Auto Europe: compare car hire, campervans and European leases

Shopping at Auto Europe? See all current Auto Europe discount codes and deals, checked regularly.

Auto Europe has been arranging car hire since 1954, when it started in the USA renting VW Beetles to American families visiting relatives stationed in Europe. Today it's a broker: rather than owning cars, it compares and books rentals from firms such as Avis, Europcar, Hertz and Enterprise, plus local suppliers, at more than 28,000 pick-up locations worldwide. The UK site shows prices in pounds and is run by Auto Europe's German arm in Munich.

It suits anyone booking a hire car for a holiday or work trip abroad who wants to compare suppliers in one place, and it also covers motorhome hire and longer-term car leasing in Europe.

What's worth a look

Here are six destinations and services from the Auto Europe site.

Car hire in Spain is a popular starting point, with pick-ups at airports such as Malaga and Alicante and on the Balearic Islands. The guide pages for each country also explain local driving rules and what UK licence holders may be asked for at the desk. On the homepage, Auto Europe was showing sample rates of £10 a day in Spain, £8 in Portugal and £5 in Italy, based on a seven-day rental before taxes and surcharges.

For something different, campervan hire in Iceland lists suppliers including McRent, Touring Cars and Hertz alongside local firms, with vehicles from roof-tent 4x4s to larger motorhomes. If you're spending three weeks or more in Europe, the short-term leasing scheme with Renault, Peugeot, Citroën and DS gives you a brand-new car registered in your name, for non-EU residents aged 18 and over.

Current offers

• Free cancellation on car hire up to 48 hours before pick-up.
• Auto Europe says it will match or beat a cheaper quote with comparable conditions found elsewhere.
• No credit card fees when you book.
• Sample daily rates on the homepage include Spain from £10, Portugal from £8 and Italy from £5 a day, based on a seven-day rental. Rates change and extra charges may apply.

How to save more

• Book early, then check again nearer the time. Because you can cancel free up to 48 hours before pick-up, you can rebook if the price drops.
• Compare Auto Europe's Full Damage and Theft Protection, which reimburses a damage excess of up to £3,000, with the cover offered at the rental desk before you go. It also covers towing, lost keys and misfuelling up to set limits.
• Check the age rules when you search: drivers under 30 or over 65 may pay extra with some suppliers.

Products, prices and offers checked on the store's own website on 23 Oct 2026. Prices and stock can change.

Ad: affiliate links. If you buy through links in this article we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Auto Europe didn't pay for this article or check it before we published it. How we make money.