Europe One-Way Rental Car with SIXT
Have an adventure of a lifetime on a Europe road trip with a one-way car rental from SIXT. Renting a one-way car rental is available in most popular cities across Europe, making it simple to start and end your trip where you would like to. Whether you are planning on a journey that takes place over a few days, or a few weeks, you are going to experience some fascinating cultures and breath-taking sights. Book your European travel now and pick your rental car in any of our airport or downtown locations.
How to Reserve a Car Rental One Way
Booking a car rental one-way with SIXT is quick and easy:
1. Start your booking by entering your pick-up and drop-off locations.
2. Choose your rental dates and select the vehicle category that suits your needs.
3. SIXT will automatically show you availability details.
4. Complete your booking online and get ready for a smooth pick-up and drop-off experience.
The benefits of a one-way car rental
FAQs
When you return your SIXT rental car at a different station from where you picked it up — whether within the same country or across European borders — a one-way fee applies. This fee varies by route and vehicle category and will be shown during booking.
Driving through Europe is easy, but tolls, vignettes, and local road rules vary by country. Some highways require toll payments or stickers (e.g., Austria, Switzerland) and low-emission zones have special requirements. Always check SIXT’s Europe travel info and country-specific rules before your trip, and ensure you have permission to cross borders with your rental.
To get the best price on a Europe one-way rental with SIXT, book early, compare pick-up and drop-off locations, and choose economy or compact categories. The booking engine will show available routes and any one-way fees up front, so planning ahead often avoids high last-minute charges.
SIXT generally requires drivers to be at least 18 years old, but many vehicle categories and countries have higher minimum ages (often 21+ with a year of driving experience) and may include a young driver surcharge for drivers under 25. Always check age rules for your pick-up country and car class before booking.

Europe one way car rental cross boarder driving zones
We provide vehicles for travel across Europe with specific entry restrictions based on vehicle categories and destination zones:
- Luxury Class Elite, Special Class, Upper Class Elite Vans, Premium Class Elite Vans, Special Cars from Luxury Class Elite, and all Sports & Luxury Cars can travel only to countries in Zone I (See the table for a detailed breakdown of country zones).
- Premium, Premium Elite, and Luxury Class passenger cars, Special Cars up to and including Premium Elite class, as well as all vans and trucks can travel to countries in Zones 1 and 2.
- All other vehicle categories can travel to countries in Zones 1, 2, and 3.
- Entry into Zone 4 countries is not permitted with any SIXT vehicle.
- Leaving the European continent is prohibited, including travel to the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla.
Local transport of the vehicle by ferry is permitted, subject to the aforementioned entry restrictions. For questions about qualifying vehicles and travel restrictions, contact the branch where you wish to pick up your rental car.
| PICK-UP ZONE | CAN DRIVE IN |
|---|---|
Zone 1 | Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain and Vatican City |
Zone 2 | Croatia, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia |
Zone 3 | Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania |
Zone 4 | All countries not in Zones 1, 2, or 3 |
Popular car rental locations 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.
The best European one way road trip routes
If you have not planned your one-way road trip yet SIXT has some great options for you below.
1. The Grand Tour: France > Switzerland > Italy
French Riviera through Swiss Alps and lakeside Geneva to Lake Como and Turin
This ultimate European road trip is certainly the ideal way to explore Alpine Europe in your SIXT car rental. Pick up your vehicle from your preferred French Riviera destination and begin this cross-country road trip of a lifetime.
After navigating this French region, explore Embrun and then make your way north to the Swiss city of Geneva where you can spend a day or two exploring the cafés and shops. As this road trip can be tailored to your interests, you can next head to historic and culture-rich Lucerne , or the adventure-sports capital Interlaken depending on what you prefer. Those looking to see it all can visit both, as each offers extraordinary experiences.
For the final leg of the journey in your hire car, be sure to have your camera at the ready as you make the descent south into Italy through the mountains. Steep winding roads will lead you to the stunning shores of Lake Como where you can either relax with some fine food or try out water-sports like windsurfing. The last stop is Turin, a hidden gem amongst popular Italian cities, where you can enjoy the immense atmosphere at a Juventus F.C. soccer game and hand in your keys to the SIXT Turin station.

2. One Way Car Rental Spain
Barcelona to Seville via Mediterranean coast and Sierra Nevada
Offering travelers plenty of sun, sea, and sangria, Spain is an ideal tourism location for many. However, with a SIXT rental car, you can take the road less traveled and see the hidden Spain not many get the chance to witness. Beginning in Barcelona, pick up your car rental and explore this vibrant city in style. Choose a rental convertible when driving along the coast, and the whole road trip experience is made so much better. Next, drive south towards Valencia, stopping to take in the ancient city of Tarragona which is a distinct hidden gem. Once in Valencia, you can enjoy both old and new architecture from the historic Cathedral to the modern Oceanogràfic aquarium.
For the next part of the journey, enjoy a scenic and serene drive in your rental car over the Sierra Nevada mountain range and drop into Granada. Another city which is worth a visit is Malaga, where Picasso was born. For the final leg of the journey, you will see the peninsula of Gibraltar, Benahavis, and Ronda before making your final stop in Seville. This road trip is a fantastic alternative to your normal family vacation and can span however long you want depending on your plans.

