About to embark on your Europe road trip but not sure how to get around? While there are plenty of public transportation options, sometimes the best way to explore is on the road by car!
Whether to visit some fairy tales castles or just road tripping through the best medieval towns of the continent, renting and driving a car in Europe is pretty straightforward. Check out our top tips below on what to expect while hitting the road.
Keep an Eye on Common Speed Limits
There are general speed limits to be followed in Europe. The general speed limit for motorways ranges from 120 to 130 km/h. On country roads, the average ranges from 80 to 90 km/h. So it’s best to keep track of the slight variations if you’re crossing borders. You can find a list of the most up-to-date speed limits here.
Don’t Forget your International Driving License
If you’re traveling to Europe and outside the Schengen zone, it’s best to have an International Driving Permit. The IDP is an official document that certifies your home driver’s license in 10 languages.
If you’re traveling from the US, you’ll need an IDP. You can apply through the official website here. It’s possible to complete the form by mail or delivering into an AAA branch. There’s a fee of $20, and it takes around two weeks to process.
This makes it valid in over 150 countries. However, it’s important to note that this is not a substitute. You’ll need both forms of documentation to secure a car rental.
Prepare a Credit Card (for deposit)
Most car rentals will require you to pay a deposit holding on the car during the rental period. It’s taken as security to safeguard the rental supplier in case of any damages. However, taking this out with a credit card provides greater protection for you and the car rental company.
The deposit is blocked, meaning the card is not charged. If you need to pay with a debit card, then the fee is withdrawn then refunded. Make sure that your credit card has a high limit so the payment can be blocked. Car rental deposits can range from Є300-1500, depending on your insurance.
When and When not Take Toll Roads
Toll roads are paid motorways that exist across most countries in Europe. They tend to make a journey quicker than taking country roads. There are three ways in which it can be paid. A vignette that allows cars to use the network or electronic tags that pay tolls automatically when passing through control points by a booth at the end of the trip.
Make sure you ask for the last option during your car rental upon check-in. Unfortunately, you can’t book this in advance and only at the desk before you embark on your hire.
If you want our insider suggestion, toll roads are used mostly for speed. Non-toll roads are the ones to take for beauty to enjoy the natural scenery. If you have a bit more time on your hands, always opt to go toll-free.
Understand Special Road Signs
Members of the European Union have a standardized set of signs and signals for road signs, so it’s easy to understand when you’re on the road. However, if you want to check what these areas might differ slightly from your home destination, then there is a list you can view here.
Mind the Speed Cameras
Speed cameras are essential for regulating areas where crashes are concentrated on specific road sections. Speed cameras can be visible or hidden, so it’s best to be aware of these while driving in Europe and look out for alerts. One way you can detect these is by downloading the app Waze.
The app has a system that alerts you to speed cameras on your route. It’s a legal and effective way of being aware of speed cameras on your journey. You can find a list of the most permanently installed speed cameras in Europe here. Italy has the most, so be extra cautious if you’re exploring the Tuscan roads!
Understand Rental Car Categories
When you rent a car, you might not always get the exact car that you booked. This is because rental companies put cars into categories instead of specific models. However, it’s reasonably easy to understand the difference in sizes. The classes are as follows:
- Economy – The smallest and most affordable car model
- Compact – A smaller model but generally of better quality.
- Intermediate – Normally, a car with at least five doors and the space to carry four people. It’s perfect for families!
- SUV – Perfect for those looking to go offroad and need a car with a bit more power!
- People carriers- 8-12 person cars. Normally MB Vitos or small minibusses.
No Turn Right at Red Traffic Lights
While traffic lights have the same colors, the rules are a little different in North America. One of the most significant rule changes is turning on a red light. In North America, you’re allowed to turn so long as there is no oncoming traffic.
However, in Europe, you must not turn until the light turns green. Also, be aware of where these are located. Lights in Europe are located on the side of the intersection. So make sure you stop with another distance to be able to see these clearly.
The Right (or Left) Hand Side of the Road
About two-thirds of countries in the world drive on the right-hand side of the road. This includes the USA, China, and Russia. The reason for doing so is historical, so don’t expect it to change anytime soon!
You can check out this infographic globe map to work out which countries drive on the right-hand side. Most European nations fall into this category. The most common places include France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Croatia, Greece, Switzerland, and Ukraine. On the other hand, places such as the UK, Ireland, and Malta drive on the left side.
How to Choose the Right Rental Company?
