Book the desk you actually land at, confirm its holiday hours in writing, and check the winter equipment rules for the country you are driving in before you pay.

Cite this page: Atravel.uk, “Christmas car hire: desks shut early, and other things to plan for”, updated 12 November 2026. https://atravel.uk/festive/christmas-car-hire/

Desk hours over the holiday

Airport desks usually run reduced hours on 24 and 31 December and may close entirely on the 25th and 1 January. A booking that starts at 11pm on the 24th can be impossible to collect, and the no-show fee still applies. Confirm the hours against your flight number, not the airport's general page.

Winter tyres and chains

Several European countries require winter tyres in winter conditions, and some require chains on specific mountain roads, with signs that tell you when. The rules apply to hire cars too. If you are driving to the Alps or the Pyrenees, ask for winter tyres at the time of booking, not at the desk.

Child seats and the law

Children need the right seat for their height or weight, and the rules differ by country. Pre-book the seat, check it fits the car you are collecting, and refuse a seat that is cracked or the wrong group: the rental company is responsible for supplying a legal one.

One-way and cross-border

One-way fees at Christmas are higher because the fleet is out of balance, and cross-border travel is often restricted or charged. Say where you are going when you book, and get the permission on the contract.

Fuel and the late return

Full-to-full is usually the fairest policy. If you return after the desk closes, follow the key-drop instructions exactly, photograph the car and the mileage, and keep the receipt for the fuel you bought. A missed photo is how a damage charge starts.

Do you need the car at all?

In Prague, Vienna, Budapest or Malaga, a car is a liability: parking is expensive and the old town is walkable. Take the car for the coast, the mountains or the family visit, and use airport transfers for the city.

Frequently asked questions

Are car hire desks open on Christmas Day?

Most airport desks are closed or run very limited hours on 25 December. Check the specific desk's holiday hours before booking, and never assume a 24-hour desk means 25 December.

Do I need winter tyres in Europe at Christmas?

In many countries, yes, in winter conditions or in specified periods. The requirement applies to hire cars, so request them when you book.

Can I return a hire car after hours?

Often yes, with a key drop box, but you are responsible for photographing the car and the fuel gauge. Confirm the process and keep the photos.

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