Explore Our Diverse Range Of Offerings
From detailed reports to experts services offered in 15+ Industry Domains
Report
Press Release
Blogs
Industry Statistics
Add 2 More Reports For 20% off

Europe Car Rental Market Report Overview

The Europe car rental market attained a value of USD 16.52 Billion in 2025 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 11.00% through 2035. The market is further expected to reach USD 46.91 Billion by 2035. Rising tourism, growing business travel, and wider use of online booking apps are strengthening rental demand across the region. Fleet expansion, electric vehicle adoption, and flexible subscription offers are further encouraging rental companies to widen their services in every segment.

Key Market Trends and Insights

  • Rising tourism and airport traffic are driving sustained demand for short term rentals across the Europe car rental market.
  • Online booking apps and travel platforms are reshaping how travellers compare, reserve, and pay for rental cars.
  • Loyalty programmes, subscription plans, and electric fleets are widening the services that rental companies offer to leisure and business customers.

Market Size & Forecast

  • Market Size in 2025: USD 16.52 Billion
  • Projected Market Size in 2035: USD 46.91 Billion
  • CAGR from 2026 to 2035: 11.00%
  • Fastest-Growing Booking Type Segment: Online

Car rental refers to the short- and long-term hire of passenger vehicles from rental companies, offered through airport counters, city branches, apps, and online platforms. Leisure and tourism travel supports a large share of the Europe car rental market, while business travellers and corporate accounts add steady demand for flexible mobility. Rising international arrivals, digital booking, and a shift toward access over ownership continue to widen the customer base among tourists, commuters, and companies.

Demand is concentrating around operators able to combine wide station networks with strong digital booking. In March 2026, Eurostat reported that nearly 3.1 billion nights were spent in EU tourist accommodation in 2025, a 2.2 percent increase, with nights by international guests rising 3.4 percent. This tourism driven positioning is converting rising visitor numbers directly into expanded adoption across the Europe car rental market.

Companies across the Europe car rental market are converging on a common development direction, widening from simple vehicle hire toward integrated mobility, loyalty, and fleet services. Rental groups are increasingly pursuing app-based booking, electric vehicles, and partnerships to broaden their customer base. This shift is reshaping competitive dynamics among rental providers, favouring companies that can demonstrate wide coverage, digital convenience, and flexible fleets over those offering conventional counter-based hire alone.

Compound Annual Growth Rate

11%

Value in USD Billion

2026-2035


Read more about this report - Request a Free Sample

Europe Car Rental Market Report Summary Description Value
Base Year USD Billion 2025
Historical Period USD Billion 2019-2025
Forecast Period USD Billion 2026-2035
Market Size 2025 USD Billion 16.52
Market Size 2035 USD Billion 46.91
CAGR 2019-2025 Percentage XX%
CAGR 2026-2035 Percentage 11.00%
CAGR 2026-2035 - Market by Country UK 17.5%
CAGR 2026-2035 - Market by Booking Type Online 13.5%
CAGR 2026-2035 - Market by Length Type Short-Term 13.1%

Key Trends and Recent Developments

Europe Car Rental Industry Segmentation

The Expert Market Research's report titled "Europe Car Rental Market Report and Forecast 2026-2035" offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Booking Type

  • Offline
  • Online

Key Insight: Offline booking dominates the booking type segment of the Europe car rental market through airport counters, city branches, and phone reservations that suit travellers who value personal service. Online booking is registering the fastest growth as apps, travel platforms, and comparison sites offer real time availability and simple payment. Offline channels sustain steady demand from corporate accounts and older travellers, while online channels widen reach among younger and international customers.

Market Breakup by Rental Length Type

  • Short-Term
  • Long-Term

Key Insight: Short-Term rentals dominate the rental length type segment of the Europe car rental market given holiday trips, airport pickups, and weekend travel, and they are also registering the fastest growth. Long-Term rentals sustain steady demand from corporate clients, expatriates, and remote workers who seek flexible alternatives to ownership through monthly plans and subscriptions.

