Start with the route
Work out which days and places genuinely need a car.
CAR RENTAL
Take the road on your terms.
Compare rental cars with transfers and local transport. Plan pickup, driving days, parking, tolls and rental-cover questions before booking.
BEST FORRoad trips and destinations where driving gives more freedom
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BEST FOR
Road trips and destinations where driving gives more freedom
USEFUL WHEN
Your itinerary includes several stops outside city centres
WHAT TO CHECK
Deposit, insurance, mileage, fuel policy & pickup conditions
THE SERVICE
When does renting a car make sense?
A car helps most when your itinerary includes several stops beyond your base that are awkward to reach by public transport or organised tours. For a walkable city stay, airport transfers, trains, and metro lines are usually faster and cheaper.
List the journeys you genuinely want to make. Compare renting for your entire stay versus renting only for the specific days you plan to explore outside the city. Include fuel, parking, tolls, and pickup logistics in your comparison.
IS IT FOR YOU?
Should you collect the car at the airport or in the city?
Compare the complete arrival plan rather than just the daily rate. Airport desks offer convenience if you are driving directly to your first destination outside the city. However, airport surcharges and downtown traffic may make collecting a car later in your trip more economical.
Check whether the rental desk is inside the terminal or requires a shuttle bus to an off-site depot. If your flight is delayed, confirm whether the supplier will hold the vehicle and what contact procedure is required.
FROM IDEA TO ARRIVAL
How it works
Compare the agreement
Check payment, mileage limits, excess and permitted roads.
Confirm the handover
Inspect the vehicle, take photos and save return instructions.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
How do you plan realistic road-trip days?
Add buffer time for scenic stops, meals, parking, and accommodation check-ins. A route that looks short on a map can take significantly longer on winding coastal or mountain roads.
Group nearby destinations on the same day rather than retracing your steps. Check seasonal road conditions and verify whether ferries or border crossings are permitted under your rental contract.
BOOK WITH CONTEXT
What should you check before driving abroad?
Check national driving requirements well before departure. Many destinations outside your home region require an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original driving licence.
Confirm the driver eligibility rules for your supplier, including minimum age requirements and young-driver surcharges. Verify permitted roads: standard rental contracts often exclude unpaved roads and off-road driving.
WHEN IT MAKES SENSE
What do excess, deposit and additional cover mean?
Understand the distinction between excess liability and security deposits. The excess is the maximum amount you may owe in case of damage or theft, while the deposit is a temporary hold placed on your payment card at pickup.
Read the supplier’s cover terms carefully. A "Full Coverage" product from a broker or comparison platform reimburses eligible costs, but the local rental desk will still require a security deposit on a credit card at collection.
THINGS TO CHECK
What about parking, tolls and fuel?
Choose a full-to-full fuel policy whenever available to avoid inflated refueling charges. Inquire with your accommodation about parking availability and check whether electronic toll transponders are provided.
Looking for peer-to-peer or marketplace vehicle hire? Explore our GetRentacar guide for alternative rental formats.
BEFORE YOU GO
A useful collection and return checklist
At pickup, walk around the vehicle with the rental agent, photographing and videoing every existing scratch, dent, and wheel scuff before driving off. Verify the fuel gauge reading and ensure all damage is recorded on the condition report.
At drop-off, return the vehicle with the agreed fuel level and obtain a signed return receipt or clear photographic evidence of the odometer and exterior. Retain all rental paperwork until your deposit hold is released.
BEFORE YOU DECIDE
Your questions, answered.
What is the difference between excess and deposit?
The excess is your maximum financial liability if the car is damaged or stolen. The deposit is a temporary hold on your credit card taken by the rental desk at pickup to cover potential incidental costs.
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
It depends on your destination and your home country licence. Many European and international countries require an IDP alongside your national licence. Always verify destination requirements before traveling.
What happens if my flight is delayed for airport car pickup?
Always enter your flight number when booking. In the event of a delay, contact the rental desk immediately using the phone number on your voucher to ensure the vehicle is held past your scheduled collection time.
THE NEXT STEP IS YOURS
Does renting a car
fit your trip?
Review current availability, vehicle models, and full rental conditions before making a decision.
Compare rental cars with Discover Cars →
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