Car rental
Compare car rental deals
Compare the same pickup city and dates across Rentalcars.com, DiscoverCars, Kayak, EconomyBookings and Localrent - and book the cheapest hire car in one click.
Popular pickup cities
Pick a city - we will fill it into the search above
Why compare car rental prices?
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Reason 1
Prices vary wildly by supplier
The same car class at the same airport can differ by 40%+ between rental companies. Comparison sites surface the cheapest suppliers instantly.
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Reason 2
Included insurance changes the total
A low headline rate often excludes basic cover. Comparing lets you see which quotes include CDW and theft protection up front.
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Reason 3
Flexible pickup saves money
Airport counters charge premiums. The same search often finds cheaper rates at city-centre offices a short metro ride away.
Where we look
Which sites appear for a search can vary; the results page lists exactly what it opens.
Booking and payment always happen on the partner site.
Useful before you go
Car rental booking tips
Compare at least 2-3 sites
Rental prices for the same car can differ by 20-40% between brokers. Our search opens several comparison sites, so you can check more than one.
Check what insurance is included
If basic cover is excluded, add it to the quote before comparing - the cheapest rate can become the most expensive.
Pick up outside the airport
Airport locations add surcharges and tourist taxes. City-centre offices are often 15-30% cheaper.
Bring your own extras
GPS, child seats and additional drivers cost €10-15/day at the counter. Pack your own where possible.
Take photos before you drive
Photograph every scratch and dent with the counter agent present - it is the only reliable defence against damage claims.
Check fuel policy
Full-to-full is the cheapest and fairest: return the tank as you found it and never prepay for fuel you may not use.
Book early in high season
Summer, ski weeks and holidays see prices climb weekly. Book 2-3 months ahead for the best rates.
Know the minimum age & licence rules
Most European rentals need 1 year of licence and charge under-25s extra. Check age policies before you book, not at the desk.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to rent a car?
A full, valid driving licence held for at least 1 year (usually 2), a credit or debit card for the deposit, and a minimum age that varies by country - typically 21, with under-25 surcharges. Non-EU licence holders usually need an International Driving Permit.
Is rental insurance worth it?
Almost always - at least basic CDW and theft protection. Rental counters charge heavily for repairs, and your own travel insurance or credit card may already cover it, so check before you pay at the desk.
Can I rent a car with a debit card?
Yes, but many companies hold a larger deposit or require proof of return travel. Credit cards are still the smoothest option at most airports.
Does WhatWhereVacay take a booking fee?
No. We link you straight to the comparison sites and never mark up prices. Booking and payment are always handled on Rentalcars.com, DiscoverCars, Kayak, EconomyBookings or Localrent.
What does the insurance excess mean?
Basic cover usually carries an excess: the amount you pay if the car is damaged or stolen, often several hundred to a couple of thousand euros. Check it in each quote; separate excess insurance or a credit-card policy can cover it, but you normally pay the rental firm first and claim back.
Which fuel policy should I choose?
Full-to-full: collect the car with a full tank and return it full. Full-to-empty means prepaying a tank at the firm's price with no refund for unused fuel.
Do you show prices?
No. We open your pick-up place and dates on each partner site where it supports them; prices and availability are shown there, and you book there.