Market Breakup by Application Type

  • Leisure/Tourism
  • Business

Key Insight: Leisure/Tourism dominates the application type segment of the Europe car rental market as holidaymakers rent cars for regional travel and airport transfers. In August 2026, Eurostat reported that hotels and similar accommodation recorded 4.7 million more nights between April and June 2026 than a year earlier, and international guest nights rose 18.5 percent in Ireland. Business demand sustains steady volumes through corporate accounts, client visits, and conference travel.

Market Breakup by Vehicle Type

  • Luxury/Premium Cars
  • Economy/Budget Cars
  • SUVs
  • MUVs

Key Insight: Luxury/Premium Cars dominate the vehicle type segment of the Europe car rental market as travellers seek comfort and prestige for business trips and special occasions, while SUVs are registering the fastest growth through demand for space and versatility. Economy/Budget Cars sustain steady demand among price sensitive leisure travellers, and MUVs serve families and groups that need seating capacity.

Market Breakup by Region

  • Germany
  • United Kingdom
  • France
  • Italy
  • Others

Key Insight: Germany dominates the country breakup of the Europe car rental market through its large tourist base and strong business travel, while the United Kingdom is registering the fastest growth. In February 2026, ACI Europe reported that airports in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany grew 1.7 percent, 2.1 percent, and 3.2 percent in 2025, trailing the wider European average. France and Italy sustain steady demand through tourism, and Others, including Spain and the Nordic countries, add regional volumes.

Read more about this report - Request a Free Sample

Europe Car Rental Market Share

By booking type, offline dominates the market owing to airport counters and personal service, while online is the fastest growing channel through app-based booking

Offline booking dominates the booking type segment of the Europe car rental market through airport counters, city branches, and phone reservations that suit travellers who value personal service. Operators serving this category continue to prioritise counter staffing and airport presence, since travellers arriving on late flights, needing a change of vehicle, or paying with cash often prefer speaking to an agent before collecting keys. Offline channels also serve corporate accounts that book through travel managers and walk in customers who decide on arrival.

Online booking is registering the fastest booking type growth as apps and travel platforms offer real time availability, simple comparison, and quick payment. In April 2026, Duffel launched Duffel Cars, giving travel businesses access to rentals from 40 providers, including Avis, Sixt, Enterprise, Hertz, and Europcar, across more than 40,000 locations, which shows how rental supply is moving into digital booking flows. Online channels also let operators’ price dynamically and promote upgrades, which raises the value of every single reservation.

By rental length type, short-term rentals dominate the market owing to holiday trips and airport pickups across the region

Short-term rentals dominate the rental length type segment of the Europe car rental market given holiday trips, weekend travel, and airport pickups that typically last a few days. In August 2026, Sixt reported its 20th consecutive record quarter, with revenue between January and June up 11.3 percent currency adjusted to more than EUR 2 billion. Operators serving this category continue to prioritise fleet turnaround, staffing, and airport station capacity, since fast cleaning and available vehicles decide whether travellers return for their next trip.

Long-term rentals sustain steady demand from corporate clients, expatriates, and remote workers who seek monthly plans and subscriptions as an alternative to owning a vehicle. In November 2025, subscription provider FINN joined the Probonio benefits platform to offer its JobAuto car subscription under a salary sacrifice model, with employees saving up to 40 percent on the monthly rate. Operators continue to prioritise contract flexibility and included maintenance. Insurers also use extended rentals as bridging solutions, which adds steady weekday volumes.

By application type, leisure and tourism dominates the market owing to rising international arrivals and holiday travel

Leisure and tourism dominate the application type segment of the Europe car rental market as holidaymakers rent cars for regional travel, coastal trips, and airport transfers. In June 2026, Eurostat reported 471.1 million overnight stays in EU tourist accommodation between January and March 2026, up 3.4 percent from the same months of 2025, which shows how rising visitor numbers support rental demand. Operators continue to prioritise airport stations. Coastal and mountain regions add seasonal peaks as visitors rent vehicles for multi day trips.

