With the end of summer, many travelers head south for the upcoming autumn holidays to enjoy the last rays of sunshine of the year.
Whether along the Spanish Costa del Sol, on the beautiful islands of Greece or on a road trip through the USA - the possibilities are varied. The rental car provider Sunny Cars has analyzed the most popular autumn destinations and their current prices and presents travelers with a comprehensive overview that helps them plan their last break before winter.
High season for rental cars in September
September traditionally remains a particularly popular month for rental car bookings. "September is one of our strongest months of the year. Travelers who are on the road at this time of year value maximum flexibility at their holiday destination," explains Thorsten Lehmann, Managing Director of Sunny Cars. Despite the high season in summer, booking numbers have been consistently above the levels of previous years since 2023. This development reflects the continued enthusiasm for travel that many people continue to enjoy even after the summer holidays.
Price development: stability after the pandemic
Car rental prices in September are moderate compared to the summer months and in many destinations even cheaper than last year. Pricing is closely linked to demand. During the Corona pandemic, supply was limited by low booking numbers, but the situation has now stabilized. In many regions, prices are below the peak values of midsummer, although they are above pre-pandemic levels. A more detailed analysis of the price differences is expected next month to further shed light on price developments.
Popular travel destinations for autumn
The most popular travel destinations in autumn are usually only a few hours' flight from Central Europe. In addition to the classic destinations such as Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece, the USA is also very popular, especially for road trips in the Indian summer. The combination of Mediterranean climate and good infrastructure makes rental car trips particularly attractive. For many, a rental car is an indispensable part of their travel planning.
Top destinations in price comparison
Spain: Rental cars in Spain are cheaper this year than in fall 2023. Travelers pay an average of 245 euros for a rental car on the mainland, a decrease of about 20 euros compared to last year. In Mallorca, a week's rental car costs 329 euros, while Ibiza is around 300 euros.
- Portugal: In Portugal, the price of rental cars remains relatively low. Travelers pay around 228 euros for a week and can therefore save over 40 euros compared to last year. Madeira is an exception, where rental costs rise to around 360 euros.
- Italy: Rental car prices are also showing a positive development in Italy. A week's rental car costs around 310 euros, compared to 350 euros last year. In Sicily, prices are slightly higher and are around 325 euros.
- Greece: This is where the biggest price difference is seen: In Athens, the rental price has fallen by over 150 euros and is now 185 euros. The prices for popular islands such as Corfu and Mykonos also remain below the previous year's level.
- USA: In the US, rental car prices have also fallen. In Los Angeles, the rental price for a road trip on the west coast is around 340 euros, significantly cheaper than the 470 euros in 2023. In other cities such as Houston and Miami, prices are also around 320 to 400 euros.
Daily rates for rental cars vary depending on the region. In the USA, daily prices are the highest at an average of 50 euros, but are lower than last year's figures. In Europe, Greece is the cheapest destination with daily costs of around 32 euros. In Portugal, Italy and Spain, prices range between 32 and 44 euros.
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