Denmark – Car Rental

What are the rules and requirements for renting a car in Denmark?

To hire a car in Denmark, renters are generally required to be at least 21 years of age and to have held a full driving licence for a minimum of one year. That said, exact thresholds differ from one operator to another: Enterprise, for instance, allows drivers as young as 19 to rent, so long as they have been licensed for at least a year. It is essential to check the precise age policy of whichever company you plan to use before making a reservation.

Drivers below the age of 25 are typically subject to a young driver surcharge. At Enterprise, this fee stands at DKK 125 per day for anyone under 25, capped at DKK 1,250 for the full duration of the rental (as of 2025). Surcharge amounts vary across providers, so always confirm the applicable rate when you book.

Several companies apply tiered rules that link the driver’s age to the vehicle category. For example, a 20-year-old with at least one year of licence history may be permitted to rent an economy car, while renting a standard or premium-class vehicle could require the driver to be 25 or even 30. Review the terms and conditions for your specific vehicle class carefully during the booking process.

A credit card bearing the driver’s name is generally required both to secure the reservation and to cover a security deposit; most rental companies will not accept a debit card as a substitute. It is also worth noting that a physical driving licence is the only accepted form — a digital or mobile version of your licence will not be treated as valid documentation.

A valid passport or national identity card must be presented for identity verification, and the name on this document must correspond exactly to the names on your driving licence and credit card. Under Danish law, children shorter than 135 cm must travel in an appropriate child seat, so be sure to request one at the time of booking if it is required.

For authoritative and up-to-date information on legal requirements, consult the Danish Road Safety Council or the Danish Road Traffic Authority (Færdselsstyrelsen), and always read the full terms and conditions of your chosen rental company.

Which major car rental companies operate in Denmark, and where can I find them?

Rental vehicles are easy to find across Denmark, whether you are arriving at an international airport or travelling through one of the country’s larger cities. Every major global hire brand maintains locations throughout the country, including Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National/Alamo, and Sixt.

Below are the Danish websites for each of the principal international operators:

• Avis — www.avis.dk
• Budget — www.budget.dk
• Europcar — www.europcar.dk
• Hertz — www.hertz.dk
• Sixt — www.sixt.dk
• Enterprise — www.enterprise.com (Denmark)
• Alamo — www.alamo.com

Picking up a car at Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is highly convenient but often comes at a premium. City-centre branches of the same companies can sometimes offer lower rates. Most operators provide desks directly within airport terminals, though some work from off-site depots accessible via a complimentary shuttle service, with further branches available in the city centre.

If you are based outside the capital, rental desks are also available at Billund, Aarhus, and Aalborg airports — simply follow the signage to the rental car area after passing through customs. Locally focused providers such as Danish Car Rental and Copenhagen Car Rental may offer attractive pricing and greater flexibility for residents, though comparing rates across multiple platforms before committing is always worthwhile.

How does car rental pricing work in Denmark, and what should I watch out for?

As a general guide for 2025, economy cars typically cost between €30 and €50 per day, mid-size vehicles range from €50 to €80, and SUVs or premium cars start from around €90 to €150 or above. These figures represent base rates only — the total amount can increase substantially once optional extras and surcharges are factored in, making it well worth scrutinising every line of your booking summary.

Prices are at their highest during the summer peak season (June to August) and around public holidays, while hiring a car between November and March will generally cost less. Booking for longer periods tends to reduce the daily rate, with weekly and monthly rentals attracting proportionally lower prices.

The most common additional costs to be aware of include:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): CDW and theft protection may be bundled into all-inclusive rates or offered as an add-on at the counter; they limit your financial liability in the event of damage, up to the applicable excess amount for the vehicle category.
• Super CDW / Zero Excess: An upgrade to Super CDW can reduce your deductible to zero, providing full peace of mind — though it does increase the daily rate accordingly.
• Fuel policy: A full-to-full arrangement is common and usually the most economical option, meaning you collect and return the car with a full tank. Scrutinise the terms carefully. Some operators offer a pre-purchase “full-to-empty” option, which can leave you paying for fuel you haven’t used.
• One-way fees: Returning a car to a different location within Denmark is typically unrestricted and free of charge, but cross-border one-way rentals attract additional fees and not all vehicles are eligible.
• Additional drivers: Adding a second named driver to your contract usually incurs an extra daily charge; confirm the amount when booking.
• Young driver surcharge: As outlined above, this daily fee applies to drivers under 25 at most companies.

