Best Car Rental Apps in Europe (2025) – Travel Smarter with These Picks

Why Renting a Car in Europe Requires the Right App

Renting a car in Europe isn’t as simple as it might be back home in the States. You’re often crossing borders, dealing with different traffic laws, navigating unfamiliar cities, and sometimes even switching between left- and right-hand driving. A good car rental app can make or break the experience, especially when it comes to quick bookings, clear insurance options, or last-minute changes. You want something that works seamlessly across different languages and currencies, and ideally one that can handle local quirks like environmental zones or tolls. The right app does more than help you rent a car—it helps you travel smarter.

What Makes a Car Rental App Stand Out in Europe

It’s not just about finding a car anymore. The best rental apps in Europe understand that travelers need local solutions with global usability. Look for apps with multi-language interfaces, support for international driver’s licenses, local toll integrations, and real-time customer support. Some even offer digital key access so you can skip the counter entirely. With the right app, renting a car becomes as easy as calling a rideshare—only better, because the car is all yours.

Pro tip: Always screenshot your rental agreement and damage report in case of connectivity issues later. And if you’re traveling to multiple countries, double-check whether cross-border travel is allowed with your rental car—it’s often buried in the terms.

Comparing the Heavy Hitters Across Europe

Traditional Giants Going Digital

Long-standing names like Sixt, Avis, and Hertz have all adapted to mobile-first travel, especially across Europe’s major airports and train stations. Sixt’s app, in particular, is intuitive and packed with filters—whether you’re after a luxury car in Munich or a van in Vienna. Avis and Hertz have also made strides, offering contactless rentals and loyalty rewards integrated right into their apps. That said, their interfaces often reflect their legacy roots and can feel less nimble than newer platforms.

New-Gen Apps Making Big Waves

Startups like Virtuo and Ubeeqo, or services like Getmancar (available in Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich), were built for the mobile era from the ground up. They focus on minimalism, fast access, and features travelers actually use. Virtuo lets you unlock your car via smartphone and has a slick booking flow perfect for first-timers. Getmancar, though traditionally popular in Eastern Europe, has entered the German market with well-priced vehicles, a strong service model, and easy-to-use app functionality. These apps tend to shine in urban settings and are especially appealing to digital nomads or travelers who hate paperwork.

Country-Specific Leaders You Should Know About

Germany’s Tech-Driven Options

In Germany, car sharing and rentals are big business. Apps like SHARE NOW dominate cities like Berlin and Hamburg with a large fleet of station-based and free-floating cars. Sixt’s own car sharing platform (Sixt Share) offers even more premium options. Getmancar, though newer to the scene, is growing fast thanks to its transparent pricing and availability in high-demand areas. These apps work well with local transport infrastructure and usually allow you to park in public spaces legally under special agreements.

Germany is also a great place to enjoy a road trip along the Romantic Road or cruise the autobahn without speed limits—just make sure to opt for unlimited mileage.

Southern Europe’s Local Favorites

In places like Spain and Italy, you’ll often find better deals—and better service—using local players. Centauro and Sicily by Car are good examples. Their apps may not be as polished as some of the international names, but they know their markets inside out. You’ll find tailored insurance, fuel options, and vehicle types that match the landscape—like compacts in Rome’s tight streets or SUVs for Sicily’s winding coastal roads.

Some unforgettable routes include Spain’s Costa del Sol from Málaga to Marbella, or Italy’s Amalfi Coast with its cliffside views and scenic stops.

Navigating the Rental Process with an App

Using an app to rent a car in Europe can take you from zero to driving in less than ten minutes—no counters, no lines, no paper. You sign up, upload your license, verify payment, choose a car, and in some cases, open it with your phone. But you’ll want to pay attention to details like deposits (which vary wildly), insurance exclusions, and age requirements. Some apps will be upfront about these things. Others bury them in the fine print. That’s why testing a few options before your trip can save a lot of trouble once you land.

Another travel hack? Use a virtual credit card for your deposit. Some European banks freeze funds for weeks after return, and this can help avoid unexpected holds on your main account.

Don’t Just Download—Test Before You Travel

Not every app works the same in every country. A five-star app in Paris might glitch in Prague. Some require local SIM cards for verification. Others won’t show you cars unless you’re physically near a pickup zone. The smart move? Download a few apps ahead of time, register, and walk through a mock booking. It’s better to discover friction when you’ve got Wi-Fi at home than when you’re standing on a curb in Barcelona.

Apps raiting (2025)