Renting a Campervan: Our Favourite for the UK, Germany & Sweden
Renting a Campervan in Europe: Our Favourite Options for the UK, Germany & Europa
There is a version of vanlife most of us have seen online. You wake up beside a quiet lake. The side door is open. Coffee is slowly brewing. The duvet looks suspiciously clean. Nobody has lost the gas adapter, nobody is arguing about where to empty the grey water, and somehow there are no wet socks anywhere in the van.
Then there is real vanlife. You are trying to cook pasta while it rains sideways. One person is sitting on the bed because there is nowhere else to sit. The water tank is almost empty. The fridge is smaller than expected. And suddenly the beautiful idea of “travelling freely” includes searching for a legal overnight parking spot at 9:30 in the evening.
That is exactly why we often give the same advice to friends who are curious about vanlife: Rent a campervan before you buy or build one.
Not because we want to talk you out of the dream. Quite the opposite. Renting gives you a chance to test the freedom, the compromises and the daily routines before spending a serious amount of money on your own van.
Quick answer: Should you rent a campervan before buying one?
Yes, for most beginners, renting a campervan first is one of the smartest things you can do.
If you only travel a few weeks per year, renting can be much cheaper and easier than owning. If you are thinking about building your own van later, a rental trip helps you understand what size, layout, bed, kitchen, storage and toilet setup you actually want.
If we at CamperPals had to give one simple rule, it would be this: Renting first is not giving up on building. It is research with a steering wheel.
For a first campervan holiday, we would usually look at:
- Roadsurfer if you want a simple, modern and beginner-friendly rental experience.
- Goboony if you want a more personal vanlife experience and a wide range of privately owned vans.
- Indie Campers if you are planning a longer European road trip or want more route flexibility.
- Quirky Campers if you are in the UK and want inspiration from handmade campervan conversions.
- CamperDays if you want to compare campervan and motorhome rentals across Europe before choosing.
Who is this guide for?
We write from a Swedish and European vanlife perspective. We have built and travelled in our own campervan, but we also know that not everyone needs to own one to enjoy the lifestyle.
Sometimes the best first step is not buying a van. It is booking one for a week and seeing how you feel when it rains.
This guide is for you if you are:
- Planning your first campervan holiday
- Travelling from the UK, Germany or elsewhere in Europe
- Unsure whether to rent, buy or build a campervan
- Curious about vanlife but not ready to invest in your own vehicle
- Comparing campervan rental companies
- Trying to choose the right size van
- Planning a road trip through Sweden, Norway, Germany, France, Portugal, Spain or the UK
Why rent a campervan instead of buying one?
Many people who discover vanlife quickly start looking at used vans, solar panels, batteries, layouts and wood panelling. We understand the feeling. We did the same.
But the honest truth is that many people do not actually need to own a campervan to enjoy vanlife. If you only plan one or two longer trips each year, renting can be much easier.
When you rent, you pay for the time you actually use the vehicle. You do not have to worry about long-term maintenance, road tax, insurance, repairs, MOT/TÜV inspections, storage or depreciation. When the trip is over, you hand back the keys and go home. That is quite a nice feeling.
Owning a campervan can absolutely be worth it if you travel often, love building and want full control over the layout. But if you are still unsure, renting is a much lower-risk way to start.
When you own a campervan, you usually need to think about:
- Insurance
- Servicing
- Tyres
- Repairs
- Breakdown risk
- Depreciation of the van
- Yearly inspections
- Vehicle tax
- Storage / parking
- Upgrades
Some links in this article may be affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we would consider using ourselves.
How much does it cost to rent a campervan in Europe?
The price depends on the country, season, vehicle type, insurance level and what is included in the rental.
As a rough guide, campervan rental is usually much cheaper in spring and autumn than in the middle of summer. July and August are often the most expensive months, especially in popular destinations such as the UK, Germany, France, Norway, Sweden, Spain and Portugal.
