Renting a Car in April: Checklist & Strategy

Last updated: July 22, 2026.

Nothing beats going on vacation with a rental car. No schedules, no organized tours, no set itinerary—just you, the car, and a destination full of possibilities. But when you rent that car is almost as important as where you drive it.

April is one of the best months of the year to rent a car in Europe. Spring is ideal for road trips, and you’ll benefit from fewer crowds and lower prices. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to prepare for renting a car in April, what to look out for, and how to find the best deal.

Why April Is a Good Month to Rent a Car

Let’s start with the most important question: why April, specifically? After all, summer is when most people think of road trips through Europe—warm weather, long days, and that vacation feeling. But summer also brings crowded roads, high rental rates, fully booked accommodations, and long lines at tourist attractions.

Less Crowded Than in Summer

April is an ideal month: the mass tourists haven’t arrived yet, and the weather is pleasant in much of (southern) Europe. That combination—good conditions, lower costs, and fewer people—makes renting a car in the spring a smart travel decision.

A spring road trip literally gives you more space. Parking is easier, scenic viewpoints aren’t overcrowded with other tourists, and the small villages and coastal towns you’ve been dreaming of really feel like authentic places rather than tourist attractions.

Lower car rental prices in April

Car rental rates follow the same logic as flight and hotel prices: demand determines price. In July and August, car rental companies know they can charge a higher price because travelers are less flexible during those months.

Depending on your destination, you’ll pay significantly less for the same rental car in April than during peak season. That difference can range from 20 to 30 percent, sometimes even more. This is especially true for popular Southern European destinations such as Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece.

More Choice in Rental Cars

Often overlooked: rental car availability is still high in the spring. During peak season, the best cars are often reserved weeks in advance. Larger, more comfortable cars, automatic transmissions, and specific vehicle types like SUVs or minivans can be hard to find then.

In April, the selection is wider. You have a much better chance of finding exactly the rental car you’re looking for—whether it’s a compact city car for the winding roads around the Mediterranean or a spacious station wagon for a family road trip through the French countryside. The best time to rent a car is when you have the widest selection, and that’s in the spring.

Perfect weather for road trips

Spring weather in Europe varies by region, but across most of the continent, it’s truly wonderful to drive. In Southern Europe—Portugal, Spain, Southern France, Italy, and Greece—it’s usually warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, perfect for rolling down the windows, making stops along the way, and enjoying long lunches on a terrace. It’s truly one of the most comfortable times of the year to get behind the wheel of a rental car.

When should you book a rental car for April?

Car rental prices rise when demand is high and supply is low, and various factors play a role, including location, season, vacations, and holidays.

How far in advance should you reserve a rental car?

It’s best to book a rental car well in advance, 4 to 8 weeks before your departure. Prices and availability are usually better then. You don’t have to worry about a potential price drop. When booking, click the“Track Price” link, and we’ll send you an email if the price of the car you’ve reserved changes. If the price drops, cancel your reservation for free and rebook the same rental car at the lower price!

When Prices Rise

Rental car prices can also rise in April. This is especially true during spring break or the Easter holiday, which is roughly the same across Europe, except in Orthodox countries, such as Greece, where Easter is usually celebrated later (though not always).

You should also take local holidays into account. On the website beleven.org, you’ll find holidays for countries all over the world; here’s the link for European Union countries.

Last-Minute Bookings: Risks

If you book at the last minute, you might not be able to find a car that fits your travel plans or budget. Although prices sometimes drop at the last minute, it’s best not to count on it. Besides, as we mentioned above, it’s not necessary. If the price does drop, simply rebook.

Where’s the best place to rent a car at your destination?

With the exception of airports that are primarily tourist destinations (such as those in the Canary Islands), you’ll often fly into an airport near a large, interesting city. So, is it better to rent a car in the city or right after you arrive at the airport?

Picking Up at the Airport

Hopping into your rental car and driving off immediately after your flight lands is the ultimate vacation feeling. When picking up a rental car at the airport, you can choose between providers with a counter inside the terminal or just outside the airport. The latter are often more affordable. You’ll be taken to their office by a shuttle bus.

