The minimum age to hire a car in Europe is typically 18 or 20, but most major rental companies require you to be at least 21. However, if you are under 25, you will almost always face a Young Driver Surcharge, a daily fee that can significantly increase the rental cost. The standard age to rent without extra fees is 25. These rules vary not just by country but by individual rental company policy.
The primary reason for these age restrictions is risk management. Insurance providers and rental companies statistically view younger, less experienced drivers as higher-risk clients. The young driver fee helps offset the potential cost of claims.
Here is a comparison of age requirements and potential surcharges across popular European destinations:
| Country | Common Minimum Age | Typical Young Driver Surcharge Age Range | Estimated Daily Surcharge (USD) | Notes |
|---|
| Germany | 18 | 18 - 24 | $20 - $35 | Some premium car categories may require a minimum age of 25. |
| France | 21 | 21 - 24 | $25 - $40 | Renters under 21 may find it very difficult to secure a rental. |
| Italy | 18 | 18 - 24 | $30 - $50 | Surcharges can be particularly high in Italy. |
| Spain | 21 | 21 - 24 | $20 - $30 | A valid license held for at least 1-2 years is often required. |
| United Kingdom | 17 | 19 - 24 | $15 - $30 | While the legal age is low, major companies typically start at 19-21. |
| Greece | 21 | 21 - 24 | $25 - $45 | Some companies on islands may rent to younger drivers with stricter terms. |
Beyond age, two critical factors are the duration you've held your license (usually a minimum of one year is required) and the vehicle category. Renting a larger car, SUV, or premium model often comes with a higher minimum age, sometimes 25 or even 30. Always read the rental company's terms carefully before booking and factor the young driver fee into your budget if applicable.