3. One way car rental in Germany
Würzburg to Füssen through medieval villages and fairytale castles
This once medieval trade route is now an idyllic tour that takes you through historic villages and towns, and past fairytale castles and towers. Named this way for a reason, the Romantic Road shows off traditional Germany, and you can see it all from the comfort of your own SIXT car rental. Start the road trip by picking up your quality rental at Würzburg and be sure to check out the Residenz , one of the most beautiful palaces in Germany.
Drive south to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the most medieval town in Germany which was the inspiration for many Grimm fairytales and stay over in a cute bed and breakfast to savor this charming location. Along your travels south through Bavaria there are many more notable attractions that are both special and unique. Towards the end of your 260-mile road trip, you will come across Neuschwanstein Castle which is one of the most breath-taking castles in the country and offers panoramic views from its mountainside grounds. The final stop is Füssen which is just a few miles north of the Austrian border. The choice is now yours.

4. One way car rental in Italy
Milan to Rome through lakeside beauty, Renaissance cities, and mountain passes
Italian for Thousand Miles, the Mille Miglia is probably the best way to sample Northern Italy in a rental car, although you don't have to make the full thousand-mile trip. Start off by renting your favorite vehicle at the tour start point, the SIXT Milan branch and drive off into the gorgeous Riviera distance. Stopping off at beautiful landmark cities such as Verona, Bologna, and Florence you can sample delicious cuisine and sights. Enjoy a glass of wine by Lake Garda, visit Pozzolengo Castle and cross over the famous Tiberius Bridge on your eventful road trip.
After a breath-taking drive over the Apennine Mountains, your final stop is Rome, where you can hand your car rental back to SIXT Rome and explore this historical and culturally rich capital. If, your stay in Italy is meant to be longer and you want to succeed with this Italian 1000 miles route, get on the road and start exploring the most unknown and yet beauties Italy has to offer, such as The Amalfi Coast, the beautiful beaches and villages of Puglia, the Greek influences of Calabria and, to make this trip perfect, the A rabian , Greek and Spanish influences that Sicily has to offer.

5. One way car rental in Croatia
Ancient Roman sites and Adriatic coast from Zagreb to Dubrovnik's historic walls
Discover the exotic cities and beaches of Croatia in your SIXT rental car. Grab the keys from your handpicked vehicle at any of our prime locations on the coast or inland. You can start in the capital city of Zagreb , or begin your adventure closer to the sea in Pula , the old Roman seaside civilization of Croatia. Take a tour around the 6th biggest Roman Colosseum in the world in Pula or the Temple of Augustus that marks one of the greatest ancient civilizations in the world. You can cruise along the coast and up to Rijeka to continue your exploration into the history of Croatia.
If you’re looking for some fun and excitement, head to Zrće Beach in the city of Novalja next, which is located on an island off the western coast of Croatia, only 2 and a half hours from Rijeka, or a 90-minute drive from Zadar. Continue your excursion to Split and make your way down to Dubrovnik to see the ancient city walls, one of the main film sets for the HBO© series Game of Thrones®. When you’re finished with your trek, no worries! Drop your car off at one of our locations conveniently located at the Dubrovnik Airport, or Hotel Rixos.

6. One way car rental in Eastern Europe
Bucharest to Sibiu via the legendary Transfagarasan mountain pass
Claimed to be the best in the world, this mountain road is definitely something that all driving enthusiasts must experience at least once. After picking up your car rental from Bucharest head to Brasov near Piteçti where the road begins. Make sure you drive cautiously, as the Transfagarasan rises to a height of 2134 meters and has sharp hairpin turns. The road is also closed from October till June due to heavy snow, so be sure to check in advance when you wish to explore it fully. A notable stop-off includes Poenari Castle which was the property of Vlad the Impaler, the main inspiration for Dracula. His fortress rewards you with panoramic views once you have reached the top.
Next, your road trip continues to Vidraru Lake, a tranquil and scenic lake with a tunnel that leads to the highest point of the Transfagarasan and finally to the end near Sibiu. Whether you are on vacation in Romania between June and September or here to test out the greatest road in the world, the Transfagarasan road trip is an amazing and unforgettable experience in a rental car. An ideal option for those who don't like conventional trips.

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