In contrast to some markets, the majority of rental operators in Denmark will not accept a debit card, so ensure you have a suitable credit card available for both online and in-person payments. A security deposit — typically equivalent to the excess amount — will be placed as a hold on your credit card for the duration of the hire.

If you encounter a billing dispute, you can seek assistance from the Danish Consumer Council (Forbrugerrådet Tænk) or refer to the consumer guidance published by the VisitDenmark tourism authority.

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car in Denmark?

An IDP is not a requirement for drivers whose licence is printed in the Roman alphabet. If you hold a standard national licence issued using Roman script, it is perfectly adequate for both driving and renting a car in Denmark. The IDP only becomes necessary — or strongly advisable — when the original licence uses a different writing system, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic.

If your home country issues licences in a non-Roman alphabet, you must carry either an IDP or an official English translation when driving in Denmark. Crucially, an IDP cannot function as a standalone document — it must always be presented alongside the original licence.

Driving licences from all EU member states are fully recognised in Denmark without any supplementary documentation. Licences issued by countries that are not signatories to the Geneva or Vienna Conventions on Road Traffic — China being a notable example — must be accompanied by a certified English translation as well as the original licence.

Drivers holding a Great Britain-issued UK licence (not including Northern Ireland) should also carry proof of any driving endorsements, obtainable from the DVLA website, as some rental companies request this.

If a foreign licence does not include a photograph, some car hire companies will insist on seeing an IDP. Obtaining one before you travel is a sensible precaution if there is any doubt. Always confirm the exact documentation requirements directly with your rental company and with the Danish Road Traffic Authority ahead of your trip, as rules are subject to change.

What types of roads and driving conditions should I be prepared for in Denmark?

Denmark has an exceptionally well-maintained road network, and navigating the country by car is straightforward for drivers of all abilities. Roads span the entire Jutland peninsula and connect the major islands via a combination of bridges and ferry services. The terrain is predominantly flat to gently undulating — there are no mountain ranges or challenging gradients — making the driving experience calm and uncomplicated.

Unless road signs indicate otherwise, the standard speed limits are: 50 km/h within built-up areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on motorways (as of 2025). Enforcement is rigorous, with speed cameras and radar units deployed extensively across the network.

Key traffic regulations include: driving on the right-hand side; compulsory seatbelts for all occupants; headlights must remain on at all times regardless of daylight conditions; and the legal blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0.05%. Right turns on red are not permitted in Denmark, unlike in some other countries.

Cycling has a central place in Danish culture, and bicycles are encountered everywhere. Cyclists enjoy right of way in many situations, and drivers must be especially alert in urban areas. Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited — only a fully integrated hands-free system built into the vehicle is allowed; handheld devices and headsets are not permitted.

Denmark does not have a general toll road network, but two major bridges levy a charge: the Øresund Bridge linking Denmark with Sweden costs approximately DKK 390 per car, while the Storebælt Bridge connecting Zealand and Funen costs approximately DKK 245 (verify current figures before travel, as rates may be updated). Toll transponder devices can be purchased at certain rental counters.

From 1 July 2025, a rule came into force prohibiting the use of tyres that are clearly unsuitable for prevailing road conditions — specifically, summer tyres may not be used when roads are affected by snow, ice, slush, or frost. Breaching this rule can result in a fine of DKK 1,000 per tyre. If you are renting during the winter months, confirm with the rental company that the vehicle is equipped with appropriate seasonal tyres.

In cities, parking requires careful attention. Marked paid zones are common, and payment can usually be made via roadside machines or mobile apps. In Copenhagen in particular, a physical parking disc (p-skive) is required in some areas, while ticketed parking machines cover others.

What insurance do I need when renting a car in Denmark?

Every legitimate rental agreement in Denmark will include third-party liability insurance as a legal baseline — this is mandatory and covers injury or damage caused to other people or property outside the hired vehicle. It is equivalent to the compulsory third-party cover required across most of Europe and will always be present in any valid rental contract.

