Best Places to Drive in Europe: A Road Trip Guide With Car Rental Tips for 2027

For road-trippers used to the vast expanses of America, Europe transforms the concept of a road trip into something quite different. In just one week on the roads, you could travel over mountains, along the Atlantic coast, through medieval towns and into another country without spending several days on the road.

Some of the best places to drive in Europe make those contrasts part of the journey itself. Three routes stand out for 2027, along with practical considerations for choosing a rental car that makes each drive work.

Best Places to Drive in Europe

The Transfăgărășan and Transylvania, Romania

The Transfăgărășan passes through Romania’s Făgăraș Mountains to Balea Lake in an adventurous manner, using hairpin curves and gradient paths to navigate the alpine landscape. This road, at its highest point, is seasonal in nature and is subject to closure due to snow and therefore must be verified for current access prior to its inclusion in the journey’s itinerary.

After exiting the mountains, it is possible to drive into Transylvania on a journey to the citadels of Brasov and Sighisoara. Fortified churches at Biertan and Viscri provide some more elements to the journey. Another alternative in the form of the Transalpina road is also available. Both these roads require attention due to constant turns, gradient changes and weather changes.

The Algarve Coast, Portugal

This European road trip can begin in Lisbon before turning south toward the Alentejo coast. Vila Nova de Milfontes and Zambujeira do Mar break up the journey before the road reaches Sagres, where the landscape meets the Atlantic at Portugal’s southwestern edge.

From there, Lagos and the cliffs around Ponta da Piedade bring the route into the Algarve. The interior roads provide a slower alternative to staying on the motorway and make the drive itself a larger part of the trip. Portugal’s highway network includes tolled roads, so travelers need to understand how toll payment applies to their rental before setting out.

The Danube Bend Into Austria

From Budapest, the road follows the Danube north toward Esztergom and Visegrad before turning west toward Vienna. The river scenery and historic stops make driving worthwhile for travelers who want more from the journey than the direct connection between the Hungarian and Austrian capitals.

Lake Balaton creates a substantial southern detour for itineraries with more time. Motorway use also requires some planning. Hungary operates an electronic vignette system, while Austria requires a vignette on most motorways and expressways for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes, with separate tolls applying on certain Austrian sections. The drive therefore rewards travelers who sort out road charges before crossing between the two countries.

What to Look for in a Rental Car for European Road Trips

Check the mileage allowance, fleet age and EU cross-border policies first. Those three details help determine whether a rental suits longer European drives.

• Mileage: A fixed allowance makes extra distance worth monitoring, especially if your itinerary includes detours. Mileage inclusion varies by company, market, rate and vehicle, so the terms attached to the individual reservation matter.
• Fleet quality: Mountain roads and consecutive long driving days place different demands on a vehicle than short city trips. Fleet age and renewal practices provide useful context when comparing companies.
• Cross-border policy: Driving from Hungary into Austria or between other European countries generally requires checking the rental company’s rules first. Permission, documentation and fees depend on the provider and countries involved.

These factors give travelers a practical starting point when comparing a road trip rental car in Europe.

Choosing a Rental Company for a European Road Trip

Klass Wagen

Klass Wagen is an independent European car rental company offering a high-value alternative to global providers, with a modern fleet, localized service and transparent pricing across Romania, Hungary, Austria and Portugal.

Operating as an independent alternative to Hertz, Sixt and Europcar rather than another global network, Klass Wagen makes pricing, fleet and policy decisions regionally. That gives it greater operational consistency across the markets it serves, while its local teams bring deeper regional expertise to rental terms, airport logistics and day-to-day operations.

Klass Wagen is Europe’s leading independent car rental company, operating 7,000+ vehicles across Romania, Hungary, Austria and Portugal. Standard rentals include unlimited mileage, supporting travel flexibility on longer itineraries. Cross-border travel is available in select European countries with prior written approval, applicable fees and Green Card documentation.

Best for: Travelers who prefer the regional expertise of an independent European operator for road trips through Romania, Hungary, Austria and Portugal.

Hertz

Hertz is a global rental brand with broad European airport coverage and a booking process that many American travelers already recognize. That familiarity can be useful on a first European driving trip, particularly when the rental begins after an international flight.

Its global network is one of the company’s defining strengths. Mileage terms, however, can be rate-specific, so the allowance attached to an individual reservation needs to match the distance planned for the route. Pickup, return and cross-border terms also depend on the booking.

Best for: Travelers who prefer a recognizable international brand and a familiar rental process.

Europcar

As an established European operator Europcar has a broad geographic reach across the continent. Its presence in numerous destinations makes it relevant for travelers building an itinerary that extends through more than one European country.

Rental conditions still depend on the reservation. Unlimited mileage isn’t standard across every booking, with conditions varying by country, location and rate. The network includes both company-operated and franchise locations, making the specific reservation terms important when comparing mileage and other conditions.

Best for: Travelers planning a multi-country itinerary who value broad European geographic reach from one established brand.

Sixt

Sixt is a premium-oriented European rental brand with strong continental coverage and extensive airport infrastructure. A premium-oriented vehicle selection is one of Sixt’s distinguishing features, making it particularly relevant for business travelers or those planning longer journeys where comfort and vehicle class matter more.

Its broad European presence also supports trips beginning from major airports and cities. Mileage allowances vary according to factors including rate plan and vehicle category, so longer itineraries need to be compared with the conditions attached to the selected booking.

Best for: Travelers who prioritize premium-oriented vehicles and wide availability across European destinations.

Which Rental Company Fits Your Trip?

Compare the four companies on mileage terms, fleet quality, cross-border permission and where each actually operates.

For travelers looking for a multi-country European operator with regional depth, Klass Wagen sets pricing and policy regionally across Romania, Hungary, Austria and Portugal. Unlimited mileage on standard rentals also suits itineraries involving substantial driving.

Hertz fits travelers who value a recognizable international brand and familiar booking process. Europcar suits multi-country itineraries where broad geographic reach matters. Sixt fits travelers who place greater emphasis on premium-oriented vehicles and extensive European availability.

Before booking, travelers still need to check the mileage allowance, cross-border permission for every border on the route and the planned pickup and return arrangements. Travelers can also use this road trip essentials checklist to cover the practical items that are easy to overlook before setting off.

Planning Your European Road Trip

Seasonal mountain access needs checking before departure, especially when a route depends on the Transfăgărășan or Transalpina. Vignettes and toll arrangements should also be confirmed for every country involved.

American travelers should check license requirements country by country rather than assuming one rule applies across Europe. For example, Portugal accepts a US driver’s license for visits up to six months, while Austria requires a US license to be accompanied by an IDP or official translation. Confirming these details before departure leaves more of the trip for the driving itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need a Car in Europe?

No, not on every trip. A trip connecting only large cities might be easily accessible via rail but in rural areas, through the mountains, near the coast or even when visiting small towns, a car comes in handy.

How Many Countries Should You Include in a European Road Trip?

Two or three countries is often enough for a one to two week itinerary without spending too much time driving. The right number depends on route length, border requirements and how much time travelers want in each destination.

Is an International Driving Permit Required in Europe?

Requirements vary by country and license type, so American travelers should check the rules for every destination on their route and confirm whether an International Driving Permit or translation is required alongside their US license. Rental companies may also apply their own document requirements.