Business demand sustains steady volumes through corporate accounts, client visits, and conference travel that need flexible, reliable vehicles. In August 2026, the Global Business Travel Association projected global business travel spending at a record USD 1.71 trillion for 2026, up 7.2 percent, with Asia and Europe generating the highest number of trips. Operators serving this category continue to prioritise corporate contracts and digital invoicing. Corporate travel programmes also favour providers with consistent service, clear invoicing, and coverage in several countries.

By vehicle type, luxury and premium cars dominate the market owing to demand for comfort and prestige on business and special occasion trips

Luxury and premium cars dominate the vehicle type segment of the Europe car rental market as travellers seek comfort, performance, and prestige for business trips and special occasions. In August 2026, Avis Budget Group reported higher quarterly earnings and said it had expanded Avis First, its premium car rental service. Operators serving this category continue to prioritise premium brands and airport lounges, since executives and high spending tourists value fast pickup and consistent service. Premium fleets earn higher rates, lifting revenue per rental.

SUVs are registering the fastest vehicle type growth as families and groups seek space, higher seating, and versatility for mountain, coastal, and city trips. In November 2025, Europcar launched a Skoda subscription in Germany covering the Scala, Elroq, and Enyaq, with guaranteed model choice for three, six, or twelve months at 21 locations. Operators continue to prioritise fleet mix and pricing, since SUVs earn higher daily rates than compact cars. Manufacturers keep widening SUV ranges, giving operators more electric models.

Europe Car Rental Market Regional Analysis

Germany leads the market through its large tourist base and the airport and business travel demand of its major cities

Germany dominates the country breakup of the Europe car rental market through its large tourist base, major airports, and strong business travel. In February 2026, the Federal Statistical Office reported a record 497.5 million overnight stays in 2025, 0.3 percent above the previous record year, which supports rental demand around airports, trade fair cities, and holiday regions. Operators continue to prioritise airport stations and corporate accounts. Munich, Frankfurt, and Berlin drive airport pickups, while trade fairs create short bursts of corporate rental demand.

United Kingdom is registering the fastest country growth, given strong inbound tourism and business travel demand from overseas visitors and domestic holidaymakers alike. In November 2025, the Global Business Travel Association reported that business travellers in the United Kingdom spend the most per trip in Europe, at almost EUR 1,305, which points to strong demand for premium and flexible rentals. Operators continue to prioritise airport and city locations. London and Manchester airports anchor demand for airport pickups and premium vehicles.

Competitive Landscape

Competition combines global rental groups, European specialists, leasing firms, and online travel platforms that sell rentals to travellers. Europe car rental companies are adding loyalty programmes, replacement vehicle services, and franchise partners, while acquisitions and disposals of national subsidiaries continue to reshape country coverage. Airport counters remain a key battleground, since many travellers collect vehicles on arrival and compare providers on price, fleet, and pickup speed.

Europe car rental market players are also responding to electric vehicle demand, autonomous fleet management, and digital booking through apps and comparison platforms. Opportunities are emerging in subscription and long-term rentals, insurance replacement vehicles, and airport mobility hubs. Operators that combine wide station networks with strong apps and flexible fleets are expected to strengthen their competitive position over the coming years.

Avis Budget Group Inc.

Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, United States, Avis Budget Group Inc. supports the market through its Avis, Budget, and Zipcar brands, offering car and van rental, and car sharing across European cities and airports. The company continues to widen its connected fleet and app-based services. Avis Budget draws on its position as one of the world's largest rental groups to serve leisure travellers, business customers, and partners.

Enterprise Holdings, Inc. (Alamo)

Founded in 1957 and headquartered in Clayton, Missouri, United States, Enterprise Holdings, Inc. contributes to the market through its Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental, and Alamo brands, with rental, car sharing, and fleet management services. The company continues to build partnerships in European car sharing and van rental. Enterprise draws on its position as one of the largest rental groups in the world to serve airport, insurance, and corporate customers.

Hertz Global Holdings, Inc.

Founded in 1918 and headquartered in Estero, Florida, United States, Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. supports the market through its Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty brands, with premium, standard, and electric vehicle rentals. The company continues to widen its digital services, and new mobility offers through its affiliated company Oro Mobility. Hertz draws on its position as one of the oldest rental brands to serve leisure and business travellers across Europe.

