If you learned to drive in North America, you probably assume a rental car will be an automatic. In most of Europe, it won't be. Manual transmission ("stick shift") is still the default in rental fleets across much of the continent, and the cheapest price you see when you search is almost always for a manual. Here's what that means for your budget, and how to avoid a nasty surprise at the rental desk.
The short answer
You can rent an automatic almost anywhere in Europe, but it usually costs more and there are fewer of them. Expect to pay noticeably more per day than for a manual in the same size class, especially in the cheapest small-car categories. Automatics sell out first in summer and in smaller towns and islands. If you can't drive a manual, filter for automatic when you search, book early, and check that the booking says "automatic", not just "or similar".
Automatic vs manual at a glance
| Manual | Automatic | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Usually the cheapest option in every size class | Typically more per day, with the biggest difference in small, budget cars |
| Availability | Plentiful almost everywhere | Fewer cars, especially in small economy classes, rural areas and islands |
| Peak season (June to August) | Still easy to find | Can sell out weeks ahead in popular spots |
| Car size | Available down to the smallest city cars | Often only offered from a larger size class, which pushes the price up |
| Electric and hybrid cars | Rarely: almost all are automatic | Electric cars and most hybrids are automatic, so they can be a way to get one |
Price differences vary a lot by country, season and rental company, so compare both options for your actual dates rather than assuming a fixed markup.
Why automatics cost more in Europe
It comes down to supply. Many Europeans learn to drive in a manual car, and manual cars have long been cheaper to buy and run, so rental companies stock far more of them. Automatics make up a smaller part of each fleet, and they're concentrated in bigger and more expensive car classes. When the few automatic economy cars are booked, the next available automatic may be a larger car at a higher price.
That's slowly changing as more new cars, and especially electric cars, come with automatic gearboxes. Northern Europe tends to have more automatics than the south and east, but it's still worth checking before you assume one will be available.
Where automatics are hardest to find
- Islands and small towns, such as the Greek islands, Sardinia or rural Portugal, where fleets are small and mostly manual.
- Southern and Eastern Europe in general, particularly in the cheapest car classes.
- Peak summer and holiday weekends, when automatics are often the first cars to sell out.
- Small local agencies, which sometimes have only a handful of automatics. Book those early.
Big airports in major cities are usually the easiest places to pick up an automatic, even in high season.
Need an automatic? Compare local rental companies, filter by transmission, and see the real price difference for your dates before automatics sell out.
Compare automatic rental carsHow to make sure you actually get an automatic
The classic horror story is booking "a Fiat 500 or similar" and being handed a manual at the desk. To avoid it:
- Use the automatic filter when you search, and check that "automatic" appears in the booking details, not just the car's photo.
- Check the car category code if the booking shows one. Many rental sites use a 4-letter code, and the third letter shows the transmission: A (or B or D) means automatic and M (or N or C) means manual. For example, a code like "EDAR" is an automatic and "EDMR" is a manual.
- Read the "or similar" wording. Rental companies can usually swap the model, but they shouldn't swap an automatic booking for a manual. If the terms say the transmission isn't guaranteed, choose a different offer.
- Keep your confirmation handy at pickup, on your phone or printed. If you're offered a manual, show that you booked an automatic and ask for a same-class or larger automatic at no extra cost.
Should you just rent a manual?
If you drive a manual comfortably at home, renting one in Europe is a simple way to save money. If you haven't driven one in years, think twice before learning on narrow village streets, steep hill starts and busy roundabouts. In the UK and Ireland you'll also be shifting gears with your left hand while driving on the left, which is a lot to take on at once.
One rule to know: if your licence is restricted to automatic cars (for example, code 78 on UK and EU licences), you're only allowed to drive an automatic, so a manual isn't an option.
Tips to keep the price down
- Book as early as you can, especially for June to August. Automatic prices tend to rise as availability drops.
- Compare a hybrid or electric car. They're automatic by default, and sometimes cost less than a petrol automatic in the same class. Check charging options if you choose electric.
- Pick up at a major airport or city location rather than a small branch.
- Watch the extras. The daily rate isn't the whole cost; insurance excess, fuel policy and one-way fees can matter more. Our guide to rental fees nobody mentions covers what to check.
Ready to book? See automatic and manual prices side by side for your pickup location, including what insurance is included.
See rental cars for your datesRelated reading
The short version
Manual is still the default in most European rental fleets, so automatics cost more and run out first, especially in summer, on islands and in small towns. If you need one, filter for automatic, book early, make sure the booking guarantees the transmission, and keep your confirmation for the counter. If you're a confident manual driver, you'll save money by sticking with one.