KAYAK’s insights & trends for Southeast Europe car hire
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Southeast Europe with confidence.
How far in advance should you book car hire in Southeast Europe?
You should book your car hire in Southeast Europe around 20 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the most popular rental car in Southeast Europe?
Hires in the Small category (Citroen C3 Aircross or similar) are the most popular option in Southeast Europe, costing 29 €/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as 17 €/day.
What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Southeast Europe?
The cheapest month to hire a car in Southeast Europe is January at an average cost of 17 €/day. August is the most expensive month to hire a car in Southeast Europe when prices are 41 €/day on average, which tends to be 53% above the yearly average hire price for Southeast Europe.
Southeast Europe car rental price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right rental car in Southeast Europe by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
SUV
Van
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
7 € - 34 €
All Car Types
26 € - 71 €
How much does it cost to hire a small car in Southeast Europe?
How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Southeast Europe?
How much does it cost to hire a large car in Southeast Europe?
How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Southeast Europe?
How much does it cost to hire a van in Southeast Europe?
How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Southeast Europe?
How much does it cost to hire a convertible in Southeast Europe?
Small car hire in Southeast Europe typically costs around 16 € per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average 7 € per day, which is about 57% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 57% cheaper than the average car hire in Southeast Europe, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Medium car hire in Southeast Europe typically costs around 48 € per day. The best time to book is April, when prices average 28 € per day, which is about 42% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 23% more expensive than the average car hire in Southeast Europe, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car hire in Southeast Europe typically costs around 74 € per day. The best time to book is April, when prices average 41 € per day, which is about 45% less than the yearly average. Large cars are typically 50% more expensive than the average car hire in Southeast Europe but offer more comfort for longer trips.
SUV hire in Southeast Europe typically costs around 36 € per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average 21 € per day, which is about 42% less than the yearly average. SUVs can be 3% cheaper than the average car hire in Southeast Europe, providing extra space and capability for groups or road trips at a reasonable price.
Van hire in Southeast Europe typically costs around 54 € per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average 34 € per day, which is about 38% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 32% more expensive than the average car hire in Southeast Europe but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Luxury car hire in Southeast Europe typically costs around 70 € per day. The best time to book is March, when prices average 42 € per day, which is about 40% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 48% more expensive than the average car hire in Southeast Europe but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible hire in Southeast Europe typically costs around 35 € per day. The best time to book is April, when prices average 25 € per day, which is about 29% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are surprisingly 6% cheaper than the average car hire in Southeast Europe, providing a rare opportunity for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular agency
Most popular car type
Average price
Good deal
SURPRICE CAR RENTAL
Small
25 €/day
17 €/day
Top tips for hiring a car in Southeast Europe
Athens International Airport (ATH) is the most central international airport in Southeast Europe. The airport is located east of downtown Athens in the Spata-Artemida region and functions as the principal gateway to Greece and the greater Southeast European region. ATH is therefore a suitable location to get a rental car for multiple adventures nearby. The car rental counters are located between Gate 3 and Gate 4 in the arrivals level of the main terminal building. In addition, following the signs for car rental providers will lead you to the available rental cars on the property. The rental cars are parked about 500 meters away from the airport terminals.
Southeast Europe experiences distinct rush hour times that vary from country to country or city to city. Generally, in the mornings, the rush runs from about 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. During this period, commuters and students head to work and school, leading to congested roads. The late afternoon rush hour commences around 5:00 p.m. and lasts until around 7:00 p.m., as people return home. Major cities in the region, including Athens, Istanbul, Bucharest, Sofia, and Belgrade, witness significant traffic jams during these peak hours, making it crucial for visitors to plan their journeys wisely. In addition, be aware of the variations in rush hour times between different cities.
A versatile and dependable compact SUV would be ideal for driving in Southeast Europe. These vehicles are suited to the region's varied topography. Compact SUVs feature high ground clearance and strong suspension systems, allowing them to navigate both urban areas and the region's rougher, unpaved roads found in rural areas. Furthermore, their good fuel economy allows for longer travels without constant refueling, which is especially handy when touring Southeast Europe's wide and attractive landscapes. These SUVs' large interiors provide plenty of space for people and luggage, making them perfect for road trips with family or friends.
The rules regarding car seats and child safety in Southeast Europe may vary slightly from city to city and country to country in the region. Generally, children under the age of 12 and measuring less than 135 cm (53 inches) in height and weighing less than 36 kg (79 lbs.) should be restrained in appropriate child car seats. Infants are usually required to use rear-facing car seats, while older children may use forward-facing seats.
25% of our users found a car hire in Southeast Europe for 17 € or less
Small rental cars in Southeast Europe are around 34% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about hiring a car in Southeast Europe
How much does it cost to rent a car in Southeast Europe?
On average a rental car in Southeast Europe costs 25 € per day.
How can I find car hires near me in Southeast Europe?
Based on car searches on KAYAK, the most popular cities to hire a car in Southeast Europe are Tirana (19% of total searches of users looking to hire a car in Southeast Europe), Zadar (14%) and Corfu (10%).
How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Southeast Europe?
On average a rental car in Southeast Europe costs 177 € per week (25 € per day).
How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Southeast Europe?
On average a rental car in Southeast Europe costs 758 € per month (25 € per day).
Should I rent a car in Southeast Europe?
Renting a car in Southeast Europe will enable you to design personalized routes and make spontaneous stops to discover hidden attractions along the way. In addition, a rental car grants you access to destinations that might not be easily reachable by buses or trains. Some of the captivating attractions in Southeast Europe include Plitvice Lakes National Park, the Acropolis of Athens, and Buda Castle. Moreover, rental cars are viewed as cost-effective for groups or families traveling together, as sharing the rental and fuel expenses can be more economical than purchasing individual public transport tickets.
What is driving like in Southeast Europe?
The driving experience in Southeast Europe varies from country to country, but there are some common features. The region features scenic landscapes and winding roads, which can lead to slower travel times. Speed limits are generally strictly enforced, and drivers are expected to obey them diligently. Generally, in urban areas, speed limits usually range from around 50 to 60 km/h (31 to 37 mph), while on highways and rural roads, they range from around 80 to 100 km/h (50 to 62 mph). It's necessary to be on the lookout for speed limit signs, as they can change frequently.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Southeast Europe?
In Southeast Europe, the minimum age requirement for renting a car varies from country to country and is usually between 21 and 25 years old. However, some rental car companies may have higher age limits or require extra fees for drivers under 25. Additionally, some countries may have specific rules and regulations that affect the minimum age for car rentals. It's crucial to check with the rental car supplier in the specific Southeast European country you plan to visit to confirm the age requirements and any additional rental conditions.
Car rental directory
SURPRICE CAR RENTAL car hire locations in Southeast Europe
89 Locations
Autounion Car Rental car hire locations in Southeast Europe
82 Locations
Sunnycars car hire locations in Southeast Europe
66 Locations
Sixt car hire locations in Southeast Europe
60 Locations
keddy by Europcar car hire locations in Southeast Europe
55 Locations
ABBYCAR car hire locations in Southeast Europe
48 Locations
Enterprise Rent-A-Car car hire locations in Southeast Europe
45 Locations
Europcar car hire locations in Southeast Europe
44 Locations
Hertz car hire locations in Southeast Europe
44 Locations
DISCOUNT.QUEBEC car hire locations in Southeast Europe
40 Locations
Budget car hire locations in Southeast Europe
38 Locations
GREEN MOTION car hire locations in Southeast Europe
38 Locations
Car rental locations in Southeast Europe
Everything you need to know for your car rental in Southeast Europe
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