Sixt SE

Founded in 1912 and headquartered in Pullach, Germany, Sixt SE contributes to the market through its Sixt rent, Sixt+ subscription, Sixt share, and Sixt ride services, with a premium fleet and a single app. The company continues to expand its digital services, fleet, and station network across Europe. Sixt draws on its position as a premium mobility provider with a presence in more than 100 countries to serve business and leisure customers.

Other key players in the market include Europcar International S.A.S.U, Economy Car Hire Ltd. (Zest Car Rental), ALD Automotive Limited, Edel & Stark AG, Booking Holdings Inc. (Momondo), fourdrive GmbH, and Wucherpfennig & Krohn GmbH, among others.

*Please note that this is only a partial list; the complete list of key players is available in the full report. Additionally, the list of key players can be customized to better suit your needs.*

Key Highlights of the Europe Car Rental Market Report

  • Comprehensive evaluation of tourism, airport traffic, and digital booking driven growth trends across the Europe car rental industry.
  • Analysis of booking type, rental length, application, vehicle type, and country demand developments across the market.
  • Detailed competitive benchmarking of Europe car rental companies and strategies.
  • Country opportunity analysis covering Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy.
  • Strategic insights into loyalty programmes, electric fleets, and subscription rental trends.

Why Rely on Expert Market Research?

  • Industry focused analysts tracking evolving mobility, tourism, and rental technology developments.
  • Research combining operator strategies, travel demand, and fleet dynamics.
  • Rigorous methodology integrating primary interviews with verified secondary intelligence.
  • Actionable business recommendations supporting investment, expansion, and market entry decisions.
  • Forward looking insights identifying emerging digital booking and electric rental trends.

Call to Action

Unlock the latest insights with our Europe car rental market trends 2026 report. Discover country growth patterns, booking and vehicle type economics, and key industry players. Stay ahead of the competition and identify emerging opportunities in the evolving market landscape.

Explore Our Other Regional Reports

South Korea Car Rental Market

Philippines Car Rental Market

Brazil Car Rental Market

Germany Car Rental Market

North America Car Rental Market

Vietnam Car Rental Market

India Car Rental Market

Boat Rental Market

*While we strive to always give you current and accurate information, the numbers depicted on the website are indicative and may differ from the actual numbers in the main report. At Expert Market Research, we aim to bring you the latest insights and trends in the market. Using our analyses and forecasts, stakeholders can understand the market dynamics, navigate challenges, and capitalize on opportunities to make data-driven strategic decisions.*

Frequently Asked Questions About This Report

In 2025, the market reached an approximate value of USD 16.52 Billion.

The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.00% between 2026 and 2035.

The car rental market is categorised according to booking type, which includes online modes of booking and offline modes of booking.

The key players in the market include Avis Budget Group Inc., Enterprise Holdings, Inc. (Alamo), Hertz Global Holdings, Inc., Sixt SE, Europcar International S.A.S.U, Economy Car Hire Ltd. (Zest Car Rental), ALD Automotive Limited, Edel & Stark AG, Booking Holdings Inc. (Momondo), fourdrive GmbH, and Wucherpfennig & Krohn GmbH, among others.

Based on the end use, the market is divided into leisure/tourism and business.

The market is broken down into Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and others.

The revenue generated from the car rental market is expected to reach USD 46.91 Billion in 2035.

Operators in the market face high fleet costs, electric vehicle transition costs, airport disruption, price competition from online platforms, and shifting travel demand.

Expanding loyalty and app services, adding franchise and acquisition partners, electrifying fleets, and building subscription and replacement rental offers are key strategies driving the market.

Report Summary

Explore our key highlights of the report and gain a concise overview of key findings, trends, and actionable insights that will empower your strategic decisions.

Key Highlights of the Report

Please note that the figures mentioned in the description serve as estimates and may vary from the actual figures presented in the final report.

