Renting a Car in Europe

A coastal road winding through Mallorca Spain

Exploring Europe by car is a fantastic way to uncover hidden gems—think charming villages, scenic countryside, and off-the-beaten-path spots that trains and buses might miss. Driving here is generally straightforward, but it’s good to be prepared for some regional quirks.

We always use Discover Cars to book our rentals and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find automatic cars (which can be tricky in Europe!), and add affordable full coverage insurance. 

Tips for Renting a Car in Europe

  • Know the local rules: Most countries drive on the right, except the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta. Road signs and driving laws can vary, so do a quick check before you go.
  • Practice defensive driving: In parts of Europe, especially in the south, driving can feel fast-paced and a little unpredictable. Make sure you stay alert and keep a safe following distance.
  • Insurance is essential: I highly recommend adding full coverage insurance to your rental. Whether it’s a parking lot ding or a chipped windshield on a mountain road, full protection gives you peace of mind. Plus, it’s super affordable through Discover Cars!
  • Pick the right vehicle: Most rentals in Europe are manual, and automatic cars are limited, so book early if that’s what you need. A compact car is also ideal for narrow roads and tight parking. On Discover Cars, you can easily filter for everything you need.
  • Watch for restricted zones: Many cities have low-emission or restricted traffic zones. Driving into these without a permit can result in fines, so always check local rules if you’re heading into a city center.
  • Be prepared for border crossings: While crossing borders is usually easy within the Schengen Zone, some rental companies require you to declare your travel plans in advance. Always check with Discover Cars if you’re planning to drive into another country.

What You Need to Rent a Car in Europe

  • A valid driver’s license from your home country.
  • If you’re from outside the EU, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended—and in some countries, it’s legally required.
  • A credit card in the driver’s name is typically needed for the security deposit.
  • Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. If you’re under 25, expect a young driver surcharge—and in some countries, the minimum age may be higher.

Ready to hit the road and discover the freedom of exploring Europe on your own terms?

Book with Discover Cars here

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Our Top Choice

The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!

Our FAVORITE thing we did in Rome was this Colosseum Arena Floor & Roman Forum Guided Tour. Follow in the footsteps of gladiators & emperors as you immerse yourself in the grandeur of ancient Rome!

Check the 19k+ reviews and book this tour here.

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The Services We Recommend

From hotels to guided tours, we only recommend services we know and trust. Here are our recommended partners so you can explore Europe with confidence.

Book Hotels

With Booking.com

Book Tours

With Viator.com

Rent a Car

With DiscoverCars.com

Get an E-sim

With Airalo.com

Book Insurance

With SafetyWing.com

Tour Details

  • Duration: 9.5 hours
  • Time: 8 am
  • Highlights: Explore Sonoma Valley wine on a small-group tasting tour, visit boutique wineries, make sightseeing stops like the Golden Gate Bridge and Sausalito, learn about local wine production and vineyards
  • Inclusions: Professional driver/guide, pickup and drop-off at selected San Francisco hotels, wine tastings at three wineries, live commentary on board, transport by air-conditioned minivan
  • Rating: 4.9 stars (check 1,300+ reviews here)
  • Free Cancellation: Yes
  • Price: Check price here!

Why We Book Tours with GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide is a reliable online platform for booking tours and activities all over the world. We often use GetYourGuide for a few simple reasons:

  • Huge selection across Europe – GetYourGuide is especially strong in Europe, with an enormous range of tours, tickets, and experiences in major cities and smaller destinations alike. It’s usually the first place we check because there are so many options in one spot.
  • Book the best tours before they sell out – In Europe, the top-rated tours and most popular attractions can fill up fast (especially in peak season). GetYourGuide makes it easy to reserve ahead of time, so you don’t miss out once you arrive.
  • Free cancellation on many experiences – A lot of listings offer free cancellation up to a certain cutoff time before the start. It’s a lifesaver if your schedule shifts, or if you’re booking something outdoors and the forecast suddenly turns questionable.
  • Book now, pay later options – For many popular tours, you can lock in your spot ahead of time and pay closer to your travel date, which makes planning easier without paying everything upfront.
  • Best-price confidence – GetYourGuide often has competitive pricing and discounts, so you can feel good about booking without worrying you overpaid for the same experience elsewhere.
  • Pay in your preferred currency – You can often choose your home currency at checkout, which helps you avoid surprises and makes budgeting for your trip much simpler.
Browse the Best Tours on GetYourGuide Here!

Why We Book Tours with Viator

Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:

  • Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
  • Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
  • Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
  • Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
  • Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Visit the Viator Website Read Our Viator Review(Add link)

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What’s an eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital version of a SIM card. Instead of buying a little plastic chip and swapping it into your phone, you just download it. It connects your phone to a local network in whatever country you’re visiting — no stores, no waiting, and no fiddling with tiny cards.

In simple terms, it’s the easiest way to get data and stay connected while traveling.

We’ve tested a bunch of eSIMs in North America, and after a few frustrating experiences, we’ve found our favorite — Airalo. It’s fast, reliable, and incredibly easy to use. You can set it up in minutes (even my mom managed it solo on her first try!), and the prices are some of the best out there.

đŸ”¥ Hot Tip: Choose the Europe-wide eSIM! It works across multiple countries, so you can hop from France to Italy to Spain without ever losing connection. One download, endless adventures. 

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Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.

SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.

SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind.

Book Your Travel Insurance Here!