Automatic vs Manual Car Rentals in Europe: What Tourists Should Know

When planning a road trip in Europe, renting a car is one of the best ways to explore cities, countryside, and hidden gems that trains and buses don’t reach. But before you confirm your booking, you’ll face a question that surprises many visitors from outside Europe: Should you rent an automatic or manual car?

Unlike in North America or parts of Asia, where automatic cars dominate the market, manual transmission vehicles are still far more common in Europe. For tourists, this choice can affect everything from rental price to driving comfort. In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of automatic vs manual car rentals in Europe, costs, availability, and the key things every traveler should know.

Why the transmission choice matters

Choosing between a manual and an automatic car in Europe is more than just personal preference. It impacts:

• Price – Automatic rentals are often significantly more expensive.

• Availability – Manuals dominate the fleet in most countries.

• Comfort – Driving in European cities with lots of traffic or hills can be easier with an automatic.

• Driving experience – Some travelers enjoy the “authentic European driving feel” of a manual.

For tourists unfamiliar with manual gearboxes, making the wrong choice can turn an exciting trip into a stressful one.

Availability: manuals are the norm in Europe

In North America, about 95% of rental cars are automatic. In Europe, it’s the opposite: manuals are standard, and automatics are a smaller share of the rental fleet.

• Southern Europe (Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece): Manuals dominate, especially in budget rental companies. Automatics are available, but often sell out quickly in summer.

• Western Europe (France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium): Larger international rental firms offer more automatics, but manuals remain cheaper and more common.

• Northern Europe (Scandinavia, UK, Ireland): Availability of automatics is better, but still limited compared to the US.

Tip: If you need an automatic, book well in advance—especially for peak travel months (June–August).

Cost differences: manual is cheaper

One of the biggest differences is price. Renting a manual car in Europe is often 30–50% cheaper than renting an automatic.

• Example: A compact manual car may cost €35 per day, while the same model with automatic transmission could be €50–60 per day.

• Fuel economy can also differ: manuals in Europe are often diesel or smaller engines, which may save you money on fuel compared to larger automatic models.

If you’re comfortable driving stick shift, choosing a manual can free up a big part of your travel budget.

Driving conditions: city vs countryside

Where you plan to drive makes a huge difference in whether a manual or automatic is better.

Driving in cities

• Narrow streets, heavy traffic, and constant stop-and-go driving can make manuals tiring.

• In old towns with hills (Lisbon, Naples, Edinburgh), balancing the clutch on steep slopes can be stressful.

• Automatics make city driving smoother and less fatiguing.

Driving in the countryside

• Manuals can be more fun on winding mountain or coastal roads.

• Many rural areas have less traffic, so shifting gears is less of a burden.

• Fuel-efficient manual cars are great for covering long distances.

What tourists from the US, Canada, and Asia should know

For many travelers from outside Europe, driving stick shift is unfamiliar. If you’ve never driven a manual before, Europe is not the best place to learn. The roads can be narrow, signage may differ, and traffic rules vary from country to country.

• North American tourists: Since automatics are the norm at home, most travelers prefer to book an automatic for comfort and safety.

• Asian tourists: In countries like Japan and South Korea, automatics dominate too, so manuals can feel challenging abroad.

• Australian and New Zealand tourists: Manuals are more common at home, so many feel comfortable renting either type in Europe.

Insurance and rental policies

When renting a manual car, it’s important to know that damage caused by misuse of the clutch (burning out the gearbox, for example) may not be fully covered by insurance. Rental companies often classify this as “driver error.”

With automatics, this issue is less common, which can make them less risky for inexperienced drivers.

Parking and fuel efficiency

• Parking: Smaller manual cars are easier to park in tight European city centers.

• Fuel efficiency: Manuals, especially diesels, are typically more fuel-efficient for long trips. However, modern automatics (with 6–8 speeds) are catching up quickly.

Pros and cons at a glance

Tips for choosing the right rental

1. Book early if you want an automatic. In summer, automatics sell out weeks in advance.

2. Check your license. Most countries accept a US, Canadian, or Australian license, but some (like Italy) may also require an International Driving Permit (IDP).

3. Consider your itinerary. If most of your trip is in cities, automatic is worth the extra cost. If you’re mostly on highways or rural roads, manual might be fine.

4. Factor in fuel type. Manual cars in Europe are often diesel, which can be cheaper and more efficient for long trips.

5. Don’t learn on the spot. If you’ve never driven manual, don’t try it for the first time in Europe—it adds unnecessary stress.

Conclusion: which should you choose?

For most tourists, the choice comes down to budget versus comfort.

• Choose manual if you’re confident with stick shift, want to save money, and don’t mind extra work in traffic.

• Choose automatic if you value ease of driving, want less stress in cities, and are willing to pay extra.

Whichever you choose, book early, read the rental conditions carefully, and make sure you’re comfortable behind the wheel. With the right car, Europe’s roads—whether winding Alpine passes or sunny coastal highways—become the perfect part of your travel adventure.

Looking to rent a car in Europe?

• MarSoleil.com