Prepare for rental cars and local journeys with confidence

• Vehicle class, pickup and return locations, rental period and included services all contribute to the total price.
• The deposit, excess, fuel policy and additional drivers are specified in the contract.
• Driving licence, ID and payment method depend on the rental company, driver and destination country.
• The vehicle’s condition, fuel level, mileage and existing equipment are recorded at handover.
• The first drive connects the pickup station, parking area and your first destination.
• For journeys across national borders, check the contract terms and traffic rules in the destination country.

A car offers flexibility when you have several destinations in one day or want to visit remote places. In city centres, however, parking, traffic and daily journeys can take extra time. You can compare travel options and transport for your planned route; for travel between the airport and your accommodation, transfers and public transport are also options.

Pickup often begins after collecting your luggage and making your way to the rental desk or car park. That is why the arrival terminal, meeting point and opening hours should be included in the same schedule as your airport arrival. Your first destination and suitable accommodation at your destination give your first drive a clear endpoint.

Before booking, check the contract for the vehicle class, rental period, mileage allowance, deposit, excess, fuel policy and additional drivers. Additional services and the total price should be clearly itemised. In the EU, motor third-party liability insurance is included in the rental price; other types of insurance may cover additional risks. EU consumer rules require clear information and fair contract terms, while cancellations are governed by the rental agreement.

Have your ID, driving licence, booking confirmation and any documents required for the destination country ready when collecting the car. Passports and personal documents and entry documents cover different parts of the trip. If you are driving across a border, the countries you are allowed to visit, insurance cover and return requirements must all comply with the booked agreement.

Before setting off, record any visible damage, fuel level, mileage and existing accessories together with the vehicle handover report. Adjust the lights, seat, mirrors and navigation while the vehicle is stationary. If road signs or the road layout are unfamiliar, it is better to take a short break than to search for information on the go. Make sure you can locate the first-aid kit and breakdown equipment in the vehicle; required equipment varies by country.

Keep the address, booking details, rental company’s contact information and breakdown assistance details accessible even without mobile service. Travel documents saved digitally can be made available offline; luggage and hand luggage should be stowed securely in the car. If several people will be driving, agree on breaks, driver changes and the first route in advance. If you are unfamiliar with the route, it helps to keep the first leg short and begin longer drives only afterwards. This gives you time to get used to the vehicle, road layout and local practices.

Driving time, weather, daylight, breaks and your own driving experience all affect how long each leg should be. Time buffers, contacts and a Plan B are useful if you need to change your route. Fuel, tolls, parking and possible extra charges should be included in your travel funds and daily budget.

For the return, the location, time, fuel policy, vehicle condition and key handover are decisive. Keep handover receipts and invoices until the contract has been settled. For the final leg without a car, consider train travel. In the event of an accident or breakdown, follow the provider’s emergency and contact details as well as local requirements; staying safe on the road starts with accessible contacts and the necessary documents. You can organise practical travel information by documents, money and travel needs.

Is there an automatic 14-day right of withdrawal when booking a rental car in the EU?

No. In the EU, there is no automatic 14-day right of withdrawal for rental cars booked online, by phone or by email. Whether cancellation is free or subject to a fee depends on the terms of the individual rental agreement.