Are there rental cars with child seats available?

Important facts described briefly below:

Those who travel with children also need to rent a car seat. Regulations and prices vary depending on the country of travel. Find out here how expensive child car seats, infant carriers, and booster seats are and what you should bear in mind when booking.

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How do I book a rental car with a child car seat?

A child car seat is one of the additional services that you can reserve in the booking form when you rent a car. To do so, select the required seats for your children under "Optional extras."

The selection ranges from child seats for babies weighing between zero and 20 pounds, to child seats and booster seats for children weighing up to approximately 80 pounds. The HAPPYCAR support team will then contact your car rental company and reserve the appropriate seats.

Extras such as child car seats and baby car seats are not included in the price at HAPPYCAR. You pay for the additional service directly on-site with your rental company. An overview of the costs can be seen in the rental conditions before booking.  

Tip: Be sure to reserve a car seat for your rental car in advance. That way you avoid delays on site. If there is no suitable seat for your child available at the rental station, you may not be allowed to drive off with your rental car. 

When do I need a child car seat in a rental car?

Car seat and booster seat laws are set by each state within the United States.

In Germany, all children up to the age of twelve or a height of 5 feet (150 centimeters) need a car seat in a rental car. These requirements also apply in Greece, Italy, and Switzerland.

The regulations in other countries can be different. In Austria, children under the age of 14 need a child seat in a rental car. Exception: If your child is already taller than 5 feet (150 centimeters) before their 14th birthday, a regular seat belt is sufficient.

In Spain, a car seat is mandatory for children under the age of 12 and until they reach a height of 4’4” (135 centimeters). In Portugal, the same regulations apply as in Spain. In addition, children under three years of age may only ride in the front seat in a rear-facing child seat. Attention: The airbag must be deactivated for this purpose!

What are the costs of car seats in rental cars?

The cost of car seats in a rental car depends on the country and the rental company. The specific prices can be found in the rental conditions of your supplier. Some car rental companies charge a one-time flat rate per rental, and others charge separate daily prices for car seats depending on the rental period. With daily fees, however, the costs are usually capped at a maximum price between 70 and 117 dollars (60 and 100 euros), regardless of how long you need the car seat in the rental car.

The average prices for car seats in the most popular travel countries are

• USA: from 7 Dollars (6 Euro)
• Germany: from 7 Dollars (6 Euro)
• Austria: from 10.50 Dollars (9 Euro)
• Switzerland: from 16.40 Dollars (14 Euro)
• Spain: Mainland from 8.20 Dollars (7 Euro), the Balearic Islands from 7 Dollars (6 Euro), the Canary Islands from 4.10 Dollars (3,50 Euro)
• Italy: from 8.20 Dollars (7 Euro)
• Portugal: from 8.20 Dollars (7 Euro)
• France: from 7 Dollars (6 Euro)
• Greece: from 4.50 Dollars (3,80 Euro)
• Australia: from 4.70 Dollars (4 Euro)

The prices for car seats include local taxes and fees. For rentals outside the US Dollar and Eurozone, charges may be in the local currency of your car rental company.

Please note that the availability of extras, such as child car seats, cannot be guaranteed locally.