Hiring a Car in Europe: Essentials for UK Travelers
You can find everything you need to know about car hire in Europe on this page - whether you are looking for the ideal destination or tips on how to rent abroad. SIXT is at home in Europe. And with our expansive network of car hire branches, extensive selection of vehicles for rent and helpful, English-speaking staff, we offer you the choice, flexibility and convenience that you need so that you can focus on having fun on your Europe trip. If you're hoping to drive one-way and/ or back to the UK - head to our one way car hire in Europe page for more details.
Yes, you can use your UK licence to hire cars in Europe. If you have been in the EU for an extended period of time then your UK licence may no longer be valid. Please check the UK government website for more information.
While you have to be 21 to hire a car in the UK, in many European countries, including France, Spain and Germany, you can book rental cars from as young as 18. The minimum age varies by country so it is best to check our rental information page for information specific to the country where you wish to hire a car. Often a young driver fee will also apply for drivers under the age of 25.
Yes, you are able to use your hire car across Europe – particularly important if you are planning an extended holiday. Please inform us when you book if you plan to drive your hire car in a different country to the one where you pick it up. You will need to pay a small fee to use your car in multiple countries. Enter your pick-up country on our rental information page for more detailed information.
Yes, you can take pick up your hire car in the UK and drive it in in Europe. A charge will apply when using your car abroad which is calculated depending on the number of days. Visit our rental information page to see more detailed information about using your UK car hire in Europe.
Yes, it’s possible to pick a car up at one branch and return it to another, be it in the same or a different European country. Please visit our rental information page to see how much it costs to book a one-way rental between two countries in Europe.
We have a wide selection of both manual and automatic cars in our fleet all across Europe. If you are used to driving an automatic car then please use the filter on the car select screen to see all of the automatic vehicles available.
Cross-Border and Travel Guide for Car Hire in Europe
SIXT makes cross‑border driving straightforward — just check a few essentials before you set off so your trip is smooth and worry‑free. Below are the key points UK drivers need to know about permitted destinations, authorisation, documents and support.
- Permitted destinations & vehicle limits: Some countries, vehicle types (especially sports/luxury cars) and ferry travel may be restricted. Confirm allowed countries for your hire when you collect the car.
- Documents: Bring your full UK driving licence, a DVLA check code or printed record, and your passport. Non‑Roman licences may need an IDP or official translation.
- Payment & deposit: A credit card in the main driver’s name is usually required for the deposit. Debit cards are accepted only in specific cases.
- Insurance & responsibility: Your rental agreement shows cover and any excess. Check how cover applies abroad and choose extra protection if needed.
- Tolls & permits: You’re responsible for tolls, vignettes and restricted‑zone fines (e.g. ZTLs). SIXT can help with any related administration.
- Border checks: Schengen/EU borders are generally open, but checks can occur. Carry your documents at all times.
- Breakdown support: SIXT provides 24/7 roadside assistance and can arrange a replacement vehicle where available and appropriate.
Before you go: Confirm permitted destinations, vehicle eligibility, required documents and card/deposit arrangements with SIXT at booking or collection.
Plan ahead — rules can change across borders. Check country-specific guidance on our Driving Tips pages below before you travel.
- Left vs right: Are you comfortable driving on the other side of the road? Consider an automatic if you normally drive a manual — it can help you adapt faster.
- Speed limits: Know typical limits before you drive. Motorway limits in many European countries are higher than the UK (120–130 km/h common; some countries allow 140 km/h; Germany has unrestricted sections). Urban limits are usually around 50 km/h.
- Mandatory equipment: Carry items commonly required in Europe — high-visibility vest, warning triangle, and a headlight beam converter if driving a UK-spec car. Requirements vary by country.
- Winter rules: Winter tyres or snow chains may be legally required in some countries during specified months or in snowy conditions.
- Documents & insurance: Carry your driving licence, vehicle registration (or rental agreement), and proof of insurance. Check if any additional documents are needed for cross-border travel.
