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Family Car Hire: Space, Child Seats & Best Suppliers
Travelling with kids means different priorities. Best family car hire suppliers, child seat policies, space requirements, and the fees that catch parents out.
Hiring a car for a family trip is a different game. It is not about the cheapest rate — it is about whether three suitcases, a pram, two car seats, and a travel cot fit in the boot without a fight. Family car hire means different priorities, different suppliers, and different fees that catch parents out every time.
We analysed 120+ family-related reviews on ReviewCarHire to find what actually matters. This is the practical guide for parents.
The space equation: what families actually need
A family of four with young children does not travel light. Real-world packing for a week:
- 2 large suitcases (parents)
- 1 medium suitcase or shared bag (kids)
- 1 pram or stroller
- 2 child car seats
- 1 travel cot or inflatable bed (sometimes)
- Hand luggage, coats, snacks, toys
That volume needs an estate car minimum. A compact or even a mid-size saloon will not handle it without the rear seat becoming a luggage shelf and the children squeezed between bags.
Our luggage calculator has a family mode. Select two adults, two children, pram, and two car seats. It recommends an estate or SUV as the baseline.
From reviews: A parent renting at Faro Airport said: "Booked a 'family' class that turned out to be a saloon. Boot took the cases but pram had to go across the back seat. Kids had no space. Upgraded to an estate at the desk for €12 a day — should have booked it from the start."
Child seats: the hidden cost and quality problem
Child seats are where rental companies make easy money and where families get frustrated. The problems are consistent across reviews:
Cost: €8–15 per day per seat. For a two-week holiday with two children, that is €224–420 on top of the rental. Some suppliers cap the charge at a maximum (e.g., €60 total), but many do not.
Quality: Seats are often old, worn, poorly fitted, or missing instructions. Some reviews mention seats with broken buckles or stains that parents refused to use.
Availability: Desks run out, especially in peak season. Booking a seat "guarantees" nothing if the branch does not have stock.
Fitting: Staff rarely help install the seat properly. Parents report being handed a seat and expected to figure out ISOFIX points in an unfamiliar car, often in a dark car park.
Which suppliers handle child seats best?
| Supplier | Seat cost | Quality notes | Fitting help |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hertz | €10–13/day | Generally clean, newer stock | Variable by branch |
| Avis | €9–12/day | Good condition, capped fees at some locations | Desk usually assists |
| Sixt | €10–15/day | Modern fleet, seats match car age | Better than average |
| Enterprise | €8–10/day | Condition varies widely | Often minimal help |
| Europcar | €9–13/day | Mixed reviews on cleanliness | Ask at desk |
| Goldcar | €7–10/day | Frequently complained about | Rarely helps |
Tip: If you travel frequently, consider a portable travel seat like the BubbleBum or Trunki Boostapak. They cost €30–50 once, weigh under 1 kg, and avoid the rental seat lottery entirely.
Estate vs SUV vs people carrier: which for your family?
| Family type | Recommended class | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 2 adults, 1 toddler, light bags | Estate | Boot fits pram + cases, cheaper than SUV |
| 2 adults, 2 kids, full luggage | Estate or SUV | SUV easier for loading height, estate has more boot litres |
| 2 adults, 3 kids, pram + bags | Large SUV or 7-seater | Third row needed for kids, boot for bags |
| 2 adults, baby + toddler + pram | Estate minimum | Two car seats in rear, boot for pram and cases |
| Grandparents + parents + 2 kids | 9-seater or minibus | Three rows of seats, luggage in back or roof box |
Review note: A family of five at Malaga Airport reported: "Booked a Qashqai thinking SUV = space. Two car seats in the back left almost no middle seat. Boot took cases but pram had to be dismantled. Next time we will book an estate or a proper 7-seater."
Pickup timing: arrive with children
The pickup experience changes when you have children. A 20-minute queue at the desk becomes an hour of entertaining tired kids. A dark car park with no clear signage becomes stressful when you are fitting car seats and loading prams.
What to check before booking:
- Desk opening hours vs your flight arrival time
- Whether the branch is in-terminal or requires a shuttle bus
- If the supplier offers out-of-hours pickup (sometimes extra, sometimes included)
- Whether there is a dedicated family or fast-track queue
From reviews: At Orlando and Tampa airports, major suppliers have express lanes for members. In Europe this is rarer. Sixt sometimes offers priority pickup for app users.
The fees that catch families out
Additional driver fee If both parents want to drive, most suppliers charge €8–15 per day for a second driver. Some waive this for spouses — check the terms.
Young driver surcharge If one parent is under 25, expect €15–30 per day. Some suppliers refuse under-25 drivers entirely for larger vehicles.
Out-of-hours fee Arriving after 22:00 or before 08:00 often triggers a €25–50 charge. With children, late flights are sometimes unavoidable.
Cross-border fee Driving from Croatia into Slovenia or from France into Switzerland for a day trip can cost €30–80 in cross-border charges. See our cross-border guide for details.
One-way fee Picking up at London Heathrow and dropping at Edinburgh to avoid the drive back adds €100–200.
Best destinations for family car hire
Based on review sentiment, these locations score highest for family rentals:
- Faro and Lisbon: Short transfers, compact country, easy driving, good estate availability
- Barcelona and Malaga: Family-focused suppliers, child seat stock usually good
- Dubrovnik and Split: Coastal drives, manageable distances, scenic stops for kids
- Orlando and Tampa: US-sized vehicles, automatic, familiar brands, lots of space
Avoid for families with young children: Athens rush hour, Rome central driving, any mountain pass in winter.
FAQ
Which car hire class is best for a family of four?
An estate car is the sweet spot for most families of four. It fits luggage, keeps rear seats usable, and costs less than an SUV.
How much do child car seats cost to hire?
€8–15 per day per seat. For a two-week trip with two children, budget €224–420 extra. Some suppliers cap the total charge.
Should I bring my own car seat?
If you have a portable travel seat, yes. It avoids rental seat quality issues and saves money. Full-size seats are bulky for flights but some parents still prefer them.
Do all car hire suppliers provide child seats?
Most major suppliers do, but stock runs out in peak season. Book in advance and confirm availability before you arrive.
Will a pram fit in a compact car boot?
Most standard prams will not fit in a compact car boot without folding or removing wheels. Book an estate minimum if travelling with a pram.
Is an SUV better than an estate for families?
SUVs are easier to load due to height, but estates often have bigger boots. For families, an estate is usually cheaper and just as practical.
Can both parents drive the hire car?
Yes, but most suppliers charge an additional driver fee of €8–15 per day. Some waive this for spouses — check your booking terms.
Are automatic cars better for family road trips?
In busy cities and unfamiliar countries, automatic is less stressful. In Europe automatics cost €5–15 per day more and are less available. Book early if you need one.