It’s essential to consider the reputation of a car rental company when picking which one to hire with. One of the best ways to do this is by reading rental car companies online reviews before making your final decision.
Be sure to consider the customer care services of car rental companies too when making a decision. For example, if you have an accident on the road, you’ll want to ensure you have a reliable company to assist you with the initial processes.
Always Check your Warning Triangle and Reflective Jacket
A warning triangle is a sign put on the side of the road by anyone to signal other drivers of a breakdown or crash. It’s around 600mm in size and is made of reflective material.
All car rentals must include this and a reflective jacket inside a car if you have an accident on the road. So make sure you check for this in your car rental before heading out.
Also, Check the First Aid Kit for Cars
It’s always essential to have a first aid kit inside your car. However, you should check this with your car rental provider as not all may supply these in your rental contract. If you’re looking for a good guide for the best kits to keep in your vehicle that is well-stocked, we’d suggest reading this guide here.
Alternatively, if you want to make the kit yourself, these will act as a good guide for all the necessary amenities.
Read well What is Covered by the Insurance Provider
Typically, rental cars come with three basic types of coverage for car rentals: damager cover, theft cover, and third-party cover. When booking a car, there will be a standardized offer in your deal.
Unfortunately, all of these come with an excess which you have to pay. Make sure you read the contract carefully, as certain elements aren’t included. However, it’s possible to buy additional coverage to cover what’s not included in your excess.
Pay Attention to Low Emission Zone
Low Emission Zones are areas within cities or towns that have various restrictions to control pollution levels. It’s a concept that is growing fast in Europe. In fact, eleven different countries have already enforced the greener space concept.
These countries include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden. They all have a range of restrictions in place to control pollution. For example, Lisbon, the capital in Portugal, has areas where only the least polluting vehicles are allowed on the road.
Also, as a general rule, the older the car, the more likely it is to be prohibited. So if you’re renting a car and driving in Europe through a lot of cities, be sure to check its up-to-date and eco-sustainable model.
Don’t Panic in Case of an Accident
If you have (hopefully not) an accident in a rental car, the handling process is similar to what you’d do in a collision with your vehicle. The most critical step at first is to ensure that everyone is okay.
After this, be sure to exchange contact information if you collide with another driver. You should also document the accident with notes and pictures. After this, you should contact your car rental company.
Most provide a 24hr roadside assistance number to handle these, and they’ll be able to give direction on how to proceed. You should also contact your own insurance company after the accident, especially if you need to claim damage. It’s always essential to ensure you have some sort of insurance when hiring a car.
What to Know about European Roads
Europe has some of the most highly regarded roads in the world. That’s because they are built to last for more extended periods of time and to carry considerably heavier traffic such as lorries for transportation.
Did you know that Germany has so much confidence in the roads that they operate without speed limits? Road maintenance is a considerable part of EU Road Safety, and so this is carefully monitored in most countries. But, of course, you might not expect the same quality on country roads where less maintenance is enforced.
How to Fuel in Petrol Station
Petrol stations are pretty straightforward in Europe. Most are ‘self-service,’ however. So the period payment system can be a little bit different.
We suggest the best method is to follow the suit of others filling in the station. But, if you’re unsure, then don’t be afraid to ask. We always suggest learning a few words if they speak a different language to help you out if you’re on the country roads.
Bonus: Untold Tips about Driving in Europe
Always say on the right, look at least twice before passing, roundabouts are useful, avoid city centers.
Another top tip during your Europe itinerary is to always stay on the right side of a motorway. Even in a three-way lane, unless you’re passing a car, you always have to keep on the right side.
If you do decide to overtake someone, be sure to look twice before passing. Cars can come up behind you quickly, especially on motorways, and you may not have time to pass before someone comes up behind you.
Parking Tips
Finally, we thought we’d leave you with some helpful parking tips for parking your rental car.
First, make sure you learn what the pavement signs mean in the country you’re traveling to. Then, you may need to get a timed ticket or pay-and-display if they have one close by.
Also, check what the rules are in city centers. Some offer free parking on a Sunday, so this might be the best time to explore historical centers without paying a price premium for it!
So now you’ve got all the expert tips on hand for renting and driving a car in Europe, it’s time to embark on your road trip adventure in Europe! There are for example exciting road trips in France and Germany. Get your inspiration for your travel plans in Europe and decide!
We’d suggest bookmarking this guide so that you always have the tips handy while you’re on the road.
Enjoy the ride!
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