If you're under 25 and renting a car in Europe, expect to pay a young driver surcharge on top of the standard rental price. This fee exists because insurance statistics show drivers aged 18–24 have significantly higher accident rates. The surcharge compensates the rental company for the increased risk and higher insurance premiums associated with younger drivers.
The surcharge typically ranges from €5 to €35 per day, depending on the country, rental company, and your exact age. Over a two-week road trip, this can add €150–€500 to your total cost — a significant amount that many young travelers don't budget for.
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Before worrying about surcharges, be aware that some countries and companies set a minimum rental age higher than the legal driving age:
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Spain charges among the highest surcharges in Europe, typically €15–€28 per day depending on the company. At major tourist airports like Malaga and Barcelona, expect the higher end. Some Spanish rental companies cap the total surcharge at €150–€200 per rental.
France is moderately expensive for young drivers, with surcharges of €12–€25 per day. French companies are more likely to cap total surcharges, with some limiting it to €100–€150 per rental regardless of duration.
Italy charges €10–€25 per day, but compounds the cost by also requiring a higher insurance excess for under-25 drivers. This means both a daily surcharge AND a larger hold on your credit card (sometimes €3,000+).
Germany is the most forgiving market for young drivers. Surcharges are typically €8–€18 per day, and several major companies (Sixt, Enterprise) offer competitive rates for the 21–24 age group. Some German companies don't charge a surcharge at all for drivers aged 21+.
Portugal charges €10–€20 per day. Local Portuguese companies tend to be cheaper than international brands for young drivers.
The daily surcharge isn't the only extra cost young drivers face:
The cheapest daily rate often doesn't equal the cheapest total. Use a broker like AutoEurope or EconomyBookings and filter by "total price including all fees" to find the genuine best deal.
Small local companies in Spain, Portugal, and Greece often have lower young driver surcharges than Hertz, Avis, or Europcar. Book through brokers that aggregate local suppliers.
If your itinerary is flexible, starting your rental in Germany can save significantly on young driver fees. A Munich pickup for an Austria-Germany road trip is often much cheaper than picking up in Vienna.
Some companies cap the total young driver surcharge regardless of rental duration. A 7-day rental with a €150 cap costs the same in surcharges as a 14-day rental. Weekly and monthly rates also tend to have more inclusive pricing.
Some companies differentiate between ages 21–22 and 23–24, with lower surcharges for the older group. If you're close to turning 23 or 25, consider timing your trip accordingly.
Hertz Gold, Avis Preferred, and Sixt Express all sometimes waive or reduce young driver surcharges for loyalty members, even at the basic free tier.
Bookmark this guide and check back before your trip — car rental prices and policies change frequently.
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Data and regulations verified against official sources. Last checked 2026-04-27.
The minimum age varies by country and company but is typically 21. Germany and the UK allow rentals from age 18-19 with some companies. Most countries require age 23-25 for premium and luxury vehicle categories. Under-25 drivers almost always pay a daily surcharge.
Surcharges range from 5-35 euros per day depending on the country. Spain is the most expensive (15-28 euros/day), while Germany is the cheapest (8-18 euros/day). Some companies cap the total surcharge at 100-200 euros per rental regardless of trip length.
You cannot fully avoid it if you're under 25, but you can minimize it by comparing total costs across companies, booking through brokers, using local rental companies, picking up in Germany where fees are lowest, or timing your trip to coincide with turning 25.
Yes, almost all European rental companies require a credit card (not debit) for under-25 drivers, as the pre-authorization hold is typically higher (1,500-3,500 euros). Some companies accept debit cards for drivers 25+, but rarely for younger drivers.
Yes, but both drivers must be listed on the rental agreement, and you'll pay the young driver surcharge for each driver. An additional driver fee (usually 5-15 euros/day) may also apply on top of the young driver surcharge for the second driver.
Germany offers the lowest surcharges for young drivers, typically 8-18 euros per day, with some companies like Sixt and Enterprise charging nothing for drivers aged 21 and above. The Netherlands also has relatively low fees with surcharges often ending at age 23 rather than 25. For budget-conscious young travelers, starting a multi-country rental in Germany can save 100-200 euros in surcharges compared to picking up in Spain, Italy, or France.
Yes, some rental companies impose maximum age limits, typically between 70-80 years. Hertz and Avis generally have no upper limit in most European countries. Budget companies and local operators are more likely to restrict drivers over 75. Italy and Ireland are the countries where upper age limits are most commonly enforced. If you are over 70, check the specific company's policy before booking and consider major international brands that tend to be more flexible.
Germany has the most competitive young driver pricing in Europe. Some companies charge zero surcharge for drivers 21 and over. If your road trip covers multiple countries, picking up in Munich, Frankfurt, or Berlin instead of a southern European airport can save 150-300 euros in young driver fees over two weeks. The cross-border fee to drive into Austria or France is usually much less than the surcharge savings.
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The cheapest daily rate rarely equals the cheapest total for under-25 drivers. A car at 20 euros per day plus 25 euros daily surcharge costs more than one at 30 euros per day with only 10 euros surcharge. Use brokers like AutoEurope or EconomyBookings and filter by total price including all fees. This single step can save 50-100 euros on a week-long rental.
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Some rental companies differentiate between ages 21-22 and 23-24, charging lower surcharges for the older bracket. If you are turning 23 or 25 soon, delaying your trip by even a few weeks could save 5-15 euros per day. At major companies like Sixt, the surcharge often drops by 30-50% once you turn 23.
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