REPORT FEATURES DETAILS
Base Year 2025
Historical Period 2019-2025
Forecast Period 2026-2035
Scope of the Report

Historical and Forecast Trends, Industry Drivers and Constraints, Historical and Forecast Market Analysis by Segment:

  • Booking Type
  • Rental Length Type
  • Application Type
  • Vehicle Type
  • Region
Breakup by Booking Type
  • Offline
  • Online
Breakup by Rental Length Type
  • Short-Term
  • Long-Term
Breakup by Application Type
  • Leisure/Tourism
  • Business
Breakup by Vehicle Type
  • Luxury/Premium Cars
  • Economy/Budget Cars
  • SUVs
  • MUVs
Breakup by Region
  • Germany
  • United Kingdom
  • France
  • Italy
  • Others
Market Dynamics
  • SWOT Analysis
  • Porter's Five Forces Analysis
  • Key Indicators for Demand
  • Key Indicators for Price
Competitive Landscape
  • Market Structure
  • Company Profiles
    • Company Overview
    • Product Portfolio
    • Demographic Reach and Achievements
    • Certifications
Companies Covered
  • Avis Budget Group Inc.
  • Enterprise Holdings, Inc. (Alamo)
  • Hertz Global Holdings, Inc.
  • Sixt SE
  • Europcar International S.A.S.U
  • Economy Car Hire Ltd. (Zest Car Rental)
  • ALD Automotive Limited
  • Edel & Stark AG
  • Booking Holdings Inc. (Momondo)
  • fourdrive GmbH
  • Wucherpfennig & Krohn GmbH
  • Others

Datasheet

10 % Off

USD

2,499

2,249

Single User License

10 % Off

USD

3,999

3,599

Five User License

15 % Off

USD

4,999

4,249

Corporate License

15 % Off

USD

5,999

5,099

Datasheet

One User

USD 2,499

USD 2,249

tax inclusive*

  • Selected Segments
  • Printing Restrictions
  • Excel Spreadsheet Delivered via Email
  • Full Report
  • Periodic Updates
  • Post Sales Analysts Support
  • Unlimited Prints

Single User License

One User

USD 3,999

USD 3,599

tax inclusive*

  • All Segments
  • Printing Restrictions
  • PDF Delivered via Email
  • Custom Report Layout
  • Post Sales Analysts Support
  • Periodic Updates
  • Unlimited Prints

Five User License

Five User

USD 4,999

USD 4,249

tax inclusive*

  • All Segments
  • Five Prints Available
  • PDF Delivered via Email
  • Limited Free Customization
  • Post Sales Analyst Support
  • Custom Report Layout
  • Periodic Updates
  • Unlimited Prints

Corporate License

Unlimited Users

USD 5,999

USD 5,099

tax inclusive*

  • All Segments
  • Unlimited Prints Available
  • PDF & Excel Delivery via Email
  • Limited Free Customization
  • Post Sales Analysts Support
  • Discount On Next Update
  • Custom Report Layout

*Please note that the prices mentioned below are starting prices for each bundle type. Kindly contact our team for further details.*

Bundle Type

Flash Bundle

20% OFF Number of Reports: 3

Small Business Bundle

25% OFF Number of Reports: 5

Growth Bundle

30% OFF Number of Reports: 8

Enterprise Bundle

35% OFF Number of Reports: 10
Overview
  • Life Time Access
  • Analyst Support Related to Report
  • PDF Version of the Report
  • Complimentary Excel Data Set
  • Free Analyst Hours
  • Complimentary Free 1 Month Subscription to Trade Data Base
  • Complimentary One Month Subscription to Price Database (Chemicals only)
  • Complimentary PPT Version of the Report
  • Complimentary License Upgrade
  • Complimentary Power BI Dashboards
  • Life Time Access
  • Analyst Support Related to Report
  • PDF Version of the Report
  • Complimentary Excel Data Set
  • Free Analyst Hours - 50 Hours
  • Complimentary Free 1 Month Subscription to Trade Data Base
  • Complimentary One Month Subscription to Price Database (Chemicals only)
  • Complimentary PPT Version of the Report
  • Complimentary License Upgrade
  • Complimentary Power BI Dashboards
  • Life Time Access
  • Analyst Support Related to Report
  • PDF Version of the Report
  • Complimentary Excel Data Set
  • Free Analyst Hours - 80 Hours
  • Complimentary Free 1 Month Subscription to Trade Data Base
  • Complimentary One Month Subscription to Price Database (Chemicals only)
  • Complimentary PPT Version of the Report
  • Complimentary License Upgrade
  • Complimentary Power BI Dashboards
  • Life Time Access
  • Analyst Support Related to Report
  • PDF Version of the Report
  • Complimentary Excel Data Set
  • Free Analyst Hours - 100 Hours
  • Complimentary Free 1 Month Subscription to Trade Data Base
  • Complimentary One Month Subscription to Price Database (Chemicals only)
  • Complimentary PPT Version of the Report
  • Complimentary License Upgrade
  • Complimentary Power BI Dashboards

