Renting a car for a ski holiday
*Updated for 2026* The ski season is in motion and many of us are looking towards hitting the slopes to make the most from the cold weather! When going on a…
Car Hire in Sweden.
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Great price great service. I really liked the protected excess insurance... nice peace of mind. When I wanted to check something on the phone I got through to someone straight away and they were patient and helpful. I'll …
Gareth - Stockholm Arlanda Airport, 5 months ago
Tour Sweden.
An increasingly popular destination amongst British tourists, Sweden is made up of three main regions; southern Götaland, Svealand in the middle, and Norrland in the north. Sweden is a great country if you love the outdoors and lakes. 69% of the country is forest!
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- Free Cancellation & amendments
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- Which? Recommended Car Hire Broker
Which car rental company should I book with in Sweden?
At Zest, we partner with both local and multinational providers in Sweden to give you the best choice and service every time. Whether you book with Europcar, Thrifty or one of our other trusted providers, you can be sure of having a great car rental experience with no hidden complications. Start your holiday the right way with Zest!
Book with Zest Car Rental in Sweden
We take a fresh, honest approach to car hire. Our booking process is simple: clear pricing, no hidden costs, and no small print to worry about.
We want you to relax and look forward to your holiday, not worry about the logistics.
Unlock the real Sweden
Sweden is famous for its vast deep forests, thousands of coastal islands, and striking Arctic landscapes, making it an incredible destination to explore on a driving holiday.
A scenic drive along the southwestern coast connects the vibrant cultural hub of Gothenburg with the historic city of Malmö, tracing routes along expansive ocean vistas.
Navigating these quiet pathways opens up access to peaceful fishing villages, hidden rocky archipelagos, and ancient nature reserves that regular public transport options cannot easily match.
Further north into the sweeping interior, a rental vehicle gives you the complete freedom to explore the country's diverse landscapes at your own comfortable pace.
You can journey through the rolling, lake-filled countryside of Dalarna, navigate the scenic routes winding past the massive waters of Lake Vänern, or head deep into Swedish Lapland to experience the midnight sun.
Having complete control over your travel itinerary allows you to stop at rural roadside farm stands, view spectacular wilderness lookouts, and discover family-run countryside taverns completely free from rigid group tour schedules.
Can I take my rental car across national borders?
Given Sweden's position in Scandinavia, many travelers want to extend their road trip across borders into neighboring destinations like Denmark, Finland, or Norway.
Please be aware that each provider enforces completely individual regulations regarding border crossings.
To check what options are available for your journey, we recommend generating a live quote on our website where eligible cars will be explicitly labeled with exact permissions or local fees.
Our Fleet in Sweden
At Zest Car Rental, we offer a wide range of vehicles in Sweden to suit every type of traveller. Fuel-efficient economy cars and nimble compact models are highly practical for navigating urban routes and finding parking spaces in busy city spaces like Stockholm or Gothenburg.
If you plan to utilize the extensive highway network, carry substantial holiday luggage, or cruise regional routes with family, choosing a spacious intermediate vehicle, a practical estate, or a compact SUV can provide additional power, cargo capacity, and excellent interior comfort for long journeys.
One Way Rentals in Sweden
In Sweden, you can pick up your car and drop it off at a different location, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
One-way rentals are perfect for linear road trips, cross-country travel, or flexible itineraries, such as collecting your vehicle at Stockholm Arlanda Airport and returning it at Gothenburg Landvetter Airport.
Please note that each provider sets their own rules for one-way rentals, and some may apply a mandatory local fee. This is clearly shown during the booking process.
Driver Age Requirements in Sweden
Can I rent a car in Sweden if I am under 25?
Yes. However, many providers apply a Young Driver Surcharge and may restrict access to luxury vehicle categories. Young driver fees vary by provider and may still apply depending on age and vehicle category.
Can I rent a car in Sweden if I am over 70?
Yes. While some providers may have additional requirements or conditions for older drivers depending on policy, others welcome senior drivers with zero restrictions or extra costs.
What is the best time of year to explore Sweden by car?
The ideal time to explore Sweden on a driving holiday is during the summer months of June to August, when you can enjoy beautifully mild, sunny temperatures, exceptionally long daylight hours, and optimal driving conditions across the entire country.
Alternatively, the late spring and early autumn months offer peaceful roads and stunning changing seasonal foliage, though travelers heading to northern regions should prepare for cooler temperatures.
Essential Tips for Driving in Sweden
Driving in Sweden is conducted on the right-hand side of the road, with overtaking executed on the left. Sweden does not have a national motorway toll system. Most highways and roads are free to use. However, certain cities apply congestion charges (trängselskatt), most notably in Stockholm and Gothenburg. These charges are automatically recorded via number plate recognition when vehicles enter or exit designated urban zones and are billed to the vehicle owner. In addition, a small number of bridges and infrastructure projects (such as the Øresund Bridge connecting Sweden and Denmark) are tolled.
Drink-driving is prohibited under Swedish law and punishments are strict. If you plan to drink, you should not drive.
When navigating major urban areas like Stockholm or Gothenburg, remain alert for busy pedestrian spaces, extensive bicycle lanes, and restricted public transport corridors. Parking options in central municipal districts are strictly regulated, with payment methods commonly including automated street meters, color-coded parking zones, or localized mobile apps.
Outside the main cities, look out for sudden speed limit drops near rural villages, slow-moving agricultural vehicles, and large wildlife such as moose or deer occasionally crossing regional roads, particularly at dawn or dusk.
Book nowPlaces to hire in Sweden
- Are Ostersund Airport (OSD)
- Bromma Stockholm Airport (BMA)
- Gothenburg
- Gothenburg Landvetter Airport (GOT)
- Haninge
- Harjedalen Sveg Airport (EVG)
- Helsingborg
- Karlskrona
- Karlstad
- Karlstad Airport (KSD)
- Kiruna Airport (KRN)
- Lulea
- Lulea (Kallax) Airport (LLA)
- Malmo Airport (MMX)
- Malmo Rail Station
- Mora Siljan Airport (MXX)
- Nassjo
- Nykoping Skavsta Airport (NYO)
- Orebro Airport (ORB)
- Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN)
- Stockholm City
- Stockholm Rail Station
- Umea Airport (UME)
- Vasteras Airport (VST)
- Vetlanda
- Visby Airport (VBY)
Average customer rating for car hire in Sweden
(4.96 out of 5.00) based on 24 responses to our customer survey.
Zest's Top 3 Tourist Attractions in Sweden!
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Stockholm
The capital city offers a mix of historical sites, modern attractions, and beautiful waterways. Explore the historic Gamla Stan (Old Town), visit the Vasa Museum showcasing a salvaged 17th-century warship, and enjoy the vibrant cultural scene.
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Gothenburg
Sweden's second-largest city, Gothenburg is known for its charming canals, botanical gardens, and lively food scene.
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Kiruna and the Northern Lights
Located in Swedish Lapland, Kiruna offers the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights during the winter months.
