying on anyone. You can plan your itinerary and ensure a customisable travel experience.
Cost-effective
Auto rental in Europe is a cost-effective travelling solution, especially if you are travelling with family or friends.
You can rent a car for the entire group rather than booking multiple train or bus tickets.
In short, it can save a lot of money that would otherwise be spent on arranging other modes of transportation.
Comfort and Privacy
Having a self-drive car rental in Europe offers a great deal of comfort and privacy as you have to share the public space. It provides you with a more personalised travel experience.
Easy Accessibility
Renting cars in Europe also allows you to explore several off-beat destinations that are not easily accessible by public transportation, such as buses and trains.
In addition, you get the opportunity to pass through scenic routes to get a closer look at European charm.
Cons of Renting Cars in Europe
Higher Rental Charges
Higher rental charges, combined with other associated costs such as parking charges, tolls, fuel, maintenance, etc., can exceed your travel budget if you don't pay attention to them. This is especially true if you are travelling solo.
Physical Exhaustion
Driving a car in Europe is undoubtedly fun and exciting, as it allows you to observe the European culture and lifestyle closely.
However, driving continuously for hours can be physically exhausting and, hence, can affect your travel experience. But this will not be an issue if you have multiple drivers in your group.
Driving Challenges
Another downside associated with self-drive car rental in Europe is driving challenges such as traffic congestion, varying road signs and driving regulations.
Since different European countries have different traffic laws, you must be familiar with them before driving on public roads. Ignoring them can result in hefty fines and penalties.
Cross-border Restrictions
In addition to the above challenges, cross-border driving restrictions is another aspect that can hinder your auto car rental experience in Europe.
You may be required to submit additional permits and fees to pass through some European countries. This, in turn, can take a lot of time and money.
Tips for Auto Car Europe Rental
Research Car Rental Companies
There are plenty of car rental companies in Europe. However, not all of them are worth considering. Hence, conduct enough research to find the best car rental in Europe that matches your budget and requirements.
For this, work with a reliable auto rental company with positive customer testimonials and a good reputation in the industry.
Compare Prices
Car rental prices can vary from one company to another based on factors like type of car, location, renting during, and more. For cheap car rental in Europe, it is advisable to compare prices offered by multiple rental companies. To do this, you can use trusted European car rental comparison websites.
Choose the Right Car
The choice of a car plays a major role in deciding the success of your road trip in Europe. Therefore, choose the right car based on the number of travellers, budget as well as your driving skills.
For example, if you are on a budget, look for medium-sized economical cars. Similarly, go for an automatic car if you are not comfortable driving a manual car. Whichever car type you choose, make sure it is safe and comfortable to drive.
Pickup and Drop Location
When finalising your auto car rental in Europe, choose your pickup and drop locations wisely. A good idea is to choose a location closer to your accommodation.
This way, you won’t have to struggle while moving your luggage. Moreover, if you are planning to cover diverse locations, consider opting for a one-way car rental in Europe.
Have Travel Insurance
Last but not least, invest in a good travel insurance policy. The reason is simple: multiple unforeseen events can arise during your road trip to Europe.
These include medical emergencies, accidents, and third-party liabilities, among others. Reliance General
international travel insurance plans will help you mitigate these risks by offering financial assistance when necessary.
Secure Your Europe Trip with RGI International Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is indispensable when visiting Europe as it is a mandatory visa document. However, having international travel insurance offers many other benefits besides helping you get a visa.
At Reliance General Insurance, our
travel insurance for Schengen visas offers comprehensive financial coverage for events like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, baggage loss, theft, personal liabilities and more.
In addition, we offer quick claims settlement, worldwide cashless hospitalisation, 24/7 emergency assistance, and other benefits at budget-friendly premiums.
Whether you want to reduce
processing time for a Schengen visa or expedite the processing of any other European visa, purchase our travel insurance plans for all-around protection at every mile you cross.
Conclusion
Renting cars in Europe allows you to explore your favourite European destinations in a convenient, flexible, and cost-effective manner.
Having a self-drive car rental in Europe saves a lot of time and allows you to make the most of your trip.
When considering auto car Europe rental, make sure to take into consideration your budget, driving skills, and travel itinerary in mind to determine whether or not it is a feasible solution.
We hope this guide on renting cars in Europe helps you in making an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the best auto car rental companies in Europe?
Sixt, Europcar, and Auto Europe are some of the reliable auto car rental companies in Europe.
Can Indians rent a car in Europe?
Yes. Indians can rent a car in Europe. However, in most countries, you need to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) as an important document for renting cars. You can get this permit from the RTO office in your city in India.
Is it expensive to rent cars in Europe?
The cost of renting cars in Europe depends on various factors, such as your location, type of car, number of days, distance you need to cover, and car rental company.
Based on these parameters, it can range from €20 to €30 per day for economy cars and up to €100 per day for luxury vehicles.
What are alternatives to auto car rental in Europe?
There are plenty of alternatives to auto car rental in Europe. If you don’t want to rent a car, you can rely on public transportation options such as buses and trains. These offer wide connectivity throughout Europe and are also cost-efficient.
