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Updated July 22, 2026
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Worried about hidden fees, the licence rules or not finding an automatic? This guide cuts to what matters when you rent a car in Denmark – how much you’ll actually pay, what documents rental firms insist on, and simple steps to avoid surprises at pickup.
- Typical daily rates: economy cars from roughly DKK 249-500/day (season and demand dependent).
- Minimum age usually 21; young driver surcharge often applies under 25.
- Credit card usually required for deposit; debit cards often not accepted.
- Insurance options and fuel policies vary – check before you book. See car insurance.
Cost of Renting a Car in Denmark
Expect similar base rates to the UK or northern Europe. Low-season daily rentals can start in the DKK 200s, while summer or last-minute bookings jump well above DKK 500. Fuel is a significant extra cost – petrol and diesel prices change regularly. Use local prices and your estimated kilometres to calculate total running costs, and remember to factor in tolls and parking in big cities.
Other costs to budget for:
- Young driver surcharge (common under 25).
- Optional extras: GPS, child seat, additional driver fees.
- One-way fees if you pick up and drop off at different locations (can be expensive).
- Insurance excess – reducing excess with additional cover raises daily cost.
If you’re planning a longer stay or moving to Denmark, compare rental-plus-fuel against buying a car (and possible financing). See our car loan guide if you’re considering buying instead of renting, and check cost of living in Denmark to weigh the numbers realistically.
How to Rent a Car in Denmark
Here are the practical eligibility and booking rules you’ll run into and how to handle them.
- Check your licence: EU/EEA licences are valid. Many non-EU licences are accepted for short stays, but if you’re unsure check borger.dk or ask the rental firm. Carry the physical licence – photocopies are not a substitute.
- Minimum age and surcharges: Most companies require you to be at least 21; drivers under 25 typically pay a young driver fee. Ask the supplier for their exact age rules before booking.
- Payment and deposit: A credit card in the main driver’s name is usually needed for the security hold. Many firms do not accept debit cards at pickup.
- Insurance: Basic cover is often included but can carry a high excess. Consider buying a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or excess reduction from the rental company or via a third party. For details about required cover, read our car insurance guide.
- Transmission and car type: Manual cars are more common and cheaper. If you need an automatic, book well in advance and be prepared to pay more.
- Document checklist at pickup: driver’s licence, passport or national ID, credit card, booking confirmation. If you’re staying long-term, having proof of address or CPR may help with longer leases.
Warning: rental terms vary. Check fuel policy (full-to-full is usually best), mileage limits, one-way fees and whether roadside assistance is included. Never assume your personal credit-card insurance covers rental excess – verify before you drive.
Where to Rent a Car in Denmark
You can book online with international brands (Avis, Hertz, Sixt) and smaller local providers like Oscar that often have competitive prices and English support. Booking online in advance is the safest way to lock in the transmission and model you want, especially in peak season.
Airports
Major airports (Copenhagen Kastrup, Billund, Aalborg, Aarhus) all host rental desks and are convenient if you arrive by plane. Airport pickups may include an additional fee but are useful for immediate mobility.
City and train-station locations
Picking up in a city location can save airport surcharges and make one-way drop-offs cheaper. If you plan to use local public transport sometimes, consider a city pickup to avoid parking fees at airports.
If you prefer local providers, look for companies with English websites and clear terms. Before you commit, check total price (including taxes and fees) and cancellation policy. If you’re visiting for sightseeing, choosing a smaller car will save fuel and make narrow roads easier.
Practical tips for driving in Denmark
- Speed limits and rules: obey posted limits; Denmark enforces speed and drunk-driving laws strictly.
- Parking: city centre parking is often paid; use apps or ticket machines. Look for resident-only zones to avoid fines.
- Ferry crossings and bridges: if your route includes islands, factor ferry costs and schedules into the plan.
- Money: rentals are charged in Danish kroner – refresh on Danish currency exchange and ATM usage before you travel.
Tip: If insurance excess is a concern, compare a rental company’s excess reduction with third-party products – sometimes buying excess cover before arrival is cheaper.
Book a car with a full-to-full fuel policy, confirm what the insurance excess is, and ensure your credit card will cover the security hold. Then pick up the vehicle with time to inspect for existing damage and get it documented.