- Local laws: Confirm any other mandatory items or behaviours (for example, drinking laws, child seat rules, tolls, and vignettes).
| Country | Cross border travel allowed? | Additional information | Driving Tips and regulations | Age requirement for car hire at SIXT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
France | ✅ Yes | Most standard vehicles permitted.No extra documents required. | 18 (+2 years already holding your license) | |
Italy | ✅ Yes | Most standard vehicles permitted. No extra documents required. | 18 (+1 year already holding your license) | |
Germany | ✅ Yes | Most standard vehicles permitted. No extra documents required. | 18 | |
Spain | ✅ Yes | Most standard vehicles permitted. No extra documents required. | 18 | |
Switzerland | ✅ Yes | Usually no special fees. A motorway vignette is required for driving on highways. | 20 (+1 year already holding your license) | |
Netherlands | ✅ Yes | Most standard vehicles permitted. No extra documents required. | 21 (+2 year already holding your license) |
For hring cars in other countries, please refer to our rental information to find out more—or just ask one of our friendly branch agents when you pick up your car.
One-way car hire in Europe with SIXT
With SIXT, planning your European road trip is easy! Traveling across borders during your one-way car hire is possible—just keep in mind that a one-way car hire fee may apply unless otherwise noted during the booking process, and there may be some travel restrictions depending on the car category.
If you have questions at pickup, our branch managers are always happy to help. You’ll also find details about one-way fees and border-crossing rules in our rental information and one-way car hire pages.
You can book your hired car for pickup at any of our airport or downtown locations, and many branches offer 24-hour drop-off. Need to change your plans? No problem — you can easily update your reservation and choose a different pickup or drop-off location to suit your needs.
Special Offers
Before you book, have a look at our latest car hire deals and start planning your European road trip now!
Tips for renting a car in Europe
Travel in the low or shoulder seasons to find the cheapest rates; summer and the Christmas period are typically the busiest and most expensive. Book as early as possible—especially for peak-season travel and popular routes—to lock in better prices and vehicle choice. If traveling in winter or mountainous areas, check local rules: many countries require winter tires or that you carry snow chains, and the Alps often have strict equipment or seasonal tire regulations. Finally, confirm with the rental company about winter policy, extra fees for snow equipment, and any regional driving restrictions before you go.
How to book a European car hire with SIXT
Planning & Location
1. Choose your pick-up location and travel dates
2. Check cross-border travel regulations and drop-off rules
Vehicle & Documentation
3. Select the right vehicle category for your needs
4. Select protection options, add-ons, or additional drivers if needed
5. Confirm you have required documents (ID, driving licence, IDP if needed, payment card)
Booking & Travel
6. Review additional fees (one-way, cross-border, young driver charges)
7. Complete your booking and receive confirmation
8. Collect your vehicle and enjoy your European adventure with SIXT
Find a SIXT rent a car location near you in Europe
Discover convenient SIXT locations across Europe for your rental car needs. Whatever your needs, whether you are looking for a rental car or need to pop in and ask a question whilst on the road, we are with you every step of your journey.
What payment methods are available with SIXT?
Paying for your SIXT car hire in Europe is easy and secure.
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are widely accepted and often required, especially at pick-up. However, there may be limitations in certain regions or stations. The card needs to be in the main driver's name for the rental.
Additional payment methods, such as debit cards and digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, may be accepted in some locations. PayPal is also available for online prepayments. Prepaid cards and cash are not accepted.
Restrictions may apply based on country and vehicle class. You can find out more on our payment methods FAQs.
| Accepted Payment Methods | Info |
|---|---|
Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) | Required for most car hires; must be in the driver’s name |
Debit Cards | Accepted in some countries for certain vehicle classes (check local terms) |
Prepaid Cards | ❌ Not accepted |
Digital Wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) | ✅ Accepted at some SIXT rental stations |
PayPal (Online bookings only) | ✅ Available on SIXT.com for advance payments |
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