Driving in Europe: 10 tips to cruise through it
Most road signs in Europe are easier to figure out than this confusing assortment in Antwerp. Credit: Rick Steves / Rick Steves' Europe
Even with Europe's super-efficient public transportation system, there are times when it makes sense to rent a car. Having your own wheels is ideal for getting to more remote or rural places (that aren't covered as well by public transportation): England's Cotswolds, Norway's fjord country, Spain's Picos de Europa mountains, France's Normandy beaches, Tuscan hill towns.... Here are 10 things to know before you hit the road:
1 Bring your license and a credit card, even if you don't plan on driving in Europe
That way it's easy to rent a car for a day on a whim (and about $50-$100). Your U.S. license generally works just fine. While some countries (e.g., Austria, Italy and Spain) say they require you to also have an International Driving Permit (an official translation of your license, easy to get at AAA offices in the United States), car rental companies don't care about an IDP, and I have never bothered to get one.
2 Arrange your car rental before leaving home
Prices can vary dramatically, depending on the month, country and rental company. Shop around. The cheapest company for rental in one country might be the most expensive in the next. For trips of three weeks or longer, leasing is cheaper. I generally go with a big-name company because it can make it easier to resolve any problems.
3 Brush up on your shifting skills
Manual transmissions are the norm in Europe. Automatics are pricier (about 50 percent more) and may be available only if you arrange it well in advance and/ or upgrade to a bigger car.
4 Check the location and hours of your pickup and drop-off choices
Smaller offices (even in big cities) typically close on Saturday afternoons, Sundays and holidays. Offices routinely have a key box and let you drop off your car after hours.
5 Reconfirm your plans
When filming my public-television show in Ireland, I took a minute to call Avis in England to reconfirm our car pickup the next day at the ferry dock in North Wales. The man at Avis said, "Right-tee-o, Mr. Steves, we'll have your car waiting for you, noon tomorrow, at Heathrow Airport." No, at North Wales! "Oh, sorry, Mr. Steves. It's good you called ahead."
6 Go one-way
If I'm starting my trip in a major city like Paris, I take the train to an easier- to-navigate smaller town (such as Chartres) to pick up my rental. Then, when I'm ready to fly home, I drop the car at the airport lot. An easy "one-way" rental like this is typically free within the same country (Germany and Portugal are the main exceptions). If you'll be crossing borders, ask about the costs before pinning down your itinerary, as dropping off in another country can trigger a hefty extra fee.
7 Know your insurance options
Baseline rates for European rentals nearly always include basic, mandated liability coverage -- for accident- related damage to anyone or anything outside the car. It's (usually) up to you, however, to decide how to cover the risk of damage to or theft of the car itself. You have three main options: buy a "collision damage waiver" (CDW) through the car-rental company (easiest but most expensive), use your credit card's coverage (cheapest -- but check coverage limitations with your credit card company), or get collision insurance as part of a larger travel-insurance policy.
8 Filling the tank abroad is like filling it at home
Except it's euros and liters rather than dollars and gallons (figure four liters to a gallon). The cost of fuel in Europe (about $8 a gallon) sounds worse than it is. Distances are short, and European cars get great mileage.
9 Beware of photo speed traps and restricted driving zones in old-town centers
Just because there was no police car in sight doesn't mean you weren't caught. You might not find out about the infraction until months later, when a letter arrives in your mail and/or a charge shows up on your credit card. Also, don't drink and drive -- Europe takes its DUI laws seriously, and so should you.
10 Enjoy the freedom of a car
Places accessible only by car typically have fewer tourists and more locals. If you glimpse a cute hill town, you can stop. If a town's hotels are booked, you can drive to the next town. Behind the wheel, you have a freedom that train travelers only dream of.
