Within Europe, the general answer is yes, you can drive your hire car into a different European country from where you picked it up. However, you may find some restrictions depending on the: Country you rent the car from. Country/countries you want to take the car to.

Yes, you can drive a rental car across most European borders, but you must inform the rental agency at the time of booking. In 2026, most major rental companies (like Sixt, Hertz, or Europcar) allow cross-border travel within the Schengen Area for a small "cross-border fee" (typically €20–€50), which covers the necessary insurance and roadside assistance extensions. However, restrictions often apply to luxury vehicles being driven into Eastern Europe or crossing into non-EU countries like the UK or Switzerland (which may require a specific "vignette" sticker for highways). If you plan a one-way rental (dropping the car in a different country), expect a significant "drop-off fee" that can range from €200 to over €1,000. Always carry your domestic license and, for many countries like Italy or Austria, an International Driving Permit (IDP) to avoid heavy fines during routine police checks.