Travelling through Europe by campervan is one of the most rewarding ways to explore the continent. The freedom to follow scenic roads, stop whenever a beautiful landscape appears and spend the night close to nature makes every journey unique.
If you don’t own a van yourself, the good news is that it is relatively easy to rent a campervan in Europe. Rental companies are available in many countries, and the process is usually straightforward once you understand how it works.
After several road trips across Europe, we learned a few practical things that can make the experience much smoother. This guide explains how to rent a campervan in Europe, what to expect and how to prepare for your trip.
| Quick answer If you want to compare multiple rental companies easily, we recommend: 👉 Compare campervan prices across Europe on CamperDays If you prefer renting directly from local owners: 👉 Check available campervans on Goboony. |
Why Renting a Campervan Is a Great Way to Explore Europe
Europe is particularly well suited for campervan travel. Distances between countries are relatively short, roads are generally well maintained and landscapes change quickly as you move from one region to another.
Renting a campervan allows you to experience these landscapes slowly while maintaining the flexibility to adjust your itinerary along the way.
The main advantage of renting a campervan is to be able to rent it at the destination and, thus, avoid the long drive. When travelling longer periods or often, it might make sense to own your own vehicle. In this case, you might want to think of renting your vehicle to other travelers. You can use platforms such as Paul campers for this.
If you are planning on renting out your campervan and want to support us without any extra charge for you, please use our affiliate link.
Another advantage of renting a campervan is the flexibility to change vehicles according to your needs (number of travelers, destination etc.).
Campervan Rental Companies in Europe
Several companies specialize in campervan rentals across Europe. Some of the most commonly used options include:
Camperdays (comparison platform)
If you want to compare potential campervan rentals, Camperdays might be for you. With a portfolio of over 35,000 rental vehicles that can be booked directly in 30 countries on five continents, this is a very flexible option, which adapts to all your travel plans.
If you prefer comparing multiple companies and want a simple booking process, CamperDays is usually the easiest option.
Goboony (peer to peer platform)
If you’re looking for a practical and easy campervan rental, Gaboony is a good option to consider. It’s a peer-to-peer platform, so you’re essentially renting directly from private owners, which means there’s a wide range of vans available—from simple conversions to fully equipped motorhomes and affordable renting possibilities. We have used peer to peer platforms both to rent a campervan before owning our own and to rent out once we had bought our campervan and we were always happy with the experience although these rentals are less professional, which means that not everything might be perfect, they are also more affordable and feel more personal and authentic.
With Goboony, each listing clearly outlines what’s included (kitchen setup, bedding, mileage, insurance), so you know exactly what you’re booking. It’s particularly useful for trips around Europe, with pick-up locations in multiple countries, and the booking process is straightforward.
If you are looking for the cheapest option and don’t mind renting from private owners, Goboony is often the best choice.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Campervan in Europe?
The cost of renting a campervan in Europe varies depending on the season, vehicle type and rental location.
Typical daily prices:
| Campervan Type | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Small campervan | €70–€120 per day |
| Medium campervan | €100–€160 per day |
| Large motorhome | €120–€250 per day |
When using peer to peer platforms, prices are usually more affordable. Nevertheless, during peak travel months such as July and August, prices are usually higher, so booking early is recommended.
Check availability and prices for peer to peer rentals on Goboony or compare prices on Camperdays.
Tips for Renting a Campervan in Europe
A few simple tips can make the experience much easier.
Book early, especially during the summer months when demand is high.
Choose a pickup location that matches your travel plans. Large cities often offer the best selection of vehicles. You can book your campervan directly at your destination or on the way. If you want to take your timeto prepare your camper before going on your trip, you should book next to your home. Be aware though that you‘ll consume more fuel when travelling in a campervan. Many rentals also have a limited amount of kilometers.
Take time to familiarize yourself with the campervan before leaving the rental location. Understanding how the water, electricity and cooking systems work can make the trip more comfortable.
Also discover our best campervan equipment in order to have a comfortable and family-friendly trip.
Best Campervan Road Trips in Europe
Once you have rented your campervan, the real adventure begins. Europe offers an incredible variety of road trips, from dramatic mountain landscapes to peaceful coastal drives.
Some of our favourite destinations include the lakes in Sweden, the forests of the Ardennes, the mountains of Picos de Europa and Switzerland as well as the coastal landscapes of Brittany and Normandy.
But you can also discover quieter hidden gems such as the Northern Spain, Denmark or the Baie de Somme.
Also discover our 10 best campervan road trips in Europe.
FAQ – Renting a Campervan in Europe
Is it cheaper to rent a campervan or stay in hotels?
For longer trips, travelling by campervan can often be more economical than booking hotels every night. However, this should not be the main reason for choosing a campervan. You should like the lifestyle and way of travel that comes with it. Renting a campervan in Europe provides greater flexibility when exploring remote areas and gives you a great feeling of freedom.
Do you need a special licence to rent a campervan?
In most cases a standard driving licence is sufficient for smaller campervans. The EU legislation currently still foresees this for vehicles that are lighter than 3,5 tonnes. Larger motorhomes may require additional requirements.
When is the best time to rent a campervan in Europe?
Late spring and early autumn are often ideal times to travel. The weather is pleasant, roads are less crowded and rental prices can be slightly lower than during peak summer months. It is also much easier to find great campervan spots when renting a campervan in Europe outside the peak months (July, August).
Nevertheless, travelling in the winter months is also possible. We have done so when travelling to Brittany or Normandy for example. Most campervans have a good heating system and you won’t be cold during the night.
Are campervans easy to drive in Europe?
Most campervans are relatively easy to drive, especially the smaller models that are similar in size to a large car or van. Roads across Europe are generally well maintained, although some historic towns and rural areas can have narrow streets. Taking time to get familiar with the vehicle before starting your journey can make driving much more comfortable.
Can you sleep anywhere in a campervan in Europe?
Rules for overnight parking vary between countries. Some countries allow more freedom for overnight stays, while others require travelers to use campsites or designated campervan areas. Before starting your journey it is helpful to check the regulations in the countries you plan to visit.
What is usually included when renting a campervan?
Most campervan rentals include basic equipment such as a small kitchen, cooking utensils, a refrigerator and bedding. Many vehicles also have a small table, seating area and storage space for luggage. Some companies offer additional items such as camping chairs or outdoor tables as optional extras.
Check out our article on essential campervan equipment.
Is insurance included when renting a campervan?
Basic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but it often comes with a deductible in case of damage. Many rental companies offer additional coverage options that can reduce the deductible and provide extra peace of mind during your trip.
Is it possible to pick up a campervan in one country and return it in another?
Some rental companies allow one-way rentals between different cities or countries, but this option may involve additional fees. It is always best to confirm the availability of one-way rentals when booking your campervan.
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