Posted on April 28, 2009 by Fiona Hilliard

This week’s Tip of the Week question comes from Argus Car Hire customer Paul Graham.

Paul Says:

Hi there,

I’m just wondering whether it is possible to drive a rental car from one European country to another. My wife and I are weighing up the idea of a road trip across Europe this July. Nothing is set in stone yet but we’re hoping to include cities such as Berlin, Budapest and Vienna. Before we book anything, I’d like to know about the laws regarding driving from one country to another and whether I will have to pay extra if I drop off the rental car at a different location?

I appreciate your help.
Paul

Editor Says:

Hi Paul

A road trip across Europe with a rental car is easy these days thanks to the Schengen Agreement.  This agreement means you can enter Schengen countries using a European Schengen visa without having to go through passport control. 

You didn’t say how long you plan on visiting, but if you anticipate a longer trip, you’ll find the visa will cover your stay for 90 days.

Those travelling from the United States, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Venezuela and New Zealand are free to enter without a visa.  Croatians are allowed entry by showing their identity card. 

A word of warning- if you are visiting from a non-Schengen country such as Britain, be prepared for long queues with extensive waiting times. 

As of April 2009, the 25 Schengen countries are: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Now, in answer to the second part of your question – if you plan to return your car to the same point as your pick-up location, you shouldn’t have to pay anything extra.  However, if you’re returning your car to a location that isn’t where you picked up your rental car, then you’ll be subject to a standard one-way charge (note, you would have to pay this anyway if you stayed in the same country).  Don’t forget to check that we cover all of the destinations that you wish to visit. 

Another important thing to ensure is that your driving license is recognised in the countries you plan on visiting.  If you’re travelling outside of the EU you should consider applying for an International Driving Permit (IDP) which acts as a translation of your license in 10 languages and is honoured in over 150 countries.

Hope this helps with your query. 

Just back from a driving holiday in Europe?  Maybe you have some advice.  Share your tips with us using the comment box below. 

Got a question for our Tip of the Week Section?  Email us at news@arguscarhire.com