Average daily car hire costs in the UK and Europe

Before diving into our daily car hire rates forecast, it’s first important to understand how car hire prices can vary. 

According to Skyscanner data, in 2025, the average daily rate for an economy-class hire car in the UK ranged from £23/day for a petrol vehicle to £42/day for a hybrid vehicle. Weekly, the average rate was £140 to £175. Car hire prices can range dramatically depending on the location, time of year, car class, when you book, and other factors. In addition, the cost of amenities for the car and optional add-ons can raise the daily rate, as can the age of the driver (younger = more expensive), and the number of additional drivers.

• Economy cars: £21–£25/day

• SUVs: £36–£48/day

• Luxury cars: £48–£97/day

• Sport/Exotics: £250–£1,500+/day

Did you know? Prices are higher during the busy travel seasons (summer school holidays, Christmas, bank holiday weekends) and in popular cities (London, Dublin, Rome, Barcelona). For example, an economy car hire from London Heathrow Airport in summer may cost £50-£65 per day, while the same car hire from Bristol Airport could be closer to £35-£45 per day. Peak season pricing can be a proper budget-buster, but timing is everything for savvy travellers. 

What factors affect car hire prices?

Car hire prices can depend on several factors:

• Location: Hiring at the airport often incurs significant additional fees compared to a city centre office.

• Timing: Booking approximately one month in advance is usually cheaper than booking six or more months ahead, particularly for peak months. For example, travellers can often find the best deals in Spain and the USA about one week before, whilst in the UK and Ireland, booking 3–4 weeks ahead is ideal.

• Type: Different categories of vehicles have different base prices. For example, SUVs, vans, and luxury cars have a higher rate.

• Length of hire: The longer you hire for, the lower the daily rate will often be.

• Seasonality: Summer months and holidays are busier and have higher hire prices. This is especially true in areas with seasonal tourism.

• Insurance & extras: Collision damage waivers, GPS navigation systems, child safety seats, and extra drivers are available at an additional cost.

Did you know? Hiring a car in the city centre instead of the airport can save travellers a significant amount—up to 43% in Rome, 26% in Ibiza, and 10% in Heraklion—thanks to airport surcharges and convenience fees. Skip the airport markup, and your wallet will thank you.

Daily, weekly, and monthly hire costs 

One of the most frequently asked questions by travellers is “How much does it cost to hire a car for a day, a week, or a month?” 

Here are some ballpark numbers for both an economy car and an SUV. 

Cost to hire a car for a day

• Economy/compact car: £21–£25

• SUV: £36–£48

Day hires are perfect for weekend getaways or short holidays, but you’ll pay more per day compared to weekly or monthly rates. 

Cost to hire a car for a week

• Economy/compact car: £140–£175 per week, typically saving 10–50% compared with paying daily rates of around £20–£50.

• SUV: £252–£335generally saving 15–30% compared with daily rates of approximately £42–£68.

Cost to hire a car for a month

• Economy/compact car: £655–£750 

• SUV: £1,077-2–£1,435 

Monthly hires are often used by long-term travellers, those with temporary work relocations, or when waiting for a vehicle to be repaired. Some car hire companies even offer subscription-style programmes where insurance and maintenance are all included.

Regional pricing trends

Prices not only differ depending on the type of vehicle, but also on the location:

• Highest: London, Dublin, Rome, Barcelona (high tourism demand)

• Middle: Manchester, Birmingham, Paris, Berlin

• Lowest: Bristol, Leeds, Porto, Valencia (smaller cities and non-airport car hire centres)

For instance, an economy vehicle in Barcelona during December might cost £25–£35/day, while that same vehicle in Zagreb during the same period might be as low as £15-20/day.

Extra costs to keep in mind

Don’t forget the extras when budgeting for a car hire. Your total price may include the following:

• Taxes & fees: 10–25% of base rate.

• Insurance: £8-£25/day for Collision Damage Waiver (unless already covered by your credit card or travel insurance).

• Congestion charges: This is a £15 charge/day if you drive in London’s Congestion Charge zone Monday to Friday from 7 am—6 pm, and 12–6 pm Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays.

• One-way hires: £80–£240+ to drop off at a different location. In particular, a one-way hire from the UK to Europe will often be much higher than a domestic one-way. If the drop-off location is far away, the fee can be up to £740.

• Young driver surcharge: In the UK, for example, drivers could pay £30–£40/day extra.

• Extras: Child seats (£10-£15/day), GPS (£12-£20/day) and toll passes (£8–£15/day on top of the tolls themselves).

Tips for getting the best price

Want to save money on your next car hire? Here are some travel secrets to do it: 

• Reserve in advance: The price will increase as the pick-up date approaches. Think of it as car hire surge pricing.

• Change your dates: By moving your pick-up/drop-off date one day earlier/later, you can lower the price. Flexibility pays.

• Hire in the city: Hiring a car at the airport can be 30% more expensive than hiring in the city - those convenience fees add up fast.

• Congestion charges: Driving in London? Mind the extra costs for congestion and £12.50/day for ULEZ (ultra low emission zone) charges if your vehicle doesn’t meet emissions standards - factor these into your budget or you’ll get a nasty surprise.

• City savings: Booking from a train station or city centre can often be cheaper than airport pick-ups.

• Join loyalty programmes: Car hire companies offer free upgrades and waived fees for members.

• Check your insurance: Credit cards and travel insurance plans can cover CDW/LDW fees. Double-check before paying twice.

• Don't purchase unnecessary extras: Use your mobile phone as a GPS/navigation, and bring your own child seat if possible - every extra adds up. 

• Check for unlimited mileage offers: Good for road trips and epic adventures.

Did you know? According to Skyscanner data, booking just one week ahead is the best time to secure a rental in Spain, while travellers to Italy and Croatia should book two weeks in advance. Those heading to the UK or Ireland get the best deals by booking four weeks ahead.

Get the most out of your car hire search with Skyscanners’ quick tips.

FAQs about car hire costs

How much does it cost to hire a car trailer​?

Hiring a trailer is not offered by most car hire companies. If you’re looking for a car trailer, consider Europcar Van Hire or Enterprise. Car trailers typically cost £40-£70/day.

How much does it cost to hire a sports/exotic car​?

Hiring sports/exotic cars typically costs £250–£1,500+/day, depending on the brand and location. Hiring a supercar (Lamborghini, Ferrari, etc.) can easily cost £700-£1,900+/day in hotspots like London and Monaco.

How much does it cost to hire a luxury car​?

Luxury saloons cost £48–£100/day on average, while SUVs typically cost £36-£48/day. Luxury convertibles or specialty vehicles can be more expensive.

How much does it normally cost to hire a car​?

The average hire price for an economy car in the UK and Europe is between £22–£25/day. Actual prices can vary greatly by city, season, and advance purchase.

How much does it cost to hire a car monthly?

In the UK, monthly car hire is increasingly flexible thanks to subscription-style schemes like Sixt+ and Onto for EVs, which bundle insurance, road tax and maintenance into a single monthly fee. Hiring a standard car typically costs £655–£750 per month on average. Monthly hire prices are cheaper for economy cars and more expensive for SUVs and luxury cars.

By planning, comparing providers and avoiding costly add-ons, travellers can stretch their budgets further and focus on enjoying the journey, because the best part of any trip is the adventure, not the admin.