A compact campervan can sometimes be found from around £70–£120 per night in low season, while larger motorhomes and high-season rentals can cost considerably more. For a summer week in Europe, it is not unusual for the total price to land somewhere in the range of £900–£2,000 or more, depending on the vehicle and destination.
That might sounds like a lot. But compare it with buying a campervan for tens of thousands of pounds or euros, then discovering that vanlife is not really your thing.
| Season | Compact campervan | Panel van conversion | Larger motorhome |
| Low season | £70-£120/night | £100-£180/night | £140-£250/night |
| High season | £130-£230/night | £180-£320/night | £250-£450+/night |
Prices change often, so always compare the final booking price, not only the nightly rate.
Amanda usually says that the cheapest campervan is not always the cheapest once everything is included. Bedding, extra drivers, mileage, insurance upgrades, kitchen equipment and cleaning fees can quickly change the total cost.
Choosing the right campervan for your trip
One of the most common beginner questions is: Which campervan should I rent?
The useful answer is not “the biggest one you can afford”. The useful answer is: choose the van that fits the trip you are actually going to do.
If you are planning a short weekend in the UK, Germany or Sweden, a smaller campervan can be perfect. It is easier to drive, easier to park and feels more like a normal car. That matters when you are driving through small villages, coastal roads or supermarket car parks that were clearly not designed with a long-wheelbase motorhome in mind.
For a longer European road trip, comfort matters more. Standing height, a fixed bed, a larger fridge, proper storage and maybe a toilet can make a big difference after several days on the road.
If you are travelling with children or a dog, we would also prioritise extra floor space and easy-clean materials. You do not necessarily need a huge motorhome, but you do need enough space for wet shoes, bags, food, jackets, toys, dog towels and all the other things that magically appear on a road trip.
Many beginners focus too much on how the van looks in photos.
After a few days on the road, different questions matter more:
- Can you sleep properly?
- Can you store your bags?
- Can you cook when it rains?
- Is the bed annoying to set up every evening?
- Can you park without stress?
- Do you actually enjoy being inside the van?
As a simple rule:
| Type of trip | CamperPals would look for |
| Weekend trip, van for 1 to 2 people | Compact campervan or VW California-style van |
| First vanlife test | Modern, simple campervan |
| Long European road trip | Panel van conversion with fixed bed and storage |
| Family trip, van for 3 to 4 people | Större campervan eller liten husbil |
| Travelling with a dog | Easy-clean interior and good floor space |
| Future DIY van builders | Privately owned or handmade campervan conversion |
Small campervan or large motorhome?
For weekends and short trips
A smaller campervan is usually better for first-time renters, city stops and shorter trips. The advantages are simple. They are easier to drive, easier to park, often cheaper to rent and less intimidating for beginners.
- VW CaliforniaVW
- Transporter conversionsFord
- Transit Custom conversions
- Mercedes Marco Polo-style campers
- Smaller pop-top campervans
The downside is space. If the weather is bad, a small campervan can feel small very quickly.
For big adventure
Are you planning for a bigger adventure?
A bigger van is not automatically better. It is just better for some trips. A larger campervan or motorhome is better if you want
- Fiat Ducato
- Peugeot Boxer
- Citroën Jumper / Relay
- Mercedes Sprinter
- Standing heighta
- Fixed bed
- More storage
- A bigger fridge
- Toilet and shower
- More water capacity
- More comfort on long trips
When is the cheapest time to rent a campervan?
The cheapest time to rent a campervan is usually outside peak season. Spring and autumn can be excellent times to travel in Europe. You often get lower prices, more vehicles to choose from and less crowded campsites and parking areas.
For the UK, Germany, Sweden, Norway and much of northern Europe, May, early June, September and early October can be very good months. You still get decent travel conditions, but without the highest summer prices.
Southern Europe works slightly differently. Spain, Portugal, Italy and southern France can be very hot in July and August. For those destinations, spring and autumn may not only be cheaper, but also more comfortable.
If budget matters, we would look at:
- Travelling just before or after peak season
- Being flexible with pick-up location
- Comparing several rental companies
- Checking what is included before booking
- Avoiding one-way rental fees unless they are worth it
The best deal is not always the lowest price per night.