City Pickup

If you want to spend a few days exploring a city first, it makes sense to rent a car from a city office. You’ll often find a cluster of car rental companies in or near the main train station. This is also convenient if you’re traveling to your destination by train.

Checklist: Renting a Car in April

Before we describe possible destinations, here are a few essential tips for renting a car abroad. Good preparation is half the battle and makes everything a lot more enjoyable.

1. Book well in advance
   April is cheaper than the summer, but availability decreases as the month approaches. Book early and know that with EasyTerra, you can cancel for free up to 48 hours in advance if you find a better deal.

2. Understand what’s included in the rental price
   Check whether the rental price includes unlimited mileage and adequate insurance. Many cheap car rental deals in the spring advertise a low daily rate but charge extra fees at pickup. Read the fine print carefully.

3. Choose the right type of car
   The right type of car depends mainly on how many people you’re traveling with and where you’ll be driving. For example, if you’re driving in the mountains, you’ll need a rental car with sufficient engine power. Also make sure the car you rent has enough space for luggage.

4. Check the fuel policy
   If you have a rental car in mind, be sure to check which fuel policy applies. By far the fairest option is “full-to-full”: you pick up the car and return it with a full tank. This prevents extra charges that some companies impose if you return the car with less than a full tank.

5. Check the deposit
   The deposit amount for a rental car is held on your credit card. Of course, you’ll want to keep some credit available on that card for expenses during your vacation. So be sure to check the deposit amount. By the way, EasyTerra alerts you if the deposit for a rental car is relatively high.

6. Download offline maps
   To save on data costs, it’s best to download maps of the area where you’ll be driving your rental car before your trip begins. Every navigation app on your phone offers this feature.

7. Take photos and/or videos when picking up the car
   Always document the condition of the rental car when you pick it up. Make sure any damage is noted in the rental agreement. It’s a simple step that can save you a lot of hassle when you return the car.

You don’t have to worry about some of the points above at all if you rent a car with our Worry-Free label. That means a carefree vacation, because these rental cars come with:

• Full damage coverage

• Unlimited mileage

• Favorable fuel policy

• Highly rated rental companies

• No high deposit

Important traffic rules in other countries

Toll roads

In many European countries, tolls are charged for using highways, but the system varies by country. In countries such as France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy, the amount due is collected via toll gates. If you plan to drive on toll roads frequently, you can ask the local rental agency to activate an electronic toll device in the rental car so you can drive through smoothly.

In Switzerland, Austria, and some Eastern European countries, among others, a toll sticker is required when driving on the highway. In those countries, most rental cars already come equipped with such a sticker, but be sure to check when you pick up the car.

Environmental Zones

More and more European cities have low-emission zones, where only cars that meet emission standards are allowed to drive. Most rental cars are relatively new (less than three years old) and meet these standards. Be sure to check this when you pick up the rental car.

There are also zones that are off-limits to all cars, except for delivery vehicles and residents. The best-known example of this is the Italian version: Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL), but other European countries also have city districts where non-residents are not allowed to drive. Sometimes access isn’t prohibited at all times, but only during certain hours.

Best Destinations for a Road Trip in April

And now for the best part. Here are some of the most beautiful European destinations for a spring road trip—places where a rental car truly transforms the experience.

Andalusia (Spain)

Southern Spain in April is perfect. The temperatures are pleasant, the almond and orange trees are in bloom, and the region is bursting with color and energy. A road trip through Andalusia connects famous cities— Seville, Córdoba, Granada —with the spectacular scenery in between: rolling olive groves, white villages, and the rugged coastline of the Costa de la Luz.

In the spring, renting a car in Spain is an excellent deal, and with a rental car, you can venture completely off the beaten path. Book a rural finca for a night or two, and you’ll wonder why you ever took the bus. Be sure to read our guide to traffic rules in Spain first.

You can read more about enchanting Andalusia in two other blog posts: 10 day trips by rental car from Málaga and the perfect road trip around Seville.

