enjoy — europe.com
Travel with John Bermont

The original do-it-yourself travel guide to Europe ℠


Drive a Car in Europe

Rules of the road are different. Here is an introduction to driving in Europe.


Carpe diem. Vivere bene! Gratia Deo.

This is section 18, all about driving in Europe. The entire book is published free on-line by the DIY traveler, author, photographer, and webmaster —yours truly— with help from my daughter Stephanie and good friend Paula in Haarlem, Nord Holland, Netherlands. Questions, comments, complaints, and contributions are welcome. Please click footnote. Patronage at my euro-shoppe™ keeps this site on line. Updated .


All About Driving in Europe

Rent a Car

Auto rental agencies are located in airports, train stations, and urban areas throughout Europe. For Americans it is best to reserve in advance rather than walk up to a counter. Stick shift is standard. Automatic transmission and air conditioning come at a price, when available. Read all the restrictions before you sign.

18.1 European Auto Rental Rent a car to see the countryside.
Driver's License, International Driving Permit. Rent, lease, purchase, or bring your own car.

Icons

The street and road signs are much different in Europe. Almost every sign is an icon. Not much is written because drivers come from about four dozen countries with four dozen languages in Europe.

18.2 Driving in Europe Back Alley to Blazing Autobahn.
Expressways, streets, signs/route numbers, do not enter, priority, yield, speed limits, pedestrians.

More Traffic Signs

Speed limits are in kilometers per hour and are rigidly enforced with the aid of radar, cameras, and strobe lights. Radar traps are not posted. Traffic fines are serious.

18.3 European Driving Laws and Habits Speed Limits, Tailgaters, Police.
Pedestrian zones, speed limits, police, sirens, wrong way, radar camera traps.

Drive It or Park It

Parking is expensive. Gasoline is expensive.

18.4 Parking, Gasoline, Safety Adjuncts to Driving a Car in Europe.
No parking, the clamp, octane, insurance, vandalism, safety, fog lights, compass, GPS device, electric cars.

Direct Auto Rental Information

This is a collection of sites from the major auto rental agencies doing business in Europe. Shop around for the best deal to suit your circumstances. Pay attention to the small print, especially insurance specifications and drop-off charges.

Auto Rental in Europe Travelers Yellow PagesTM
Cars in Europe are much smaller than in the USA. That saves gas and parking space. Smart.



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Bon voyage on site, and all over Europe!