The best deal is the one where the total cost makes sense and the van actually suits your trip.
What is normally included when you rent a campervan?
This is one of the most important things to check before booking. Two campervans can look similar in price but be very different once you read the details.
Some rentals include kitchen equipment, basic camping gear, roadside assistance, insurance and an extra driver. Others charge extra for bedding, towels, camping chairs, cleaning, mileage, insurance upgrades or crossing borders. Before you book, ask yourself:
Can we collect the van and drive away, or do we need to pack half the kitchen ourselves?
- Kitchen equipment
- Bedding and towels
- Camping table and chairs
- Gas bottle or gas refill
- Mileage allowance
- Insurance and excess
- Roadside assistance
- Extra driver
- Cleaning fee
- Cross-border travel
- Ferry travel rules
- Winter tyres or snow chains if needed
- Toilet chemicals if the van has a cassette toilet
It is not the most romantic part of planning a campervan trip. But it is much better to understand the rules at home with a cup of coffee than at the rental desk when your holiday has already started.
Both can make sense.
Booking directly with a rental company can be simple if you already know who you want to use. You deal directly with the company, see their own fleet and follow their own booking rules.
Using a comparison site can be better if you are still exploring. It helps you compare several rental options, destinations, prices and vehicle types in one place.
We would use a comparison site early in the planning process, especially for Europe. It helps you understand what is available in countries such as Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Norway, Sweden and the UK.
CamperDays can be useful here because it lets you compare campervan and motorhome rentals across several destinations. It is especially helpful if you are still deciding where to start your trip.
Once you find a vehicle you like, always check:
- Final price
- Deposit
- Insurance excess
- Mileage
- Pick-up and drop-off times
- What equipment is included
- Whether cross-border travel is allowed
- Cancellation policy
Best campervan rental companies in Europe
There is no single best campervan rental company for everyone. The right choice depends on your country, travel style, budget and how much flexibility you want.
Here is our rental companies summery
| Company | Best for | Price level | Best region | DIY inspiration |
| Goboony | Personal vanlife experience | ££ | UK and Europe | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Roadsurfer | Easy first campervan holiday | £££ | Europe, UK, Germany | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Indie Campers | Longer European road trips | £££ | Europe-wide | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Quirky Campers | Handmade UK campervans | ££££ | UK | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| CamperDays | Comparing rental options | varies | Europe and worldwide | ⭐⭐ |
Campervan rental companies in Europe
1. Goboony – best for a more personal vanlife experience
Goboony is a peer-to-peer campervan and motorhome rental platform. In simple terms, it connects people who own campervans with people who want to rent them.
It is a bit like the Airbnb idea, but for campervans and motorhomes.
Instead of renting from one large company with a standard fleet, you can find privately owned vans, family motorhomes, quirky conversions and sometimes DIY-built campervans that feel much more personal.
This is especially useful if you are thinking about building your own campervan later. Renting a privately owned conversion can teach you a lot about layout, storage, bed size, kitchen space and the small details that make vanlife easier.
Best for: beginners, couples, future DIY builders and people who want a more personal campervan experience.
Our view
If we were recommending one place for someone who wants to test real vanlife before building their own van, Goboony would be high on the list. Goboony is not always the most standardised option. But that is also part of why it can be useful.
We would choose Goboony if:
- We wanted to test different layouts
- We wanted a more personal campervan
- We were curious about DIY conversions
- We wanted to talk directly with the owner
- We were planning a flexible UK or European trip
Possible downsides:
- Qquality can vary between vehicles
- Rules can differ between owners
- Support may take longer in disputes
- Some owners may have stricter age or driving requirements
- Cancellation and pick-up rules may vary
2. Roadsurfer – best for an easy first campervan holiday
Roadsurfer is a commercial campervan and RV rental company with its own fleet. The experience is more standardised than peer-to-peer rental, which can be a big advantage if you are new to campervan travel.