*Please note that the prices mentioned below are starting prices for each bundle type. Kindly contact our team for further details.*

Flash Bundle

Number of Reports: 3

20%

tax inclusive*

  • 3 Reports Included
  • Life Time Acess
  • Analyst Support Related to Report
  • PDF Version of the Report
  • Free 1 Month Subscription to Trade Data Base
  • 1 Month Subscription to Price Database (Chemicals only)
  • Complimentary Excel Data Set
  • PPT Version of the Report
  • Power BI Dashboards
  • License Upgrade
  • Free Analyst Hours

Small Business Bundle

Number of Reports: 5

25%

tax inclusive*

  • 5 Reports Included
  • Life Time Acess
  • Analyst Support Related to Report
  • PDF Version of the Report
  • Complimentary Excel Data Set
  • Free Analyst Hours - 50 Hours
  • Free 1 Month Subscription to Trade Data Base
  • 1 Month Subscription to Price Database (Chemicals only)
  • Complimentary Excel Data Set
  • PPT Version of the Report
  • Power BI Dashboards
  • License Upgrade

Growth Bundle

Number of Reports: 8

30%

tax inclusive*

  • 8 Reports Included
  • Life Time Acess
  • Analyst Support Related to Report
  • PDF Version of the Report
  • Complimentary Excel Data Set
  • Free Analyst Hours - 50 Hours
  • Free 1 Month Subscription to Trade Data Base
  • 1 Month Subscription to Price Database (Chemicals only)
  • License Upgrade
  • Free Analyst Hours - 80 Hours
  • Power BI Dashboards

Enterprise Bundle

Number of Reports: 10

35%

tax inclusive*

  • 10 Reports Included
  • Life Time Acess
  • Analyst Support Related to Report
  • PDF Version of the Report
  • Complimentary Excel Data Set
  • Free Analyst Hours - 50 Hours
  • Free 1 Month Subscription to Trade Data Base
  • 1 Month Subscription to Price Database (Chemicals only)
  • License Upgrade
  • Power BI Dashboards
  • Free Analyst Hours - 100 Hours

How To Order

This is a collaborative report by Dikshant Arora, Ketan Gandhi and Neha Gawande reflecting perspectives and research-driven insights from Expert Market Research.

Our step-by-step guide will help you select, purchase, and access your reports swiftly, ensuring you get the information that drives your decisions, right when you need it.

License Type

Select License Type

Choose the right license for your needs and access rights.

shopping cart

Click on ‘Buy Now’

Add the report to your cart with one click and proceed to register.

Bookmark Icon

Select Mode of Payment

Choose a payment option for a secure checkout. You will be redirected accordingly.

Strategic Solutions for Informed Decision-Making

Connect For More Information

Our expert team of analysts will offer full support and resolve any queries regarding the report, before and after the purchase.

Our expert team of analysts will offer full support and resolve any queries regarding the report, before and after the purchase.

We employ meticulous research methods, blending advanced analytics and expert insights to deliver accurate, actionable industry intelligence, staying ahead of competitors.

Our skilled analysts offer unparalleled competitive advantage with detailed insights on current and emerging markets, ensuring your strategic edge.

We offer an in-depth yet simplified presentation of industry insights and analysis to meet your specific requirements effectively.

We’re here to help answer any questions about our products and services.

Contact us