Europe Car Rental
Rent. Drive. Explore Europe with SIXT.
Renting a Car in Europe: Essentials for U.S. Travelers
Planning a car rental in Europe? With SIXT, renting a car in Europe is a convenient way to explore the continent—but there are a few things U.S. travelers need to know.
To rent a car in Europe with SIXT, you’ll need a valid U.S. driver’s license and passport. In many countries, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required by law. In most cases, you’ll also need a credit card in the main driver’s name at pick-up. Please make sure to take your physical papers with you when coming to pick up your car rental.
For city driving in Rome or Paris, compact cars like the VW Polo or Renault Clio are perfect for narrow streets and tight parking. In mountainous regions such as the Alps or Dolomites, diesel wagons or SUVs provide extra power and all-wheel drive for safety, especially in winter. Families or groups benefit from our multi seater-vans. SIXT offers the whole range of car models for your need and additionally premium electric models.
Yes, in several countries. It’s inexpensive and helps avoid fines—get it in your home country before you travel.
Yes, but expect a daily young driver fee. Age limits also vary for certain vehicle types. You can find detailed information by country for the minimum age in our rental information.
Yes, they are available. Be sure to select an automatic when booking—manual is still standard in much of Europe. You can also check with our agents in the branch who will make sure you have an automatic.
Yes, but only at some SIXT locations, and with additional ID. A credit card is the smoothest option.
Cross-Border and Travel Guide for Car Rental in Europe
Traveling across European borders with your SIXT rental? Here’s what U.S. travelers need to know about permitted countries, authorizations, fees, and essential documents to keep your trip smooth and worry-free.
- Vehicle Restrictions: Luxury and sports cars typically cannot be taken across borders. Please confirm eligibility at pick-up.
- Required Documents: Your SIXT rental agreement with cross-border authorization, valid U.S. driver’s license, passport, and International Driving Permit (if applicable). Your protection options are included in your rental agreement and you can choose the options that fit best your needs.
- Border Checks: Within the European Union, borders are usually open, but random checks occur. Remember to always carry your documents with you.
- SIXT Support: 24/7 roadside assistance and local support are available. Replacement vehicles can be arranged if needed abroad (conditions apply).
| Country | Cross border travel allowed? | Additional information | Driving Tips and regulations | Age requirement for car rental 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 | |
United Kingdom | ✅ With Ferry / Ferry permission required | Notify SIXT; ferry permission required. | 21 (+1 year already holding your license) | |
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 rentals 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 rent a car 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 rental 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 rentals in Europe pages.
You can book your rental 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 rental deals and start planning your European road trip now!
Find a SIXT rent a car location near you in Europe
Your next rental car is closer than you think. We are happy to assist you with superior customer service and one of the best car rental fleets in Europe. Pick the country in which you are located and discover our car rental branches near you.
What payment methods are available with SIXT?
Paying for your SIXT car rental 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 rentals; 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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