High Season: Smart Car Rental in July

Last updated: June 29, 2026

July is peak season for rental cars in Europe: demand skyrockets, base rates are 25–35% higher than in May, and popular categories such as compact, economy, and 7-passenger vehicles are often sold out as early as 6 weeks in advance.

Three tactics that make a difference: book smart with a last-minute strategy if you’re flexible, choose an off-airport rental company to save money, and schedule your pickup or drop-off outside of peak hours.

Are you leaving as early as June? Read our guide to renting a car in June.

On this page:

• Avoiding Crowds and Last-Minute Strategies

• Why is July such a busy time for car rentals?

• Last-minute car rentals in July: a realistic strategy

• Avoid crowds when picking up your car: 5 practical tactics

• Which countries see peak demand in July?

• How much does a rental car cost in July?

• Renting a car during peak season: 4 things to keep in mind

• Car Rental Checklist: 12 Points

• Frequently Asked Questions

Why is July such a busy time for rental cars?

Three factors come into play here. First, demand: according to EasyTerra’s search data, demand in July and August is three to four times higher than in May. Next, supply: popular categories such as compact cars and cars with automatic transmissions are already 80% sold out six weeks in advance. And finally, price: base rates are 25 to 35% higher than in May, and on islands like Mallorca, Ibiza, Tenerife, Madeira, and Malta, that increase can even exceed 50%.

Last-minute car rentals in July: a realistic strategy

Booking last-minute during peak season? It’s definitely possible, if you’re willing to be flexible on three points: (1) the car class —a smaller class like compact or mini is generally more widely available than an SUV with an automatic transmission, (2) the pickup location—off-airport pickup is 20–30% cheaper, and (3) the time of day—picking up early or late gives you more choice.

Here’s how to do it in 4 steps:

• Step 1 – Set your dates and book shortly in advance (1–2 weeks ahead): that alone saves you 10–15% compared to booking just one day in advance.

• Step 2 – Consider off-airport pickup: choose a provider with a location just outside the airport, where you’ll be taken by shuttle bus, as these are usually cheaper than car rental companies inside the terminal. Also consider station counters or downtown locations, for example in Palma de Mallorca, Faro, or Heraklion.

• Step 3 – Be flexible with your car class: At EasyTerra, you book by car class (mini, compact, intermediate) and car type (SUV, convertible, minivan). Example models (e.g., Fiat 500, VW Polo) are for reference only; you’ll receive a comparable car from the same class. Smaller or less popular classes are more readily available during peak season.

• Step 4 – Keep an eye on prices: EasyTerra offers a unique service—after booking, click the “Track Price” link, and you’ll be notified of any changes via email. If the price drops, simply rebook, since cancellations are free up to 48 hours in advance.

You can find detailed information in our blog about the best time to rent a car.

Avoid crowds when picking up your car: 5 practical tips

Long lines at the car rental counters at the airport usually form when several full flights arrive in quick succession. Travelers who show up at the counter without the proper documents also cause delays. To pick up your rental car as quickly as possible, here are five tips.

Tip 1: Have all your documents ready

Make sure you have your driver’s license, ID/passport, the credit card used to make the reservation (in the name of the primary driver), and your reservation confirmation readily available. Many delays occur because travelers have to search through their suitcases or phones.

Tip 2: Avoid peak times

At many European vacation destinations, airport peak times are between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., and between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. If your flight time is flexible, try to arrive outside these peak hours.

Tip 3: Off-airport pickup

Choose a rental company with an office just outside the airport, accessible by shuttle bus. This adds a few extra minutes to your travel time, but the lines at the counter are much shorter, saving you a lot of waiting time. Plus, these rental companies are often 20 to 30% cheaper.

Tip 4: Go to the counter without luggage or travel companions

Have one person handle the formalities while the rest of the group waits elsewhere with the luggage. This prevents unnecessary crowding and hesitation at the counter itself. If you’re traveling with children: they’ll want to move around after a long flight, and the line isn’t the right place for that.

Tip 5: Check the processing time

EasyTerra asks all customers to rate the rental company they used. These are genuine reviews of the specific counter, and one of the criteria is wait time. Check that score before you finalize your booking.

Which countries are the most popular in July?

