Best Budget-Friendly Car Rental Airports in Europe this winter
Traveling through Europe between November and March is the best way to avoid the crowds and find top deals in car rental, accommodation and tickets. During this time span, many airports in Southern and Eastern Europe see reduced demand, which means that they offer low prices for travelers.
Whether you are about to spend some days on an interesting city break or to explore mountain landscapes, in these airports you can find the most affordable rates to rent a car.
In This Article
- Lisbon (LIS): Road trips on the coast
- Faro (FAO): Exploring the Algarve at your own pace
- Athens (ATH): Where ancient history meets picturesque landscapes
- Thessaloniki (SKG): Urban atmosphere with mountain peaks
- Sofia (SOF): Gateway to winter adventures
- Bucharest (OTP): Driving in the heart of Romania
- Podgorica (TGD): Beaches and mountains in one trip
Lisbon (LIS): Road trips on the coast
From Lisbon Airport, you can not only see the charming capital of Portugal, but also go west to charming coastal towns like Cascais or Sintra with fairytale castles and lush forests. Another option is to drive south, to the Alentejo region with its hidden vineyards and natural landscapes.
Besides, the winter in Portugal is mild, so it is the best time to enjoy traveling away from mass tourism with comfortable weather.
Faro (FAO): Exploring the Algarve at your own pace
From Faro in Portugal, the Algarve coastline waits for you with endless beaches, picturesque fishing villages and dramatic cliffs. With car hire, you can easily visit places like Lagos, Sagres and Tavira, many of which are quieter and more budget-friendly during the fall and winter season.
Read more about car rental in Faro.
Athens (ATH): Where ancient history meets picturesque landscapes
Athens International Airport is your entry point to both urban and rural adventures in and around Athens. Apart from the capital’s iconic landmarks, we recommend you also road trips to Delphi, Nafplio and Kalamata, but you can also enjoy the coastline of Athens Riviera, from Piraeus Port to Sounio, which is one of the most scenic drives in Europe.
Read also: Should I rent a car for a road trip? The pros and cons
Thessaloniki (SKG): Urban atmosphere with mountain peaks
Thessaloniki blends a vibrant food scene with rich Byzantine history, but the real magic begins when you drive out of the city. With a rental car, you can reach Mount Olympus, exotic beaches in Halkidiki and most ski resorts in northern Greece in only 1-2 hours’ drive.
Read: Which is the best road trip car? The top 5 suggestions regarding your travel style
Sofia (SOF): Gateway to winter adventures
Sofia Airport is the perfect starting point for a ski holiday. In less than two hours by car, you can be in Bansko or Borovets, two of Eastern Europe’s top resorts that are also very budget-friendly.
We also recommend a road trip to Rila Monastery and Plovdiv for a cultural trip at unbeatable rates.
Bucharest (OTP): Driving in the heart of Romania
From Bucharest Airport, you can drive north into Transylvania for a road trip through medieval towns like Brașov and Sibiu, and of course, the legendary Bran Castle.
The atmosphere is like stepping into a fairytale, visiting charming spots that are equally beautiful to those of central Europe but at much lower prices.
Read more about car rental in Bucharest.
Podgorica (TGD): Beaches and mountains in one trip
Montenegro has incredible variety in only a small area. From the capital of Podgorica, you can drive to the Adriatic coast with stops in Kotor and Budva or explore inland to Durmitor National Park for breathtaking winter scenery. Rental prices here are among the lowest in Europe, making it a true hidden gem.
Learn more about road trips in Montenegro.
With Abbycar, you can find the lowest rates, but at the same time the newest and safest vehicles across Europe to make the most unforgettable road trips in these budget-friendly places, where you can live amazing days like a local!
Read: Why choose Abbycar over global car rental giants (like Hertz or Sixt)?