Beyond this compulsory cover, rental companies typically offer a range of supplementary products: Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), which caps your financial responsibility for damage to the rental vehicle itself; theft protection; zero-excess insurance, which eliminates your personal liability for most damage scenarios; and Personal Accident Insurance (PAI), which covers medical costs for the driver and any passengers in the event of an accident.

The excess — the portion of any claim you would personally bear before the insurer pays out — can differ considerably between vehicle types and operators. A standard CDW or LDW policy restricts your liability to a defined maximum, on the condition that any damage was not caused by negligence and does not fall under policy exclusions. Purchasing a Super CDW or premium package to bring the excess down to zero offers the most comprehensive protection available.

Certain credit cards incorporate rental car excess insurance as part of their travel benefits, potentially sparing you the cost of buying extra cover at the counter. However, the scope of this protection varies significantly between card issuers and may depend on your country of residence — always verify with your card provider before travelling whether their cover is valid in Denmark, and seek written confirmation where possible. Never assume the coverage applies without checking.

Should any damage occur during your rental period, you are contractually required to complete and submit a damage report to the rental company. Failing to provide a properly completed form could result in the company holding you liable for the full cost of any damage, irrespective of your insurance arrangements. Photograph the vehicle on all sides at both collection and return, and make sure any existing damage is formally noted by the desk agent before you drive away.

Are there any specific rules for expats or long-term residents renting cars in Denmark?

Visitors whose permanent home is outside Denmark are entitled to drive in the country using their foreign driving licence. Tourists and short-stay visitors may use their home licence freely, provided it is either in the Roman alphabet or accompanied by an appropriate translation. The situation changes significantly, however, once you take up permanent residence in Denmark.

If your driving licence was issued by an EU or EEA country — including Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein — it remains valid for use in Denmark and can be exchanged for a Danish licence at any time without the need to sit a driving test. Licences from Switzerland and the Faroe Islands are similarly recognised.

Once you have been assigned a Danish CPR number (the civil registration number issued to all residents), it becomes illegal to continue driving on a non-EU/EEA licence. Failure to exchange within the prescribed period can result in a financial penalty. For holders of non-EU/EEA licences, the foreign licence may generally be used for up to 180 days following registration as a resident in Denmark (as of 2025).

Denmark has bilateral exchange agreements with a number of countries outside the EU. Nationals from these countries can swap their foreign licence for a Danish one without undergoing written or practical driving examinations. Countries covered by partial exchange agreements — where the swap is possible but subject to conditions — include Australia (excluding the Capital Territory), Canada, New Zealand, the United States, Israel, Singapore, and several others. Eligible applicants must have driven within the preceding two years and must have held their licence for more than two years after their 18th birthday (as of 2025).

The administrative fee for exchanging a foreign driving licence for a Danish one is DKK 370 (as of 2025). Applications are handled at municipal citizen service centres (Borgerservice) located throughout Denmark.

There is also a practical point to bear in mind when booking rental cars as a resident. Certain online rental platforms and third-party booking agents specify that their reservations are exclusively for individuals who are domiciled outside Denmark. Residents who incorrectly declare a foreign address risk having their booking invalidated at the counter. As a Danish resident, always book directly through the rental company’s own channels, using your Danish address.

For the most current and legally accurate guidance on licence exchange procedures, visit the official Danish Road Traffic Authority (Færdselsstyrelsen) website or the national information resource for residents, lifeindenmark.borger.dk.

How do I rent a car in Denmark step by step?