The vehicles are usually modern, clearly presented and designed to be easy for beginners to use. You pick up the vehicle from a fixed station rather than meeting a private owner.
This makes Roadsurfer a good choice if you want the trip to feel simple.
Best for: first-time renters, couples, families and travellers who want a modern vehicle with less uncertainty.
Our view
If we were recommending something to a friend who had never tried vanlife before and wanted a low-stress first trip, Roadsurfer would be one of the first options we would mention. Roadsurfer is a strong option when you want to focus on the trip, not on figuring out the van.
We would choose Roadsurfer if:
- We wanted a simple booking experience
- We preferred a newer vehicle
- We wanted a more standardised rental
- We were nervous about driving a campervan for the first time
- We cared more about the holiday than the uniqueness of the van
Possible downsides:
- Can be more expensive in peak season
- Less DIY inspiration than private rentals
- Some models may not include a toilet
- Station locations may not suit every route
- The experience can feel more commercial
3. Indie Campers – best for longer European road trips
Indie Campers is a large campervan and motorhome rental platform with a strong European presence. It works well for travellers planning longer routes, especially when you want to start in one city and travel across borders.
This can be useful for classic European road trips, such as:
- Germany to Austria and Italy
- Portugal to Spain
- France to Switzerland
- UK or Scotland road trips
- northern Europe in summer
- southern Europe in spring or autumn
Indie Campers offers both its own fleet and marketplace-style rental options in some locations, so the experience can vary depending on what you book.
Best for: longer trips, European road trips and travellers who want more route flexibility.
Our view
If the main goal is to cover a lot of distance through Europe, Indie Campers can be one of the most practical options. For long European routes, convenience often matters more than charm. Indie Campers is usually more about practicality than personality.
We would choose Indie Campers if:
- We were planning a multi-country European road trip
- We wanted a wider network of pick-up locations
- We were considering one-way rental
- We wanted to compare several vehicle sizes
- We were travelling for more than one week
Possible downsides:
- Extra fees can add up
- Deposits can be high
- Pick-up queues may happen in peak season
- The experience can feel more standardised
- Cleaning and return rules can be strict
4. Quirky Campers – best for handmade campervan inspiration in the UK
Quirky Campers is different from most rental companies.
It focuses on handmade, characterful campervan conversions, especially in the UK. Many of the vans feel more like tiny cabins on wheels than standard rental vehicles.
If you love wood interiors, clever storage, warm lighting, handmade kitchens and unique layouts, Quirky Campers is easy to get lost in.
This is a particularly good option if you are based in the UK and thinking about building your own campervan later.
Best for: UK travellers, design lovers, future DIY builders and people who want a memorable campervan experience.
Our view
If we were in the UK and wanted inspiration for a future build, Quirky Campers would be one of the most interesting places to look.
For inspiration, Quirky Campers is excellent. For a practical Germany-to-Italy road trip, we would probably look elsewhere.
We would choose Quirky Campers if:
- we wanted a unique handmade van
- We were planning a UK road trip
- We wanted design and layout inspiration
- We liked cosy interiors more than standard rental fleets
- We were happy to plan around specific pick-up locations
Possible downsides:
- Mainly UK-focused
- Often more expensive
- Fewer vehicles than larger platforms
- Less useful for mainland Europe
- Popular vans can book up early
5. CamperDays – Best for comparing campervan rentals in Europe
CamperDays is a comparison platform for campervan and motorhome rentals. Instead of offering one specific fleet, it helps you compare rental options across different destinations and providers.
A comparison platform can help you understand price differences, availability and vehicle types before you commit. This can be useful if you are still deciding where to start your trip. For example, you might be comparing:
- Germany vs France
- Scotland vs England
- Sweden vs Norway
- Spain vs Portugal
- Munich vs Hamburg
- London vs Edinburgh
Best for: travellers who want to compare several campervan rental options before booking.
Our view
CamperDays is useful when you are still asking: “Where should we start, and what will it cost?”
We would use CamperDays early in the planning process, especially for European trips where the starting point is flexible.l options. For long European routes, convenience often matters more than charm. Indie Campers is usually more about practicality than personality.