Based on searches via EasyTerra, the following 8 countries and regions are the most popular for renting a car in July.

SPAIN ( Mallorca, Ibiza, Tenerife)

Attracts mainly island-hoppers who love a mix of beaches, nightlife, and convenience: everything is close together and easily accessible by rental car.

PORTUGAL (Madeira, Faro-Algarve, Lisbon)

A favorite among beach lovers looking for dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and a more relaxed pace than its Spanish neighbors.

ITALY (Sicily, Sardinia, Bari-Apulia)

Appeals to culture lovers who value history, gastronomy, and authentic villages just as much as the beach.

Get inspired:

• Sicily: Tips for Road Trips with a Rental Car

• Sardinia: 12 tips for a road trip starting from Olbia or Alghero

GREECE (Crete, Rhodes, Corfu)

The perfect destination for island hoppers who like to combine multiple islands in a single trip by car and ferry.

We're happy to help you get started:

• Crete: Heraklion is the starting point for the most beautiful coastlines

• Rhodes: 21 tips for road trips with a rental car

CROATIA (Split, Dubrovnik)

Popular with coastal road trippers who want to drive the spectacular Adriatic coastal route, from historic towns to hidden coves.

Choose from the most beautiful road trips in Croatia:

• 5 of the most beautiful routes through Dalmatia starting from Split

MALTA

The Maltese archipelago is compact and diverse, ideal for travelers who want to combine culture (temples, fortified towns) and the coast in a single short trip.

FRANCE (Nice-Côte d'Azur, Brittany)

Attracts lovers of classic coastlines, from the glamorous Riviera to the rugged, authentic Breton coastline.

Discover the Côte d’Azur:

• 10 Day Trips by Rental Car from Nice

NORWAY (Oslo, fjords)

Attractive for travelers who, especially in July, take advantage of the long daylight hours to explore fjords and mountain roads well into the evening.

Read our tips for a road trip in Norway:

• Rent a car for a trip along the Norwegian fjords

How much does a rental car cost in July?

Renting a Car During Peak Season: 4 Things to Keep in Mind

Want to rent a car hassle-free and avoid any trouble during your vacation? Fortunately, that’s easy to do if you avoid the 10 most common pitfalls. Below, we’ve listed four things to keep in mind that apply specifically to renting a car during peak season.

Credit Card in the Primary Driver’s Name

This is mandatory, and during peak season, checks are often particularly thorough at busy airports. So make sure your credit card has a high enough limit to cover the security deposit (and leave enough room for expenses during your vacation). The security deposit is usually between €700 and €2,500.

Security Deposit Blocking in the Summer

During peak season, the security deposit is generally 15–20% higher than during the off-season, simply because the risk of damage claims is greater then. Good to know: if no damage is found when you return the rental car, the security deposit will be refunded, though this can sometimes take a while.

Arrange Insurance Wisely

Since the risk of damage is higher in the summer, it’s wise to consider insurance with comprehensive damage coverage (SCDW) or to waive your deductible. That way, you won’t be stuck with an unexpected bill if something does happen. If you want to enjoy a completely worry-free vacation, rent a car with our Worry-Free label, which covers your deductible.

Increased Risk of Damage

Full parking lots and busy roads mean the risk of damage is higher in the summer. So, when you pick up your rental car, always take photos of the vehicle from all sides so you have evidence in case of a dispute.

Car Rental Checklist: 12 Points

1. Main driver’s license: Make sure the license is valid and bring the original card with you; copies or digital versions will not be accepted.

2. Credit card in the primary driver’s name: Check that there is sufficient credit available to cover the security deposit, which can range from €700 to €2,500.

3. Voucher: Download the voucher from EasyTerra and make sure you have it printed or saved in your mobile wallet.

4. International driver’s license: Required if your destination requires it, such as the U.S., Canada, Australia, South Africa, Turkey, and some Latin American countries. Check this in advance.

5. Additional driver’s documents: Will someone else be driving the car? If so, make sure the additional driver’s driver’s license and passport are also in order and on hand.

6. Child seat: Reserve this in advance when booking or bring your own. On island locations, child seats often sell out quickly during peak season.

7. Insurance: Decide whether basic coverage is sufficient or if you’d prefer to add more comprehensive damage coverage and/or waive the deductible. Don’t wait until you’re at the counter to decide!