1. Check eligibility: Confirm that you meet the minimum age threshold (typically 19–21, depending on the operator and vehicle class) and that you have held a valid, full driving licence for at least one year. Determine whether your licence will require an IDP or official translation based on the script in which it is written.
2. Compare companies and prices: Search comparison platforms or visit the Danish websites of the main operators directly — Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Budget, and Enterprise. Keep in mind that rates rise during summer and school holiday periods.
3. Choose your vehicle: Select a car suited to your itinerary. Compact models work well for city use, while larger cars are better for extended road trips or family travel. If you are not comfortable driving a manual gearbox, be sure to request an automatic, since the majority of standard fleet cars in Denmark are manual.
4. Book and note cross-border restrictions: If your journey will take you into Sweden or elsewhere, disclose this when making the booking. Bear in mind that vehicles rented in Denmark are often prohibited from travelling into certain Eastern European countries.
5. Arrange insurance: Decide whether to purchase CDW, Super CDW, theft protection, and PAI at the rental desk, or whether your credit card’s built-in cover is sufficient for your needs. Confirm the details with your card provider well before your travel date.
6. Gather your documents: Pack your physical driving licence, passport or national ID card, and the credit card registered in your name. UK licence holders should obtain their DVLA endorsement record. If your licence uses a non-Roman script, ensure you have your IDP and any required official translation.
7. Inspect the vehicle at pick-up: Before driving off, walk around the entire vehicle with a desk agent and photograph every panel. Verify that any existing marks, scratches, or damage are formally recorded in the rental agreement.
8. Return the car as agreed: Bring the vehicle back on time and with the fuel level specified in your contract (typically a full tank if that is how you collected it). Carry out a joint inspection with a staff member at drop-off and request written confirmation of the vehicle’s condition at the time of return.

Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Denmark

What is the minimum age to rent a car in Denmark?

The majority of car hire companies in Denmark set their minimum driver age at 21, though for certain vehicle categories the threshold may be 23 or 25. A number of operators, including Enterprise and Budget, will rent standard vehicles to drivers from the age of 19. Before confirming a booking, always verify the minimum age applicable to your chosen vehicle class with the company you intend to use, as of 2025.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Denmark?

An IDP is not required if your driving licence is printed in the Roman alphabet — in that case, your national licence is entirely sufficient. If your licence uses a non-Roman script such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic, it must be supplemented by an international driving licence. Always check the current requirements with your rental company before travel.

Can I take a rental car from Denmark into other countries?

Standard vehicle categories can generally be driven freely throughout Western Europe, but you must declare all intended countries of travel at the time of booking. Insurance conditions impose restrictions on travel to a range of countries including Albania, Bosnia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Croatia, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey, Ukraine, and former Yugoslav states. Luxury vehicle categories may face additional restrictions. Confirm the precise terms applicable to your booking with your rental company before departure.

What happens if I have an accident in my rental car in Denmark?

Notify the rental company without delay and complete a damage report form in accordance with your rental agreement. Failing to submit a properly completed report may mean the company holds you financially liable for the entire cost of the damage, regardless of what insurance you hold. If the incident involves other parties, contact the Danish police, since an official report may be required by your insurer.

What is the fuel policy I should expect when renting a car in Denmark?

A full-to-full fuel policy is standard among rental companies in Denmark and generally represents the most economical arrangement — you receive the car with a full tank and are expected to return it full. Make sure to read the specific fuel terms in your contract carefully. Returning the car with less fuel than stipulated will typically result in a shortfall charge calculated at rates well above standard pump prices.

Are automatic transmission cars available in Denmark?

Automatic transmission is relatively uncommon in Denmark, and most vehicles in the standard rental fleet are manual. Automatic cars can be booked but tend to cost more and may not be available at short notice. If you need one, specify this clearly when making your reservation and book as far ahead as possible — particularly during the busy summer season.

Do I need to exchange my foreign driving licence if I move to Denmark?

Holders of EU/EEA licences may continue using their existing licence in Denmark for as long as they wish, and can exchange it for a Danish licence voluntarily without sitting any test. Non-EU/EEA licence holders must exchange their licence after receiving a Danish CPR number, and driving on a non-EU/EEA licence after establishing residence is illegal. Contact the Danish Road Traffic Authority for current deadlines and procedures.

Are there winter driving rules I should know about when renting in Denmark?

Since 1 July 2025, it has been prohibited to drive on tyres that are manifestly unsuitable for current road conditions, which means summer tyres cannot lawfully be used when snow, ice, slush, or frost is present on the roads. A fine of DKK 1,000 per tyre applies to violations. When renting during the colder months, ask your rental company to confirm that the vehicle is fitted with suitable winter tyres, and consider adding a winter tyre option at booking if it is available.