We would choose CamperDays if:
- We wanted to compare prices across countries
- We were planning a longer European holiday
- We had not chosen a rental company yet
- We wanted to compare motorhomes and campervans
- we were trying to understand the total cost
Possible downsides:
- Not every rental company will be listed
- You still need to read the final rental terms carefully
- The cheapest option may not be the best option
- Comparison tools can feel less personal than direct rental
If we were renting today
If we were booking a two-week trip in Norway, Sweden or the Alps, we would probably look for an insulated Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, Citroën Relay/Jumper or Mercedes Sprinter-style conversion with a fixed bed, good storage and enough space to move around inside.
Not because it would be the cheapest option, because after several years of vanlife, we know how much more pleasant rainy days become when you can sit, cook, sleep and move without rebuilding the entire van every evening. If we were recommending a first campervan trip to a friend, we would probably suggest something simpler.
For a first trip, we would rather see someone rent a modern, easy campervan for a long weekend than overthink the perfect vehicle for months. You learn quickly once you are actually on the road.
Best countries for a first campervan trip in Europe
Europe is one of the best places in the world to try campervan travel because the countries are close together, the landscapes change quickly and there are many rental options. But not every destination is equally easy for beginners.
UK
The UK is excellent for shorter campervan trips, especially if you want dramatic landscapes without driving across half a continent.
Good first-trip areas include:
- Scotland
- Wales
- Lake District
- Cornwall
- Yorkshire Dales
- Peak District
- Devon
- Northumberland
The UK is beautiful, but parking and overnight rules can be restrictive in popular areas. Campsites, pub stops and legal overnight options are worth planning in advance.
Germany
Germany is one of the easiest countries in Europe for campervan travel. Roads are good, rental options are strong and it is well placed for trips into Austria, Switzerland, France, Denmark, the Netherlands, Italy and the Czech Republic.
Germany is especially practical if you want a central starting point for a longer European road trip.
Good first-trip ideas include:
- Bavaria and the Alps
- Black Forest
- Romantic Road
- Baltic coast
- Moselle Valley
- Hamburg to Denmark
- Munich to Austria or northern Italy
Sweden
Sweden is one of our favourite countries for testing vanlife.
We are Swedish, so yes, we are slightly biased. But Sweden really is beginner-friendly in many ways. There is beautiful nature, less traffic than many parts of Europe, many lakes, forests, coastal roads and plenty of space.
The right to roam is often misunderstood, though. It gives great freedom to enjoy nature, but it does not automatically mean you can park or sleep with a vehicle anywhere you like. Always follow signs, local rules and use proper campsites or permitted parking areas when needed.
Good first-trip areas include:
- West Coast and Bohuslän
- Gotland outside peak season
- Swedish Lapland
- Öland
- Lake Vättern
- High Coast
- Dalarna
The UK is beautiful, but parking and overnight rules can be restrictive in popular areas. Campsites, pub stops and legal overnight options are worth planning in advance.
Norway
Norway is spectacular, but it is not always the cheapest or easiest first trip.
The roads can be narrow, distances are long and the weather can change quickly. But if you rent the right vehicle and plan enough time, it can be unforgettable.
For Norway, we would prioritise comfort, heating and enough time. Do not rush it.
Good areas include:
- Lofoten
- Fjord region
- Atlantic Road
- Senjaland
- Jotunheimen
- Southern Norway from Sweden or Denmark
Portugal and Spain
Portugal and Spain are fantastic for surf trips, winter sun and longer road trips. They can also be hot in summer, so think carefully about ventilation, shade and campsites with facilities.
For southern Europe, we would avoid choosing a black van with poor ventilation in the middle of summer. We learned that lesson the sweaty way in southern Germany.
Good areas include:
- Portugal’s Atlantic coast
- Algarve outside peak summer
- Northern Spain
- Basque Country
- Galicia
- Andalusia in cooler months
Can you wild camp in a campervan in Europe?