Book the rental car in Spain that’s right for you now!

Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany has been inspiring artists for centuries, and for good reason: it’s one of the most visually stunning regions in the world, and it’s at its most beautiful in the spring. The cypress-lined roads, the hilltop villages, the vineyards just beginning to turn green—everything is more accessible, more affordable, and less crowded in April than in the summer.

A classic road trip through Tuscany takes you past Pisa, Florence, Siena, and the Val d’Orcia. The real joy of renting a car in Italy lies in the drive itself: the winding roads between the villages, where every turn reveals a new view that invites you to pull over for a moment.

Find inspiration for traveling in Tuscany in our blogs: 12 stops between Venice and Florence and 7 day trips by rental car around Pisa.

Compare rental cars in Italy.

Algarve and Alentejo, Portugal

The dramatic limestone cliffs and golden beaches of the Algarve are much more accessible in April, when the summer crowds haven’t yet arrived. What’s more, car rental prices are a fraction of what they are in July and August. Drive along the coastal road both east and west of Faro, stop at every cliffside viewpoint, and you’ll have the world to yourself.

The Alentejo—Portugal’s vast, rolling inland region—is breathtaking in the spring, covered in wildflowers and dotted with medieval fortified villages. This is a part of Portugal that’s difficult to explore without a rental car, and spring is the best time to do so.

Looking for more ideas for a road trip in Portugal? Read tips for road trips through the Algarve and between Lisbon and Faro.

View available rental cars in Portugal.

Provence, France

Lavender season in Provence doesn’t start until June or July, but spring in this part of France has its own unique beauty. The fruit trees are in bloom, and the light has that warm, golden glow that makes every landscape look like a painting.

A road trip through Provence takes you through the Luberon, past the Gorges du Verdon, to Roman ruins, and through the rugged beauty of the Camargue. Rent a car in France and you’ll have complete freedom to stop wherever you like and drive on whenever you feel like it.

Read more about road trips in Provence in our blogs: Road Trips by Rental Car Around Avignon, Sights Around Marseille, and Road Trips by Rental Car from Nice.

Crete, Greece

Greece’s largest island is one of those destinations where you really need a rental car to enjoy it to the fullest. It’s too big, too diverse, and too beautiful to explore by bus or taxi alone. And in the spring, before the summer heat sets in and the package tours begin, it feels like a completely different island.

A practical tip: choose your car carefully. Many of the island’s most scenic roads are narrow and steep. With a rental car that has sufficient ground clearance, you can see much more than you would in a standard car. Most major car rental companies have counters at the airports in Heraklion and Chania, and rates in April are often up to 50% lower than during the high season.

For more detailed information about the island’s attractions, check out our blog: Explore Beautiful Crete with a Rental Car.

Find the best deal on a rental car in Crete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a credit card to rent a car?

Yes, a credit card is always required to rent a car through EasyTerra.

What’s the cheapest day to rent a car?

Car rentals that start midweek are sometimes cheaper than those starting on Friday or Saturday. This is because many people start their vacations on the weekend. Are you flexible? Then be sure to check the midweek rates as well.

Is a rental car cheaper than a taxi or public transportation?

It depends. If you’re traveling alone, public transportation might be more economical, but for two or more people, renting a car is often more cost-effective. And whether you’re traveling alone or with others, the freedom and flexibility a rental car offers are unbeatable!

Can you rent a car if you’re under 25?

Yes, you can, but you may have to pay a so-called young driver surcharge. The local car rental company determines the age limit for this.

Make the most of your spring adventure

Take a road trip through Europe in April: the combination of lower rental car prices, greater availability, fewer crowds, and lovely spring weather makes it one of the smartest travel choices you can make. Whether you’re dreaming of Andalusian villages, Tuscan hills, Portuguese coastlines, or French countryside, a rental car in the spring gives you the freedom to experience it all at your own pace.

So choose your destination and use EasyTerra’s simple comparison site to book the best rental car—one that perfectly suits your travel plans for April!