8. Cancellation policy: Be aware that canceling within 48 hours before the start of the rental period incurs a fee, but canceling earlier is always free with EasyTerra.

9. Pickup location and time: Check that these details are correct on your voucher, and whether it’s an off-airport location or a counter at the airport.

10. Read reviews: Check reviews of car rental companies at your specific pickup location, as these can vary significantly from place to place.

11. Useful apps: Download navigation apps in advance (such as Google Maps offline), a parking app, and, if needed, a toll payment app.

12. Take photos: When picking up the rental car, take photos of the vehicle from all sides and a photo of the fuel gauge; this will serve as your proof in the event of a damage claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it still possible to rent a car last-minute in July?

Absolutely, but you’ll need to be a bit flexible. There’s usually still plenty of choice 1 to 2 weeks before departure, especially if you’re not set on a specific car class or location. Within 5 days, it gets trickier (and more expensive). Book through EasyTerra, and you’ll see all providers side by side at a glance: much easier than checking each one separately, and you’re simply more likely to get a good deal.

How much more expensive is July compared to May?

Expect starting rates to be 25–35% higher in Europe. On the Spanish islands (Mallorca, Ibiza, Tenerife) and in Greece, prices can even rise to 50% or more. Madeira and Malta fall somewhere in between, at around 30–40%. Want to know exactly how it breaks down by country? Check out our“ ” price overview table. And would you rather avoid paying the highest prices? Then book 4 to 6 weeks in advance.

Can I cancel for free if my July plans change?

Yes, and that’s standard policy—up to 48 hours before your rental period begins. No hidden catches, no separate, more expensive “flex rate”—it’s simply included. If you book within those 48 hours, free cancellation is usually no longer an option.

Do I need a credit card to pick up my car in July?

This is required by all providers you book through EasyTerra, and the credit card must be in the name of the primary driver. That’s because the security deposit—usually between €700 and €2,500—will be held on that card. A debit or prepaid card is not accepted for this purpose. During peak season, checks are often even stricter at busy airports, so make sure everything is in order.

Which car classes are still available for last-minute bookings in July?

Compact and mini cars (e.g., Fiat 500, VW Polo, Renault Clio) remain available the longest. Automatic transmission cars and 7-passenger minivans are often sold out 6 to 8 weeks in advance during peak season. SUVs fall somewhere in between. Please note that the car shown is for illustrative purposes only; the specific car you receive may be the same one, or a comparable model from the same class.

How can I avoid lines at the counter in July?

If possible, schedule your pickup before 11:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m., when it’s less crowded. Make sure you have your documents ready (driver’s license, credit card in the primary driver’s name, voucher)—that alone will save you a lot of time. Our reviews also give you a good idea of which counters are efficient and which ones take a bit longer. At busy airports like Palma, Faro, or Heraklion, an off-airport pickup can be a great solution.

Is my rental car insured against damage in July?

Every rental car comes with standard collision damage insurance (CDW – Collision Damage Waiver) that includes a deductible, the amount of which depends on the type of car and the rental company. During peak season, roads and parking lots are more crowded, and the risk of damage is slightly higher. Consider waiving your deductible or opting for more comprehensive damage insurance (SCDW). Read our guide on car rentals and deductibles for all your options.

What documents do I need to rent a car in July?

A valid driver’s license for the primary driver, a credit card in their name with a sufficient credit limit, your voucher (printed or digital), passport or ID, and, for some destinations, an international driver’s license. Above, you’ll find the complete checklist with all 12 items.

What if my flight is delayed?

Always provide your flight number when booking. Most rental companies will hold the car for you if they know your flight is delayed. If you didn’t provide a flight number, the rental car will be released within an hour. Is the delay really significant? Then call the rental company immediately using the number on your voucher.

Is off-airport pickup cheaper in July?

Absolutely—you’ll save 20–30% at popular destinations like Palma, Faro, Heraklion, and Funchal. Bonus: you’ll avoid the airport surcharge (€15–30), and the line is usually shorter, too. The only downside is that you’ll spend a little extra time traveling by shuttle bus or transfer to the city center. Are you staying longer than 5 days? Then it’s almost always worth it.