This is one of the biggest misunderstandings in vanlife. The short answer is: sometimes, but not everywhere.
Rules vary between countries, regions and even individual municipalities. In some places, overnight parking is tolerated if you are discreet and respectful. In other places, it is clearly forbidden and fines are possible.
A good beginner rule is: Park where parking is allowed. Sleep where overnight stays are allowed. Leave before you become a problem.
Please avoid:
- Blocking views or access
- Putting out chairs, tables and awnings outside campsites
- Leaving rubbish
- Emptying grey water in nature
- Staying too long in one spot
- Ignoring local signs
We usually follow one simple CamperPals rule: Leave the place better than you found it.
That means taking your rubbish, respecting local people and not treating a quiet parking spot like a private campsite. This is what keeps vanlife possible for everyone.platser som låg mindre än två timmar från hemmet.
Common mistakes when renting a campervan
Det här är en av de vanligaste frågorna vi får till oss och svaret är både ja och nej.
Allemansrätten ger fantastiska möjligheter att vistas i naturen, men den ger inte automatiskt rätt att parkera eller övernatta med fordon var som helst och hur som helst. Generellt gäller att du får parkera där parkering är tillåten och där inga lokala regler förbjuder övernattning. Många kommuner har särskilda regler för populära turistområden, så kontrollera alltid skyltning och lokala bestämmelser. En del kommuner har helt eller försvårat att att parkera husbilar i vissa områden eftersom så många har misskött sig och skräpat ned.
Vi brukar också följa en enkel tumregel: Lämna platsen i bättre skick än du fann den.
Plocka upp skräp, visa hänsyn till boende och undvik att breda ut dig med markiser, möbler och grillar om du står utanför campingar eller ställplatser. Det är tack vare hänsynsfulla resenärer som friheten att resa med campervan fortfarande fungerar så bra i Sverige.
Sverige eller Europa – Vart ska man åka?
Om det är första gången du testar vanlife skulle vi nästan alltid rekommendera Sverige. Inte för att Europa är sämre, tvärtom. Men när du är ny handlar mycket om att lära känna själva livsstilen.
- Hur fungerar vatten?
- Hur mycket förvaring behöver man?
- Är sängen tillräckligt stor?
- Hur känns det att bo på några få kvadratmeter när regnet vräker ner?
Det är frågor du kan få svar på lika bra vid en sjö i Småland som på en strand i Portugal. När du väl vet att vanlife passar dig finns hela Europa kvar att upptäcka Och då kommer resan sannolikt att bli ännu bättre.
Common mistakes when renting a campervan
1. Renting a van that is too big
A bigger van can be more comfortable, but it can also be stressful. Narrow roads, small car parks, ferries, tolls and city driving all become more complicated.
For a first trip, easy often beats impressive.
2. Choosing the wrong layout
A layout can look perfect in photos and still be annoying in real life.
A bed that converts every night may sound clever. After three days, many people just leave it as a bed. Think about how you will actually live in the van, not only how it looks online.
3. Booking too late
The best campervans often get booked months before summer.
This is especially true for school holidays, Norway, Scotland, Germany, southern Europe and popular UK routes. If you want a specific van, book early.
4. Not checking what is included
Bedding, kitchen equipment, extra drivers, camping chairs, mileage and insurance can all affect the final cost.
Always compare the total price.
5. Underestimating water use
Two people can use more water than expected. Add children, hot weather, cooking, washing up or a small shower, and the tank empties quickly.
Always know where you can refill water.
6. Planning too much driving
A trip with a campervan is slower than a normal road trip.
You need time for filling water, emptying waste, finding parking, cooking, packing and sorting small things in the van. Do not plan every day like a race.
7. Forgetting that weather changes everything
A small campervan feels wonderful in sunshine. But in heavy rain, it becomes a very small room.
If you are travelling in the UK, Sweden, Norway, Scotland or the Alps, plan for rain. A good jacket and a comfortable indoor layout matter more than you think.
What we would do differently if renting before building
When we started our own vanlife journey, campervan rentals were not as easy to access as they are today. Looking back, renting first would have been very smart.
