Best and Worst countries to rent a car in Europe
With peak travel season approaching, a new report by Go Voyager reveals a pressing concern: foreign drivers are up to three times more likely to cause collisions on European roads than locals.
As car rental interest surges — with searches like “car rental Malaga” up 400% — safety and road quality are more important than ever for tourists hitting the road.
Go Voyager analyzed road safety stats, infrastructure, and rental affordability across EU countries to reveal the best and worst places to rent a car.
🚫 The Worst EU Countries to Rent a Car:
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Romania – With the lowest road quality score (2.96), and 81.1 fatalities per million, Romania tops the list for poor rental conditions despite low daily rental costs.
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Latvia – High fatality rates (75.4/million) and a weak infrastructure rating make it a risky choice — though it’s one of the cheapest places to rent, starting at just €15/day.
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Bulgaria, Italy, and Belgium round out the top five, with high accident rates and middling road quality dragging down their rankings.
✅ The Best EU Countries to Rent a Car:
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France – With a strong road quality index (5.96), high-speed infrastructure, and relatively safe conditions, France leads the pack.
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Portugal, Sweden, Netherlands, and Denmark also offer a great mix of safety, speed, and rental value — ideal for scenic road trips.
Whether you’re navigating Dutch flower fields or Portugal’s coastal roads, choosing the right country to rent a car can make or break your journey. Be sure to weigh more than just price — road conditions and local driving culture matter too.