Our first campervan was a Renault Trafic from 2015. It had no standing height and barely enough sitting height for Jacob, but it could park almost like a normal car. That mattered more than we expected. A big high-roof van looks amazing online. But for a first van, smaller can be much easier.
We would have tested:
- Standing height vs compact size
- Fixed bed vs convertible bed
- Toilet vs no toilet
- Small kitchen vs larger kitchen
- How much storage we actually needed
- How much battery and charging we really used
CamperPals recommendation
If you are curious about vanlife but unsure where to start, rent first. Start with a short trip, maybe take a weekend. It takes atleast three to seven nights in a campervan and it willto thoughta lot. The goal is not to find the perfect campervan, the goal is to find out what kind of vanlife you actually enjoy.
Choose the route beforehand, it wil make it alot easier to find the perfect campervan for your trip. Then choose the van that fits the route.For most beginners:
- Choose Goboony if you want a more personal vanlife experience.
- Choose Roadsurfer if you want a simple first campervan holiday.
- Choose Indie Campers if you are planning a longer European road trip.
- Choose Quirky Campers if you are in the UK and want handmade van inspiration.
- Use CamperDays if you want to compare rental prices and options before deciding.
CamperPals recommendation
If you are curious about vanlife but unsure where to start, rent first. Start with a short trip, maybe take a weekend. It takes atleast three to seven nights in a campervan and it willto thoughta lot. The goal is not to find the perfect campervan, the goal is to find out what kind of vanlife you actually enjoy.
Choose the route beforehand, it wil make it alot easier to find the perfect campervan for your trip. Then choose the van that fits the route.For most beginners:
- Choose Goboony if you want a more personal vanlife experience.
- Choose Roadsurfer if you want a simple first campervan holiday.
- Choose Indie Campers if you are planning a longer European road trip.
- Choose Quirky Campers if you are in the UK and want handmade van inspiration.
- Use CamperDays if you want to compare rental prices and options before deciding.
Continue planning your campervan adventure
FAQ: Renting a campervan in Europe
Is it cheaper to rent or buy a campervan?
If you only travel a few weeks per year, renting is usually cheaper and much easier. Buying can make sense if you travel often, want full control over the layout or enjoy building and maintaining your own vehicle.
What is the best campervan rental company in Europe?
There is no single best company for everyone. Goboony is strong for personal and privately owned vans, Roadsurfer is good for simple modern rentals, Indie Campers suits longer European trips, Quirky Campers is excellent for handmade UK vans, and CamperDays is useful for comparing several rental options.
Is a campervan or motorhome better for beginners?
A smaller campervan is often easier for beginners because it is simpler to drive and park. A motorhome gives more comfort but can be more stressful on narrow roads, in cities and at small parking areas.
Can I rent a campervan in the UK and drive to Europe?
Sometimes, but you must check the rental terms. Cross-border travel, ferries, insurance and breakdown cover must be approved by the rental company before you go.
Can I rent a campervan in Germany and drive to other countries?
Often yes, but always check the rental conditions. Germany is a practical starting point for trips into Austria, France, Switzerland, Denmark, Italy and the Netherlands, but border rules and insurance terms vary.
Do campervan rentals include insurance?
Most rentals include some form of insurance, but the excess can be high. Always check the deposit, excess, what is covered and whether you need extra protection.
How far in advance should I book a campervan?
For summer trips, book as early as possible. The best vehicles often disappear months before peak season. For spring and autumn, you may have more flexibility.
Can I take a dog in a rental campervan?
Often yes, but not always. Some vehicles are pet-friendly and others are not. Always check before booking and expect possible extra cleaning fees.
Do I need a special driving licence?
Most smaller campervans can be driven with a normal car licence, but this depends on the vehicle weight and your country’s licence rules. Always check the maximum authorised mass of the vehicle.
Is campervan travel good for families?
Yes, but choose the vehicle carefully. Families usually need more storage, easier beds, more water capacity and a layout that still works when the weather is bad.
